An Interstate 40 Incident

We were recording in Memphis. My guitar parts were pretty much done, so I decided to drive home for a few days.

It was cold. I was all bundled up...scarf & wool hat...sunglasses. I don't think any skin was exposed. I mean COLD. I wasn't even 10 minutes outside of Memphis when I passed this cop who was parked on the median strip. I just had that funny feeling. I wasn't speeding. I never drink or do drugs then get behind the wheel. But I knew none of this mattered. Sure enough, he pulled out onto the highway...then pulled me over.

I asked him what the problem was. He just wanted my license & registration. Again I asked him the problem. He asked me where I was coming from. I told him. Asked me where I was headed. I told him. Asked me what I had been doing in Memphis. I told him.

"You play in a band?" he asked.

"Lynyrd Skynyrd" I replied.

"No, you don't" he said. He was wearing a pair of those mirrored shades, so I couldn't see his eyes. But I began to get a queasy feeling in my gut. I didn't like his "tone".

I said "My name's Ed King...I play for Lynyrd Skynyrd".

"No, you do NOT!" he said. Almost angrily.

NOW I was REAL nervous. I reached behind me where my guitar case was...my name was stenciled on the case along with the name "Lynyrd Skynyrd Band". I pointed at it and said "See?!"

He stuck his head in through the window, to get a better look. I know it only took a second or two, but it seemed like 10 minutes! Finally, he backs his head out and stands back a bit. He took his mirrored shades off.

"Well, I'll be damned. It really IS YOU." he said.

I let out this HUGE sigh of relief. Handing me back my paperwork he said "You have a nice day." And he was gone.

Geez, you'd almost think I was in possession of something illegal...the way I acted (Wink, Wink)!