I had just turned 21, and was legal to play in bars. The year was 1970. I was living across the bay from San Francisco, and I had recently gotten a job with a band that was playing the topless joints in San Francisco. And so it was that my first time onstage in a bar, I was surrounded by nude women.
[rau]
It certainly wasn’t unpleasant, but it WAS unsettling. Considering all the naked bodies I have seen and often touched in assorted ways, it’s hard to describe just how innocent I was back then. By 21 I probably should have had more experience, but I was quite shy as a teenager and this particular situation was a baptism by fire for me. I can still remember all the faces and some of the names of the dancers. The prettiest was called Robin. Her body was flawless and her face just about as good. Her presentation was rather indifferent, but I always enjoyed staring at Robin while we butchered Credence Clearwater songs. Zedina was a black girl who took a little sisterly interest in me and helped me relax. There were maybe three others I can recall. One, whose name may have been Lucy, announced that she was horny one time when I was in the dressing room with a few of the other girls. I was so young and innocent that I didn’t even offer to help her with her condition. Ah… the follies of youth! Alas!
Things have changed a lot since 1970. There were no lap dances or private dances back then. Something that would amaze most who are familiar with similar places now would be, first, they danced in front of a (small) live band. Secondly, the place was well lit. The girls danced under spotlights, more or less. And lastly, there was no total nudity. This is still the case in California where liquor is served. Also, by the by, they did not dance around poles.
Things have evolved since the early days of Carol Doda and her daring expose of her enhanced chest. Nowadays the girls all dance in the dark around poles. Depending on geography you can get lap dances or (where I live) full service. If I had to return to the States, I doubt I would care to go to such a place. As I said, I have seen a lot of nude women in my life. No big deal.