Were you aware?

Have you ever watched the Buster Poindexter video, Hot Hot Hot? I mean, really watched it? Because if you have, you may have noticed this little introduction:

Buster: Now, not all you kids may remember this. About 15 years ago, as a matter of fact, I was in a band called the New York Dolls.

Yes, you heard that right. Buster Poindexter, the tux-wearing, pelvic-thrusting mambo cheeseball, was, in reality, no more than a character played by protopunk icon David Johansen, frontman of the New York Dolls. For me, this was probably the most insane "same person!" revelation since Norman Bates turned out to be his own mother. Although the new information left me feeling obviously chagrinned on Johansen's behalf, in truth, I was also a bit doleful to learn that no real Poindexter ever existed. That such a charismatic guy never walked the earth in earnest is no doubt a loss for all of us. The fact is, the man was a catalyst for a lot of zany, fun times, and if he were still around, he would definitely be owning the Don Ho/Jimmy Buffett party circuit.

As you may know, Mr. Johansen eventually succeeded in shaking the shadow of his alter ego, and returned to his New York Dolls roots with some fanfare. He still refers to his turn as Poindexter as "the bane of [his] life," but I think he secretly knows that he wouldn't be the showman he is without that little bit of Buster in him.

In conclusion, despite some serious ups and downs, everything seems to have turned out fine for good old Davy J. I feel the lesson we can all learn from this amazing story is, "Be yourself."