It was 7 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Community Centre’s “Multi-Purpose Room B.” Forty seniors sat in folding chairs, faces expectant, or perhaps just waiting for the fruit punch and biscuits promised for 8 p.m.

The band stood behind the velvet curtain, nervous about their first gig since high school, 50 years ago.

“Remember,” Eleanor hissed from behind her drum kit, “no matter what happens, keep playing. If Bill’s pants fall down again, it’s part of the ‘glam rock’ esthetic.”

The curtain slowly pulled back with a mournful, mechanical groan.

“Sounds like my husband getting up in the morning,” muttered Monica.

“Good evening, Oak Ridge!” Xavier shouted into the microphone. “We’re the Hip Replacements!”

“Do Smoke on the Water!” yelled someone from the back row.

Bill leaned over to Monica. “Do we know Smoke on the Water?”

“We know the first four notes,” Monica replied. “In........

© Peterborough Examiner