stingrayfan, real name Matt. A journalist who sometimes thinks "what if I'd have skipped journalism college, got in a band and toured the world instead...?"
One two three, and you're back in the room...
In reality, a busy job took over from playing bass and I spent a decade or so noodling on an acoustic g**tar. A few years ago, stumbled on a really cracking little covers band playing in a pub and had a sort of epiphany. A year later, despite being a new Dad, I'd bought about three basses more than I needed and was gigging again.
Now play in a 3-piece punk/mod/rock/indie covers band which is great fun.
Operating a "1 out, 1 in" and "only spend gig money" policy on gear to limit GAS and convince myself I'm not taking food from the mouth of my young daughter!
Currently have 4 basses, 2 electric guitars, 1 acoustic and 3 amps. So it's all under control.