Chapter 4 Paradise Rock
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Paradise Rock
“Paradise Rock FM! It’s Anna Banana in the house!
Welcome back to the most rockin’ news in town!
The week is still young! Monday afternoon, and you won’t believe the news that just hit me.
The man of the hour, Tristan James, has resurfaced!
After three weeks of radio silence. How do I know?
A little birdie told me! Clint, why don’t you tell your listeners what happened? ”
“Hi, Anna! Well, until two hours ago, I was on pins and needles myself. An interview with Nightstalker had been scheduled for Wednesday. But since Tristan James disappeared after the release concert …”
“The band’s been through a total rollercoaster these past few weeks!”
“Indeed.”
“For those who haven’t been following … First, Tristan’s brother got shot.
Then there’s a bar brawl that leads to Tristan getting arrested.
Just twelve hours later, he’s released and delivers what might be the most disastrous performance in rock history at the House of Blues. No wonder he’s gone into hiding.”
“Yes, I was there. The concert was really bad. I’m still lost for words today. Tristan could hardly stand; he was so drunk. His voice kept failing him. He couldn’t even get through a single song. And Eliot Parker …”
“You mean Leaf.”
“Exactly, Leaf, the guitarist, is usually a virtuoso on his instrument. But that evening—whoa—that was already frightening. Physically, he was there, but mentally … I don’t know what he was on.
Even all the efforts from José Martinez, the drummer, and Andrej Novak, the bassist, couldn’t prevent the disaster. ”
“I heard the concert was canceled?”
“Not until Tristan tied a noose with the microphone cable and tried climbing up to the spotlights. I think it was a technician who brought him down, and then Tristan punched him in the face. At least the criticism afterward was directed at the management, not the band, but that didn’t change the fact that Tristan James vanished. ”
“Phew … yeah, well … A bit too much happened all at once.”
“You can say that. Anyway, I had no idea if the interview appointment for Wednesday was still on. But just now, Carol Davis, the band’s manager, contacted me and I’m telling you: Get excited! The interview is happening!”
“With Tristan?”
“Maybe with him, maybe without him. I’m not sure yet, but I’m staying optimistic.”
“How do you assess the situation, Clint? Will we see Nightstalker at the Whisky a Go Go on Saturday? I mean, we’re talking about a historically significant venue they’ve chosen for the tour kickoff.
Or is this the end of this promising band?
As announced this morning, Frank Chelsea has filed assault charges against Tristan James.
He claims to have been attacked by Tristan in a bar.
And it wouldn’t surprise me if Tristan’s disappearance has something to do with his brother’s death.
Could it be that the singer has completely lost his grip? The events just keep piling up.”
“It’s nothing new that James reacts emotionally; he always has.
We’re talking about his brother, who was shot dead in broad daylight right in front of him.
Anyone would be a wreck if they had to take the stage and play a concert just a few days later.
But I hope that the three weeks off have helped them out and that the guys have been able to pull themselves together.
It would be a huge loss if the band couldn’t bounce back from all this mess. ”
“What are you getting at?”
“Well, Tristan is 27 years old. The literary scene has been celebrating him as a great poet for years. Nobody wants to see him join the 27 Club alongside Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, or Amy Winehouse.”
“Please no! After the disastrous release concert, it remains to be seen what the band will deliver in six days. Their second album has been out for three weeks. It’s hot! And if you haven’t heard it yet, now’s the time to perk up your ears! Here’s Nightstalker with ‘Yesterday’!”