Chapter 2 #2
“No, I haven’t, but I did receive the email from security regarding his credentials. Let’s get your picture taken for your badge.” She took me to the security office behind her desk. “This is Evan, he’ll take care of you from here. Welcome to Masterson.”
It only took a few minutes for Evan to snap the picture and print my badge out, from there I followed Joey and Stoli upstairs, where the tryouts were being held.
“Stoli, my man,” a gentleman who looked like he belonged in ZZ Top hugged Stoli then Joey. “Great to see you both. You must be Pressley.”
“And you must be Wolf, it’s great to meet you.”
“You as well. I’m interested to get your take on the five I narrowed it down to.”
Nervous excitement ran through me. This was as real as it gets. I only hoped I didn’t make a fool of myself.
“Gentlemen, the final judges have arrived. I’m sure these two,” Wolf gestured between Joey and Stoli, “don’t need any introductions.
” The five guitarists smiled wide, well, all but one.
He sat at the end, hair covering his face as though he was trying to hide.
“This is Pressley, he’s the new band manager with Masterson. ”
The three of us took a seat in the front row as Wolf called the first contestant up to play. He broke into Metallica’s Fade to Black, only he kept his eyes on Stoli the entire time rather than paying attention to what he was doing and missed several chords.
“Dude, what gives?” Wolf razzed him when he’d finished. “You’re making me look bad for letting you get this far.
“Sor-sorry, just,” his arms flailed around. “I didn’t realize I’d be playing for one of the greats, and nerves got the best of me.”
“Take a seat, kid.” Wolf shook his head and called the next guy up.
The next yahoo thought he’d take it upon himself to break into Social Sinner’s Never Enough. “Is he fucking the guitar?” I whispered to Stoli. His laughter was louder than the guy’s playing.
“Dude, dude, no.” Stoli stopped him midway through the song. “Just…no.”
The third and fourth players weren’t much better than the first two, though they didn’t tackle any Social or Maiden songs, and thank fuck for that.
Nothing like screwing up your idol’s songs in front of them.
But the last guy, the mysterious one whose name I learned was Bowie James, played something different.
A song I’d never heard before, though I was mesmerized watching his fingers flawlessly scale the board.
Never once did he make eye contact, nor did he attempt to produce any instrument porn. Thank the rock and roll gods for that.
“Gentlemen,” Wolf stood and addressed the group. “Do I really need to spell it out for you?”
All five heads hung, so I guess he had to.
“Bowie James, welcome to Masterson.”
No cheers, no smile, and still no eye contact, though the man standing off in the corner cheered, and Bowie flipped him off.
“Not happy, son?” Wolf asked him.
“Nah, man, I really am, and as you can see, the fool formerly known as my friend is too. I appreciate the opportunity.” Shy, maybe? What was his deal? I’d be fucking elated.
The other four who were dismissed pressed Joey and Stoli for autographs and pictures before they left.
Stoli spent a few minutes talking with them, telling them he understood nerves and if they ever landed in another band to shoot Masterson an email and he’d come check them out.
Guess autographs and fans were a part of their job they’d never get past no matter where they were.
“Bowie, man, you shredded up there.” Stoli shook his hand. “Congrats, but what song was that?”
“One of mine, I hope that was okay?”
“Okay?” Joey smiled. “Dude, I can see your new band recording it.”
That had Bowie’s eyes widening, though he kept his long hair covering most of his face.
“Bowie, I’ll be the band manager for Imminent Danger. We’re happy to have you on board. Your gift is amazing, and I can’t wait to hear you play more.” Bowie’s friend was the exact opposite of him—all energy and smiles.
“Sorry, he’s my ride. This is my friend Tony, he got knocked out in round one.”
“Dude, way to rub it in.”
“No worries. We’ve got the contracts to go over, but I’m sure it’s been a long day.
Can we get you guys a hotel for the night?
” He said friends, but maybe they were more, though I wasn’t about to assume anything.
Wasn’t my business, plus I’d been slapped by that bug more than once and wasn’t in the mood to make a fool of myself.
Bowie and Tony got to talking with Joey and Stoli while Wolf nodded for me to follow him into the office.
“That kid’s talented, no denying it, but I’ve got a feeling there’s an issue that might need to be tackled right up front.”
“What do you mean?”
“He pretty much kept to himself today, hid behind his hair, and when another contestant tried to talk to him, he bit his head off.”
“Huh, interesting. Thanks for the tip.” I watched the four of them engage through the window that faced the open area where the tryouts were. While Bowie talked to Stoli, his hair remained covering his face, and that side of his head was turned away from the others.
What’s your story, Bowie? What are you so afraid of?