The Rock Singer
Jul 22, 2017 1:55:32 GMT
Post by Frodo on Jul 22, 2017 1:55:32 GMT
The Rock Singer
The local rock club is buzzing. Friday nights in ‘The Black Rainbow’ club are always exciting, cos the club hires a live rock band. It’s just a small club - little more than a bar & tables, with a stage - but it’s a good place for local talent to get themselves known. Plus, it’s a good place for rockers to just hang out and relax.
It’s time for tonight’s live band to start. One of the club’s security guards steps up onto the small stage. He walks up to the microphone, lets out a loud ‘HHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP’, then flicks his long hair back, away from his face.
SECURITY GUARD: *into the microphone* Fridays nights don’t come around often enough, do they?
The crowd let out a collective agreement. Everyone loves the atmosphere of a live band on Friday nights. It’s a completely different vibe from the radio that’s played the rest of the week.
SECURITY GUARD: *into the microphone* Well, tonight, we have a treat for you. Local rock band "The Urban Legends" will be performing for you tonight, with their new singer, the incredibly talented Jacob Knight. Please give them a lovely ‘Black Rainbow’ welcome.
The crows whistles and cheers, as the band come out onto the stage. The singer, Jacob Knight, stands at the microphone, staring out at the crowd. He stands there, for seems like an age, but it can’t have been more than a minute.
And with a small nod to the drummer, launches into the set. The first song goes down well. And by the second song, murmurs of ‘Wow, they’re really good!’, and ‘Best singer I’ve heard in years!’, and other similar comments can be heard. The crowd loves this band.
Well… most of the crowd.
One man, early 20s, sits at a table with his friend, drinking beer. And he’s obviously not happy!
TOMMY: Fuckin’ wanker’s faking it! *drinks his beer*
FRANK: Who? The singer?
TOMMY: *nods* Fucking Jacob Knight! Just look at him, he’s miming.
FRANK: *looks across the room, at Jacob* How can you tell?
TOMMY: How can I tell? Because, Franky-boy! Remember when my band, "UpTempo Maniacs" were auditioning for a singer last month? Guess who stopped by. None other than… Jacob fucking Knight. And he was god-awful! Couldn’t hit a single fucking note! *laughs* Honestly, he couldn’t sing to save himself! Sounded like a parrot being strangled. *laughs again* Scratch that… the parrot could sing better than him.
FRANK: He couldn’t have been THAT bad. *pauses* He wouldn‘t be singing here, otherwise. .
TOMMY: If you had heard him when he auditioned for us… oh god, I still can’t believe ANYONE could sing so badly! That’s how I know he’s miming tonight. *drinks his beer* We’re lucky to have found Danny to sing for us. Not only is he an excellent singer, he also fits right in with our band.
FRANK: *looks across at Jacob again* I can tell when someone is miming… and he is NOT miming.
A man at the next table looks at Tommy and Frank, and joins in the conversation.
STEVE: You talking about Jacob Knight? He auditioned to sing for my band a while back. Bloody awful! Stupid idiot actually thought he could sing!
FRANK: You two are talking about him like he’s the worst singer in the world. But look at him… he’s good. I mean, REALLY good. That man can SING!
STEVE AND TOMMY IN UNISON: He’s miming!
Jacob Knight, and his band The Urban Legends, continue to perform, as Tommy, Frank, and Steve continue to discuss his singing technique.
Eventually, Jacob’s set comes to an end. He thanks the crowd, leaves the stage, and walks straight over to Tommy’s table. He leans his hands down on the table, looking Tommy straight in the eye.
JACOB: I heard what you were saying about me.
TOMMY: *drinks his beer* So fucking what! You’re a joke, Jacob. You were a joke when you auditioned for my band, and you were a joke tonight, when you were miming. You’ll always be a joke. And a bad one, at that.
JACOB: DON’T MESS WITH ME!
TOMMY: Why not? What you gonna do about it? *laughs*
JACOB: What am I gonna do? I’m gonna enjoy knowing that I played a successful gig here tonight… and you and your pathetic band… didn’t! *smirks*
Tommy scowls. He’s been trying to get the club owner to let him play a set here for months! Why should Jacob play here, when he hasn’t?
Jacob inhales sharply.
JACOB: Jealousy is a terrible thing, Tommy. Maybe you should remember that!
Jacob re-joins his band, leaving Tommy seething.
A year goes by.
Jacob has gone from strength to strength. Since that first gig at The Black Rainbow Club, things have only got better for him. Now, he has it all - fame, fortune, a huge mansion, lots and lots of fans, a record contract, a No 1 selling album in the charts, more money than he knows what to do with. And a new band - Knights Of The Round Table.
Now he sits, relaxing in his Jacuzzi in the garden, sipping cocktails. He thinks back, to ‘That Night’, just over a year ago. Thirteen months ago, to be precise. The night that changed his life forever…
Flashback…
Jacob is feeling nervous, as he auditions for the band UpTempo Maniacs. He’s singing the best he can, but the lead guitarist, Tommy, was picking fault with absolutely everything.
TOMMY: *sighing impatiently* Okay, let’s try that song again, from the top. And this time… SING IN TUNE, JACOB!
Jacob clears his throat, and begins singing again. Tommy, and the rest of Tommy’s band also play. But Tommy still isn’t happy. Half-way through the song, he waves his hands around, wanting everyone to stop.
TOMMY: NO, NO, NO, STOP! STOP, EVERYONE! *looks coldly at Jacob* Are you really that dense?
JACOB: …
TOMMY: My cat can sing better than you. You fucking CANNOT sing, Jacob. You’re voice is all over the place.
JACOB: I’m doing the best I can. It’s the first time I’ve seen these songs, remember.
Tommy laughs callously.
TOMMY: You think I give a shit? Get it into your thick head, Jacob *slaps Jacob’s forehead* You’re garbage! You’ll always be garbage! You’ll never amount to anything. Loser! *pauses* In fact, garbage like you needs to be taught a lesson. *looks at other members of the band* Boys… should we take the garbage out? *laughs*
The band pounce on Jacob, stripping him down to his underwear. Then they cruelly push him out the rehearsal room, out into the alleyway. Jacob, beaten down and humiliated, bangs on the door.
JACOB: *shouts* You’re gonna be sorry for this! I’m gonna be the world’s greatest rock singer, and then I’m gonna make you regret doing this to me. You wait and see! BASTARDS! THE LOT OF YOU!
Jacob turns away, not quite sure what to do next. How is he going to get home, in just his underwear.
He jumps, as he hears a voice behind him.
VOICE: So you want to be the greatest rock singer, ever?
Jacob looks towards the voice, and sees a man standing there.
MAN: I can make that happen.
JACOB: … What do you mean?
MAN: Just what I say. I can make it so you’re the greatest rock singer ever.
JACOB: What do I have to do?
MAN: You have to WANT it, Jacob! I mean, REALLY want it! You have to desire it more than anything else! Do you desire it, Jacob?
JACOB: I do!
MAN: Well then, I can make your dreams come true. My name is Corley, by the way.
Corley reaches out a boney hand, and places it on Jacob’s chest. Jacob feels a searing pain tear through his body - he almost passes out with the pain. Then Corley speaks again, but it’s barely more than a whisper.
CORLEY: You Have Passed!
Jacob takes another sip from his cocktail.
JACOB: *smiles* And now, here I am. All my dreams come true.
Two days later, Jacob and his band are performing a stadium concert. After the concert is over, the band is hanging out backstage. A young woman enters the room.
YOUNG WOMAN: Wow, you guys were just AMAZING!
JACOB: I know! *smiles confidently* And you are…?
YOUNG WOMAN: I’m Michelle. My brother is head of security. *smiles*
JACOB: I see. Well, welcome, Michelle.
Jacob looks at Michelle. There’s something about her… he can’t put his finger on it. But he can’t take his eyes off her.
The band play at the stadium for the next 3 nights, with Jacob and Michelle beginning to spend time together between rehearsals and performances. And as days pass, and the band perform at other stadiums, Jacob keeps in touch with Michelle. They become closer, and soon become a couple. The band notice a change in Jacob. He seems… calmer… more content.
Another year passes. Jacob and Michelle are very much in love. She goes to many of his concerts, and is his Number 1 fan. After one such concert, Jacob takes Michelle home to his mansion. They sit in the garden, looking up at the stars. He takes her hand, and smiles.
JACOB: This past year has been the best year of my life. And that is all down to you, Michelle. *leans in and kisses her* Never thought I could feel this much for someone. I love you, Michelle.
MICHELLE: *clasps his hand, and smiles* I love you too, Jacob. I really do. I tried to deny it… but I can’t help it, I love you.
Jacob wraps his arms around her, and kisses her neck. He whispers.
JACOB: Stay with me, Michelle? Stay with me tonight?
Michelle nods, and strokes his cheek. She is deeply in love with Jacob, as he is with her.
The early hours of the morning… a bell sounds. Jacob wakes, with a searing pain tearing through his body. He sits up in bed, gasping in agony. A shadow passes over the bed, and Corley appears next to him.
Corley speaks with a low, sinister whisper.
CORLEY: YOU… have broken… our contract!
JACOB: *still in pain* What do you mean?
CORLEY: We had a deal… you and I! I would make you the greatest rock singer in the world. But YOU had to desire it above all else.
JACOB: I did! I do!
CORLEY: What of HER?
Jacob turns to look at Michelle, sleeping peacefully next to him.
JACOB: YOU LEAVE HER THE HELL ALONE!
CORLEY: TOO LATE!
A bright flash.
Corley vanishes.
`Morning comes. Michelle wakes up, and rolls over to cuddle into Jacob.
MICHELLE: *smiles* Morning Jac….AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AAAAAAAAARRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Michelle screams hysterically. Jacob lies there… stone cold… his chest ripped open… blood everywhere.
After shooting to the top and realising his dreams, Jacob broke his deal with the devil… by falling in love.
The local rock club is buzzing. Friday nights in ‘The Black Rainbow’ club are always exciting, cos the club hires a live rock band. It’s just a small club - little more than a bar & tables, with a stage - but it’s a good place for local talent to get themselves known. Plus, it’s a good place for rockers to just hang out and relax.
It’s time for tonight’s live band to start. One of the club’s security guards steps up onto the small stage. He walks up to the microphone, lets out a loud ‘HHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP’, then flicks his long hair back, away from his face.
SECURITY GUARD: *into the microphone* Fridays nights don’t come around often enough, do they?
The crowd let out a collective agreement. Everyone loves the atmosphere of a live band on Friday nights. It’s a completely different vibe from the radio that’s played the rest of the week.
SECURITY GUARD: *into the microphone* Well, tonight, we have a treat for you. Local rock band "The Urban Legends" will be performing for you tonight, with their new singer, the incredibly talented Jacob Knight. Please give them a lovely ‘Black Rainbow’ welcome.
The crows whistles and cheers, as the band come out onto the stage. The singer, Jacob Knight, stands at the microphone, staring out at the crowd. He stands there, for seems like an age, but it can’t have been more than a minute.
And with a small nod to the drummer, launches into the set. The first song goes down well. And by the second song, murmurs of ‘Wow, they’re really good!’, and ‘Best singer I’ve heard in years!’, and other similar comments can be heard. The crowd loves this band.
Well… most of the crowd.
One man, early 20s, sits at a table with his friend, drinking beer. And he’s obviously not happy!
TOMMY: Fuckin’ wanker’s faking it! *drinks his beer*
FRANK: Who? The singer?
TOMMY: *nods* Fucking Jacob Knight! Just look at him, he’s miming.
FRANK: *looks across the room, at Jacob* How can you tell?
TOMMY: How can I tell? Because, Franky-boy! Remember when my band, "UpTempo Maniacs" were auditioning for a singer last month? Guess who stopped by. None other than… Jacob fucking Knight. And he was god-awful! Couldn’t hit a single fucking note! *laughs* Honestly, he couldn’t sing to save himself! Sounded like a parrot being strangled. *laughs again* Scratch that… the parrot could sing better than him.
FRANK: He couldn’t have been THAT bad. *pauses* He wouldn‘t be singing here, otherwise. .
TOMMY: If you had heard him when he auditioned for us… oh god, I still can’t believe ANYONE could sing so badly! That’s how I know he’s miming tonight. *drinks his beer* We’re lucky to have found Danny to sing for us. Not only is he an excellent singer, he also fits right in with our band.
FRANK: *looks across at Jacob again* I can tell when someone is miming… and he is NOT miming.
A man at the next table looks at Tommy and Frank, and joins in the conversation.
STEVE: You talking about Jacob Knight? He auditioned to sing for my band a while back. Bloody awful! Stupid idiot actually thought he could sing!
FRANK: You two are talking about him like he’s the worst singer in the world. But look at him… he’s good. I mean, REALLY good. That man can SING!
STEVE AND TOMMY IN UNISON: He’s miming!
Jacob Knight, and his band The Urban Legends, continue to perform, as Tommy, Frank, and Steve continue to discuss his singing technique.
Eventually, Jacob’s set comes to an end. He thanks the crowd, leaves the stage, and walks straight over to Tommy’s table. He leans his hands down on the table, looking Tommy straight in the eye.
JACOB: I heard what you were saying about me.
TOMMY: *drinks his beer* So fucking what! You’re a joke, Jacob. You were a joke when you auditioned for my band, and you were a joke tonight, when you were miming. You’ll always be a joke. And a bad one, at that.
JACOB: DON’T MESS WITH ME!
TOMMY: Why not? What you gonna do about it? *laughs*
JACOB: What am I gonna do? I’m gonna enjoy knowing that I played a successful gig here tonight… and you and your pathetic band… didn’t! *smirks*
Tommy scowls. He’s been trying to get the club owner to let him play a set here for months! Why should Jacob play here, when he hasn’t?
Jacob inhales sharply.
JACOB: Jealousy is a terrible thing, Tommy. Maybe you should remember that!
Jacob re-joins his band, leaving Tommy seething.
A year goes by.
Jacob has gone from strength to strength. Since that first gig at The Black Rainbow Club, things have only got better for him. Now, he has it all - fame, fortune, a huge mansion, lots and lots of fans, a record contract, a No 1 selling album in the charts, more money than he knows what to do with. And a new band - Knights Of The Round Table.
Now he sits, relaxing in his Jacuzzi in the garden, sipping cocktails. He thinks back, to ‘That Night’, just over a year ago. Thirteen months ago, to be precise. The night that changed his life forever…
Flashback…
Jacob is feeling nervous, as he auditions for the band UpTempo Maniacs. He’s singing the best he can, but the lead guitarist, Tommy, was picking fault with absolutely everything.
TOMMY: *sighing impatiently* Okay, let’s try that song again, from the top. And this time… SING IN TUNE, JACOB!
Jacob clears his throat, and begins singing again. Tommy, and the rest of Tommy’s band also play. But Tommy still isn’t happy. Half-way through the song, he waves his hands around, wanting everyone to stop.
TOMMY: NO, NO, NO, STOP! STOP, EVERYONE! *looks coldly at Jacob* Are you really that dense?
JACOB: …
TOMMY: My cat can sing better than you. You fucking CANNOT sing, Jacob. You’re voice is all over the place.
JACOB: I’m doing the best I can. It’s the first time I’ve seen these songs, remember.
Tommy laughs callously.
TOMMY: You think I give a shit? Get it into your thick head, Jacob *slaps Jacob’s forehead* You’re garbage! You’ll always be garbage! You’ll never amount to anything. Loser! *pauses* In fact, garbage like you needs to be taught a lesson. *looks at other members of the band* Boys… should we take the garbage out? *laughs*
The band pounce on Jacob, stripping him down to his underwear. Then they cruelly push him out the rehearsal room, out into the alleyway. Jacob, beaten down and humiliated, bangs on the door.
JACOB: *shouts* You’re gonna be sorry for this! I’m gonna be the world’s greatest rock singer, and then I’m gonna make you regret doing this to me. You wait and see! BASTARDS! THE LOT OF YOU!
Jacob turns away, not quite sure what to do next. How is he going to get home, in just his underwear.
He jumps, as he hears a voice behind him.
VOICE: So you want to be the greatest rock singer, ever?
Jacob looks towards the voice, and sees a man standing there.
MAN: I can make that happen.
JACOB: … What do you mean?
MAN: Just what I say. I can make it so you’re the greatest rock singer ever.
JACOB: What do I have to do?
MAN: You have to WANT it, Jacob! I mean, REALLY want it! You have to desire it more than anything else! Do you desire it, Jacob?
JACOB: I do!
MAN: Well then, I can make your dreams come true. My name is Corley, by the way.
Corley reaches out a boney hand, and places it on Jacob’s chest. Jacob feels a searing pain tear through his body - he almost passes out with the pain. Then Corley speaks again, but it’s barely more than a whisper.
CORLEY: You Have Passed!
Jacob takes another sip from his cocktail.
JACOB: *smiles* And now, here I am. All my dreams come true.
Two days later, Jacob and his band are performing a stadium concert. After the concert is over, the band is hanging out backstage. A young woman enters the room.
YOUNG WOMAN: Wow, you guys were just AMAZING!
JACOB: I know! *smiles confidently* And you are…?
YOUNG WOMAN: I’m Michelle. My brother is head of security. *smiles*
JACOB: I see. Well, welcome, Michelle.
Jacob looks at Michelle. There’s something about her… he can’t put his finger on it. But he can’t take his eyes off her.
The band play at the stadium for the next 3 nights, with Jacob and Michelle beginning to spend time together between rehearsals and performances. And as days pass, and the band perform at other stadiums, Jacob keeps in touch with Michelle. They become closer, and soon become a couple. The band notice a change in Jacob. He seems… calmer… more content.
Another year passes. Jacob and Michelle are very much in love. She goes to many of his concerts, and is his Number 1 fan. After one such concert, Jacob takes Michelle home to his mansion. They sit in the garden, looking up at the stars. He takes her hand, and smiles.
JACOB: This past year has been the best year of my life. And that is all down to you, Michelle. *leans in and kisses her* Never thought I could feel this much for someone. I love you, Michelle.
MICHELLE: *clasps his hand, and smiles* I love you too, Jacob. I really do. I tried to deny it… but I can’t help it, I love you.
Jacob wraps his arms around her, and kisses her neck. He whispers.
JACOB: Stay with me, Michelle? Stay with me tonight?
Michelle nods, and strokes his cheek. She is deeply in love with Jacob, as he is with her.
The early hours of the morning… a bell sounds. Jacob wakes, with a searing pain tearing through his body. He sits up in bed, gasping in agony. A shadow passes over the bed, and Corley appears next to him.
Corley speaks with a low, sinister whisper.
CORLEY: YOU… have broken… our contract!
JACOB: *still in pain* What do you mean?
CORLEY: We had a deal… you and I! I would make you the greatest rock singer in the world. But YOU had to desire it above all else.
JACOB: I did! I do!
CORLEY: What of HER?
Jacob turns to look at Michelle, sleeping peacefully next to him.
JACOB: YOU LEAVE HER THE HELL ALONE!
CORLEY: TOO LATE!
A bright flash.
Corley vanishes.
`Morning comes. Michelle wakes up, and rolls over to cuddle into Jacob.
MICHELLE: *smiles* Morning Jac….AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AAAAAAAAARRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Michelle screams hysterically. Jacob lies there… stone cold… his chest ripped open… blood everywhere.
After shooting to the top and realising his dreams, Jacob broke his deal with the devil… by falling in love.