Tangled Weeds (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024)

Twelve

Johnny

“ D on’t worry yet, I have a few people I can call. If nothing else maybe they can fill in for the weekend and give us time to find another band member,” Tanner said. “Johnny, would you be okay on guitar if it comes down to it and I can’t find a guitar player before Saturday?”

“Yeah, that’s fine,” I said and tried not to let on how nervous that made me. I played the guitar mostly to practice singing but I wasn’t good enough to headline with it.

“Mateo, I know you’d rather be on Bass. If I can find a drummer, are you okay with moving back to bass?”

“Fuck yes. You know I love the bass. I’m only banging out the drums because those assholes were actually good. But I’m better,” Mateo said and walked over to where Tanner and I stood.

“Jeremy you’ll go back to lead,” he said and Jeremey grinned and nodded.

“Are you serious?” Ray asked, finally realizing Tanner was serious.

“Did you really not read the contract both of you signed?” Tanner asked, calm and cool as always. He wasn’t much older than us, but he wasn’t interested in playing stupid games or acting like an idiot. This was a job, and he was very good at it.

They looked at each other and it was obvious what their answer was. “No, I guess we were just excited to be part of a new band,” Josh said.

“There’s a clause about behavior and responsibility to the band. Part of it is getting to practice and not being impaired. You two broke that clause a few times and I don’t see that changing.”

“Couldn’t we—” Ray started and was cut off by Tanner.

“Finish packing up your equipment. You’ll need to have everything out today, and good luck to the two of you,” Tanner said before walking out of the room while dialing his phone.

“Johnny, isn’t there something you can do? We’ll play by the rules, I swear,” Josh asked me while Ray started unplugging his equipment and rolling up his cords.

“I’m not in charge. Tanner is,” I said, and walked out of the room behind Tanner. He was over by the door speaking quietly on the phone and I took a seat on the couch. I thought back on all the times I’d tried to put a band together and how many times I’d failed. It had always been my dream to be a part of a rock band, and I worked hard to make sure my vocals were on point and practiced the guitar daily even though it wasn’t needed, but me taking care of business didn’t make other members of the band take it as seriously.

“I found a guitar player, he can’t commit to playing more than the shows this weekend,” Tanner said.

“Jeremy could play bass if we find a drummer. He’s better suited there,” I said. Tanner understood this was serious for me, and rather than dwelling on bullshit I respected his ability to move along and try to find a solution.

“I’ll see what I can do. I know it may not seem like a good gig to be playing at a strip club, but this really is a good opportunity. Blinding Light is on their way up and opening up for them will give you more visibility,” Tanner said.

“I know, and I also know we’ve had more gigs since you took over. I’m tired of working my ass off and having people who are in it for the party ruin everything. I only want to work with people who are serious from now on,” I said, and Tanner nodded.

“I agree. Mateo and Jeremy are good guys, they’ve been tired of Josh and Ray for a while now. They were just waiting for you to catch up,” he said and smirked. “We’re lucky we can move everyone around to different instruments. That way we can find the best talent for a particular slot and fill it accordingly.”

“It would be nice to get some help with some new music too. We’ve been playing the same gig for a few months now. I know I could use a change,” I said. I was okay with the music, but the words eluded me.

“I’ll keep that in mind when I’m looking. There’re a few people I have in mind, but some of them are no longer available or won’t be for a while. I’m going to stay here until they’re gone so there’s no issue.”

“Thanks. I mean I can’t imagine them trying anything, but I didn’t actually think they’d continue to show up drunk for practice either,” I said.

“I’m glad you called me. We can’t afford the liability of that. This place rented us the space under the agreement that there wouldn’t be any alcohol on the premises and no parties. I know that hasn’t happened, but I think it was just a matter of time before it did.”

I stared at him for a minute too long. He was hot if you were into businessmen that worked way too many hours and never took a day off. I did that to myself without dating someone who was even worse. He rolled his eyes and looked away. “Do you think we should let Blinding Light’s management know?” I asked.

“No, we still have a few days, let me see what I can do,” he said, and we both turned when Ray and Josh walked out the door of the jam room carrying their shit. “If we find anything you left, I’ll make sure it’s returned to you.”

Neither of them said anything as they made their way to the parking lot. They were good, but we deserved better, and hopefully we’d eventually get it right and get the chance to prove we were more than a shitty band full of losers.