“I was talking to Storm.”
Storm looks at me like I’ve sprouted another head. “Of course. It’s fucking Metallica.”
Now we’re getting somewhere. “In that case, would you be open to moving Sandman to number two and scraping ‘Welcome to the Machine’ by Pink Floyd since it doesn’t have any drums?”
“Whoa,” Phoenix chimes in. “That’s a great song.”
“I know,” I grit through my teeth. “But this is about compromise.”
And I’m willing to bet Storm’s plight is less about the opening song choice and more about the second song not having any drums.
Phoenix didn’t mean to, but he inadvertently excluded his best friend and band member from an entire freaking song by doing that. No wonder his passive-aggressive response to that was “My Generation.”
“I’m fine with it,” Storm says at last. “But then we don’t have an opening or closing song.”
He’s right. I scan my brain, recalling everything I’ve heard them play before.
I snap my fingers when it comes to me. “What about closing out with ‘Man in the Box’？ You guys murder that one, and the drums are definitely a big part of the song.”
Phoenix and Storm exchange a glance that quickly turns into a mutual nod.
“That works for me,” Storm agrees.
“Me too.” Phoenix rubs his chin, studying me intently. “Any suggestions for what we should open with?”
Pacing, I try to think of a song that will showcase both Phoenix’s incredible voice and Storm’s awesome drum skills at the same time, as well as individually.
I wince when it hits me because it’s a little trite, but they could totally make it work.
“‘Voodoo’，” I exclaim.
“Yes, Lennon,” Phoenix says condescendingly. “That’s where we’re playing—”
“I meant the song by Godsmack.”
They exchange a perturbed glance.
“Yeah, no,” Phoenix grunts. “That’s hokey as fuck.”
“It will only come off hokey if you’re not good enough to make whoever thinks that eat crow…but you guys are.”
Granted, the original band isn’t exactly known for their incredible vocals, but that song is amazing.
“Come on,” I continue. “Not only does it start off a cappella, you have a lower register that will kick the fucking shit out of it.”
Walking across the room, Storm picks up his drumsticks. “Your girl’s not wrong.”
I give Storm a smile. “And right after Phoenix’s a cappella, there’s a dark and hypnotic drum segment that you’ll make your bitch before you both merge and slaughter it together.”
It’s the best of both worlds.
“Just try it,” I urge when Phoenix starts to protest again.
“Fine.”
Storm gets back behind his drum set and a moment later, Phoenix’s deep, dark voice surrounds me like a fog before the drums kick in.
I’ve always loved this song, but what’s happening now is absolutely captivating. People are going to lose their shit. If there were actually seats at Voodoo…they wouldn’t be dry after this performance.
Midway through, Phoenix looks back at Storm, who gives him a nod. All the anger from before vanishes and their amazing chemistry is back.
I have to stop myself from jumping up and down like a fangirl when they finish. “I vote hell yes.”
Not that I get a vote in this, but dammit. They should do this song.
Phoenix looks at Storm. “What say you?”
Storm rubs his chin. “I’m with her. We’re already doing cover songs, so fuckers are gonna think we’re unoriginal anyway. Might as well go up there and make them eat shit like Lennon said.”
“Exactly.”
“All right,” Phoenix agrees. “Voodoo it is.” He juts his chin at Storm. “Let’s go again.”
I take a seat on the futon as they rehearse it a few more times, each rendition sounding better and better. However, halfway through practice number five, the power flickers on and off due to the storm.
They manage to make it through to the end, but when it happens during their next run-through, Storm throws his drumsticks on the ground. “Fuck this. I’m taking a break.”
I assume he’s going to grab something to drink or smoke, but he takes out his phone and starts texting someone.
Then he pulls out his keys and walks toward the door.
Phoenix must be wondering the same thing I am because he grunts, “Where are you going?”