A man pissed his pants, One lady fell and broke her arm and the solo artist vomited all over the judges from pure anxiety. That's how the auditions were going at the Infernal Theatre where every band in New York dreamed of performing. Think of the infernal much like The Voice or Americas got talent, it's a world wide phenomenon that could either make or break careers. Backstage the upcoming bands were in soundproof rooms practicing harder than ever to make sure only perfection came out on that stage. This fact rang especially true for the band that was just about to go on stage, Flights at Night. They were up next and after seeing the disasters that came from the bands before them they were all a little discouraged.
Peeking out the backstage curtains was Hunter Maverick the bands lead guitar. He was as short tempered as he was short and didn't care much for his appearance as he showed up to the inferno with his red and black band suit tattered and dirty and his hair wild and matted.
"Fucking hell man….its like no matter how well they start off the inferno eventually destroys their nerves or something."
"We're going to do fine tonight Hunt, just keep out of your head and keep in the moment."
That motivational ball of life was Gregory Hawthorn the lead singer of flights at night. It was as rare to see him discouraged as it was to see him away from a stage. He practiced the song night after night for the past 100 days and never missed a day even when he got sick.
"Mhm I second what G said but also don't forget that if we screw this up that means back to shitty bars and birthday parties."
Dean Abernathy was the realist of the group and also the best drummer in the fucking world. He grew up in a slum and never really had much but when he discovered drums and music he became addicted and used it as an outlet. He's made quite a name for himself around the city but most of that was mainly for his chiseled jaw and 6 pack abs. Or how he dressed like a 1900's bruiser with the leather jackets, constant cigarettes, and the slick hair. Either way he is known within the group as the man with hands that move like lightning and he could quite literally play with his eyes closed.
"Never again mi amigos we have come too far to ever go back and just think maybe we will all become superstars and live on yachts drinking mimosas and once I sign my solo deals oh my goddess I'll take over the entire music industry."
That was Alonzo Gomez Martinez and if the word egotistical became human this would be it. Alonzo had good intentions to begin with but as time went on he began to demand he get paid for his "Professional talents". He was the second guitar of the group and truthfully he wasn't all that great.
"Dudes dudes....dudes…..dudes calm down bros we are gonna go out t-there and fuck some shit up man."
That there was the fifth member of Flights at Night , Jackie Thomas, and he was the reason why the band has gotten into the crazy trouble they have in their past. Between drugs and women, and he gets his daily fix of both constantly, he has caused the group enough trouble and pain. Despite all the negatives and his god awful way of speaking the man is honestly the only thing keeping the group sane. He balances out all the different personalities and brings about some sort of drug induced harmony.
From outside the announcers were thanking the last band and one of them peeked back stage at Hunter giving him the nod of death.
"FUCK! GUYS THATS US WE'RE ON!"
Hunter ran past Gregory picking up his guitar and frantically strumming it making sure it was perfectly in tune.
"Hunt, calm down we got this it's us remember we are gonna make the inferno never forget this performance," Gregory tapped his shoulder reassuring him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The lights went dark, the room grew quiet, the judges all had their pens in hand….
Gregory got into position and grabbed the mic with both hands trying his hardest not to tremble.
"I don't want to set the world on fire,
I just want to start a flame in your heart,
I've lost all ambition, for worldly acclaim,
I just want to be the one you love, love, love, love..."
~~~~~~~~~~
After the performance was over the group huddled up outside of the stage area their eyes fixated on the judges.
"Okay boys thank you so much we will be giving you all a call within the week we assure you," one of the judges called.
"Wait….Is that it," Jackie called out quickly being yanked away by Alonzo.
~~~~~~~~
Outside the group were putting their instruments back into the rusty old van they rented for the day.
"Okay guys I mean they must have liked us right like I've seen them kick people off that stage if they were terrible so that means we had to have gotten in right," Gregory looked around only to see his band mates with their heads down and completely quiet.
The ride back home wasn't pleasant either. The men sat in the van with the rattling of their instruments being the only thing that truly made any noise. That silence loomed over the group for a week straight until they finally got the letter determining wether they got into inferno or not.
"Unfortunately inferno doesn't see a future with your band and we have denied your entry."
After that day everyone split up and went separate ways. For the next 4 years it stayed this way and they never truly came back together for any reason. Each band member grew sour but eventually found careers and even started families. Everyone except for Gregory.