Audition for Rex [Inside Mick and Ziggy's apartment room]

[guitar_voodoo]

It was time for Rex to shine. Mick, Weird and Gilly were now setting up all the sound equipment to turn the apartment room into a mini stage of sorts with wires draped across the room and amps stacked up against the wall. Mick was going to be lead guitar as always with Rex on bass this time instead of Weird and Gilly on drums. Ziggy was invited to sing if he wanted to turn up and give Rex some support on the mic.

"Hey, mate. Pass us that lead."

Mick now fetching the lead from Weird, who was plugging in sound cables while Rex worked on tuning his bass. Gilly was behind fiddling around fitting his drumkit together making sure his percussion was going to be just as good as on stage. It really did look the part with the musicians doing their best for Rex's audition with Dee and Jay. They loved Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, didn't they?

"Ok, I think we're done."

Weird now making sure all the amps were set up and the seating for whoever else wanted to watch the audition. If other band members wanted to watch then they'd all be welcome. As for Rex, he was feeling a little nervous because this was his big break. He might become bassist for Dee and Jay's band! Now all they had to do was to wait for Dee and Jay to arrive.

Comments

[willoftheblackbird]

The Spiders from Mars were one of the most popular bands in the world right now. While Dee and Jay knew that Rex was related to one of them, they hadn’t expected to see all of them in a single apartment for the audition.

But here they were, standing/sitting at the doorway, slack-jawed and staring at the people who opened said door.

“Is this…” Dee read off the address, trying not to accidentally drop his notebooks or Jay’s violin case off his lap. The older man had his guitar case on his back. They came prepared, just in case.

But then Jay spotted Rex. “Hope we’re not too early. If you still need time to finish setting up, that’s fine. No rush.”

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex heard his name mentioned by Jay as he waved and noticed Mick plugging in the last amp. Weird and Gilly both looked at the two new boys and offered friendly smiles. None of the Spiders had met Dee or Jay yet.

"No, it's fine. We're just about ready if you want to take a seat."

Rex now pointing to the chairs ready for people to sit and watch. Mick now coming over, wanting to meet the people who might take Rex on as a bassist.

"Nice to meet you, lads. I'm Mick Ronno. The tart behind the drums there is Gilly and this is Weird and Rex. Bass brothers."

Mick noticing Gilly giving a tarty expression at being called "the tart behind the drums."

[willoftheblackbird]

“Thank you.” Jay maneuvered the wheelchair inside, and took a seat in one of the chairs beside Dee.

He took the liberty of introducing himself and his fiancé. Or rather, the Mystic and the Prophet.

“It’s an honor to meet all of you… face to face…” Dee was starstruck, but did a fairly decent job of keeping his composure. This was Rex’s audition. It just so happened that he had THE Spiders from Mars accompanying him.

“We brought instruments as well.” Jay added. “Hopefully, after you’ve shown us what you can do, we can hear how you sound alongside us.”

[glamguitar_guru]

"Have you ever been to a live Ziggy concert, lads?"

Mick now asking the two, wondering if they had or not, since both appeared starstruck. Gilly was polishing his drumsticks as he stood up from his drumkit to take a better look who was auditioning Rex. Mick looked at Rex and could see the man was nervous because of course he was. This was his audition.

"Did you see the one where Ronno was naked on stage?"

Weird now bringing that up and causing Rex to snort a few giggles. This would surely help with the tension in the room and Rex's nerves.

[willoftheblackbird]

“No… we haven’t…” Dee admitted. “I’m sorry to say…”

He definitely wanted to, though.

The last time the music festival that was the Ziggy Stardust Tour came through LA, Dee had really been starting to struggle. This was before his treatments, about the same time that Jay bought him the wheelchair. He wouldn’t have been able to make it through a festival without it, then or now.

“I’m sure you’ll be glad to know nudity isn’t required for this audition.” Jay smirked. He was probably the last person you’d see streaking on stage. Though he shot a playful glance in Dee’s direction.

“Is this where I make the usual ‘skinny dipping’ pun?”

There was a moment of silence before Dee finished the joke at his own expense. (Not that Dee knew this, but he was thin enough that Tom actually thought he was an Anthean on first glance.)

“When I do it… it’s apparently just called dipping.” He laughed, further breaking the ice.

[glamguitar_guru]

"You've never been? That's a shame because we've played at New York before and now here in LA. Don't worry though, lads. You're with us now and that's all that matters."

Mick tried to cheer the new boys up as he stepped behind Rex on the stage, letting the bassist get in front this time. Usually, Mick was upfront with the singer as lead guitar but this was Rex's audition and his time to shine.

"That's good because I'm not fucking stripping like Ronno here!"

Rex now laughing as he gave Mick a wink.

[willoftheblackbird]

As laughter lit up the room, the nervousness seemed to clear. It was then that Dee took the opportunity to get things started.

“All right then…” he held out a hand. “Why don’t you show us what you can do…”

[glamguitar_guru]

"You can do it, mate."

Mick piping up from behind Rex as Weird nodded to his brother in support from the sidelines. He could do this! Clutching his bass, Rex then began to play a song that heavily featured his bass lines. Mick knew this would be a good show of how deep the bassist could play and in time with a steady beat too.

[willoftheblackbird]

Musically, it was a simple song, but bassists didn’t necessarily need the same flare as a lead guitarist. They were a foundation upon which the sound was built, steady and reliable.

As they listened, Dee and Jay whispered back and forth to each other that Rex was definitely those things. (Plus, speaking of reliability, he didn’t show up late to his own audition. Which was already a point in his favor.)

When they’d finished a few songs, and had demonstrated all Rex had intended to demonstrate, Jay reached for his own guitar. “Would you mind if I swapped in?”

Dee nodded, with a determined smile. This was going well.

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex wasn't trying to glance up at Dee and Jay watching him, whispering to one another, because he didn't want to go wrong. Mick offering the bassist a supportive smile as he stepped next to Rex, playing his guitar slower to match with the song.

"Go ahead."

The bassist nodded and wanted to see what Jay could do on the guitar as Mick took that cue to exit the stage, wanting to watch the other guitarist. Gilly, taking a short break from drumming as Jay started up.

[willoftheblackbird]

Jay nodded politely, holding out some bass lines for Rex. They were reasonably simple - something that could be picked up pretty quickly. But they were the chorus for one of the songs Dee had been composing.

“Are you able to follow this?”

He didn’t expect instantaneous perfection, but once Rex had it somewhat down, Jay would join in with guitar. See how it sounded. See how they sounded together. (It actually had parts for two guitars, but one would do for now.)

Dee sat back, watching the two interact.

[glamguitar_guru]

"Yes, I should be able to follow this."

Rex nodded firmly, confident that he could follow along and play in time with Jay once he started playing guitar. Mick gave Rex a thumbs up and Weird smile because he really wanted his brother to get this. Everyone did. Rex wanting to show that he was just a good a bassist as his Spider brother Weird.

"You can do this, mate."

Mick whispering into Rex's ear for support.

[willoftheblackbird]

Jay let Rex play through the intro and first verse several times before starting in on rhythm guitar. They'd shifted the key down slightly after Ansgar's drums produced a different, but intriguing sound. And the new sheet music reflected this.

Dee listened intently, watching how they interacted with each other.

[Bass parts. Again, pay no attention to the lyrics, whoever put words on here didn't know where they belonged...]

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex was keeping up with what Dee and Jay gave him in regards to the sheet music. He kept it calm and steady, not missing any notes and stumbling, even though he was still quite nervous. Having your own brother in the room as you was giving Rex the needed boost to his confidence that he needed.

He nodded to Jay as the guitar parts were played, getting into the swing of things and warming up a little more to the idea of the boys' playstyles.

"That's it. Good."

Weird offering up some words of encouragement at Rex's performance.

[willoftheblackbird]

They both knew there wasn't time to memorize anything beforehand, so Jay had him play through the same part multiple times until he felt comfortable. All in all, Jay found him very easy to play off of. He was strong and steady.

That was about the time that Dee turned on his keyboard and started adding some of the piano flourishes.

"... don't mind me. Keep going!" he insisted, shouting over the instruments.

When Dee started in on vocals, Jay knew they'd found something here. This sounded great!

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex looked up from plucking his thick guitar strings and could hear Dee shouting over the instruments. This was going well, wasn't it? The Brit assumed so as Mick and Weird both looked pleased with how everything was going. Gilly on drums seemed to be keeping up with the pace and speed of what they were playing.

"Like this?"

Weird smiled at his brother and was really happy Rex was getting a chance to prove himself in front of others like this.

[willoftheblackbird]

Jay nodded eagerly to the bassist. "Do that again! Really lay into the low notes as he finishes the verse."

Dee heard his fiance, and the next time through, he belted those notes like they were on a real stage. Most of his muscles might not work so well anymore, but his voice did. The combination gave him some serious goosebumps.

Maybe it gave some of Rex's support team goosebumps too.

"Oh, now that was amazing." Jay exclaimed, grinning as he shredded a random riff that wasn't actually a part of anything.

"... wow."

[glamguitar_guru]

Nodding, Rex really went low on the strings and thumped out some deep bass notes as Jay finished his verse. It really sounded good---like a real band. The Brit smiled as Weird gave his brother an encouraging nod. Maybe he could actually do this!

"You liked how I played?"

Rex still feeling butterflies in his stomach as he faced Dee and Jay. Mick certainly enjoyed hearing Jay jam on his guitar and knew the man had skill.

"Your guitar playing was really good, mate."

Mick giving Jay some support.

[willoftheblackbird]

Dee grinned as he asked, “have you ever accompanied a violin?”

There was a part of the verse where the bass line and the violin worked together as rhythm. It wouldn’t sound quite as impressive without the other instruments, but it would still be a good test.

Jay was already taking out his violin.

“I’ll start on vocals. And count you in…”

“We come in together.” Jay pointed to the notes Dee had provided Rex. “Right here.”

When everyone was ready, Dee started singing acapella.

”In the end
As my soul's laid to rest, what is left of my body?
Or am I just a shell?…

one, two, three, four…”

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex shook his head. That would be a no but he wasn't against the idea, more he wanted to learn and adapt his playstyle to fit into Kuro. A violin playing would add something else entirely.

"No, but I'd like to try."

The Brit nodded as Jay counted him in, making sure to keep up with the timing and cues for when he should start playing. It was certainly different having a violinist in a rock band but why not? Rik played the harp and other instruments, yet he was still a really good rock guitarist. This would be fun.

"You're doing well, mate."

Mick adding support from the side, being able to play the violin also.

[willoftheblackbird]

Jay could definitely do both. He’d been classically trained and even played the violin with the LA Philharmonic a couple of seasons. But he could also shred a good rock guitar.

Dee liked the honesty, and the willingness to try.

The bass line and the violin part both played off each other in that first verse, so Dee sat back and listened to them work it out. They synced up faster than he expected.

Dee nodded to Mick in agreement. This was good.

As they wrapped up, Jay looked over at Dee. “I think that went well, What do you think?”

That one look was enough to know that Dee had already made up his mind. “I think we’ve found our bassist.”

He was respectfully quiet for a minute, for whatever the reaction might be. He offered a hand in congratulations, welcoming Rex to sit down with them and talk about stage names, character concepts and the like. Kuro was an experience in addition to a band.

“Though, speaking entirely as the Prophet now, I’d still like to know how you fit into the world of Kuro.”

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex finally relaxed a little as the set ended and everyone finished playing. Wow, what a performance! Mick and Weird now smiling, congratulating Rex on becoming the bassist for Kuro. He did it!

"I---I did it?"

Rex going wide-eyed and feeling a rush of excitement build inside his chest at hearing Dee say those words. He was a member of Kuro now.

"My stage name and persona you mean?"

He'd given it some thought and wondered what both boys would think.

[willoftheblackbird]

“Yeah, the sound was just what we were looking for.” Jay reinforced. “And out of all the bass players we’ve auditioned, you’re the most natural fit.”

Rex proved he could rock hard, but he wasn’t as wild and out of control as many up and coming musicians were. While Jay saw Ansgar as very similar to Dee in a lot of ways, he saw Rex and even Johan to an extent, as being more similar to himself. More laid back, more serious. Kuro needed that. Dee needed support, not drama.

“Yes.” Dee both agreed and answered at the same time. “Kuro is more than just a band. We’re building a world… and creating an experience.”

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex let out a happy laugh and went to hug his brother then Mick, Gilly, Jay and Dee carefully. The bassist was thinking of stage names and had a few on the end of his tongue, ready to give them a go.

"How about---The Sovereign? Since my name is Rex and it means king, I thought that could work?"

Mick nodded and noticed Weird liking the idea too.

"I'd love to be part of this world and experience you're creating."

[willoftheblackbird]

“The Sovereign…” Dee mulled it over. “Ruler of their own domain, protector of the land and a champion of freedom.”

There was a lot they could do with that. The rebels in Kuro stood for independence against the Ministry. That would definitely fit in.

“If you want your persona to have any kind of magical powers, those are fair game too.” Dee smiled. Not everybody in a fantasy world had to have magic, but it was an option. (The Prophet’s voice was considered magical in a sense, and The Mystic, well, he was the Mystic. That was about as magical as you could get.)

“Eventually, you’ll have a whole backstory and a costume to fit.” Jay affirmed. “So be thinking about what you want to look like.”

They were both as excited as Rex. This was going to be amazing!

[glamguitar_guru]

"Yes, I thought it would be a good title to have and some meaning behind it."

Weird just stared at his brother before smirking a little because it was a little cheesy but it did suit Rex. The man's name meant king in Latin so why not have The Sovereign as his Kuro stage name? Mick thought it was a good fit too.

"Magical powers? Oh, I haven't thought about those yet. Maybe I could have Bardic powers or persuasion or command powers?"

Rex was new to the whole concept but was keen to learn. Mick just giggling a little at Rex having magic powers.

"You'll look good in a wizard costume."

Gilly now snorting a little behind his kit because it was hard not to tease Rex lightheartedly. Of course he'd totally rock anything he wore.

[willoftheblackbird]

“It can be whatever you want.” Dee encouraged. “Your backstory too.”

He went over the basic premise of Kuro, their flight into the desert, their ongoing fight against an oppressive regime known as the Ministry.

Jay turned to Mick. “I think we looked pretty good in our stage costumes at the Halloween party.”

Granted, Jay’s was a little closer to a cleric than a wizard, but if this were a roleplaying game, he was essentially the party healer. (Some things just didn’t change.)

“Though, Ansgar and some of his friends are working on a few new additions, I think. Along with a stage set.”

A lot had been going on behind the scenes as they filled the remaining spots in the band. Now that they had everyone they needed, that would only ramp up.

[glamguitar_guru]

"I'll have to think on my backstory but I'm sure Weird and the Spiders will help me."

Rex giving his brother a playful nudge in the guts getting a smile out of Weird. Mick nodded because he thought the whole world and backstory regarding Kuro as a whole was really fun.

"Oh, you did there, mate. Loved the whole spooky outfits and that."

Mick agreeing, noticing Gilly coming down from behind the set wanting to meet Dee and Jay up close.

"You're going to build a new stage set?"

Gilly now interested while asking Jay.

[willoftheblackbird]

It was less of a new stage set, and more of a first stage set, but yes, the plans were being made and Ansgar was already working out the details.

“Right now we just have some concepts.” Jay pulled up a couple photos on his phone. They were natural-looking backdrops, with tribal elements that could easily be mixed in. “And what’s going to be a very impressive throne. With a keyboard built in.”

“I won’t be able to stand for a whole set. Maybe only a song or two… It’s kind of… necessary.” Dee admitted. “We’re building around that…”

He hoped Rex wouldn’t get second thoughts. The Prophet was a larger than life figure, but Dee could only push his physical body so far. How far? Well, he’d find that out in rehearsals soon enough.

“I’ve heard some of the other guys talking about pyrotechnics too.” Jay grinned. “But we’ll have to keep things simple at first, build out more over time.”

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex peered in to see the concepts on Jay's phone and liked what he saw. The whole tribal thing looked so cool! And a throne too! How fucking awesome was that? Mick and Gilly both got a look at the phone screen and were both in awe of it all too.

"Nice one, mate. Loving all the bones and things."

Mick now commenting as Gilly nodded, pleased that this would be the set for Kuro. As for pyrotechnics---Mick was thinking about Viktor and his love for fire.

"Don't tell that crazy punk Viktor about pyrotechnics. He's bloody crazy."

Rex just laughed and shook his head at Mick's words.

"Ansgar works with pyrotechnics and stage effects. He can handle that part."

[willoftheblackbird]

"Ansgar's giving us lots of ideas." Jay nodded.

If they hadn't said so explicitly by this point, they revealed that Ansgar had officially joined on as their drummer. And that Johan had officially joined on lead guitar.

"He really has a gift for that kind of thing... I'm excited to see my ideas in action." Dee smiled. "Though, he did say he couldn't make blue fire..."

"Which is probably for the best."

[glamguitar_guru]

"He has?"

Rex still knew nothing about either Ansgar or Johan being members of Kuro too but would find out in time soon enough. Blue fire? That had the bassist cocking a curious eyebrow.

"Blue fire? Why did you want that colour instead of the usual orange?"

Mick looked a little confused but guessed it was to do with the aesthetic of the band and their staging. Hell's Angels used fire a lot and then there was Joe with his crazy flame throwing bass.

"Have you talked to Joe from Hell's Angels? He has a flamethrowing bass."

[willoftheblackbird]

With Rex being the last one to fill out the lineup, Jay and Dee could easily share that information now. The identity of their new drummer and lead guitarist - no longer secret.

"It's more magical." Dee replied, about the fire.

"Unfortunately, that's only in fantasy settings. In the real world, it's either more toxic or it doesn't last very long."

Kuro would have no shortage of advice on pyrotechnics and theatrics.

[glamguitar_guru]

"Who are our guitarist and drummer? Have you chosen?"

Rex was curious because he'd heard about Karl and Johan getting an audition too. Then, there was the drummer position which interested Rex the most because it was Ansgar and whoever else. Did Dee and Jay even know that the bassist and the drummer were a couple? Probably not.

"Any kind of fire sounds like fun."

Gilly just shooting Rex a worried look because fire burned and what if it went wrong? The tarty drummer wouldn't like to be near any fire.

[willoftheblackbird]

"Johan is on lead guitar." Jay confirmed. "And Ansgar on drums."

Did either Dee or Jay have the foggiest idea that they'd just hired a couple? Nope. Granted, they couldn't exactly be opposed to in-band relationships, seeing as they were currently engaged. (Hopefully, no one was going to break up anytime soon. That would be messy.)

"We'll probably be relying on a lot of lighting effects for now..." Dee mentioned.

Again, it was all a work in progress. Everyone had songs to learn first.

[glamguitar_guru]

Rex was happy to find out that Johan was the lead on guitar because that man was good. Really good. Mick knew the man could play some really good aggressive riffs and his shredding was something else.

"Johan is a good guitarist. Ansgar is on drums? Oh--"

Mick and Weird both saw the look on Rex's face, as if the man's features lit up with joy. Everyone knew the two were close and dating. Something like that.

"Ansgar is my boyfriend."

Rex giggled and was so happy about this.

[willoftheblackbird]

Jay and Dee both looked at each other, shocked.

“Did you know that?”
“… did you?”

Neither of them had even the foggiest idea until now they’d just hired a couple. Even though Ansgar was the first they made the offer to, it hadn’t come up yet. (God knows they went right into set design, logos and all sorts of other things.)

“Well… it’s worked out pretty well for us.” Dee gestured and winked at Jay.

Maybe he’d have to try to write a Kuro love song.

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick offered up a grin because he knew Ansgar and Rex were a couple and so did Weird because this was his brother. It was a pleasant surprise for Dee and Jay to realise that their new bassist was dating their new drummer.

"It's nice to be a couple and perform together just like me and Ziggy do on stage."

Mick could see Rex nodding because this would only make their bond stronger, performing in front of a crowd and doing what they did best.

"Where do we go from here?"

Rex now asking both Dee and Jay.

[willoftheblackbird]

Both Jay and Dee couldn't help but crack a smile in Mick's direction. It had definitely been their dream too. And it was quickly becoming a reality.

"Now?" Dee turned back to Rex. He couldn't remember ever being this happy. "We make music... That's where we go from here."