Heavy Metal Pipeline

Amps sparking under the downpour of thick heavy rain, crowds surging like an unruly sea, and speakers roaring so loud that it could deafen even the most seasoned rockers. Everyone packed in shoulder to shoulder like sardines, all stomping in unison on the ancient concrete. Steel walls stand tall upright, each panel adored with colorful graffiti or murals. The stadium feels no need to provide a roof or banner to shield the crowd from the elements. It has stood tall for a decade and has seen many bands come and go, but this night is destined to be different.

 The band resides in the seedy backstage, each member performing their own ritual to prepare for the show. The makeup containers stay open, the outfits remain crumpled on the floor, and the supply of waxy wigs remain on their carts. A hand turns the rusty knob of the door and it swings open with a creak. 

“Showtime boys, time to crush or be crushed,” says the man in black. 

The band rises from their chambers and begins to make the voyage to the stage. Hallways are cramped with faceless goons that are pushed out of the way by the convoy transporting the entertainment. The band members’ chains and other trinkets make a slight jingle as they walk the compact halls. Their facepaint and tall hair give them the appearance of ancient warriors preparing for battle. 

The convoy grinds to a halt as they approach the damp tunnel leading to the stage. As the members prepare to take their final walk, the one in front halts the rest of the four. He turns to face the rest of the members then looks to the walls of the tunnel. The words “Heavy Metal Pipeline” had been roughly scratched in between countless pinned pictures. Each photo has its own story to tell. Water stains, oil blotches, rips, tears, blood, sweat, and dates are present on almost every photo and each one has aged like a fine wine. The leader reaches out and drags his hand along the wall, seeming to absorb the story of each one. He stops on one weathered photo of a man rocking out on the stage by himself. Under the photo are the words “The one, forever and always.” A single tear falls onto the photo. Soon he shakes his head and puts the photo in his jacket pocket. Then he turns to his own band, gives a nod, and proceeds to face the blinding lights of the stage.