Chapter 4
by BBI Fiero
The reggae drummer set the tempo with a deep thumping sound. On the 4th beat, Reno and his fellow saxophone player belted out a strong intro. Their large saxophones resembling armament. Perfect-Tommy strummed his bass in nonchalant manner while Pinky Cruthers stood near Tommy-Boy who was playing a red Gibson guitar. He was giving her encouragement for as she was still gaining experience playing live.
The crowd was moving forward to the front speakers, hands in the air, waving. The air was resonating; windows vibrating in the club.
Buckaroo Banzai took a last sip of water and headed out. He moved through the crowd. A blue mohawk sprouting bouncer kept people away from the doctor as he squeezed between people.
One girl grabbed his shirt, hoping to take whatever souvenir she could, button, belt buckle, strip-o-cloth,- whatever.
Buckaroo spun around to escape from her grip, while maintaining playing his cream colored Fender stratocaster.
The crowd was a mixture of old fans familiar with their group and new ones trying to figure out the Hong Kong cavaliers.
The Doctor finally reached the stage and stepped up. Reno looked over as Banzai joined him. Holding up 1 finger as the Que., the band dropped the intro. The Cavaliers then began with a song from their new album `Gestalt'. Reno bellowed out into a fast paced tune. Perfect-Tommy was strumming 3 chord licks as the rasta drummer moved his sticks at blazing speed, dreadlocks flailing. Buckaroo Banzai squealed out a raw ferocious lick followed by pushes on the whammy bar.
People rushed in from the bar, drinks in hand trying not to miss anything. The fans were enjoying themselves; heads bobbing up and down. A couple of skin-heads started a slam-tank, the crowd resembled a sea of spectators, moving in complicated waves around the slam tank.
Pinky Cruthers nodded his head to the left, smiling. He was motioning his partner-Tommy-Boy. She glanced over for a second or two in bewilderment, but then resumed concentration on her playing.
The Hong Kong Cavaliers were very professional. They endured the nasty stenches, thick smoke, spilled drinks, various body oders, foul language, rude obnoxious spectators, scattered litter, sticky bar floors, it was loud, it was raw, -it was Rock-n-Roll.
Later, as the Hong Kong cavaliers were in the middle of their 7th song. Buckaroo Banzai noticed some punks were acting a little too rowdy. People were crowding the stage in front, shoving each other. Deciding some people may get hurt, the Doctor stopped playing. His guitar fell limp as he allowed his arms to drop to his sides.
Perfect-Tommy started shaking his head. He had lost his place. Some word mumbling from his lips.
The band watched their leader remain motionless like a statue. Pinky started wondering what was going on. Reno took advantage of the moment to get a breather, never questioning the reason for the break. Buckaroo Banzai held up a microphone, eyes squinting. The fans looked up; mouths open in surprise. The squabbling had quickly ceased. Pinky Cruthers and Tommy-Boy eyed each other, then back at their leader. She whispered," guess we don't need our guns."
Banzai had the stage. Calmly he spoke. "I want you to know, there is a special person out there."
Someone from the crowd yelled out," Who- ? A new groupie?" Ha ha ha," various chuckles echoed amongst the background. ,
" Hey,.. hey..hey?.Don't have to be mean." No?this is a young girl?.While you're out here taking life for granted, this very young girl is fighting for hers."
The slam tanks had died. Punks were straightening their demeanor in embarrassment. The club bouncers were now relaxing. "My friends are out there working real hard.. We're playing our hearts out while waiting on hers to arrive. We're trying to give her a new chance."
Couples leaned towards each other. Some held their drinks out in salute.
"Would you give her a chance?, perhaps if it isn't asking too much, take a moment to wish her luck??.Thank you for allowing me this moment?.and now? we'll finish with our last song." The doctor moseyed over to a piano and sat down.
Reno waited a second, then realized what tune he was playing. Soft plunks sounded on the keyboards. The cavalier joined him with a slow croon on the saxophone.
Rawhide leaning against the wall backstage, ever observant of the band, shook his head. Tours were never predictable with The Hong Kong Cavaliers.
Suddenly a few chirps interrupted the silence. It was his Go-Phone. -------
