271 Eros’ Substitute (2/2)
The fangirls started freaking out. Even the male fans of the rock band expressed their concern.
The hosts didn't give any additional details about Eros' injury as the show was in a tight time schedule. They hurried to finish the introduction.
Female host: ”Despite the accident, Pandemonium still showed their desire to perform tonight. How admirable! Very professional!”
Male host: ”Indeed. Fortunately, the band managed to get a lead guitarist to substitute for Eros…”
”Who cares about the substitute? We only want Eros!”
”Yeah! Eros is the only lead guitarist that we'll accept for Pandemonium!”
The fans were starting to get unruly, expressing their dissatisfaction at the current situation. They wanted to know more about what happened to Eros. They also couldn't accept that the band decided to perform with another person.
The hosts pretended not to hear the complaints and continued.
Female host: ”I think that all of you will be so shocked once you see who the band got to substitute for Eros.”
Male host: ”I agree. When I saw the name, I thought that it was a misprint at first. To be honest, I'm excited myself to see this person play lead guitar in a rock band. I just can't imagine it!”
Female host: ”Exactly! So without further ado, please welcome our next performers, the rock band Pandemonium—”
Male host: ”And the one and only Iris Long!”
”Ah?”
The audience stopped, all looking confused. Did they hear it correctly? Iris Long was playing lead guitar in a rock band? What in the world?
Even the Black Stars were taken aback.
The fans of Pandemonium became even more unruly.
”What the hell? Why is Iris substituting for Eros? Can she even play lead guitar? This is ridiculous!”
”Damn! Is she using our boys to gain publicity for her comeback? I object! She should just mind her own business!”
”Maybe the lead guitar part is already prerecorded and she'll just stand there pretending to play.”
Hearing the insults to their boss, the Black Stars felt offended. They started quarreling with the Pandemonium fans.
The lights dimmed for a few seconds before the spotlight hit the centre of the stage.
Blaze stood at the very front, looking very dashing in front of the mic stand. Night looked as dangerously handsome as ever with his bass guitar. The ever smiling Thunder looked cute as always as he bounced on his seat in excitement behind the drums.
Then everyone saw Iris. Her elegant off-shoulder long black dress with thigh-high slit on one side contrasted with the band member's leather, spikes, metal and biker outfits. She should've looked out of place with her sophisticated outfit, but her high and sleek ponytail, bold cat eyeliner and blood-red lipstick successfully made her look as if she belonged.
That was until the fans recognized the guitar in her arms.
”What the f*ck?! That's Eros' guitar! I can't accept this!”
”What is she thinking? Does she think that everyone can play left-handed guitars just like that? She must be dreaming!”
Iris swept her eyes across the rowdy fans. Raising an eyebrow at them, her hands moved. Her fingers were quick like lightning yet smooth like fluid, as she produced an eruptive tune made up of a complicated chord progression. It was swift, sharp, heavy and electrically AWESOME!
Then she stopped.
One second. Two seconds. Three seconds.
Loud applause and screaming.
The Black Stars went crazy with delight. The Pandemonium fans went crazy with shock. The rest of the audience was captivated. Everyone asked for more.
Iris looked at the three band members and nodded. Even the three looked shocked but quickly recovered. Excitement glittered in their eyes as they looked at Iris in a new light.
Blaze spoke to the mic in a low voice. ”My fellow souls, both living and lost, are you ready to experience a 'Nightmare'?”
The drummer, Thunder, tapped his sticks. ”Three, two, one!”
And the song began.