Drake was in the local venue behind the scenes tuning his favorite guitar Amber. She was his Dean Custom 380. He hand wired all of the Dimarzio pickups she had, and screwed in the strap locks. She had his blood and sweat in her. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes when he was finished and whipped out his zippo and lit up taking a long drag filling his lungs with the sweet poison before puffing it out in the innocent air. He made his way to the front of the stage to rig up his Orange amps and make sure his whole rig was set and ready. He had asked his manager to book this venue for months and they had finally gotten it after all the begging. He looked out into the open wooden floor that would hopefully be filled in a matter of 30 minutes. This was going to be one of the shows to remember. And hopefully sell enough of their homemade t-shirts to get some gas money to get back home. He felt a smirk grow on his face just looking at the surroundings getting himself overwhelmed with excitement.

Jack was in the back whilst drake was setting up. He had been for the last hour,mostly napping however he had woken up and was just adding the finishing touches to his hair in the mirror. He had got it just right and turned to look at the slim italian suit that was hung up in front of him. A black pinstripe beauty that he had bought as a present to himself it had almost bankrupted him but it was all worth it. Despite not suiting the feel of the band exactly he was the suave gentleman and the ladies loved it. A quick spin and another look i the mirror passed before he took the suit of the hanger and begun to dress himself.

As he pushed the last button into place he took another look in the mirror and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. It was exactly the look he wanted. Stepping out of the back room he stepped out and smelt the air. It was almost as if the event was building all around him and the buzz was beginning to fill his body, he walked out slowly up too Drake and tapped him on the shoulder.

He felt someone tap he shoulders and he spun around freaked out at first. Then he noticed it was jack and calmed down. "What up slick! I swear if we sold every shirt we had it still couldn't pay for that suit you love so much." he said laughing as he moved to finish setting the stage. They had a good bit of work to do plus this was their first gig here. He didn't want to disappoint any new fans at their show. Granted his appearance compared to Jacks was probably a small disappointment but oh well. Drake played guitar and he knew his skills would make up for it. When he finished the stage he turned to Jack. "Hey want to help me set up the merch booth?"

Jack laughed as Drake calle him slick, the whole joking about his suit and style was an ongoing joke that he had no problems about. Noticing the comment about the suit he gave a little spin and winked.

"What can i say, I am a man of fine tastes and the suit is just one of the fine things I own. Besides it makes you seem so much less important stood next to this."

When Drake mentioned the booth Jack gave a genuine smile, despite his smooth and cheeky personality he actually valued Drake's friendship highly and was always happy to help the guy. He had a good heart and that was something you found less and less these days. Grabbing a box he lifted open the lid and pulled out the dark grey Tee with 'Out of Thin Air' and checked it out. He would of course never wear one of these cheaply made things himself however Drake had killed himself to get al of the merchandise out and Jack was grateful.

"'Of course boss, I'll grab a couple more fo these and you show me where."

Drake just laughs at the comments and starts to move some of the boxes. "Just move them over here to top of these tables and what doesn't fit just put it under them." he said as he started stocking and opening boxes. He soon got a sharpie and wrote the asking price on the boxes so the fans would know immediately. When he finished he took a couple out to drape over his amps for advertisement and a sweat rag. Drake paid for them so he could use them as a sweat rag if he wished. He then started to set up his light effects pedal he rigged up to the lights had put together. "So how many girls do you think your going to get tonight zz top?"

Jack grabbed a couple more boxes and dropped 2 of them on the table before pushing the last one under the desk. He threw a 20 into the cash tin to get the money started before turning and grabbing a small crate and sitting down as Drake fixed up the lights. Shrugging his shoulders he spoke.

"I have no idea, I guess it depends on who shows up, that one girl who wore the boots...she was fine.."

Jack trailed off and then spoke again.

"But of course I shall be looking out during the gig and see who shows up afterwards. Are you gunna want some help clearing up or are you planning on finding yourself a women as well?"

"Girl with boots that's specific." Drake said laughing. "Nah man I can handle the stage unless you absolutely are bored to tears find a girl tonight." he said as he set up Jack's mic stand and started to test to make sure it sounded right. He nodded when he found it sounded right. Then all that was really left for the band was to play. He sat at the edge of the stage to finish his smoke. "As for me getting a girl tonight.; I don't really know. I guess it could happen. She would obviously have to around after I'm finished tearing the set down and be willing go back to my shitty little apartment." He said laughing practically joking on the fumes in his lungs. "I swear the walls in that place are made out of balsa wood I yawned I swear I heard a crack."

"Drake man, you know I am no good with names...apart from yours of course."

Jack watched as Drake finished with his mic and just shook his head.

"I have no idea but honestly this is not the best location there is around the world. By the time the crowd is done bouncing around the floor is going to have fallen in but of course we will have made our money so its all good."

"I don't even know how half that shit works and you can get yourself setting it all up every time. You're a hero man."

He gave Drake a cheeky wink and looked at his watch which looked way to cheap for the suit.

"Hey do you think it's almost time to open the doors?"

Drake strapped his guitar on and played a few chords for sound check. "Yeah it should be opening soon" he said as he looked to make sure the rest of the group was ready before the show.started. He waited as he finished his cigarette and put it out underneath his foot. He then just waited patiently for the owners of the venue to open up the doors. This was it if they nailed this venue chances were they were going to get noticed here. Most people who got out of this town came here and played. It was famous in the community and to record companies. This was the shot they needed. Now if they didn't make it would he care? Probably not. He had a great time hanging out with Jack and the rest of the people in town and helping run the guitar store with his dad. This was just a way to change everything up.

Jack winked at Drake as he strummed the guitar and took his position off stage. He always started off stage, it gave the others to both warm up the crowd and be the focus of attention without his singing getting in the way. The heart of the concert would be all him and then the others could have some solos and the end. It was a good way to give everyone some time in the limelight. Waving his hand a couple of young, skinny blonde bimbos came over carrying a bottle of water and his mic. He always got the manager to pick a couple of girls like that from the crowd on each gig to be his little assistants. He loved the attention and the girls loved being backstage, it was a win win. If he got to shag them that night as well then it was just a bonus. Sitting down on a sofa off stage a bimbo wrapped herself around each of his arms and he sipped the water as he mused on the venue. The place was a shit hole yet, as Drake had sold it to them, it was a shithole where a lot of big artists had been spotted there was certainly going to be at least 1 producer in the crowd or at the bar and he was going to make them want more. This was his chance to stop putting on music for the radio and start making music for the radio instead. Taking another sip the sounds of shouting and quick shuffling cut through the quiet as the doors were finally opened. Some of the crowd would be fans who certainly would be the loudest however a majority would simply be here for a good time and he was counting on Drake and the others to warm up the crowd and get them really going.

"Pass us the earplugs hunny, I'm gunna need them in a sec."

He pointed the girl on his right arm to the pale plastic ear plugs that meant he could hear the music but not deafen himself.

Drake made sure all the lights were off around the stage so it looked really dark before everyone came in through the doors. He looked at the rest of the band with a wink. "Alright everybody lets 'em wet and wild before slicks makes his appearance guys!" everyone laughs as they wait on Drakes opening part. Soon the doors open and a swarm of teens storm in. Some fans some not. He didn't care it was people. Drake Hit a few chords in the dark to get things going before kicking the lights on. He then goes into a finger tapping intro that lead the other instruments in. After that he hits the next bridge chords and goes to Jacks microphone. "Hello we are out of thin air and I'd like you meat my good buddy slick in the back! Get on out here you bloody prick!" he says laughing before returning to his part of the stage.

Jack laughed as Drake introduced him, the man had always had such a way with words. Pushing the plugs in he shooed the girls off before leaving them on the sofa and walked up to the edge of the stage. Taking a deep breath he slowed himself and then stepped out. The air was thick with the stench of gig and he loved it, it was like his drug. Sauntering up too his mic he winked at a couple of the girls in the front before pointing at Drake.

"Thankyou for that...heart warming...introduction Drake."

Jack turned to the crowd again now and gave that wry little smile he always did before singing.

" Are you..."

Jack paused.

"...fucking ready?"

His last word was drowned out mostly by the crowd and as he finished the song burst out of the speakers as if his bandmates had read his mind on when to come in. The song started out quietly in fact however it built. Like water against a dam it was simply waiting to be let go. Jack started singing more high pitched now in the chorus of the song, inviting the crowd to sing along. As the chorus finished the music was released, Drake slammed out a short guitar solo before the others jumped in and Jack was singing more deeply now, much to his preference. His deep tones resonated around the room sending most of the crowd mental. People were dancing, clapping and moshing. It was carnage, exactly how Jack liked it.

Drake just laughed as he continued to play. He loved to play in front of crowds like this. Nothing was expected if you saw two girls make out it was cool. If you saw two dudes that's always interesting. So far I've found people are more comfortable with anything at a concert. Something about everyone being plastered out of their mind negates any decision others make. Anyways Drake played his heart out and jumped around to prove it. He would get next to jack for the chorus parts and sing with him sometimes mess around play on top of the drum head. Drake didn't care about what others though of him. Drake saw a girl in the crowd looking at him and Drake was stunned aside from play for a split second looking at this beauty in the crowd. He soon snapped out of it to get back to the show. Maybe if she was around later he would chat with her a bit.

The show was the best they had ever done. Drake seemed to be in a music berserk and he wasn't going to get in the way of that. As the gig drew on the music slowed towards the middle before livening up and going mental at the end. It wasn't the longest set they had done however they were only doing their own work and not covering as they had done in the past. The lighting seemed to make it seem almost unearthly, Drake really had done a work of art with them and his pedals were being worn down. As the final song drew to a close, Jack did as he always did and left slightly early to allow his bandmates the final cheers. It was their moment as well and he loved them reveling in it. The crowd had been amazing and Jack had sweat pouring from him, this was the time to put away the sit. After about 10 minutes he had dragged himself out of it and was in the usual blue skinny jeans, a cotton shirt (top button done up) and a pair of black converses. As he found himself back stage again he crashed onto the sofa waiting for Drake to finish. He would catch up before heading out. However as he was thinking he was cut off as one of the blonde bimbo's ran over, mounted him and stuck her tongue down his throat. Despite the initial shock he didn't turn down the opotunity and was only stopped when their manager coughed loudly. He pulled out and grinned at the man standing over them.

"I need to talk to you and the others when your all ready."

Drake saw Jack walk off and gave a nod as he went to his pedal board. He kicked on his fuzz pedal and his Whammy Pedal and just went at it. This was the last solo of the day. He prolonged it a bit just for fun and get the fans really entertained. When he was done he was on his knees at the end of the stage almost leaning back to where he was laying down as he strummed the last chord and finished off the show. He quickly kicked off the lights as the fans were cheering after everything was said and done. He got up and grabbed a bottle of water and head back stage to see how the money count was for shirts and tickets. "So that was pretty bloody awesome if I do say so myself." He said as he used his sweat rag shirt to wipe the sweat away. He saw their manager then raised an eyebrow. "What did I miss?"

Jack smiled as Drake came back stage. Turning he offered a fist.

"Drake man the gig was awesome. I know we all did well but you are the one who has really got this place ging getting it all set up and such. You should be proud man. Although I am not sure about this. Boss wants a chat."

Turning back to the manager he slid his hand down the back of the bimbo's mini skirt whilst he listened. She didn't seem to care much.

"Boys the gig was a sell out. A full house and all of the T-Shirts sold. However that is not the best news. There was a scout at the bar. Probably couldn't have seen him the guy is like a midget. He liked what he heard and approached me during the gig. He wants to bring you boys to his studio to show his producers. Lads you may have just hit the big time."

The grin in the managers face was as wide as the mans belly however it was a grin Jack shared.

"What label boss?"

The manager's smile lowered a bit.

"Well it's not a HUGE label. Y'know."

There was an uncomfortable silence.

"You gunna tell us boss?"

"Yeah telling us would be nice. I'd like to have our first label bring us to a studio not somebodies bloody basement." Drake said laughing before he lit a smoke. He was happy though label notice was notice. You know if I end up in anything that doesn't at least have hard wood floors and a sound booth I'm going to be pissed. If it's anything less we might as well just make another record at my shop." he joked. Drake never really did trust bad new so he at least tried to make it funny so if it was bad it wouldn't be the biggest let down of this planet. Just a small hole at the most. You know the hole that your not sure which is more disappointing about it the fact that the hole is small or that someone bothered to even make a hole in the first place. Either way this meeting had to end soon. he had to tear down the stage and see if that girl from earlier was still there.

"Hopeless Records."

The manager had a grin like a cat with cream. The band members not so big a grin. Jack ended up speaking for the others.

"Ermm...who boss?"

The prospect of a decent label seemed gone now. Jack thought otherwise. Because of his work in radio he had got to know the music of a lot of unknown labels and bands. This label dealt mostly in Punk to Alternative. Perfect for them. Jack slid himself off the bimbo and turned to the band.

"C'mon guys this is gunna be great for us. So lets get the set down, have some fun and we can talk about this more tomorrow. SOund good?"

First Jack directed this at their manager who nodded and then looked at the other members to gauge their answer. However as he was looking back from the manager he saw the two bimbos again trying to attach themselves to his arm.

"Maybe YOU get the set down? I think I have some pressing matters back at my place."

You couldn't describe how wide Jacks grin was.

Drake heard Jack's enthusiasm and laughs to himself and shrugs. "Whatever you say man. If it works it works I guess. I'll let you know my true decision in the morning. Anyways I have a stage to take down." he blew the poison in the air and headed back to the stage. He put up his guitar first and foremost before tearing down the set. He secretly was excited about this opportunity. Even if this didn't work it was already buzz in the music community about them now. He finished off the smoke he currently had and soon lit another. After Drake lit his smoke looked out at the bar, and saw the girl from earlier was there waiting on him. She had waited there the entire time and he raised an eyebrow. She soon came up to him and started up conversation about the show.

Jack smile as Drake led the others away to help get down the stage. Drake got him, not a manual labour kind of guy. Turning to the two blondes he gave his smooth grin and led the, towards the back room door.

"Now ladies, which one of you is going to be sitting in the front?"

"We thought we could just sit on eachothers lap?"

One of the blondes replied however he couldn't remember the girls name. They both had the bimbo voice and look. He smiled again and led them too his Golf in the carpark. Turning over the engine it rumbled into life. If there was one lady he always took care of it was his care. He had always loved th older Golf GTI and despite being quite fuel hungry for a smaller car it went like a bat out of hell and looked amazing. The drive was a short one back to his flat and as he arse pushed the door to his room open he dropped his suit onto a large leather chair and flicked on the lights. The flat was a mess but he liked it just so. Turning one of the girls had already dropped off her top and was walking towards him. He pulled off his own tee and backed towards his bed. The other girl was behind her friend bra off as well. It was going to be a good night.