Read Hard Rock Unrehearsed for Free Online

and support of his band and crew.”  Luis held his hand up as voices rose.  “Richie will stay in the hospital here before transferring to a rehab centre.  At this time I ask all of you to be careful who you talk to.  Richie and his family don’t need the dirt the tabloids are going to be throwing at them.  We all know Richie wasn’t a saint and we’re not going to pretend he was, but we’re also not going to add to his troubles by telling stories to the tabloids.  Anyone who does will be summarily dismissed and I’ll make sure everyone in the industry knows that they aren’t to be trusted.  That is a promise you can bank on.”  Luis looked around the silent room before he continued.
    “Now to news of the tour, we are not cancelling but are continuing on as Richie wanted.”  A roar erupted as everyone thumped tables and stamped their feet.  “As some of you know, as you set up the equipment, we’ve had auditions today to find someone to stand-in for Richie.  We had four very talented people come out and after playing with all of them the band has made a decision.  It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to the drummer that will take us through the rest of the tour, Jay Gallado!”
    There was a stunned silence as Jay stood there before the women in the crew began whistling and shouting which was quickly picked up by the rest.  Jade nodded, smiled and waved her acknowledgement.  They calmed as Luis held his hand up for silence.
    “Jay comes to us from the studio where she has been recording with the newly reformed Killing Fields.  She comes highly recommended and you will all understand why she was offered the job when you hear her play.  We were supposed to stay here for our three day break before heading to Miami but we’ve had to alter our plans.  We need at least a day to rehearse the show and a soft run through before we open with Jay in Richie’s chair.  We need it perfect both for the fans and for us, therefore we’ll be flying out earlier than scheduled.  A few of the crew have already left with the heavier equipment and the rest of you will be leaving in the next three hours so let’s get done here and get busy.  We have a show to do!”
    The crew immediately started leaving talking animatedly amongst themselves while sliding looks over to the band’s table.  Through it all Jade smiled, nodded and sipped her coffee trying very hard to look relaxed and as if she didn’t have a care in the world.  It was a big fat lie!  All those eyes staring at her and the whispering made her feel damned uncomfortable but she supposed she would have to get used to it as it was going to be her life for the next six weeks!  She was still sipping when Luis’s next words made her splutter and spit her coffee over the table!
    “We have twenty minutes to get up to the conference room where I have a press conference set up to introduce Jay to the media.  I will give a small introduction and then there will be time for a few questions.  You will only answer questions pertaining to the tour.  Jay will only answer questions regarding her music.   There will be time at a later date to give a more comprehensive interview to a few selected journalists when we have more time to set it up.”  Luis looked around the table as they all nodded and he slid his chair back.  “Then let’s get to it people.”
    And just like that the dinner was over.
    Jade stood waiting nervously outside the door to the conference room listening to the questions being shouted at the band who sat at a long table facing the media.  Luis sat at one end and controlled the interview.  Some of the questions shouted obviously came from the tabloid press as they were devoid of any decency and Luis ignored them as if they had never spoken.  Instead he pointed at pre-chosen reporters and only their questions were being answered.  Her heart thumped in her chest as Trace started to speak.
    “This is a very difficult time for