Devil’s Music - Chapter 72: Lollapalooza Festival

“Professor… I just can’t believe it, but did Mr. Santana really ask me to perform at the Lollapalooza Festival?”

After everyone had left, Geon sat in the studio and asked Professor Sharon. With an envious glance, Sharon nodded in confirmation.

“Yes, Kei. That’s right. Do you know what the Lollapalooza Festival is?”

Geon nodded but admitted hesitantly, “I do, but not precisely.”

Sharon chuckled before explaining, “Lollapalooza has been around for 26 years now, with a hiatus of about 5 years in between. It’s a highly recognized music festival.”

Approaching Geon, Sharon continued, “What’s unique is that it’s not just for rock musicians. It covers everything from hip-hop to dance and EDM—basically, all genres where people can dance and have a blast.”

Geon, still seated, looked up at Sharon. “Really? I’ve seen stages with Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Green Day, and Red Hot Chili Peppers in videos. Do other musicians from different genres also perform?”

Sharon nodded, “Yes, indeed. Last year, it was Eminem, a white rapper, and OutKast on the main stage.”

“Really? Eminem? Hip-hop artists perform too?” Geon asked, astonished.

“Exactly. In 2010, Lady Gaga diving from the stage in fishnet stockings became a legendary incident,” Sharon added, noticing Geon’s surprise.

“Lady… Lady Gaga? That kind of music is also there? Can I perform on such a stage?” Geon stuttered.

Sharon, with a deep gaze, placed her hand on Geon’s shoulder. “It’s Santana’s choice, Kei. He’s the headliner for this festival. Do you realize how influential a band must be to headline the Saturday night 8 pm slot at a festival that lasts four days? They chose you.”

Geon, sounding uncertain, admitted, “Actually, that’s what worries me. I’m afraid I might disappoint.”

Patting Geon’s shoulder, Sharon reassured, “It’s just one song, right? Rob Thomas will handle the vocals overall. You’re an experienced performer from tours. Just take it easy, even if you mess up a bit. Live performances are different from recordings, and everyone understands minor slip-ups.”

As Geon looked up at Sharon, she flashed a bright smile. “The show is in 10 days. Santana’s members start gathering from tomorrow. Shall we go together to practice? If you give a good performance, your score for this semester is secure. How about it?”

Geon’s face brightened a bit. “Really? Alright!”

With a twirl of her index finger, Sharon added, “You’ve already scored well in studio classes, so as long as you don’t mess up the performance, it’s an assured A! But if you do mess up, it might become a B+. Okay?”

Two days later, at the ‘Chicago Cultural Center’

The Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark visited by tens of thousands annually, was known for hosting various artistic events. As a globally renowned band, Santana had booked the entire basement of the center for rehearsal seven days before the festival.

Accompanied by Professor Sharon, Geon entered the grand entrance of the Chicago Cultural Center and descended to the basement. Inside, a vast white room awaited them. It was at least twenty times larger than the practice rooms in Seongsu-dong from high school. Multiple Marshall amps were set up, and Carlos Santana sat checking his PRS Santana Signature guitar in an armchair.

A few steps away, Pearl’s 5-piece green drum set stood, and a Spanish-looking man with curly dark hair played an 8-bit tune, nodding in rhythm. Next to the drums, a short-haired African-American man adjusted the jack of his bass guitar, seemingly dissatisfied, while a middle-aged Caucasian man with short blond hair stood, observing with crossed arms.

The first to notice Geon and Sharon entering was the blond man. He grinned brightly, rushing to hug Sharon. “Sharon! How long has it been?”

Sharon patted his back, replying, “Rob, it’s been ages, hasn’t it? About 8 years, right? No G&B this time?”

Rob, making eye contact with Sharon, replied, “Yeah, still as beautiful as ever. Still alive, Sharon. G&B couldn’t make it this time. So, it’s up to me to sing even Maria Maria. Haha.”

Smiling, Sharon gestured towards Geon. “This here is Kei, who will be performing with us this time. He’s a student I teach at Juilliard.”

Rob extended his hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Rob Thomas.”

Geon, staring blankly, mechanically shook Rob’s hand. “Rob Thomas! Matchbox Twenty! This can’t be real?”

Chuckling at Geon’s disbelief, Rob said, “Relax. We’ve got a few days of practice ahead. Just call me Rob, okay?”

In the spirit of an easygoing conversation, Rob tapped Geon’s shoulder, aiming for a casual vibe without the hassle of formalities like ‘Sir’ or ‘Please.’

“Nothing’s set in stone yet, so relax. Carlos picked you, but if you don’t think it’s about skill, you can object,” Sharon said, her eyes twinkling.

“Carlos being involved leans it towards his personal band, right? If it’s his choice, it’s pretty much settled,” Rob shrugged.

“Well, that’s true. ‘Santana’ is mostly everyone else except Carlos, more of a session band. But I do have the right to object, Sharon,” he pointed out.

Sharon chuckled, “Oh really? Care to bet if you’d still say that after practice?”

Rob raised his eyebrows, turning to Geon. “Is K really that good? Good enough for Sharon’s approval? Fine, let’s bet. If I don’t voice my objection, Sharon and K pick the dinner spot. What sounds good?”

With a mischievous glint, Sharon replied, “K’s a Korean student… saw a Korean restaurant on North Lincoln Avenue, that traditional Korean building.”

Rob nodded, “Oh, right. That’d be ‘Joseonok.’ It’s a Korean barbecue place, went there once with Andy.”

“Yeah, just passed by, but if I lose, dinner’s on me tonight,” Sharon added.

“Deal, but if I do object, you’re picking. Also, K’s show gets canceled,” Rob countered.

With a slightly more serious look, Sharon asked, “Why so touchy, Rob? Something up? You’ve never opposed guest vocalists before.”

Rubbing his waist and glancing between Sharon and Geon, Rob sighed, bowing slightly. “Yeah, I might’ve been a bit touchy. K, sorry about that. First meeting, my bad, making you uncomfortable.”

Geon waved his hands, shaking his head, “Not at all, Rob. Every musician wants a great performance, right?”

Rob, after scrutinizing Geon for a moment, chuckled softly, addressing Sharon, “Actually, ‘Muse’ is set for this show. On the first day.”

Sharon nodded, “Muse is big enough for Lollapalooza. So? Is Santana feeling a rivalry with a band like that?”

Rob sighed deeply, shaking his head. “Have you heard ‘Time is Running Out’ by Muse in 2004?”

Sharon pointed, “I have. That music video won an award, right?”

Rob nodded, “Yeah, it won the ‘NME Award for Best Music Video.’ Anyway, that song hit me hard.”

At that moment, Carlos Santana appeared behind Rob, patting his shoulder. “Don’t mind him. He’s just feeling competitive on his own.”

Geon glanced at him, remarking, “Oh, Mr. Santana, it’s been a few days.”

Carlos chuckled, “Relax like Rob here. Call me K. And you, just call me Carlos.”

“Muse is a sacred band in British rock. We’re called the representative of Latin rock. I just dislike the idea of Latin rock trailing behind British rock,” Rob mentioned, removing Carlos’ hand from his shoulder.

“Hey, Carlos, why bother? The world thinks British rock is superior. I live with pride in Latin rock,” he added.

Carlos made a face, “But why’s someone like you doing alternative bands, not Latin rock? Matchbox Twenty is a Latin rock band?”

“What I like and what I’m good at are different. I didn’t leave my band just to become Santana’s guest vocalist,” Rob clarified.

Carlos smirked, patting Rob’s shoulder and gesturing behind him. “Okay, buddy. Go sit there. K’s practice is urgent, everyone’s waiting.”

After that practice session in Chicago,

Rob ended up spending a whopping $800 at Joseonok in Chicago, treating Geon, Sharon, himself, and the other band members to Korean barbecue and soybean paste stew. However, despite the hefty bill for grilled meats, Rob’s expression remained incredibly cheerful as he diligently served the grilled meat next to Geon throughout the day.

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