#this was his solo at the beginning of the encore

[metallicaislife]

After the Show

Requested by: Anon

Genre: 18+ Smut, minors dni

Word Count: 774

Warnings: oral (m receiving), unprotected sex, m x f pairing

I was so ecstatic when my schedule aligned with Kirk’s so I could finally go on tour with him. Being with him on the road has been a whole new experience. I thought he was horny before, but after shows when he’s all sweaty and in his element. I can’t even begin to describe. 

We’d been traveling the past couple days to make it to the next city and they have a show tonight. I don’t know what’s in the air but I could not keep my hands to myself. 

It started with small touches to his arms and back. Later I was sitting on his lap and purposefully shifted so my ass rubbed against his dick. 

“Babe.” Kirk warned. I turned to look at him over my shoulder. 

“What?” I replied innocently. He gave me a look. “Sorry I can’t help myself.” I said a flirty smile playing on my lips. He held my hips firmly so I couldn’t squirm anymore, much to my dismay. 

Soon it was time for them to go on. I stopped him and gave him a passionate kiss. When I pulled away I whispered to him. 

“If you play well tonight, maybe I’ll have a surprise for you.” When he pulled back he had a smirk on his face and a fire in his eyes. He didn’t have time to respond and he went on stage. 

I sat in the back listening to song after song. Kirk nailed every solo and I could hear the passion in his playing. 

Before I knew it, the concert was over. I glanced up, our eyes met. He was sweaty, his shirt already off. His nostrils flared and I knew I was in for a good time. He beelined it straight to me and grabbed my hand. 

“Dude we have an encore.” James called out. 

“Go on without me.” Kirk said over his shoulder. Shit I was in for a really good time. 

He found the closest closet and opened it pushing me inside. He closed and locked it. Our lips met in a fiery kiss. 

“How’d I do?” He asked as his hands kneaded my ass. 

“You did so good.” I praised him, as I palmed his hardening cock through his pants.

“Do I get my surprise then?” He asked and I nodded. 

I dropped to my knees. I unbuttoned his pants and pulled them down to his knees. I took his cock in my hand and gave it two soft pumps. I ran my thumb over his tip, before licking the underside from base to tip. I opened my mouth and he slipped in until the tip of his cock hit the back of my throat. 

“Fuck, babe.” He hissed. I hollowed out my cheeks and began bobbing my head back and forth. I kept my eyes on him watching as his face contorted in pleasure. His head fell back and his hips started moving. Tears stung my eyes. 

“Fuck babe. I forgot how fucking good you are at this.” He groaned as his hips snapped a little harder fucking my throat. Watching him get off, I couldn’t help but lift my skirt and move my panties to the side so I could rub myself and feel the same pleasure I was giving him. 

“Are you getting off on pleasing me?” He asked breathlessly. I whined against his cock and he groaned. 

“Such a dirty girl. My sexy little slut.” He said. He stepped away. His cock leaving my mouth with a pop. Spit and precum dribbling down my chin. Kirk stood me up and flipped my skirt up. He tore the flimsy fabric of my panties and picked me up putting my back against the door as he thrusted up into me. I screamed as I clung to his shoulders and wrapped my legs around him. He found the perfect angle, I was totally blissed out. He came first but kept rutting into me mercilessly until I found my release. He slowed down and continued holding me with his head on my shoulder. Our chests heaved. He pulled out and set me down. 

“That was so fucking good babe.” He said pulling up his pants. 

“Mmm.” I hummed nodding, my brain too fuzzy to form a coherent sentence. Kirk chuckled and kissed my forehead. He wiped my chin then led me out of the storage closet. 

James was furious. As he pulled Kirk on stage for the belated encore. I sat down. I was content and listened as my perfect boyfriend played for his fans as if he hadn’t just had some of the best sex of his life.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to request or chat :)

-Isa

[justheretop0st]

At First Sight

Inspired by this wonderful person's art. Check them out! @substellaris

Word Count: 7.5K

Triggers: None that I am aware of

He’d never know that he had such a talent. Not until he’d met Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. He was an excellent flyer and seeker, but that was something he felt needed to be saved for his own time. As a way to unwind and relax. What he eventually found out was he was able to pick up the bass quite well. Ron’s older brother, Charlie, had picked up a bass and only used it when he remembered he had it. It was a broken and put together bass, but with a little elbow grease and a little magic, it worked beautifully. 

It was long and grueling work for such little pay off, but with Ron, Hermione, and Luna, they’d managed to entertain the local area. Playing little one offs with little to no tips. But that didn’t matter. The kids dancing in the street with their parents scolding them yet bobbing their heads to the music. The cute elderly couple who would have preferred softer and melodic music, still stopped to offer their respects and a couple of suggestions. 

They had kept this going as a pass time. Every weekend they would drag heavy cases down the road to the main town, entertaining muggles, witches, and wizards alike. It didn’t matter with music. Because as long as he saw a smile, he knew they were doing good. 

So, when they had an offer from a club in London to play opening for a larger band, they had said yes with the upmost energy. They had no idea what this would lead to, but they knew it was an experience they could not pass up. At eighteen, they packed up Harry’s van, this being the beginning of a wonderful career. 

Now they stood on the largest stage in the wizarding world, surrounded by thousands of fans on the first night of their tour. Luna was adored for her angelic voice. Hermione was applauded for her skills on the guitar and piano. Ron was beloved for his passion and control. Harry knew he was cherished for his simple yet powerful amplification of his part in the songs Luna wrote. They worked in perfect harmony and years later from that fateful invitation, they stood loved by witches, wizards, and muggles alike. 

The lights in the concert hall shone brightly, illuminating face after face. Occasionally he would smile and chuckle at preposterous signs of “Marry Me!” And other declarations. He always tried to read the signs, smile at fans, and show just how grateful he was to be standing where he was. He started with nothing. They all did. But now, they stood on stage, performing for the people of this city. 

As he played his rifts and rhythms, he looked up from his own fingers and in a moment, time stood still. There was no sound of music. There was no sound of cheers. He could only hear his Instead of a bright blue, red, or green strobe light, this man was illuminated by a simple white light. Harry took in the angelic sight before him. Platinum hair that had was neatly styled. His grey eyes widened in realization, as if he realized that Harry was focused solely on him. 

A heat spread across Harry's face as things began to play again. Harry heart the hall chanting his name as his muscle memory took over, playing his own mini solo in the time that pasted. His eyes roamed the hall for a moment but searched in the crowd of shadowed faces for the man he had seen. He tried to keep up the energy, but his shoulders slumped in disappointment. 

After the performance and an encore, they had finally completed the finale and settled backstage. Ron and Hermione stood talking excitedly about the performance while Harry was slumped on the couch provided. His arms were crossed as he stared at the floor, the mystery man’s face completely engrained in his mind. He had never experienced this feeling before. He had never made time stand still. Though, he could compare the experience to the first time he picked up a bass. 

A cool feeling crept through his skin. He usually felt an obsessive heat under his skin the drove him in every decision, but this chilling embrace, offered a refreshing feeling. It wasn't any less, but a new form of passion that he had never experienced again. Until now. 

He snapped from his thoughts as there was a bounce of weight next to him. Luna was sat sideways and facing towards him, smiling in the knowing way that she always did. “So, what does he look like?” 

Harry was startled by the blatant question but was not surprised. Luna was keenly perceptive in the best possible way, but it often left her blunt and with no filter. “He’s an impeccable beauty. He’s got these grey eyes that just seemed to shine Luna. I mean really shine. He’s got blonde hair, but it was so neat and just framed his face so well. I’ve never seen anyone look so... well, it too bad there is zero to zero chance of anything happening.” 

“Well of course nothing will happen,” Luna said this in a cheery voice and a smile that made her eyes appear closed. 

“Eh, well thank you for pointing out the obvious.” 

“No, I mean of course nothing will happen. You’re just sitting here instead of going out to look for this mystery man!” Harry cocked an eye at Luna. While people had assumed that living as a band meant total freedom, there were certain restrictions their manager had placed hoping to sell more tickets and backstage visits. “I can’t just leave Luna- “

She quickly grabbed his hand and gave a squeeze, smile on her face. “Yes, you can.” 

Normally he wouldn’t think twice about running off to do what he wanted. But this was their job. He wouldn’t put that at risk. “But- “ 

“You should go mate. Well keep things covered here.” Ron had leaned against the back of the couch between the two and looked over at Harry. “You’re so caught up with everyone else. Go.” 

“Ehem, I’m sorry Harry but it would seem our first group of people are here.” Just as Harry was getting up to grab his jacket, his shoulder slumped in disappointment. He just had permission from his friends and technically coworkers. He was willing to search, but the sound of their manager opening the door and walking in with a group quickly broke his hope to at least try to find this man. 

“Well best get prepa- “Harry’s eyes widened as his eyes met a familiar set of grey ones. 

——————

Draco did not want to go to this concert. He didn’t. He had better things to do that his father had expected of him. Surely Pansy and Blaise would understand? 

They didn’t. He sat in front of the mirror and styled his hair as Pansy sat beside him putting on make-up. “You know you could say thank you.” 

“Why? Because you both are forcing me to go to a concert. I believe it should be the other way around.” He grabbed a choker necklace that held an S and patted it snugly against his skin. 

Pansy rolled her eyes as she finished applying dark lipstick. Blaise put a hand on Draco’s shoulder and leaned over him with a smile. “You deserve a break. It’s hard being a ‘Nepo Baby’. Besides, your father will never hear of this, I promise.” 

Draco only stuck his nose up as he scoffed. Of course it was about that. He had secret pleasures such as this. Of course, he was so thankful that Pansy won the radio call-in for three floor seats and backstage passes, but he had built a reputation by direction of his father. No one in his position would be caught dead at a concert like this, mixed with muggles. But he did want to go deep down. 

So, when they were sat cheering and taking photos for their own personal records, it took him by surprise to meet bright green eyes. His face suddenly felt hot and though he was positive it was meant to be a general glance out to the crowd, he found it wasn’t. 

He’d seen the Famous Harry Potters eyes in magazines Pansy let him borrow, the pictures did not do him justice. He’d always found the Potter boy to be quite handsome but seeing him in person was a whole new experience. Their eyes remained connected through the song and Draco couldn’t break the heat that spread across his cheeks and under his skin. It sent chills and comfort through his body. He wanted to feel that more. He kept contact with Potters green eyes. They were so still and focused on him. Draco half wondered if it was even directed with him at all. But the focus in Potters eyes was enough to tell him that it was.

Suddenly, Draco didn’t care that he had come against his better judgement. Potter had ended up breaking the connection first as the song came to an end. Draco felt the icy feeling creep back into his body as he wanted to catch Potters eye again. But he stood patiently staring at him and his precise fingers that pressed and played his bass. 

Before the end of the concert, Pansy had pulled him and Blaise to the meeting location to the meet the band. Draco had almost forgot that Pansy had backstage passes. While waiting outside the door, Draco stood slicking his hair back only for it to fall back into place. Darn his hair product for working so well. Blaise, who was leaned against the wall, chuckled at his vain attempt to look better. “Doubt it’s going to do much.” He said in a sing-song voice. Draco glared at him, but knew it was in vain. Potter was some famous superstar while he was just a politician’s son. Still didn’t mean he couldn’t make a good impression. He wasn’t some superfan like Pansy. 

The door shot open as a tall wizard with sunglasses checked their passes and brought them in as the first group. They had a fifteen-minute backstage meet n greet so he would try to make the most of it before he returned to his boring and strict life. They followed him in succession and finally, they walked past the threshold. 

Pansy tried hard to hold it inside. She so desperately wanted to ask for autographs, but opted to hold it in. Blaise played it cool and smiled at the band before them. He just had to be the epitome of cool. Draco, however, searched the room for Potter, only to be surprised that Potter was already looking at him. 

“Alright gang, here’s the first group! Have fun!” The door shut behind them as Luna and Hermione walked to the group with smiles and talking to the group. 

Ron stayed by Harry and leaned down to whisper in his ear, “Bloody hell, is that- “ 

Harry could only nod, his eyes not leaving Draco’s even though he was being polite and responding to Luna and Hermione. “Harry, that Lucius Malfoy’s kid. Draco, I think- Right sorry, I forget you don’t keep up with that stuff. Lucius is a politician; he has poured money into Draco becoming the next minister. My father works in a different department and has told me how much Lucius harps on Draco.” 

Harry took in the information with a frown but moved to stand as he gestured to Ron to follow. “Don’t know much about that. But something changed. I can just feel it.” 

As they approached, Harry smiled at the small group, but stopped in front of the grey eyed beauty. “Hi there, thanks for coming to the show. It was quite magical I hope.” Harry glanced at Draco when he said this and noticed his cheeks grow red, but Draco didn’t look away. 

“It was amazing! Thank you so much for setting this up. I never thought I would have the opportunity to meet you guys.” Pansy seemed to not be able to hold it in anymore as she gushed about how much she loved their music, breaking down their performances and ranking them. Blaise stood idly with Ron as they had a simple conversation. Harry really couldn’t hear what about, but he held out a hand to Draco and smiled softly. “Hi.” 

Draco let out an airy snort before reaching out and taking Harry’s hand. “Hello.” Harry gestured to the couch and the two departed from the group to take a seat and just talk. It wasn’t a long conversation, after all, they had fifteen minutes. But Harry immediately felt that cooling sensation he had before. This time it was more intense. Draco enjoyed every minute of their conversation. Despite the prim and proper nature of his conversations with those in the ministry, he didn’t feel the need to fake himself. After all, they would never meet again. But Draco would surely treasure this moment. 

As the door opened with new people to meet the group, Pansy and Blaise stood for one last photo, asking for Draco and Harry to join. They stood and before they joined the group, Harry took a chance. “Draco, um,” well he should have had something planned. He began to fidget with his bracelet, then it clicked. “Here., I want you to have this. If not as a promise we can meet again, but then as a thank you for coming to the concert.” 

Draco felt Pansy and Blaise’s eyes on him as he grabbed the bracelet and held it in his hands. It had a red leather band with braided leather strips with little gold chains. Draco then held out his arm, offering the bracelet back. “Would you help me?” 

Harry smiled and proceeded to clip the bracelet in place. His hand stayed a little longer than needed before the let go. Draco returned the smile briefly before turning to return to his friends, casually throwing over his shoulder a, “I’m in touch.” 

—————

The two began writing every day. Sometimes it was as simple as good morning and good day. Other times, there were pages and pages of each other’s story. Harry didn’t hesitate to disclose himself to Draco while Draco seemed hesitant. When Draco wrote, he often tried to leave names out his correspondence. However, a few missteps lead Harry, Hermione, to hypothesize that Draco was likely being careful because of his affiliation to his father. It wasn’t hard to believe. 

Harry’s time was often filled with practices and other work that demanded his attention. However, he made the time to reach out and even offer to come to Draco, after all, he could easily ask for forgiveness than permission if he missed something with work. Draco couldn’t it seemed. 

Draco responded at least twice a day, an initial greeting and a quick written explanation that he was too busy to chat. Harry once asked if he could visit Draco. This was shut down in record time. Harry was grateful for the time he was able to get from Draco. His letters alone made him feel better after a hectic day. He kept every single letter and re-read them when Draco happened to be busy. He’d often read the Prophet in hopes of catching a glimpse of Draco, but it hadn’t been successful. Draco hadn’t disclosed much about his job, what he wanted to do, or anything else. 

Ron noticed how much Harry began to sulk about Draco and as the great friend he was, offered a simple solution. “Just go see him?” Harry scoffed and tossed the cushion that he had been holding tightly against his chest. 

“Sure, seems easy when you think about it. But I can’t just barge in and expect he’d be ok to see me. Especially when he’s told me, and I quote, ‘You shall not come and visit. I forbid it.’ Sure Ron, should go swimmingly.” 

“Alright, no need to chomp off my head for it. Just gets depressing seeing you wallow in self-pity. Boo-hoo, can’t see your boyfriend. Either do something about it or accept that you two are just too different to really make whatever it is you’ve got work.” Ron sat down on the other end of the couch picking up the daily Prophet. 

Harry didn’t retort but sat there going over what Ron had said. As much as he hated it, he knew Ron had a point. And so, he acted as he normally would, as ‘calm and rationally’ as possible and he set to work. 

———

Draco sat at his desk with droopy eyes. Gosh did he want to sleep, but the work needed to be done. His father had demanded it and, well, what his father wanted, he got. He lived alone, but still the flat held his father’s presence. Neat and devoid of any life. He had to fight for his own space, arguing that it would make him more relatable to others when it got closer to elections and such. But even then, this wasn’t his own. He hated the marble counters that were trimmed with gold and black. He hated the columns that dotted the flat. Even the black colored floor that screamed elegance, but it wasn’t him. 

Pansy and Blaise had tried to spruce up the place with friendly pictures and small tokens of their friendship, but it all disappeared with a flick of his father’s wand. Draco shook his head and refocused on the work in front of him. If he completed it and grabbed an official position in the ministry, then his father would certainly stop being as strict as he was. Even with his mother’s protection, it didn’t spare him from much as he grew up. 

Small tapping caught his attention as he looked around. Perhaps it was a neighbor? He shook his head and refocused. Work to do. 

But it happened again, this time with a barrage of taping that he then realized came from his window. He turned and rose from his seat. Who would be writing this late? He opened the curtains but couldn’t see anything. Against his better judgement, he opened the window to take a better look outside. 

This time he was hit with a barrage of pebbles that fell to the floor and through his shirt. “What the- “ 

“Draco!” A forced scream whisper sounded through his very chest. Certainly, it wasn’t- “Draco!” 

He leaned back out the window and looked down to see none other than the famous Harry Potter. He frowned but crossed his arms against the window seal. “And what are you doing here Potter? Didn’t I expressly forbid you from simply stopping by?” 

Harry flinched at the tone, but it was worth a shot. “I know. But I just wanted to see you.” The candor of the statement shot through Draco’s icy exterior as his eyes widened with shock. “I will leave if you want me to. But I was going to invite you out flying.” 

Draco loved flying. He was a natural when he was young, but when his father’s tutors came, that all came to a stop. He bit the inside of his cheek. He could afford a break, right? Opting to not seem too eager he waved his hand out the window, gesturing for Harry to come up. Harry took notice of a certain bracelet Draco was wearing. 

———

Though he was dressed in his formal wear, he still flew with ease. Harry laughed as they both circled each other and raced along the night sky. Draco was as serious and calm as he could be. The air rushed through his hair, and he certainly felt more alive and aware than he had an hour ago. He’d free fall a couple hundred feet and catch himself before he could break the line of the sky. 

They’d finally found a comfortable spot to simply hover and watch the stars. Harry was able to lean back with his hands in his pocket, while Draco leaned forward with his arms folded against the wood of his broom. 

“Thanks. For inviting me out. But don’t expect that you can just show up like this again.” Harry looked over at Draco and smiled. 

“I mean, I missed looking at your face. You have a nice smile when you’re doing something you love.” Draco tried to push down the blush that spread across his face and to his ears, but he knew he failed. 

“Suppose it would be easy for you to say that. You get to do what you love every day.” 

“Well tell me than, what would you be doing then? Because I know it isn’t whatever it is you’re doing now.”

Draco stayed silent. He’d thought of it. But there wasn’t much he could do to make the dream a reality. He’d love to be an alchemist, healer, or potioneer. He wanted to create, and he knew he was good at it. He wanted to fix things; he’s done it before. But it was just a dream. Nothing more. “What makes you think I don’t love what I’m doing?” 

“Draco,” Harry sat forward and ducked to try and look at Draco directly, “You never look happy. You’re always busy. And even though this is the first time we’ve met up since the concert, you look exhausted in a bad way.”

“Like there is a good way. It’s work.”

“Well, yeah. I get exhausted most days. My shoulder, arm, and hands get sore. There are some days my fingers bleed. But it’s not a bad thing. It’s something I love doing. Creating music with my friends and sharing it with the world. You deserve that too Draco.” 

Draco finally looked over at Harry, his eyes soft. Once Harry took a second look, he leaned his broom closer to Draco’s and hesitated for a moment before wrapping an arm around Draco’s shoulders. Draco never let himself really feel. He never had a choice but to feel thankful for the opportunities his father provided. Hearing Harry’s passion for his work, it just shows how much he was missing. Draco let a tear fall. Then another. Until he was fully leaned into Harry’s embrace. It was messy and wobbly given that they were in the air still, but Draco didn’t care. 

Harry rubbed Draco’s shoulder as he began to quietly weep. He’d known sadness before. Not like this, but he’d sometimes get emotional when Sirius or Remus told him stories about his parents. He wished he could have had a life feeling wanted as a child. But seeing how Draco’s shoulders rose and fell with sputtered inconsistency, Harry understood what it could have led to. 

The flapping of wings interrupted the moment between them. When Draco looked up, his eyes widened at the sight of a pure white barn owl with striking black eyes. It landed on the tip of Draco’s broom and held out is leg expectantly. Draco didn’t dare move to grab it, mentally degrading himself for letting this go on for more than an hour. 

Harry, as curious as he was, reached for the letter and opened it. Sure, it wasn’t for him, but he knew a panicked response when he saw one. He read the letter, which was written in fine dark green ink. His nose scrunched up while reading the letter. The consequences of Draco’s lack of ambition would result in the falling of the Malfoy name because no Malfoy man shouldn’t be in a position of power. And this failure would not come from Draco. Signed, Lucius Malfoy. Harry turned to Draco who only stared at the owl, arms wrapped tightly around himself. 

“Draco, you deserve to be happy too. Surely there is a better way to- “

“Shut up Potter. You wouldn’t know what is better or what makes me happy.” Harry was left speechless at the quick retort, but not for long. 

“Draco, all I’m saying is you’ve been surrounded with his mess all your life. There is more than this darkness that your father is filling your head with.” 

“Shut up, Shut up! You don’t know Potter! Just- leave me alone. Don’t write to me. Don’t come knocking. Obviously, this was a bad idea. You’re becoming a distraction. Yes. That’s what it is.” With that Draco turned sharply on his broom back to his flat. Harry quickly followed, passing the owl as he did so. 

“Draco waits!” He sped beside Draco and tried to pull in front of him. He reached and grabbed Draco’s arm, pulling them both to a sloppy stop. Draco didn’t fight but didn’t look at Harry either. “Is that what you really want? I’m not a distraction if I’m someone you want. Give yourself some slack! This is your life. Not your fathers, not your family’s, but your life. Please Draco. Make a choice for yourself.” Harry knew that he had deep feelings for the blonde in front of him. They’d hardly spent more than three hours with each other, but there was something inside him that made him feel normal. Even if Draco didn’t want more with Harry, he would still stay beside Draco like he would with Ron, Hermione, Luna, or any of his other friends. 

Draco’s other arm gripped his broom tighter as he jerked his arm from Harry’s hand. His eyes were still wet, and his neck was a dark red. He hurriedly unclipped the bracelet that Harry had given him and chucked it in a fit of frenzied anxiety. 

When Draco turned back to Harry, his eyes rose to meet the usual bright green ones. Grey eyes swirled with shadows of melancholy and turmoil. His icy interior seemly melting with his deep desire to feel wanted for himself. To be able to choose his own destiny. He only wanted peace, but that would only ever be a dream. With one last look, Draco tried to convey his remorse for his action, but he knew that it was over. Their friendship. Whatever could have happened, was no more. He took off again, this time not hearing Harry shout after him or the rush of wind from his speed. 

----------

“Harry? Rons told me that you’ve been shut up in your room since you last spoke with Draco. We’ve respected your solitude long enough. Either open the door or we are coming in.” Ron grabbed Hermione’s shoulder with a shake of his head. 

“Mione, we aren’t going to do that.” 

“Oh yes, I am. He certainly would do it for any of us if- “

“Oh, hello Harry.” Lunas soft voice quelled the bickering between Ron and Hermione. They turned to see Harry with an armful of papers. 

“Oh, hey guys, sorry. Didn’t mean to worry you, but I just got busy with this. I hope you’ll like it. I’m going to talk to our manager to get him to set up another performance. I think we should be able to get these cleaned up and good to go.” Harry passed out the scribbled down parts of the music he crafted. Ron drums. Hermione keyboard. Luna guitar and backup vocals. Harry bass and lead. 

“Harry this sound like it’s wonderful. But what prompted this?” Luna pulled her wand from her hair and began to clean up the scribbled writing and sheet music. 

Harry looked away, “I don’t know why it really matters, but I want to try and get to Draco the only way I know how.” Harry turned his gaze back to his friends and scratched his face. “I know I must sound crazy, but- “

“Bloody hell, of course you are. Just didn’t want you sulking away. Give us time to practice and we will meet up in a week?”

Hermione hmphed and pointed a finger at Harry, “Next time you want to make new music, at least involve us,” she turned and followed Lunas lead by clearing up the paper as best she could while muttering under her breath. 

Ron shrugged at Harry and followed the girls to walk them to the door. He locked the door and accio’ed his sticks, opting to use the couch pillows as a practice set for now. 

Harry was thankful to have such understanding friends. But he could only hope the letter he’d sent to Blaise and Pansy would prove they were too. 

-----------

Draco did not want to go to this concert. He didn’t. He had better things to do that his father had expected of him. Surely Pansy and Blaise would understand? Especially if he just told them the truth about what happened. However, they did not understand and instead began shoving clothes onto him and brushing out his hair before he finally gave up and dressed himself. 

This time Blaise was fortunate enough to win some tickets, apparently to some new debut. Draco really didn’t care, but his friends wouldn’t let him just stay home. He’d been sulking since the flight. His hand kept trying to fidget with the bracelet Potter had given him, but of course he just acted. He wished he could have just given it back to Potter, perhaps there could have been some salvage of friendship. Draco kept his head down not caring who was playing, the conversations around him, or even the cheers when the openers arrived on stage.

“You know that he’s right.” Pansy’s voice was almost drowned out by the music and cheers. Draco looked over at her and shook his head. 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” That was a lie. He had learned quickly to tell fibs when they best suited him. Unfortunately, Blaise and Pansy wouldn’t learn to accept it.

Putting her a hand on her hip, the other rose to pinch his cheek. “You’re being dumb again.” He almost yelled in protest, but an arm on his shoulder grabbed his attention. 

“Shh, focus.” Blaise smirked and pointed to the stage. At some point they seemed to have changed out. Center stage with his Bass and an earpiece microphone was none other than Potter himself. Draco suddenly felt sick and wanted to just run. How could they bring him here? He thought for a moment and sighed. He really didn’t give them much information about what happened. The depression he’d fallen into was more than just breaking off whatever Potter and him had. 

Potter had seemed to really fight. Blaise and Pansy did, sure, but they grew up with him. They understood the life he lived. Because they lived it too. Potter was the first stranger to fight for him. To really want to talk to him and even laugh with him. Even in the brief flight, Potter didn’t hesitate to compete with him. It wasn’t fair. 

Guitar and Bass started; it was a different pace than their usual music. But when Potter opened his mouth, Draco felt shivers down his spine. The melodic and almost effortless vocal was enough to bring the crowd to their senses as fans around them screamed and cheered their praises for his official debut. But Draco heard something more. He saw something more. Potter stared directly at him. Though he swayed and almost bounced in spot, his voice remained clear with the clarity of a crystal. Each tone he hit and played sparked a type of passion in Draco’s heart. His eyes watered, but he didn’t cry.  He listened to each lyric with bated breath. 

“It breaks my heart that you can't let go

You say you're fine, but oh, I know

You've been dancing, dancing, dancing with your shadows

When the days get hard, and your lights burn low

Don't go far, just hold me close

We'll go dancing, dancing, dancing with your shadows

Dancing with your shadows,” 

Instead of making this song a confessional of the desire he had, instead, Harry had poured his person into it. Draco could tell because it screamed Harry. The deep emotional connection that Harry had developed to Draco pierced through Draco’s core. Some one feels for him. It hurts Harry to see him so troubled? Harry sees the façade that Draco spent so long building and perfecting? His hand reached for the bracelet that Harry gifted him, but remembered it was gone. Draco deserved to live and linger among the shadows. He was nothing but a tool and puppet for his family. He’d known and accepted this fact long ago. But Harrys simple offer to pull him close seemed to strike a new feeling inside him. Desire. He had been a tool and built so much, so why was he not proud of it? Did he truly deserve to be? Would Harry stay by his side and continue to fight for Draco? With Draco? It became too much as Draco broke from his seat and pushed down the crowded aisles to the lobby. He ignored Blaise and Pansy’s calls despite them following him out.

------

Harry paced the room as he heard the openers nearly completing their set. He’d no idea if his idea worked, but he had to try. He’d written to Draco’s friends and asked that they bring Draco to the concert, if not to say sorry, then to see Draco one last time. Despite never feeling the way he did with anyone else; he still felt his protective urge to help and guide Draco to his happiness. Ron, Hermione, and Luna tried to talk to him, but he couldn’t hold a single conversation. His throat was tight with anticipation. But it didn’t stop them from offering their words of encouragement. 

“You’ll do amazing Harry. Don’t ask how I know. Careful now, your heads full of wrackspurts.”

“We’ve practiced day in and out. You’ve composed a wonderful set. Whatever happens, we are right here.”

“It’s not like you’ve done this before mate, besides, I’ve had to listen to you sing for the past some odd years while cleaning or whatever, you’re fine.” 

As they prepared to get on stage, Harry suddenly felt a sense of calm surround him. It was a familiar sensation that he could not place. He shook his head and tried to focus as people attached and connected the earpiece to him. Just as they made their way into place, his eyes landed on the primary spot he’d chosen for the Blaise, Pansy, and Draco. He wanted to know for sure if Draco showed, and it seemed that he had. Harry watched as Blaise pointed him out to Draco, who looked up at the stage to see him. Harry wanted to wave, but the same look flashed across Draco’s face. Was this the right choice? 

As Luna and him began to play, Draco’s expression faded from shock to fascination. He didn’t blink and though he might have wanted to run, he stayed and stared. Not an icy glare or the same look from the other concert, but something new. Next his eyes seemed to water like that night, but no tears seemed to fall. Draco’s eyebrows rose as a hand rose to cover his mouth. 

“It's hard to hear your words

When you're so afraid to speak 'em

Somethings on your mind

But you're hiding it away

If you're running through the woods

Yeah, I'll search all night to find you

When the wolves are at your door

I'm gonna drive them all away” 

Harry wrote this song with every intention of sharing to Draco that it didn’t matter what happened between them. He just wanted to stay by his side, even if it was to take the hurt or protect Draco from all of his inner turmoil. The song portrayed it so well he felt, even with the help of his friends who offered better alternatives to make it the best it could be. He was so fortunate, why wouldn’t he offer it to someone who needed it? 

While the song came to an end, Harry watched in defeat as Draco ran. But he couldn’t show it. He had to keep on with the show. He had to continue playing even as Luna picked up her usual que as lead vocalist. He kept up the energy as best as he could. But he knew he would collapse after all was said and done. 

Luna finished the set, bidding the fans a great night as the closers began to usher people safely from the hall. Ron was the first to lead Harry off the stage. He didn’t make any comment, he didn’t thrash Draco, but he did rub a soothing hand down Harry’s arm as Hermione and Luna followed slowly behind. Harry could hear Hermione’s concerns of Harry shutting down and retreating into himself. Harry knew what she was talking about. Before he found music, his temper was horrible. He’d snap at his friends and despite their efforts to help him, he pushed them away. He knew they didn’t want that to happen, but he often did when he failed or felt alone. This wasn’t their fault, and he secretly vowed not to allow it to happen again. 

As they reached the backstage room, Ron ushered Harry to the couch while Hermione rushed to grab water for everyone. Luna sat next to Harry as they had last time, but this time she held his hand and wrapped it in-between both of hers. “I’d be second-guessing everything right about now, but I’d like you to remember that you’ve done everything you can Harry,” Luna looked into Harry’s eyes and smiled, “You’re so wonderful for trying to help him, but remember that you cannot internalize his decision. I don’t know what you might be feeling right now, but I know we are all here. We will walk this path together. Ok?” 

Harry felt like a failure, but he knew Luna was right. Draco made his choice and while Harry would have loved to see what Draco could have been, he understood that Draco was gone in his family’s misery. He opened his mouth to respond, but shouting caught his attention. Everyone in the room was put on alert as they grabbed their wands and pointed it at the door. The shouting grew closer as spells and the shield charm were cast. 

The door swung open as their manager fell back with his own wand pointed at the intruders. “And I said that I didn’t care if you ‘know’ them. You shouldn’t be back here!” 

Stepping through the door, Draco pointed his wand down at the man and scoffed. “How else was I supposed to reach out tonight? Seriously, you’ve met me before stupid, arrogant man!” He blocked a stunning curse and stepped over the man on the floor.

Draco looked around the room and watched as Harry lowered his wand. “Draco?” 

“Pott- Harry,” Draco suddenly looked to the side and put away his wand, unsure of what else he would say, but he still opened his mouth refusing to look at Harry. 

“Look, I have always been guarded and trained to hold my cards close to my chest. I don’t know who I can trust and even now it sucks to be in this position. Before you, things were fine. But you were the first stranger in my life to make me feel wanted and fought for. I lov- appreciate how you light up about what you’re passionate about. I’d like to feel that too. If you can forgive me for the last conversation we had, I’d like to learn.” Draco finally looked at Harry with cautious and guarded eyes. His nose was pointed high as if Draco prepared to dismiss the entire situation like he would dismiss a servant. 

Harry walked over to Draco slowly. “That’s all I’d like to do,” Harry grabbed Dracos hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, “and perhaps when you’re settled and on your own, we could pick up where things left off.” Draco squeezed Harrys hand back and nodded. 

“I fully anticipate problems. I’ll expect you to stay by my side as I suffer through them.”

Harry smiled, “By the end of it, you will not suffer anymore. But I will help you through it.”

------

Epilogue

“Mate, you could have bought a better place yeah?” Ron bit the side of his lip as he peered around the building that held dust, spiderwebs, and broken furniture. 

“Not exactly in my ‘budget’ Weasel. Besides, its perfect. It’s mine.” Draco stepped into the decomposing building and stood firm in what used to be the lobby or main entrance. 

“That’s the spirit Draco, this isn’t something a little elbow grease can’t fix!” Hermione pushed up her sleeves and put down the cleaning supplies she brought. 

“Oh? I thought this was your intentions Draco. I think it is lovely.” Draco raised an eyebrow at Luna and opted to not say anything. 

“Of course, it needs to be cleaned and repaired. Once I am finished with my apprenticeship with Severus, I will be able to open my own shop. It needs to be ready by then.” 

“Well, good thing you’ve got great support.” Draco turned to see Harry breathing heavily as he walked through the door. “Sorry I’m a little late, got caught up.” He took his time looking around and smiling. “It’ll be great Draco.”

Draco grimaced, “Well it better be. I didn’t leave it all behind for it to fail.” He crossed his arms and looked around the space and sighed.  

Luna chuckled, “Failure is inevitable, it’s your reaction that dictates success.”

Ron frowned, “Impossible, it’s how much profit you can make. Trust me, George and Fred have made it perfectly clear now that they’re successful.”

Hermione, who had set the broom to sweep scoffed and placed her hands on her hips. “Both of you are ridiculous, you won’t fail if you prepare, and money doesn’t mean everything. It is about the accomplishment.” 

Harry rolled his eyes as he picked up a duster and began to manually dust, idly listening to his friends bicker as they began to help clean. Draco was focused on repairing the roof as he noticed a large hole that had attributed to the damage in the building. He began to repair it until he noticed something gold falling onto him. He backed away with a small gasp and watched as familiar red clunked to the floor. 

Draco picked up the bracelet he’d thrown so long ago and could not believe his eyes. Thinking back, he supposed that they had flown all over Wiltshire and it was possible. But the odds were astronomical. “Hey what’s up?”

Draco turned quickly not hiding the object in his hand. “I-,” He couldn’t believe it and yet he held it in his hand. 

Harry wasn’t prepared to see the bracelet ever again. It wasn’t anything to special, but he’d given it to Draco as a promise. He reached out for the bracelet and held it in his hands. He wanted to slip it back onto his own wrist but looked back at Draco with a shy smile. “May I?’ He held out his hand. 

Draco felt his face get warm as he placed his hand in Harry’s. “Another promise for me to break I suppose?”

Harry chuckled as he latched it. “I hope not. But I have a feeling when all is said and done, there is only one way for this to go.” Harry inwardly cringed, but he knew what he would like to happen. Since the first concert, the feeling that Draco gave, his drive, and eventual passion. He would like to be more than a tool in his journey, but a part of it. 

Draco rolled his eyes as the bracelet fell into place. “I don’t think a bracelet is a good way to promise that,” Draco grabbed the front of Harry’s shirt and pulled him close, smashing their lips together in an explosion of new sensations. Harry was shocked but rested his hands on Draco’s hips. Draco wrapped his arms around Harry’s shoulders. They’d stay like that for as long as they could, but when they pulled away, they didn’t separate. They pressed their foreheads together in a silent promise to make it work. 

After another moment, Draco smirked, “Besides Potter, you’re better than that. But if you need reminders, I suppose I will oblige and remind you.” 

They both laughed and pulled away to finish cleaning. Both were eager to start something more serious. But of course, life was more chaotic. There wouldn’t be a perfect time for their relationship to start. But at first sight, they knew that they had every chance. 

[ateez-himari]

'D-DAY' THE MOVIE : GUEST APPEARANCES

After their separation following Yoongi's military announcement, netizens will finally get to see more of the Min siblings' beautiful relationship.

March 13, 2023 (12:15PM)

On March 13, At 12AM KST the trailer for Agust D's upcoming movie was unveiled, stirring quite the excitement throughout social media platforms with short performance clips and deep reflections on the tour itself. It will follow the rapper through the encore of his 2023 'D-Day' tour, featuring performances from fellow BTS members RM, Jimin and Jungkook as well as his younger sister, ATEEZ member Himari.

The young idol in question joined the rapper on stage on June 25, in the midst of her own group promotions, to perform their recently released single 'Pray'. This specific stage remains the topic of many conversations surrounding the 'D-Day' era, showcasing the impact their chemistry had on the audience.

Netizens expressed looking forward to their single's performance as it might be the only time it is seen performed live, with both artists having stated that they likely would never sing these tracks without the other - with the exception of 'Hikikomori' as it was heavily rooted in the vocalist's personal experience. Their setlist also included songs Agust D created in collaboration with other artists, namely; Burn It (ft. MAX), People Pt. 2 (ft. IU) and so far away (ft. SURAN).

Their relationship has been fawned over since the public learned about their adoptive ties in 2019, and although 'Road to D-Day' had quite a few interactions it seems there is still very little content regarding the two together. With the rapper often talking about his younger sister and boasting about her achievements during solo lives, fans have been ecstatic about getting to see more of this loving bond.

The cinematic cut will be available in theaters and IMAX worldwide on April 10 & 13. Ticket sales begin March 12, 11AM (ET). Check your local venues for varying additional screening dates.

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[beautifulpersonpeach]

hi Bp,

I want to know why the encore situation with jimin was made a big deal ?

Because i know jimin is a good singer..maybe due to his in ear problem he might not be able to sing well..but all his live performances of face were so good ...but people totally ignored it and just attack him for encore singing and made a big deal of it

Do u think it might have affected jimin ?

***

Hi @minimun,

This is what I wrote in response to the hate Jimin was getting after SMF Pt 2 was released. Please read it.

The reaction k-pop stans had to Jimin's encore stage can be explained by the reasons I gave in that post.

To quote a relevant section:

"...so long as a project comes from a BTS member, the default inclination of most k-pop stans is to hate it. Nearly all the hate you’re seeing for Jimin’s Set Me Free Pt 2 was nearly guaranteed to begin with, the autotune just made it easy as the excuse. I mean, there’s a whole subset of k-pop fandoms who believe he can’t sing despite years of proof to the contrary. Since 2018 (precisely after BTS was awarded the Cultural Order of Merit award), the best case scenario from k-pop stans towards music released by BTS, is for them to ignore it. If you’re expecting any other reaction from k-pop stans besides avoidance or hate, you’re hoping for too much. Personally, I don’t think it’s a big deal, but I do think you need to calibrate your expectations to the reality of the environment you’re in. It’s one reason ARMYs are so fervent in their support of BTS."

If k-pop stans see that a comeback/debut from a BTS member is going to be massively successful, as Jimin's FACE was, they immediately go looking for anything to take away from that success. Fans of SM groups have also been on a campaign since the 2016 daesang loss of EXO to BTS, to assert that BTS is inferior to SM groups in terms of vocals, and so therefore BTS does not deserve their status as the biggest group in k-pop. They often target Jimin, Tae and Jin in these claims and constantly look for any chance to prove "Jimin can't sing". Even Jungkook sometimes gets attacked. After 2018 when BTS and Jimin were further differentiated from much of k-pop by the government, the wider k-pop fandom has joined SM stans to take every opportunity to make the group's status seem less legitimate and one reason they often cite is that BTS is less talented than other groups in vocals and they use Jimin as the scapegoat.

If you've ever doubted anything I've been saying about how k-pop fandom actually feels about BTS, that feeding frenzy from antis, k-pop stans, akgaes, the blatant schadenfreude on display over the clips of Jimin's encore stage, should disabuse you of every doubt atp. It's not like he's the only person who's had faulty in-ears during an encore and as a result was trying to find his key, he's not even the only person who has had a bad encore stage. Even Twice's Momo who made a similar gaffe during her encore for The Scientist, she didn't get as much of a backlash as Jimin did. It doesn't matter whether he can sing or not. They don't care about whether he can actually sing or else they would've seen all the several examples of Jimin singing comfortably and skillfully. The only thing k-pop stans are interested in, is humbling him. Jimin's unusual tone in k-pop makes him an easy target for many k-pop stans who read "different" as "bad".

As I've said before, Jimin is my favourite vocalist in BTS. He's an excellent vocalist in my opinion and I'm very proud of how he's improved since debut.

One thing about BTS that's true for them than it is for any group I've seen, is that they actually sing live more times than not.

It's more impressive for me that their vocals are still in good condition despite 10 years of going as hard as they've gone in their live renditions. It's impressive for Jimin especially given his high range and how he's only expanded and strengthened it over the years.

I don't think the encore stage 'affected' Jimin the way some people imply. He's his own harshest critic for better or worse, and I suspect there's nothing a kpoppie or stan could've written that Jimin didn't briefly consider himself. Of course all the chaos around it was embarrassing, that's expected, but also he's been through worse and if there's any legitimate criticism, the person who will get to the heart of the matter quickest is Jimin.

Jimin is already something of a beast of an idol, but after that encore stage and everything that happened during FACE, he's reflected on what he needs to do to become even better than he is...

...and I'm genuinely terrified for the future of k-pop because Jimin is about to become even more untouchable. I'm not even trying to gas him up or lean into my bias. With all the years I've watched him, Jimin isn't someone you want to bet against, ever, and a lot of people are going to be in for a rude awakening when he's ready to show what he's worked on. Ignore k-pop stans. They exist only to serve as background noise and spectate as Jimin continues to build on his artistry, continues to gain the respect of industry professionals, and thrive.

Stream Set Me Free Pt 2 for clear skin and a healthy bank account.

[hldailyupdate]

There’s a palpable sense of excitement at Wembley Stadium as the crowd – adorned in pink cowboy hats, glittery boots and multi-coloured feather boas – wait for Harry Styles to take the stage. Tonight is the pop superstar’s final show of a four-night residency for the last leg of his spectacular Love On Tour dates.

Brassy opener Daydreaming kicks off the night with Styles – high energy as ever – running laps across the stage, flaunting his black-and-red embellished ensemble to the adoring crowd. The former One Direction star breezes through the openers which include the shimmering Golden, with the crowd chanting back every word of its catchy chorus, into the groovy Adore You and mellow Keep Driving, closing out with the rockier tones of She.

Fans are also treated to bouncy love-song Daylight, followed by a throwback to the One Direction days with Stockholm Syndrome – its brash guitar riffs pierce through the crowds’ extra-loud reception to it. For the more intimate part of the show, Styles moves forward to the extended stage – waving to fans, giving them thumbs-ups and blowing kisses throughout as a show of gratitude, something which is mentioned earnestly throughout the evening.

Truly the biggest surprise of the night comes with a performance of Sweet Creature – a delicate, moving track from his debut record. Twinkling acoustic guitars accompany Styles’ heartwarming lyrics about finding comfort in a person, a sentiment that is undoubtedly shared by many in the crowd. Styles makes a point to start his shows by encouraging people to “please feel free to be who you’ve always wanted to be”, setting a precedent that, for at least the two hours you’re in his house, you’re welcome to be you – whatever form that might take.

Tender renditions of Matilda and Love of My Life further ease the pace before launching into the ‘disco section’ of the night with funky, drum-laden single Satellite, jazzy Late Night Talking and Cinema, into the grand brass-heavy Music For A Sushi Restaurant. There’s barely any time to recover before fans are boot-scooting their way into the feel-good anthem Treat People With Kindness. As Styles begins the joyous performance waving a Pride flag across the stage, many more pop up across the arena shedding light on this beautiful safe space that they’ve managed to carve together.

Treat People With Kindness is mixed in flawlessly with the mega-hit What Makes You Beautiful, and although hard to verify, it feels as if every single person in the crowd is singing along (if they weren’t already!). Grapejuice provides a well-earned breather as Styles flawlessly croons through the jazzy track; leading into a mesmerising performance of Fine Line where he provides his strongest vocal performance yet, holding high notes as great big horns crash into a crescendo.

Our encore begins with Sign of The Times, Styles’ epic debut single performed here with fireworks and a crowd that has not relented its energy. Fan-favourite Medicine carries this on but it’s As It Was, the synth-heavy lead single from Harry’s House, that takes the evening to dizzying new heights.

In an adorable closeout moment, the song begins with young fan Sandler providing the iconic “C’mon Harry, we wanna say goodnight you” intro, making way for a euphoric performance that brings Harry Styles’ triumphant run of shows to a close. During his final night at Wembley, Styles proves that no matter who you are, there’s always space for you at Harry’s House.

GAY TIMES rating: ★★★★★

via Gay Times. (19 June 2023)

[jiminsass-istant]

tae already asked them to get out of their imagination

Then the next day he regretted it and tell them that jk is sleeping next to him

And who told you that he regretted it? Or did you come to that conclusion yourself?

Thanks for your ask anon. I've been thinking of doing a deep dive on Tae's personality for some time now.

IS TAE-A-KOOKER?

How is Tae telling them to get out of their imagination and telling jk is sleeping next to him related?

If he calls tkker's to get out of imagination, doesn't that already establish that jk is his bro and friend? Have we not seen jk and tae sleeping next to each other on camera before?

Do you think Tae, jimin and jk have the time to do the mental gymnastics shippers do?

When Tae kept Jimin around for more than half of his fan meet, was he promoting Vmin then? He made Jimin sit down in front of the whole crowd and made everybody sing HBD. If I didn't know they were friends, I would think it was boyfriend behaviour. And mind you, Vmin is a more significant ship than TK in Korea.

🔆Do you think Tae reads the multiple delusional threads in english on insta and twitter? He can't read medium to advanced level English, period.

🔆Tae has always been an impulsive person since the beginning. Be it interviews, saying unhinged stuff, being romantic towards members for no reason, revealing jk-jm are hanging out in the dead of the night. Entering jk's room during a live when JK was naked in Osaka. Asking James Corden to touch Jimin's thighs on national television, no..INSISTING on it multiple times while RM just sat there embarassed. You forgot when he went live while being drunk with Jimin, WHILE JK was already live? Hybe intern must have pulled their own hairs when that happened.

_🔆The taekook page Tae recently posted from has military pics from private sources, completely illegal to be posted in public. While Tae and the members clearly do not want their privacy invaded during military. (Hybe almost sued camp app). If Tae had checked the page once, he wouldn't have posted. But man has no media training recently, so he posted without even checking the source. The same way he posts from fansites, airport pics, posts AI pics etc.

Can you imagine any other BTS member being that impulsive? Apart from JK? No. That's why they are 'partners in crime'. Always getting scolded together.

You need to understand the dynamics members have with each other from official content. Not from shipping spaces or solo spaces.

Now, let's look at some of the early impressions of Tae on the members -

- 'alien','we used to fight a lot' in Jimin's words

-'i knew he wouldn't listen to me' - RM when he met V

-'difficult to understand' - Suga

- ' in his own world' - Jin

But Jungkook -

' helped me get out of my shell'

And finally me-

" Tae reminds me of my cousin who people around me used to think was a 'special kid' because of his weird behaviour, but he was perfectly normal, just different "

And let's not forget this reaction by knetz when V was singing along to a song of a group he liked during an encore. People accused him of making fun of the song, when it was actually one of his favourite songs. He was just so lost in singing with exaggerated expressions,that too on national tv, on stage- that people mistook it for rude behaviour and he was harrased by netizens.

I cannot count the no. of times Tae has been misunderstood at this point.

Why is Tae like this?

Would jhope post from a random account without checking? Would RM? Would Jimin ever do that?? No. They are the real adults of the group. Taekook are the children. Tae - the prime trouble maker, Jungkook who gets in the flow with him.

I unfortunately also have to remind you of the durag incident Tae had during his live. Do you think he did that to offend a community? He is simply ignorant. (Which is a problem). Isn't that a much more scandalous thing than posting from a shipper account? Just because he makes mistakes, doesn't mean he shouldn't be held accountable. And i do INSIST that his manager needs to organize media lessons for him ASAP.

FINAL THOUGHTS-

It is clear as day, he's just impulsive and doesn't have the intentions you are making up in your head. Stop behaving like tkkers, anon. They are the worst breed, don't stoop to their level.

The members took their time to understand him, and so should you. No one is a saint, but Tae has never come across as a vile person who would sabotage his own group member. He's impulsive, mischievous, different, creative and very talented.

In suga's words from suchwita-"Taehyung would sulk when he's not given what he wants, so we started fulfilling all his wishes".

Why would he want people to hate on Jimin, lol? It's so funny to even think of that. Haven't you seen their love for each other throughout the years? It honestly surpasses TK bond. Infact do you know why V said ' i only have you' and ' you were the one who cried with me' to Jimin? Because jimin understands him. Even better than jungkook. I have even seen instances when Tae is ignored during conversations, but then jimin is listening to him, drawing everyone's attention to Tae. Jimin is precious to Tae, ngl.

And why would he want beef with Jimin when they all want to get back together in 2025? If they had some issues, wouldn't RM interfere first, as the leader? Why the hell is Tae always texting jimin, searching up Jimin AI pics, asking to be in a reel with Jimin? Drinking with Jimin? Why does Jimin want Tae at his own fan event? Why is Jimin feeling up Tae's torso when he learnt he's working out? There's literally no evidence of Tae being vile to Jimin. You think they are that good actors?

Believe me, vminkook don't give a fuck about the delulu shipping discourses or vile shippers. You know why? Because they are not the ARMY that they recognize. Hybe or the members will never address shippers. They will show bromance for sure, but no direct call outs.

But you know who directly addressed shippers? The only one to ever do that? KIM TAEHYUNG.

And he had shut them down!

[sinceileftyoublog]

Pulp Live Show Review: 9/8, Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Chicago

BY JORDAN MAINZER

Pulp has never been in a rush. Their most recent album came out 23 years ago. The last time they toured the US was 2012, the year they played Coachella, and even that "tour" was a couple dates on each coast. Jarvis Cocker performed at Pitchfork Music Festival way back in 2008, but the band hadn't played a proper show in Chicago since the 90s. Safe to say, last Sunday, a sold out Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom was eagerly anticipating the quartet's emergence on a stage at an ancient venue whose age is only about three times the number of years since the last Pulp show in Chicago.

Of course, in true sardonic fashion, as the lights dimmed, we were greeted with a screen with hilarious words that alternated between straightforward and facetious: "Good evening...This is a night you will remember for the rest of your life...This is the 552nd concert by Pulp," and so on. Yes, even their idea of entertainment is buried within the glory of the mundane. The band (keyboardist Candida Doyle, drummer Nick Banks, guitarist Mark Webber, and touring musicians Andrew McKinney, Emma Smith, and Adam Betts) finally walked on the stage sans Cocker, though you could hear his unmistakable deadpan launch into "I Spy" coming from behind the stage setup. From the moment he graced the crowd with his presence--as gangly and expressive as ever--Cocker was in show mode, both actively and passively. He vogued along to every song, almost in time with the guitar riffs on "Sunrise". He sang while lying down during "Weeds", but stood and gained more energy as it built up and slowed down into "Weeds II (The Origin of the Species)" and an unexpected segue into a song from a different album, "F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E." As if to recall the dour noir of its iconic video, he performed the beginning of "This Is Hardcore" from a lounge chair. And he was genuine, too, dedicating "Something Changed" to late bassist Steve Mackey and the late, great Steve Albini, who produced Cocker's 2009 solo album Further Complications.

What really struck me, though, was how dynamic the band was. Beyond standout instrumental moments--the plinking keyboard line of "Pink Glove", the intertwining guitar and bass melodies of "Babies"--I've never thought of Pulp as a live band that would be particularly instrumentally exciting. I was wrong. Their use of effects on songs like "Sorted for E's & Wizz" was so all-encompassing it sounded like the noises were coming from the crowd itself, as if you were on the very drugs whose culture the song lambasts. "Babies" changed tempo seamlessly, emphasizing the twangy guitars during verses and rocketing into a gallop during the chorus. "Common People", of course, sped up and slowed down as Cocker introduced the band during a long interlude, the announcement of every name accompanied by brief rousing power chords and drums that, each time, toyed you into thinking the band was going to launch back into the song.

"Common People" finally ended, the third song played during the encore. It's the band's best known and arguably best song. Show over, right? Well, Pulp came back out for what was the most unexpectedly exciting part of the night: the potential for new music. They debuted "Spike Island", a new disco-indebted song with slide guitar, before ending the night with the one-two punch of "Razzmatazz" and "Glory Days". Looking at their more recent setlists, Pulp has debuted at least two new songs during their second encore. Maybe--hopefully--their current tour is more like an intermission.

[josielyndphotography]

I Heard They KILL Live!

Ice Nine Kills in Indianapolis, IN

11-7-2023

Ice Nine Kills (INK) puts on, once again, a killer performance while on the Kiss of Death Tour. The Massachusetts “horror-core” band have just ended their month long tour with In This Moment, supported by Avatar and New Year’s Day on December 2nd.

The audience was electric when the first few notes of “Hip To Be Scared” started playing and the band hit the stage. Stage actor Michael Meaney contributed to this beginning energy with his role as Paul Allen from hit film “American Psycho”. The unity felt within the crowd when everyone shouted “HEY PAUL!” right before the breakdown was unmatched.

The setlist consisted of a healthy mix of new and old songs that catered to both the new and older fans. They started with songs off of “Welcome To Horrorwood” (2021) and “The Silver Scream” (2018), but added in a song from the 2014 album “The Predator Becomes The Prey”, as per fan request through the Psycho’s Only app.

The set consisted of many visuals that referenced horror movies, most notably the performance of the song “The Shower Scene”. This act visualizes the 1960 film “Psycho”, in which Amanda Sahr plays the role of Marion Crane, and INK’s frontman Spencer Charnas plays his own version of Norman Bates. The song is another tune in which crowd participation is incredible. Hearing everyone shout the chorus together during one of the music breaks is such a powering experience to hear as a fan.

Throughout my years of supporting INK, I have been faced with nothing but community in regards to interacting with other fans. Everyone seems to come together and share their common interests in heavy metal, horror, and performance art.

At this show, I was with a good friend of mine, Miko Puno. He is a fellow photographer based in Indianapolis, and was happy to come along with me to the show, despite not listening to metal.

“From a person who does not listen to metal, I enjoyed it significantly, and quite frankly, I’d go on to say I would do it again.” He says to me when asked about his thoughts on the show, “I was told Ice Nine Kills would be the highlight of the night, and they were correct. If I were to only talk about the ‘sights’ of Ice Nine, it was a sight to behold. Numerous horror movie references, as well as evident passion for their music and their role; it was clear to me that they loved their music, and their fans sure did too.”

My personal favorite song to see performed that night was the newest released song “Meat & Greet”. This song was released on October 13th of this year, and was the conclusion of the Horrorwood Saga as of now. The song consisted of many references to the film “Silence of the Lambs”, and the live performance of the song didn’t disappoint.

Lane Nobriga and FRANCO, two stage actors for INK, did an incredible job in bringing the song to life and creating intriguing and exciting visualities playing opposing roles as Hannibal Lecter and an officer.

I feel the conclusion to the show was one to remember. The band ended the set with “Welcome To Horrorwood”, containing an exhilarating guitar solo from Miles Dimitri Baker and fast paced drums from Patrick Galante. Normally, in other performances during this song, Charnas would climb into the crowd and be held up by fans during the last chorus, but given the set up of the venue, that didn’t happen this show. Though that didn’t take away from the head-banging, voice-losing, thrilling encore. With Ricky Armellino on guitar and Joe Occhiuti on bass, along with the rest of the band, the whole performance was one to remember. This makes the second time I’ve seen Ice Nine Kills, and I’ve been blown away by their production every time. If you’re a horror/metal fanatic that loves theatrics and passion for music, Ice Nine Kills is the band for you.

[seosejun]

Soloist SEO SEJUN debuted at the beginning of last year with the critically acclaimed mini-album, NEW GAME, which achieved immediate success. The album sold nearly half a million copies, and his debut song, MELODY, took home seven music show wins. He followed this up a few months later with another EP, to much of the same success. His meteoric rise to fame and fortune is an obvious by-product of the little over a year he spent in 1V1, a fan-formed group from survival show Last Act. By the end of their fifteen-month temporary contract, 1V1 was on even ground with the show’s winners, ENCORE, having sold over a million copies with their first and last full-length album.

The ten months since his last music release have come as a surprise. While it was obvious he wouldn’t maintain the breakneck pace of 1V1’s releases, the quick turnaround between his first two albums seemed like a promising sign. Now, it looks like those signs were misplaced.

That isn’t to say Sejun has spent the last ten months in radio silence. He’s active as a model and an influencer, gracing the covers of Vogue and Elle Korea to name some examples. He also co-wrote the debut album of former group member KIM CHAN late last year. When it comes to his own music career, he seems to have become completely inept.

With each passing day, it becomes increasingly evident he’s moved on to greener pastures: his streaming career. Sejun’s Twitch and personal YouTube channels 세유화 (SEYUHWA)—a portmanteau of his name and Kim Sowol’s poem “산유화”—made their debuts last summer. Since then, he’s streamed almost every day, sometimes for ten to twelve hours at a time. He spends most of that time playing video games—namely Overwatch 2—and occasionally engaging in the usual parasocial conversations with fans. Given that his appearance on Last Act and 1V1’s entire concept both revolved around video games, it was only a matter of time before his solo career did the same. Inheriting the group concept is not enough, Sejun needs to wholly embody it.

From an outside perspective, C Entertainment appears to support his new ventures. His streams sometimes features his manager, KWON INSOO, as a gaming partner rather than a supervisor. Sejun has yet to speak out or complain about his new management. Knowing his propensity for talking shit, his complaints would be known if he had complaints to make. Viewers were also quick to notice that he seems to be happier and more animated streaming than in either of his solo promotional periods, leading fans to wonder if he still wants to be an idol.

Not everyone is as enthusiastic as he is for his new career. He gained notoriety during Last Act after a recording of him flaming his League of Legends teammates in voice chat surfaced. Although tame by gaming standards, it was not the best look for an idol hopeful. Similar controversies would continue to plague him throughout his time in 1V1, though they did nothing to hinder the group’s success. With his freedom to apparently do whatever he chooses, Sejun has once again found himself the target of those who dislike his disregard for an idol image. Some of his streams also feature former 1V1 member ALEX KANG, who retired from the entertainment industry after the group’s disbandment. Though these collaborations were once celebrated by casual kpop fans and die-hard Supports—1V1’s fandom name—alike, Alex’s insistence on distancing himself from the kpop industry and his tendency to ban people in his Twitch chat who ask too many questions about his idol experience have furthered soured some netizens’ opinion of Sejun.

When asked about the state of his music career or if he’s preparing for a comeback, Sejun is uncharacteristically vague. In responses to comments on his Instagram posts of his latest brand deals, he's “working on it” and hopes fans will “wait a little longer.” He elaborated a bit further on streams, assuring fans it isn’t the fault of his management like many of them assume, but rather his own choices. He doesn’t say much more on the topic.

For now, there's nothing for fans to do but wait as he's asked.

[roo-bastmoon]

The odds we faced, with FACE

Just as a reminder for the record:

Antis and cult members began systematically targeting Jimin-focused accounts two weeks before his Set Me Free Pt. 2 prerelease, resulting in some key, experienced ARMY getting suspended right when their wisdom and fanbase alerts were needed most.

Ramadan meant that practicing Muslim ARMY could not listen to music during the release time.

The stores ran out of pre-orders multiple times.

Most physicals shipped on time, but some did not. It was a challenge for Target to keep physicals in stock.

We got less than 0.1% radio play, practically nothing in the US at all, it wasn't even a request option for any station that feeds Hot 100.

True OT7s also had On the Street, Smoke Sprite, and People Pt. 2 to support.

Jimin had only 10 uninterrupted days to promote his first solo album. No blame, no shade, I am just saying it's been a challenge for our artists that their timelines are condensed and overlapping like this due to military service.

Fake ARMY boycotted Jimin altogether and came up with bullshit reasons to attack Jimin funders.

Antis dragged Jimin to hell and back online because of a technical in-ears issue that resulted in 10 seconds of a less-than-perfect live encore performance.

Spotify froze streams.

YouTube froze and deleted MILLIONS of streams, not just for Jimin but for all of BTS and ONLY BTS, with no explanation whatsoever.

Other Kpop stans and Jimin-akgaes joined forces to mass vote against him in MCountdown out of pure spite for him topping Hot 100.

His own media began commenting in articles on his inevitable free fall.

The haters also started up again mass-reporting his Insta account to continue his shadow-ban and try to get him suspended.

All that, and Jimin has beat such odds that his success is untouchable.

So I just need to say this...

It has been an exhausting three weeks, filled with extreme highs and lows.

Whatever happens in the charts now, true ARMY worked hard to show Jimin we love him and his work. Nothing will take away the fact that he made history with Hot 100 #1, and won 3 MCountdowns, and raised stocks for Hybe, the Kpop music industry, and South Korea with his solo debut.

All that, and Jimin still made history.

Jimin says he didn't do this for charts or awards, but he got them anyway, and they will forever be proof that true ARMY adore him. So thank you for your hard work.

Whatever happens now for the second and subsequent weeks, everyone reading this can feel peace in their hearts, knowing they will always give their all.

Well done, puppykittes!

Please rest up because we need to ensure FACE has longevity in our playlists going forward and begin doing our due diligence for D-Day, too. And since YouTube is being a word my mother wouldn't want me to say out loud, we need to focus heavily on Pandora in the US and Apple and Spotify everywhere.

Let's get it for chimchim and lil meow meow, y'all!

[mybodyfails]

han - recap 2023

(tumblr user @mybodyfails' ramblings under the read more)

jan

230120 manila: stay with bench - fanmeet

blue jeans, dress shirt AND beret?! we're off to a great start.

he was hitting the dougie too. of course.

feb

230213 skz-record: volcano

definitely my soty! when the drums come in and the song explodes? literally erupting like a volcano? 🫠

honorary mention:

230226 chan's room ep. 199

i keep coming back to this stream whenever i feel down, they were just so hyper and giggly!

mar

230311 manila: maniac world tour - day 1

the one where he had to sit out bc he was sick. who knew you could slay a performance like that. in the end all of us were seated i think.

also gave us this beautiful moment: beethoven who

april

230401&230402 los angeles: maniac world tour encore

toddling around in his gigantic dungarees and adorable hat, han quokka clipped to him. all i need tbh.

may

230523 bbl: life advice

tape the blanket to yourself and you won't catch a cold, apparently.

but also, not a specific month - but i'm putting this on behalf of all the mini concerts he did for us on bubble, taking suggestions for covers or writing songs on the fly 🥰

june

release: topline mv feat. tiger jk

aka the day where jisung got adopted but was too shy to get his number. 🥺 LOOK AT HIM! elated hamster! fanning himself w his fake money!

jul

230701&230702 3rd fanmeeting pilot for 5star

the life-size skzoos and their interactions were such a cute surprise 😭 rmbr when he kept gently smoothing down han quokka's velvety fur 😭

230722 paris: lollapalooza

he was on fire that day. HOTTER THAN HOT.

aug

230816 fukuoka: 5star dome tour begins

and with it came his 'don't say' solo stage and him playing the fucking guitar. wasn't just me, we all lost our marbles over this.. right?

honorary mention:

august was also the month were han didn't open an individual ig account 😸

sep

230924 new york: global citizen festival

they were five members short but 3racha gave it their all. i am a big fan of the hoop earrings, personally.

oct

231013 lil durk release: all my life (skz remix)

they took that song and gave it a very distinct flavour, especially jisung.

231015 skz-record: want so bad

minsung and their gay little song, didn't expect anything less from thems two.

nov

231111 mbc show! music core & mini fanmeeting

life-altering duality, wearing that CROPTOP on stage and turning into the sweetest babushka right before our very eyes immediately after..

dec

231214 manila: asia artist awards

what's with jisung and his best moments happening in the philippines?! that's the third time this year! petition for skz to move there. 🙏

3racha winning the best creator award was already a highlight, but hannie en route to the bathroom.. running back.. having to hold his pee for the acceptance speech - a classic.

now please come to me and tell me your fave jisung/your bias/skz moments of 2023!

[day6source]

“We’re back to our seats” DAY6, the first complete group concert in 4 years

by News Reporter Lee Min-ji All photos provided by JYP Entertainment

DAY6 successfully completed their first full-length solo concert in about 4 years. DAY6 held ‘DAY6 Christmas Special Concert ‘The Present: You are My Day’ for three days from December 22nd to 24th at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. This performance is the first Christmas special concert in 4 years since 'Christmas Special Concert 'The Present'' in December 2019, and the first full-length concert since 'DAY6 WORLD TOUR 'GRAVITY'' in January 2020. Tickets for all sessions sold out quickly after general reservations opened, and additional seats were also sold out, attracting a total of 20,000 audiences over three days. On the 24th, the last day of the performance, an online paid live broadcast was simultaneously conducted through the Beyond LIVE platform. As it was the time to officially announce the end of their hiatus period after all of their members Sungjin, Young K, Wonpil, and Dowoon were discharged from the military, DAY6 released more than 23 songs for My Day (fandom name), who had been waiting for a long time. They put their sincerity into each stage. The title track of their first full-length album, "SUNRISE," their title track, "I Smile," and their seventh mini album, "The Book of Us: Negentropy - Chaos Swallowed Up in Love," the title track of "You Make Me" and the track "Invincible (ONE)" opened in the dark, signaling a thrilling and touching return.

Sungjin said, "I've been waiting for a long time to perform on this stage. I named the performance to give the impression that it's a gift to you. I have a lot of emotions coming up from the beginning. I'll pour out everything today," adding to his excitement. They presented a variety of musical gifts, including "Zombie", "Love Me or Leave Me", as well as major group songs such as "days gone by," "You Were Beautiful," "Congratulations," and "I Like You." During the encore stage, they selected songs that added heat to their hearts, including "Best Part," "Time of Our Life," "DANCE DANCE," and "Freely." All of the members went around the audience to make eye contact with fans and keep each other warm during the winter. In order to give precious memories to the audience, DAY6 put all their efforts into every element of the performance. In keeping with the saying "Trust and listen in DAY6," the members showed off their solid vocals and musical instruments that did not feel any gaps in the hiatus period. They sang the parts that fans wanted to hear again, building up their emotions, and Dowoon also performed a surprise bit at the ending part of "Zombie." The members filled the concert hall with happy laughter, exuding wit and chemistry with a small choreography prepared by each other, as well as a specially prepared Manitou Mission and entertainment charging game video before the encore stage. For the first time in about four years, Day6 and My Day completed a concert together. In response to Wonpil's words, "A DAY6 concert is a stage until the end of the auditorium, so we need your voice," the audience harmonized with DAY6 by singing in unison, cheering, and shouting to the members' accompaniment. Young K extended his hand towards the fans and became a microphone stand, and Dowoon showed his happy heart by giving a thumbs up and saying, "It's My Day to trust and listen to." In particular, the members' stage naturally began following My Day's unison singing of 'Only' and 'You Were Beautiful', adding a lingering feeling to the 'Gift Con' with their fantastic partners 'My Day Six'. DAY6 shed tears of joy in front of their precious My Day after a long wait. Sungjin said, "I missed this moment so much. I had a lot of worries about whether I would be able to do well in this performance, but the moment I saw My Day, it all disappeared and everything became possible. That's how much I missed you, and now that we are together, every moment we will be happy. You've waited for four years, and let's have fun together,” he said, talking about a bright future. Young K said, "I wanted to show you the best of me, 'DAY6 is back.' I'm glad that you had fun. What's more fortunate is that we have a lot to show you. I'm excited that we'll have so much to do on stage as well as music. Thank you for being with us so far, and let's be happy from now on." Wonpil said, "I feel the happiest and most overwhelmed when I do DAY6 concert. I think the best thing I can do for you who have waited is to approach with good music and performances. I will continue to show great performances. Our youth starts again from now on and DAY6 will continue in the future," he said. "I always think, 'I have to become a better person' while watching My Day. I'll do my best, so please keep an eye on me. I'll make good three happy days and work hard for the next happy time. Our lives are so happy to meet you, and that happiness is ongoing." The scene was filled with smiles until the last moment when the happy reunion performance came to an end, and the concluding words, “Thank you for being with us,” remained in My Day’s hearts as a signal of a new starting point, a new page of youth that DAY6 will write in the future. It made me look forward to it.

[louisupdates]

By: Marjorie Hall

Date: May 30, 2023

On May 29th, 2023, Louis Tomlinson brought his Faith in the Future Tour to Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. The former One Direction member delivered a captivating performance that showcased his growth as a solo artist.

The concert opened with the “The Greatest” followed by upbeat track “Kill My Mind,” which set the tone for the rest of the night. Tomlinson’s energy was infectious, and he had the crowd dancing and singing along from the very beginning. The stage design was simple but effective, with 6 giant screen displaying visuals that complemented each song and occasional sparks during high energy moments.

Tomlinson’s vocals were on point throughout the entire show, and he effortlessly hit every note. The crowd went wild as he performed “Night Changes“, a One Direction song. It is safe to say that the audience has been following Tomlinson since his first days with the band.

The concert reached its peak during the performance of “Walls,” the title track of Tomlinson’s debut album. The song’s powerful lyrics and Tomlinson’s emotional delivery left the audience in awe.

Next up, Louis Tomlinson performed a flawless rendition of “505” by Arctic Monkeys in the middle of his set. Throughout his whole performance, we could witness fans putting their hands up in the shape of hearts and waving their phone lights from side to side.

The encore included three fan favorites, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, “Saturdays” and “Silver Tongues,” which had the entire crowd singing at the top of their lungs. Tomlinson closed the night with a heartfelt thank you, expressing his love and gratitude to his fans.

Overall, Louis Tomlinson’s Faith in the Future Tour was a fantastic display of his talent and growth as an artist. His infectious energy, flawless vocals, and emotional performances left the audience wanting more. It was truly a night to remember for all in attendance.

The North American leg of the tour has just started as Laval was the third stop. You can get tickets for future dates here.

[beautifulpersonpeach]

I'm very much surprised by I don't have a girlfriend stop asking me that approach JK took. I guess they truly get annoyed by what people say or how they never get asked about more important things to them, like the actual work. I'm surprised he went there

***

I’ve been *living* for Jungkook’s lives in Chapter 2. This is right up there with him directly addressing those who hate him as a hobby and 2nd job, him clearly and simply stating his ambitions as a solo pop artist, or JK showing awareness and being frank about the way he engages with the fandom. Jungkook has always been pretty straightforward about how he goes about things, and that’s not changed much in Chapter 2.

From his speech and tone you could tell how exasperated he was lol. He was there to talk about his work, promote his music, and talk a bit about BTS, but some people kept spamming questions about his supposed girlfriend based on a clip not even some of the nastiest JK anti galleries on the k-side could take seriously. My dude was so over it lmaooo.

RM flat out saying he won’t apologize for listening to a song that k-pop stans decided to grossly mischaracterize; Yoongi unapologetically using the allotted time in his MS extension to tour and then begin service as he always said he would; Jimin straight up addressing the mess around FACE and the encores and re-asserting himself on his own terms; and Taehyung / Jungkook doing whatever the heck he likes.

I love this for them.

And want to see more of this in Chapter 2.

One thing I want to say though, is that I’m seeing comments about him saying ARMYs are his girlfriend, and for the people making a big deal out of this, this is yet another instance of the language barrier kicking their asses. There’s no native speaker who actually heard JK who thinks he meant that seriously. He was clearly exasperated and the grammar suggests he was responding to a comment he saw. The takeaway of what he said is closer to him saying he’s right now married to his job or focused on his career - the standard response BTS has given to that question over the years, than him implying he actually sees himself as the boyfriend to millions of people.

Most ARMYs I’ve seen so far have been able to tell that difference. It’s a different matter for k-pop stans though, who even in the best scenarios manage to infuse bad faith into the discussion.

Some going as far as to blame any stalking and sasaeng crimes he deals with on his words… as though even the most reticent members don’t deal with sasaeng activity to the same degree. As though the sorts of people who commit these crimes are the sorts who would care one way or the other about what their target actually wants.

But such is the nature of ‘discourse’ in these parts.

[misscammiedawn]

Would you like to share any opinions on RUSH? You get extra points if they’re hot takes.

*HIGH PITCHED SQUEEEEEEEEEEE*!!!

Penny? I love you! Thank you for unleashing my thoughts!

VERY WELL! Let us begin!

I'm gonna list them in random order

- Time Stand Still is best music video and anyone who disagrees is being a grinch!

- Our favorite album is Roll the Bones and our favorite Live CD is A Show of Hands! I think Rush in Rio and Permanent Waves are the *best* though!

- They should just release the Different Stages live recording. It's pretty much out there as extra features on the other DVDs!

- The Clockwork Angels book and graphic novel are pretty average but are worth it for making Seven Cities of Gold not suck. The worst song is the best chapter of the novel

- I would buy a Blu-Ray that is just the backing videos for the live videos and I hate that the only backing vid that exists in full form is By-Tor from Rush in Rio (as an Easter Egg)

- Emotion Detector is the most underrated Rush song and I would have preferred Tom Sawyer or YYZ not get played in one of the tours to accommodate it in a concert! Only 44 songs have never been played live before and of them the only one that I think deserved to be played more is Vapor Trail because it is the ONLY title song of an album never played live (after Presto was pulled out for Time Machine)

- It is pronounced Why-Why-Zed. It is spelt Vapor Trails. The American spelling of Vapor is essential to the song's message

- Analog Kid is Alex's best song, Ghost of a Chance and Between The Wheels are second and third-- though live versions of Working Man are up there

- Geddy's solo at the end of Leave That Thing Alone (Time Machine Tour) is the exact peak of Rush, that was their highest point as a band!

- SARS Fest concert kinda sucked? Spirit of Radio with Paint It Black intro was amazing but the equipment was shot and they gave Alex a hot microphone. They also cut off the "encore" which just sucked. I am also a little salty that Rush were an opening band for the Stones *in Canada*.

- Tom Sawyer is overrated and they're not even Peart lyrics. Limelight and YYZ off of the same album are better.

- Neil's Ayn Rand period is a valid part of Rush history and provides so much extra context to The Garden. The same pen that wrote "begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more" ended his life with "the measure of a life is a measure of love and respect, the way you live and the gifts that you give, in the fullness of time it's the only return you can expect" - a man with a storied life as Neil with as much tragedy as he endured ended with him completely giving and loving in his heart when 35-40 years prior he wrote empathetically that "you don't get something for nothing"

- La Villa Strangiato is in my opinion not just the best instrumental but it is in contention for best Rush song period. I would never give it that title because it lacks Peart's lyrics and I find that people who say that have an irrational dislike of Geddy's voice... but it's still a valid take. Natural Science would get my all around best song badge. But best and favorite are not the same in my world and even still I mean *technically proficient* mixed with lyrics. I'll change my mind, likely. But that's my feeling right now.

- Geddy didn't get vocal training until before My Favorite Headache (2000) and Neil didn't get jazz drumming instruction until Burning For Buddy (1994). Both artists were just fine as they were but they perfected their arts and I prefer late era Rush because of that. The band never stopped evolving.

- I would have liked to have heard one of the solo album songs live (I Am The Spirit, Promise or My Favorite Headache) or have Bob and Doug do Take Off for a charity event like the South Park or Hawkings concerts last year. I *still* want that. Neil wasn't involved in the solo albums. It could still happen.

- I want a Jukebox Musical of Rush music so that The Body Electric isn't the only piece of fiction scored to Rush.

- Alex Lifeson could have been a comedian. He's one of the funniest humans on the planet.

- Peaceable Kingdom is better for having been the only song where lyrics were written after the music. Vapor Trail has amazing lyrics in general but I feel the limitation had positive impact and I wish Neil and the band did this practice more than once.

- Rush's improvised and last minute songs when they are running out of studio time are the best. Malignant Narcissism was the result of the album director seeing Geddy warming up with a vintage fretless bass and said "put that on the album" so they composed around the improvised riff, Force Ten was literally a last minute addition to Hold Your Fire. La Villa is said to have been recorded in a single take (I do not believe that legend as it wasn't in any of the biographies I have read). Rush just work best with limitations. They're a bunch of goofs and giving them a time limit makes them go into a Saitama style serious mode.

---

I could write tons more. But I'll call it there.

I like Rush.

A lot.

More than you think I do.