Synopsis: Eddie couldn’t just NOT enter the contest. With the help of his younger, tech savvy friend, Eddie and Dustin created a mini music video of sorts, showcasing how skillful of a guitarist he is, filmed atop his trailer. This is how he got to where he is now, backstage at a Blastoff Summer Fest, the summer's biggest, outdoor rock festival!
*Masterlist, Series Warnings, Additional Series/Reader Info, and Posting Schedule*
All writing is in second person unless clearly stated otherwise. No Use of Y/N.
Cydonia Set List
Eddie seriously couldn't comprehend his current situation. He was really about to perform with Metallica… in a couple hours, but still, holy sHIT!
He and his plus one, Dustin, had spent the last few hours exploring the festival, and now they were backstage. The band currently on stage was in the middle of their last song. After them, there was only one more act before Metallica, and Eddie, was on.
Eddie's heart hasn't beat at a normal pace all day. It didn't matter the amount of sound checks he'd already gone through, he was still nervous as all hell to perform with his idols.
They were in a green room, watching a monitor that was displaying the performing acts. "You're gonna be up there, man! Can you believe it?!" Dustin exclaims excitedly.
Eddie shakes his head 'no', still in disbelief. “Nah, man. I really can't. This all feels so surreal.” Just as the current band can be seen vacating the stage, the spotlights turn on and the massive screens on stage change to start displaying a pre-show trailer of sorts for the next band. The crowd was cheering so loud, the two boys could hear the screams from backstage. They were chanting the entire way through the video for the next band. Eddie’s brows crease, “For a band I’ve never heard of, they are quite popular. Cydonia?”
“Oh yeah! That’s the band with the huge display in the front at TR.” Dustin said, referring to their favorite music store back in Hawkins.
“Hm.” Eddie nods. He recalls the fiery display next to the register, but he didn’t buy into it, skeptical of the stars.
Though the stage was blacked out, he could still see shadows of people walking onto the stage, the crowd roaring impossibly louder. The sounds of a resonating guitar could be heard as the band readied, counting down, before starting their opening song with a guitar riff. The crowd went completely feral at that moment.
Eddie studied the screen. The camera was zoomed out, showing the full band on stage. They really had a full band. There was a keyboardist, a drummer, a bassist, two guitarists, one being the lead singer, and a backup singer who had a multitude of instruments around him. Each member was dressed in all black with the lead standing out in blood red. They had a vaguely 1800s aesthetic, very theatrical. Each outfit was slightly unique, but all of them came together to create one cohesive look.
The intro to their opening song lasted a full minute, the band showcasing their musical talents using their respective instruments alone. It was truly amazing to hear and see so many musicians playing together in sync. Each musician was facing each other as if in a large jam circle, the only one truly facing the crowd being the drummer. Eddie felt a pang in his heart watching them. He wanted nothing more than to be performing like them, in a band with such musical chemistry.
After the first minute, the circle was broken by the lead singer turning to walk up to the microphone at the front of the stage, allowing Eddie to get a full view of the person. They adorned long, wild locks that fell into their face, giving them a grungy yet ethereal look. Eddie didn't know what to expect, but whatever came out of the lead vocalist's mouth was not it. The vocalist sang in a lower register, for a girl that is. He was used to most popular female vocalists of the time focusing on their higher vocal range. To him, those singers he’s heard of, though impressive, became annoying over time. This singer's voice was different. It melded with the music perfectly. Eddie could immediately understand the incredible hype from the crowd. They were utterly unique from most radio bands and artists, and they brought a sense of nostalgia, keeping the sound of rock and metal, the sound Eddie loved with all his heart, alive.
After their first song, they immediately went into the next. Their melodies were dark, and their lyrics were cynical, but listening to their music created an almost spiritual experience for Eddie. Both he and Dustin were completely entranced.
“Do you want to go watch the show in the pit?” A woman’s voice broke their intense concentration on the screen. They both whip their heads and look at the graying woman with wide eyes.
“Can we?!” Dustin screamed excitedly.
“As long as Shag here is back in time for his queue.” The production crew member replied, motioning towards Eddie.
Dustin jumps up, “Yeah, sure. Let’s go!” He grabs a hold of the jean vest on Eddie’s shoulder, pulling him off the couch and out the door. The heavy bass of the drums and muffled guitar riffs could be heard echoing through backstage as they ran through the halls. They could hear the clear melodies being sung by the band and crowd alike, sounding like a choir. They had to ask a few random staff members to point them in the right direction as they went, but eventually they made it, getting to the pit just in time to catch the tail end of the guitar solo.
It was weird to be on this side of the fence at a concert, but it was exhilarating. The sun was almost fully set by now, so every light and effect on stage was magical, especially so up close and personal. By the time Dustin and Eddie the perfect spot, the final bit of the band's second song was ending.
The lead singer stepped back up to the mic, “Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. You’ve already shown us so much love.” They spoke directly into the mic, lips caressing the metal cover. Their voice was a little raspy, but soothing, the complete opposite of the usual energetic shouts singers give when addressing the audience. Just as they began to speak, the backup singer picked up an acoustic guitar, and began playing the opening riff of their next song. “It’s such an honor to be able to play alongside such talented artists and legends. For those who don’t know, we are Cydonia,” Another feral cheer from the crowd caused the lead to smirk and let out a small chuckle into the mic, girls and guys alike could be heard screaming at the top of their lungs in reaction to the singer's smirk. “And this next song is called Cirice.” Just on queue, the drummer hit two symbols, bringing in the keyboardists. A few more beats pass, before the electric guitars join in, mimicking the original riff played on the acoustic. The lead backed away from their mic and closed the space between them and the other guitarist. They both played in perfect sync with each other. It was genuinely mesmerizing. The next minute and a half was spent with Dustin cheering in Eddie’s ear along with the crowd, headbanging to the heavy music.
“I feel your presence amongst us,” The lead points out to the crowd,
“You cannot hide in the darkness.” Their hand made its way back to strum the guitar in time for the next beats.
“Can you hear the rumble?
Can you hear the rumble that's calling?” The world felt as if it was shaking. If it weren’t for the thunderous crowd and earth shaking music, Eddie would’ve thought the earth was quaking.
“I know your soul is not tainted
Even though you've been told so
Can you hear the rumble?
Can you hear the rumble that's calling?” Eddie was starting to feel a pressure in his chest. The singer’s gaze was taken from their guitar and out to the crowd.
“I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart
I can see through the scars inside you
I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart
I can see through the scars inside you.” It was as though the song was being sung directly to him. Eddie couldn’t bring himself to move. Everything around him went dark, and the only thing in focus was the band playing on stage, the singer calling out to his heart. All he could do was stand there and watch as the lead focused their eyes back down to their guitar.
“A candle casting a faint glow
You and I see eye to eye
Can you hear the thunder?
How can you hear the thunder that's breaking?
Now there is nothing between us
From now our merge is eternal
Can't you see that you're lost?
Can't you see that you're lost without me?” Eddie's eyes were wide, full of emotion. His lips were beginning to form a pout. He watched as the singer reached out to the crowd as if offering a hand. During the second chorus, Eddie’s mind was somehow both blank and running wild. It felt as though multiple people were screaming in his head at once. It was loud, but he couldn’t distinguish a single thing, rendering the voices void.
The lead walked back and stood right next to the other guitarist, the bassist walking up to stand on the other side of them. They all stood in a line as they rocked out together, the bassist keeping rhythm as the guitarists swapped solos. Eddie felt a strong pull on his heart watching the musicians get lost in the music together. Even the keyboardist had a solo to shine, just before the arena went nearly silent, save for the three notes played on the keyboard and a symbol hit.
“Can't you see that you're lost without me?” The lights flashed with two beats.
“I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart
I can see through the scars inside you.” Eddie could have sworn the lead’s eyes fell upon him in this moment, looking at him with sadness and understanding.
“I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart
I can see through the scars inside you.” The singer closed their eyes and belted out the last word. Eddie felt like crying, his breath hollow and shaky. The backup singers repeat the chorus lines.
“I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart
I can see through the scars inside you.” The last notes of the instruments rang out, the crowd going wild at the end of the song. Dustin’s loud cheers and voice crack brings Eddie back to reality. Dustin bumps against Eddie as he jumps up and down. For the first time, Eddie’s eyes are ripped away from the stage. He blinks away the wetness collecting in his eyes as he takes in the enthusiasm of the crowd and his friend. He was already emotional from the song and its lyrics, but now that pressure in his chest returned for a different reason, the burn of desire and pull of longing. He longed to be the one they were cheering for, God, was he a mix of emotions right now. His eyes were now wide with wonder. The environment was thrilling.
The end of the song leads directly into the next, the drummers hi hat counting the guitarists off. The next song was also emotional for Eddie. The last song made him feel vulnerable, as if the darkness and pain he felt was being called out in front of thousands. This song made him feel almost hopeful. He didn’t feel alone. He was able to enjoy the excitement of being front row at a concert. He bounced along with Dustin, headbanging and dancing around with his curly-haired friend. He felt good. He was smiling, wiping his curls around. He and Dustin played air guitar during the solos without even knowing the song. The bright smile on his younger friend’s face brought joy to his heart. It was like Eddie got to share an experience he wished he could’ve given to his younger self. They shared a crazed laugh after the song ended.
Every song after that was full of highs. Some performances were erotic, pleasing the crowd with the sensual roles the band played. Some were emotional, raw, songs of pain, songs of love, and songs of heartbreak. Overall the concert was euphoric.
Eddie and Dustin spent the few final seconds of the concert screaming at each other, jumping up and down. The band was leaving the stage, and the lights began to dim. Just before it went completely dark, the same lady from earlier came out of nowhere, causing both boys to jump in surprise at her sudden appearance. “Come on, hot shot! We need you backstage!” She shouts over the crowd. Eddie looks back at Dustin.
“I’ll stay here! I have the best seat in the house!” He shouts with a big gummy grin.
Eddie nods, “Wish me luck!” He said as the lady began pulling him away.
“You got this!” Dustin shouts after him.
Just as Eddie made it backstage, the lady let go of him, giving him instruction to stay close before she disappeared into the many moving pieces of staff. Eddie wandered a bit closer to the stage’s artist entrance/exit. As he got closer to the stage, he caught a glimpse of the band members he just watched perform. His heart stopped, a wave of excitement and nervousness washing over him. Eddie didn’t know where his confidence came from, but he walked right up to them, “You guys rocked!” He says enthusiastically, catching the attention of the few band members closest to him. He recognized them to be the drummer, the bassist, and the keyboardists. The three turned to him and smiled.
“Wow, thanks man!” The towering, slender drummer said with a big smile, nudging Eddie on the shoulder with his fist. “Means a lot.” Eddie returned a smile up to him.
“Hey, you were in the pit right?” The bassist points out, pointing a finger in Eddie’s direction. Eddie turns his gaze to the strawberry blonde and nods in response. “You looked really into it.” He chuckled.
Eddie’s face warms up a bit, and he shrugs, “I mean you guys were awesome. You all have great chemistry. I came in blind and was blown away.” The taller bassist raises his brows and nods with an impressed frown.
“Well, thank you.”
“Hey, aren’t you that guy who did that cover of Master of Puppets?” The drummer chimes back in, grabbing Eddie’s attention again.
“You’ve heard of me?” Eddie asks, shocked.
“Of course, we’re all big Metallica fans. Marley was the one who showed you to all of us.” He says pointing to the keyboardist on the opposite side of the bassist.
“Yeah! I knew you looked familiar!” The shorter, brunette says, snapping as her memory is jogged. “Great video! It was like a proper music video. I loved all the special effects. It looked like you were literally rocking out in hell.” The three bandmates shared a laugh, agreeing.
“Wow, thanks! I’ll have to pass that down to Dustin. He’s the tech genius.”
“Did you win a backstage pass or something?” The drummer asks.
“Yeah, the video was actually my submission to a contest we found in a magazine. I won and got invited to play with Metallica!” Eddie says proudly. The three band members all dropped their jaws, looking at him with wide eyes.
“No fucking way!”
“That’s fucking awesome!”
“You are so lucky!” Eddie boasts in pride as they all praise him.
“What happened?” Another chimes in. Eddie’s eyes follow the source of the voice. A figure walks around from behind the short keyboardist, now known as Marley. It's you. Eddie felt time slow as he took in your appearance.
Your dark hair was wild, curling every which way, some shorter strands sticking to your damp forehead. The hair on the left side of your face was tucked behind your left ear, the strands on the right side falling in front of your right eye. You were just tall enough to look Eddie right in the eyes but were still just an inch or so shorter. Your blood red coat was now undone, exposing the black undershirt. Eddie had to keep himself from staring at the exposed skin of your neck like a deprived little boy.
“Remember that video of the guy shredding Master of Puppets? He got invited to play with Metallica tonight.” The bassist states, pointing at Eddie. Eddie’s eyes make their way back up to your face. You were turned to look at the bassist as he spoke, giving Eddie a perfect view of your profile.
“Oh, really?” You turn to look at Eddie. He nods, unusually speechless. “That’s so cool, congrats, dude. You’re really talented. You deserve it.” You offer him a small smile. He returns the smile ten fold.
“Thank you. That means a lot coming from you, from you guys. You’re the real rockstars.” Eddie replies, rushed. You let out an amused huff through your nose.
The small keyboardist interrupts the small moment between you two, “Well, we’re all going to the pit to watch. We’ll see you out there!” The rest of them nodded. The three start to walk away, heading to their dressing room to change out of their stage outfits. You stay behind for an extra few seconds. Eddie felt as though you could see right through him. He is snapped out of his little trance when he feels a pat on his upper arm.
“Knock ‘em dead, rockstar.” You narrow your eyes and give him another small smirk, before walking away in the same direction as the others.
Eddie felt electricity running through his entire body. He stood there for an extra few seconds after you disappeared. A toothy smile crept onto his lips, and he slowly began jumping up and down, fanboying a little. He lets out a yell. Some of the staff in his immediate vicinity turn to give him weird looks. He stops making a scene and lifts a hand in a small wave as if to say ‘sorry, carry on’ to those who stopped to look at him. He smiled to himself.
“Eddie Munson?” He turned to find a guy with a headset and a clipboard scanning the area. Eddie raises his hand.
“That’s me!” The mustached man motions for him to come. Eddie jogs up to them, and they start listing off instructions.
“Alright, the guys are going to go out first. A few songs in, they will give you a queue to join them on stage. You’ll play then run back off stage in time for them to play their next song, just like you practiced. Got it? Good.” This guy was pretty cut and dry which Eddie raised a brow at, but he nodded none-the-less. Shortly after their one sided conversation ended, Eddie was ushered to the edge of the stage entrance. He still couldn’t get over being in the same room as his idols. They all turned to him and cheered.
“There he is!” THE James Hetfield said loudly. Eddie gets a couple pats on the back.
“Let’s go rock the house down, kid.” Lars said, giving Eddie a fist bump before the band heads out and to their places on stage. Eddie watches from the side, in complete bliss.
As the first song begins, the older lady from earlier hands him his guitar, smiling sweetly at him before walking away. He gives the guitar a kiss, “Can you believe this, sweetheart?” He throws the strap over his shoulder.
Eddie peeks out into the crowd and quickly spots Dustin losing his mind, bringing a laugh out of Eddie. Not far off from his friend, he could see a couple of the band members from before. He recognizes the three he met backstage. They were standing with another dark haired guy and a dirty blonde girl he didn’t meet earlier, but Eddie assumed they were in the band too. Eddie observed them all cheering for the legends on stage, then his eyes landed on you. You were singing and dancing with the dark haired guy he hadn’t met. The anxiety Eddie was feeling about his upcoming performance was quickly swapped with a pang of jealousy. He wanted to be the guy dancing and having fun with you.
“Eddie Munson!” Eddie’s head snaps back towards the stage to see James raising a hand in his direction.
“You’re on, kid!” Someone yells.
Eddie takes a deep breath. “You’re on, Munson.” He whispers to himself before running out on stage.
Welcome to Life Eternal!
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