Glitter And Ash (Jalex)

Chapter 3

"Right guys. I'm not going to lie to you, this is going to be a long slog."

The band were sat at a large table in Pete's office having the annual pre-tour meeting. Usually, they discussed things like the rider and tour route, but given that they were going to be on the road for well over a year Pete was determined to make sure everyone was as happy as possible.

They'd been told to think of any "special requests" that would help things run smoothly and ensure they didn't kill each other whilst they were out on the road.

"We've got at least one sold-out show in every major city in Europe and the entire UK leg has sold out. Australia and New Zealand aren't far behind. Asia's going steady but we suspect once it gets closer to the time they'll be sold too. It's no mean feat." He paused, giving them all a proud dad look and Jack resisted the urge to pull his phone out of his pocket and check the time, again. This is going to take forever.

"So, I understand you've already written up the rider?" They'd hoped it would help speed up the process somewhat if they came prepared. It seemed Pete had other ideas.

He scanned over the piece of paper Patrick handed over, nodding slowly. "Great. That's all fine, we'll make that happen. Now have you thought more about the special requests I mentioned?" Everyone nodded. They'd all thought long and hard about this.

One at a time they went along the line of chairs starting with Brendon. "Hotel nights as often as possible, I absolutely hate sleeping in those god damn bunks on the bus." Pete nodded.
"Should be easy enough." Brendon nodded, relieved.

"Good. The bus needs to have a decent coffee machine, I can't spend nearly two years with nothing but that instant shit." Jack shuddered at the thought. Pete nodded once more furiously scribbling notes. "I'll make sure that's sorted. I get the feeling you're not the only one who will benefit from that." Brendon sat back a little in his chair, relaxed.
"Great! That's me all good then." Pete raised an eyebrow but didn't question it; Brendon had always been easily pleased and simple in his requests.

He turned to Patrick. "I want Elisa with me for the entire thing." Why the fuck would you want that?

Pete apparently didn't think this was such a good idea either. "I'll see what I can do." That usually translated to 'there's no way in hell that's happening'. "No Pete. You will clear it, or I am not doing this tour." Jack felt his eyes bulge a little. Holy shit. Never thought I'd see Patrick playing hardball. It seemed Pete was caught off guard too.

"Right. Anything else?"
"I don't want to be trapped on the tour bus or backstage twenty-four seven. If we're going to be travelling the world then I want the chance to see it."

Taylor made a groaning noise, but Patrick just spoke over her. "I'm not talking full band excursions or arranging anything like that, I'm sure we're all gonna want some alone time, I just want to be able to go explore without you constantly panicking. No offence." Pete laughed.
"None taken. Well, as long as you're all back for soundcheck and participate in the scheduled press meetings I don't see a problem with that." Jack didn't like the way Pete looked at him as he said that. He always showed up to interviews... eventually.