Flicker

IV.I. One Man Alone

Flashback 3 years ago...

Off, Krist and Singto were taking gigs at a dingy bar in the alleyways of Bangkok, anything that can get them by. Playing at one of the back street clubs of Khao San road.
They were a band for 2 years now scraping by performing at suspicious places and underground bars. They haven't made it to the limelight yet.
They are waiting for that break, posting videos and uploading songs on their Spotify streaming for free.
Just barely getting by, but still dreaming of that big concert and a tour that thousand of people would get in line with.

Off was the frontman, the lead singer of the band as well as the lead guitars. Krist the drummer and his beau Singto was the bassist/Rythm at that time.

One night at their regular bar on a weekend, which seemed to be crowded at the moment drunkards were noisy and women sprawled all around looking for customers.
Off just like their usual set ask an audience if they would like to come up stage and sing with them. Well, he knew nobody is even listening so he made the call and will start another set again after.
Then out of the blue someone from the side of the bar drinking alone, and a man wearing a cap raised his hand.

"Oh, we've got a braveheart here, do come on up on stage and let us know what song would you like" - Off

"He looked so drunk to even stand, and hold the mic dude. He's gonna make a fool of himself" - Singto

"Hey! babe better than nothing at least he was listening" - Krist

Krist shouted at the back through all the noise and beat his cymbals in a comedic manner laughing it all out.

"Sir, can you sing? "- Off

He just nodded as he put on his hood over his cap.

"Someone to you" - New

"Huh what? "- Off

"The song, can you play it?"-New

"Oh... Yes yes... Kit?"- Off

Off turned to Kit for confirmation and Singto as well.

The man stood in front of the mic stand holding it with both hands. And they started playing but were interrupted when the man went to the back and told Krist to lower the tempo and told Off to lower by one pitch.

Off surprised that this drunk man knew sorts but they played regardless.
Starting it all over again then the intro struck and the first verse came.

"I don't wanna die and fade away..." - New

They were awed at his smooth voice that even the crowd momentarily stopped.
He had the voice and the charm of a lead vocalist the way he held the mic and the gestures were like he had done this for a very long time. Even Singto who is not easily impressed enjoyed playing for him, Krist was smiling throughout. Off even added his second voice in his delight.
It was a good play, amazing even.

After the song, the guy thanked them and went back to his seat. The rest of the night Off was itching to talk to him and ask him questions.
After their set was done he came looking for the man at the bar but he was nowhere to be found, much to his dismay.

"Forget it maybe it was by chance he was here, he's got a good voice though he sounded familiar as well" - Singto

"That's alright, if he drinks here again maybe we can ask him to sing with us again" - Krist

The 3 made our way out of the club to go home for the night. Our guitars are on our backs. They haven't made it far when we saw a man walking dangerously near the streets, he cannot even walk straight.