Rhythm of the heart | Rick Savage

Chapter 3

August 5th 1989

Several days have passed since the concert, the phone suddenly buzzes, and I rush to check it. A call from the office where I work is received, causing my heart to skip a beat.

"Why would they be calling me on a Saturday" I whisper to myself.

I take a deep breath and answer the caller. A mixture of disbelief and joy floods my face.

"Hey, Joss. We have a band here that are here for their interview. They are requesting you" The voice of the receptionist rings in the phone.

"What band?" I ask, wondering who the hell would be requesting a 21 year old.

"Umm, Def Leppard. Or something like that" he replies.

"You're kidding me!" I shout into the phone.

"Nope, I'm not" he says I could tell he was holding the phone away from his ear.

"I'll be right there!" I say excitedly, before slamming the phone back on the receiver.

I quickly get changed and run into the kitchen to grab my things hardly able to contain my excitement.

"Hey, Joss. What's up?" Jenny, my roommate and best friend, says looking concerned as she watched me frantically running through our apartment .

"Guess what? Def Leppard are at the office. They are requesting me!" I shout excitedly.

"No way! That's incredible, Joss!" She says matching my energy.

"Thanks, Jenny. I can't believe this is happening!" I say with a grin.

I prepare diligently for the interview, ensuring that I have thoughtful questions that will showcase the bands personalities and their music.

At the radio station, I nervously enter the room, clutching my journal and a notepad. My heart races as I wait for the band to enter.

Suddenly, the door swings open, and four members of Def Leppard walk in, including Rick. My eyes light up when I see him, he flashes me a warm smile.

"Hey, Jocelyn! Great to see you again" Rick says enthusiastically.

"Hi, Rick. It's great to see you all too" I say with a smile.

"You can call me Sav, then you won't get us mixed up" he says as he looks over to Rick Allen.

"Thank you for being here today. I'm excited to have a more intimate chat with you" I start enthusiastically.

"Likewise, Jocelyn. We're looking forward to it" Sav answers me with a knowing grin.

"I notice Steve isn't here" I say before getting into the interview.

"He had a little too much to drink last night, we thought we'd let him have his beauty sleep" Joe answered swiftly.

"Oh, well I hope he feels better soon. Shall we start?" I say, I know that Steve has been struggling with alcohol, I can't imagine what he's going through.

I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the band.

"Joe, as the frontman and a well-known figure in the music industry, how do you handle the pressures of fame while still maintaining a sense of normalcy in your life" I ask with my first question.

"It's all about balance, really. When I'm not on stage, I cherish my private time with family and close friends. They help to keep me grounded, reminding me that I'm still just Joe, Not the rock star you see on stage. And having a support system like that is invaluable" Joe answers me thoughtfully.

I listen intently, "I understand the importance of a strong support system".

"Rick, you've been an inspiration to many with your incredible determination and resilience. How do you find strength in the face of challenges?" I ask looking towards Rick Allen.

"It's about embracing change and adapting. Life has thrown some curveballs my way, but I've learned to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can't. My passion for music and the support of the band and our fans have been my driving force" He answers softly and with wisdom.

"I admire your positive outlook and inner strength" I reply to Rick. Next I look over to Phil.

"Phil, as a health and fitness enthusiast, how do you stay motivated and committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst a busy schedule?" I ask.

"It's become a way of life for me. staying active and eating well not only keeps me physically fit but also boosts my mental clarity and energy levels. I try to incorporate small workouts, even on the road, and it helps me stay focused on both my music and my well being" he answers enthusiastically.

"I am impressed by your dedication to your health and the positive impact it has on your life" I reply,

"Thank you, Jocelyn" he thanks me proudly.

As the interview progresses, the atmosphere remains warm and friendly. I continue to ask questions and engage with the band, who seem to show genuine interest in me too.

Suddenly, the door to the interview room opens and Lisa, an intern of mine peeks inside.

"Sorry to interrupt. Jocelyn. But I was wondering if you needed anything or if I could get you some refreshments" she asked apologetically.

"Oh, thank you, Lisa. That's very kind of you, some water would be great" I say smiling towards her.

"I could use a cup of coffee, actually" Joe said to Lisa.

"I'll take some water too, please" Sav speaks up,

"Just a cup of tea for me, please" Rick says sincerely.

"I'm good, thank you" Phil says smiling at Lisa.

"Alright, I'll be right back with your drinks" she says as she slowly closes the door.

"So, Jocelyn. You have quite the team here, don't you?" Joe said smiling at me.

"Yes, they take good care of me" I say chuckling.

"You must be pretty important to have an intern at your service" Sav says teasingly smirking at me.

"I wouldn't say that, but I'm grateful for the help" I reply I feel my face getting a little warm.

"We can see how passionate and hard working you are" Rick says.

"I agree, we're thrilled to have you interviewing us today. Aren't we Sav" Phil says looking between me and his bassist. Sav lowers his gaze from me when Phil says that.

Then Lisa returns with the refreshments and distributes them to the band.

"Here you go, anything else I can get you?" Lisa asked smiling.

"This is perfect, thank you" Joe said taking his drink from her.

"Thank you, Lisa" Sav nods to her.

"Appreciate it" Rick says taking his drink.

"All good, thanks" Phil says.

"And for you, Jocelyn?" She asked looking over to me.

"I'm all set, thank you. Lisa" I say taking my bottle of water.

Lisa leaves the room again, leaving me and the band to continue our interview.

"To a fantastic interview" Joe says raising his drink.

"Cheers to that" the other band members said simultaneously.