Claire had always been a curious child, and as she grew older, her fascination with the world of music only deepened. At six years old, she was already hanging around her father's rehearsals, picking up stray guitar picks and asking endless questions about amps, chords, and the strange people who came and went from the studio.
One day, Johnny decided it was time to give Claire a real taste of what life in the music world was like. He had a rehearsal with his band, and he planned to bring Claire along for the whole experience. It wasn’t just about letting her watch; he wanted her to feel the energy, the camaraderie, and the creativity that came with making music.
“Claire-bear,” Johnny called her one afternoon, ruffling her hair. “How’d you like to come with me to the studio today? I’ll introduce you to some of my friends in the business.”
Claire’s eyes lit up. “Really, Daddy? Can I play the guitar too?”
Johnny chuckled. “Maybe not today, kiddo, but you can watch and learn. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be playing sooner than you think.”
They arrived at the studio, where Johnny’s bandmates were already setting up. Walter Lure, the guitarist, waved at Claire with a friendly smile. “Hey there, little rockstar! Ready to see how the magic happens?”
Claire nodded enthusiastically, taking in the scene. The room was filled with instruments, wires snaking across the floor, and the smell of old leather and cigarettes. It was chaotic, but to Claire, it felt like home.
As the band started to play, Claire sat on a stool beside Johnny, watching his every move. She marveled at how his fingers danced across the strings, how the music filled the room and made everything seem alive. It was loud, and sometimes she couldn’t quite understand the words, but she loved it.
During a break, Johnny introduced Claire to some special guests who had dropped by to visit—Stiv Bators from the Dead Boys and Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks. Both men were legends in their own right, and Johnny wanted Claire to meet them.
“Claire, this is Stiv and Michael,” Johnny said, his arm around her shoulders. “They’re two of the coolest guys you’ll ever meet.”
Stiv knelt down to Claire’s level, grinning mischievously. “Hey there, Claire! Your dad tells me you’ve got an ear for music. Maybe one day you’ll be up on stage with us, huh?”
Claire giggled. “Maybe! I wanna play the guitar like Daddy.”
Michael Monroe gave her a warm smile. “You’ve got good taste. Your dad’s a pretty great teacher. If you ever need any tips, you can always ask me too.”
The rest of the afternoon was a whirlwind of music, laughter, and introductions. Claire soaked it all in, feeling like she was part of something special. She didn’t fully understand what her dad and his friends were doing, but she knew she loved being around them, listening to the music they made, and feeling the energy they brought into the room.
As they left the studio that evening, Claire was buzzing with excitement. “Daddy, that was the best day ever!” she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
Johnny smiled down at her, his heart swelling with pride. “I’m glad you liked it, Claire-bear. There’s a whole world of music out there, and it’s yours to explore.”
From that day on, Claire was hooked. She spent every chance she got in the studio, learning from her father, his friends, and anyone else who would teach her. She didn’t know it then, but the foundation for her own musical journey was being laid, and Johnny Thunders was determined to guide her every step of the way.
