You're One In A Million, Babe. (Guns n' Roses / Duff Mckagan story)

Chapter 2 - Hollywood Rose

AXL'S POV

ever since that night I found Izzy all cracked up inside of his apartment, I've done everything in my power to try & change him. We've recently started a band called 'Hollywood Rose'. Cheesy, huh? The name didn't take much. Hollywood was a big city, which I've grown to love & well rose; my last name. Before you knew it, boom. Hollywood Rose.
So far, the band consisted of Izzy & I, & two other members. A guy we met named Jack & some other dude who called himself "popcorn." His name was Steven, but he had the frilly, poppy corn-type hair, so it seemed to me like he really thought the name through.

In this band, I was the singer, Jack was the bass, Steven the drums, & Izzy the guitar. I wouldn't say we were "amazing" at playing. It's 1982, we're just trying to make it big; which could possibly be a bit more challenging, considering a few other bands on the strip, had the same aspiration. One of the bands was called poison. Another, mötley crüe. What an odd name.
I really don't want to think of them as competition. To me, all the new breakthrough bands resembled each other very....eccentrically. they had the whole "glam" persona going on. Yanno, platform heels, tight leather, LOTS of makeup, etc. They looked like the washed - up trailer trash version of KISS. For my band, I definitely didn't want that image. As far as I'm concerned, I'm doing this for the love of rock n' roll.

STEVEN'S POV
Today had been my first "official" practice with Hollywood Rose. Axl, he seemed cool. Real mellow, fun guy to work with. Seems like he's very concentrated on this band. Izzy? He's very mysterious, not that I'm complaining though. He's a badass guitar player. With us three, it feels right playing. Jack, he doesn't seem like the type to fit in. I'm honestly convinced Axl feels the same. Knowing Axl, he'll fire Jack soon enough. & he's fully aware we need two guitar players, Izzy can't do electric and rhythm by himself.
I twiddled with my drumsticks & let out an audible sigh. I think its time I call up the riff master & his long - necked apprentice.

DUFF'S POV
"No, man! No way, no how! We can't join your band, what about L.A. guns?" I spoke loudly through the phone. Steven on the other line, was trying to inveigle Slash & I into joining his band, Hollywood Rose.
I heard a sigh & a bit of scratchiness.
"Come on, man! This dude Axl, pure talent. He reeks of rock n' roll & stardom. Oh, oh & you've gotta meet this guitar player, Iz. We'd all work great together, I'm telling ya." he pleaded.
I looked over at slash, who rose an eyebrow, meaning the decision was up to me.
Hesitant, I sighed in defeat. "Okay okay okay, when do you wanna meet up?" I said.
A high pitched squeal caused me to stumble back a bit. "AGH! thanks duff, this means a lot. Meet us at the whiskey @ 2!" He beamed & the line grew dead.

I rubbed my weary eyes & glanced at the clock. 1:26 pm. "Oh, brother." I whispered to myself, grabbing the nearest bottle of alcohol.
I plopped down on the couch next to slash & drank.

"So um, what's up with that all about?" he asked, lighting a cigarette.
"Stevie wants us to go meet up with some band. Apparently, these dudes have real talent. We're meeting them at the whiskey today." I chuckled, adding emphasis on the 'real'. Yanno, since our current band is absolute shit.
"Well shit, Duff. It's 1:30, when are we supposed to meet them?" He asked, squinting through his black, curly locks.
"2!" I yelled, slapping his thigh. "So get your ass ready!"