Stockholm Syndrome

Chapter 14: Close the Curtains

By the time December of 2003 graced us with its presence, Blink was one of the biggest bands in the world. The guys, however, were still as humble and perverted as they had been in 1997. They had just released their seventh CD, which was collectively referred to as "blink-182." Soon after its release, reports started flowing in from people and critics who were 'disappointed' with the new album and criticized Blink for 'maturing.' Sure, they were beginning to sound 'different' but they were still Tom, Mark and Travis. Exploring new sound is something every musician should do, so why were the guys being criticized for something that all musicians should strive to accomplish?

Fuck them.

Since you are probably wondering how Tom and I were coming along, the answer is simply that; we were coming along. He hadn't changed as I had expected him to once he asked me, but he wasn't exactly normal either. I was still pretty much in charge of his schedule, but 2004 held plans for the band that even I had trouble making.

Tom and Mark pitched the idea to me one afternoon in the studio.

"We should tour Europe, dude. We're huge over there too," Mark said from the couch.

"Fuck, you're right," Tom replied, bolting up in the chair that he was lounging in from across the room. He looked at me and smiled devilishly.

"Woah guys, hold up. I can't just schedule an international tour on the spot. Where the fuck do I start? I don't think I know any of your people that will know other people that schedule international shit. Unless you guys have relations..."

"Mark has people."

"Yeah! I have lots of people!" Mark said excitedly, throwing a guitar pick at Tom.

"We can start calling tomorrow," I replied, writing down 'European tour?' on my notepad which lay directly in front of me.

"You always put things off until the last possible minute. We want 2004 to be a big year. Why not start with a European tour? We can add Australia to the list too, just because." Mark said. Tom mumbled in agreement.

"Fuck you guys," I began as Travis walked in.

"Dude Travis we're going to do a European tour!" Mark exclaimed.

"Rad, when do you guys plan on doing the shows?" Travis asked, scanning the other two before he scanned me for an answer.

"I haven't even begun to plan it yet. These two are just jumping to conclusions," I said. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I took the call because it was from an unknown number, which signified that it was someone with something to tell me. "Be right back."

The phone call was from a business executive on MTV who wanted to know if Blink was going to be interested in playing on New Year's live from a building in New York City. And not even just from a building, on top of a building. This would be huge for them, to be broadcast nationwide in conjunction with MTV. It was only all a huge publicity stunt, so I'd have to run it by them, and I knew that they would be stoked to play some new material.

I was just about to walk back into the studio when I felt a warm arm on my shoulder and a familiar scent that I had come to know all too well. I slipped my phone back in my pocket shakily and smiled when Tom's lips met my cheek, the chill from the lip ring sending sparks down my backside.

"Who called?" He asked, now standing in front of me and looking down into my eyes.

"An exec from MTV. They want you guys to play from a rooftop somewhere in New York City on New Year's Eve."

"I'm in. I don't care where we play, I'm in," Tom smiled, shaking his head so that his hair aligned.

I tried to go back into the studio but Tom kept a firm grip on my hand, telling me he was going out to get lunch for everyone. Obviously since I wasn't allowed to go back in the studio I'd have to ride with him.