Keep Yourself Alive - Roger Taylor

70

"We're not doing anything now, we could go meet some people if you'd like?" Roger asked, bobbing his knees up and down as I sat on them.

"Really? Are we allowed?" I asked, forgetting that they are part of the line up too. Sometimes it just doesn't feel like they're famous, as everything changed so drastically so quickly and they've been in stardom ever since.

"Babe, we're in Queen, I think it's okay" He said sarcastically.

"Shut up.. who we meeting then?" I grinned excitedly, a buzz of enthusiasm rushing over my body.

"David Bowie? Elton John? Bob Geldof? Paul McCartney? You can chose, gorgeous" He added, standing up.

"I mean, I wouldn't say no to meeting Bowie again... oh and Paul McCartney" I said sheepishly.

"Let's go then" He said, grabbing my hand to pull me around the backstage area.

We first bumped into Bob Geldof, rushing around nervously as he watched the amount of money rise significantly after queen performed.

"Look at this Rog, 100 million pounds" He said in a thick Irish accent as he noticed the drummer.

"That's amazing Bob, Oh this is Rose" He commented, nodding towards me.

"Lovely to meet ya, Rose" He said, shaking my hand and sending me a nod.

"You too, it's been an amazing show so far. Well done" I beamed.

"I like her, she's the only one that's said that to me yet" He breathed, shaking his head before backing away towards the stage door hurriedly, most likely beginning another task.

"So that was Bob" Roger said, widening his eyes and shaking his head at the hurried conversation.

"It has been an amazing show, I can see why he is rushed off his feet though" I laughed, and Roger guided me towards another caravan.

He knocked, and a few moment later the legend himself opened the door.

"Ah Roger, Rose! It's lovely to see you again, please come in" David Bowie said, sending nervous tingles over my body.

Although I had met him when recording 'Hot Space', I still had a huge adoration for the singer and other than Queen he was my all time favourite artist.

"How did you like the show?" He asked me as we entered his more glamorous caravan.

"Amazing, it's for such a good cause" I breathed.

"I'm glad you liked it, you and Queen were great Roger" He applauded, grinning over at us.

"How's the albums been going?" He asked after a small moment of silence.

"Well Hot Space was a bit of a flop unfortunately, apparently the only good track was under pressure. All those bloody synthesisers I'd say" He shrugged.

"Yes, well it was a good record. Is Deacy still annoyed at me for changing the riff?" He joked, leaning his shoulders onto his knees.

"He got over it eventually, shouldn't have gone out and forgotten it should he?" Roger laughed, giving my hand a squeeze as he did.

"That is true, my friend" Bowie laughed in agreement.

"I mean, we only went for a pizza and he forgot the bloody thing. He'd only done it a hundred times before we left" Roger vented, and we all laughed in response.

"So Rose, hows life with these lot? There must be some gossip" David said, leaning back, awaiting my answer.

"Well you know what they're like, always bickering and that" I joked, tickling Rogers side for once and making him chuckle.

"We're not always bickering" He argued back.

"You so are!" I retaliated.

"You're both doing it now" David laughed, shaking his head.

My cheeks flushed pink and Roger winked at me cheekily.

Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted our conversation.

"David Bowie, five minutes to stage please" A man shouted.

"That's my cue" He replied, standing up with this hands outstretched slightly.

"Good luck, mate" Roger nodded, shaking the legends hand.

"Thank you, I'll see you two later" He stated and pulled me into a hug.

My heart fluttered as my all time favourite singer actually gave me a hug. It was only a few years ago that Roger walked into the kitchen and made me cut my finger when I was singing 'heroes', and now I'm in his private room, hugging him before a huge gig. What a way they've come since smile.

We all left the small caravan and watched as the singer departed to the stage.

"What a legend" I breathed.

"Alright, don't drop your knickers" Roger joked, nudging me lightly.

"Shut up you! It's nothing but musical appreciation" I mumbled, hugging his arm to reassure him.

"Although he is gorgeous" I mumbled even quieter, trying to be inaudible, but he still heard me.

"Oi, bugger off" He said defensively, spinning me around to face him.

"Anyway, you were amazing today. People were cheering and crying, you've really made an impact on that crowd I can tell you" I nodded, giving him a small peck on the lips.

"I even saw you stifle a few tears, love" He smirked, pulling me closer to him with his hands around my waist.

"I was just proud of you all, you've come so far" I said graciously, resting my head against his chest.

"Bless ya, what's made us two so soft?" He chuckled, rubbing my hair. He pulled the baker hat from my head and placed it on his own.

"We've made each other soft, remember. Even Brian said it" I laughed.

"Yeah but I don't mind" He shrugged.

We stayed like that for a moment. The booming echo of David Bowie's voice, and the constant sound of the erratic stage crew felt like it was in slow motion as we shared our embrace. Famous faces graced my eyes as I watched on in awe. Bob Geldof was still rushing around like a mad man, and I even caught a glimpse of Status Quo as they chilled out backstage, amidst the chaos. This day really has been a perfect one, and the fact that the whole thing was non profit and all the money was going to Africa made my heart fill with hope. Hope that our world wasn't in fact driven by money and greed, but driven by unity and helpfulness.

I looked up at Roger, pulling the baker hat on his head towards me, and pressing his lips against mine lovingly and passionately.

It was the perfect kiss to end a perfect day. Now to find Paul McCartney.