The lost son ~John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer

49. Someone's bound to get their feelings hurt

I was the last one to enter the stage. Tony and Flea were wearing only shorts, while I had 3 t-shirts, baggy sweatpants, high socks and a beanie on. I liked being the odd one.

- Make some noice for Josh!

Anthony shouted.
The audience started screaming and clapping. It was overwhelming. I didn't look at the crowd. I just did my best and tried not to fuck up any song.
I loved the setlist. We played 'Around the world', 'Aeroplane', 'Give it away', 'Californication', 'By the way', 'Can't stop', 'Scar tissue', 'Higher ground' and 'Under the bridge'. I must admit I was the one who insisted on playing some of the older stuff. I'd been a fan of the band for years, I knew what people wanted to hear. My dad refused to play or even listen to what Dave Navarro had recorded with the Peppers. It was funny but what could I do.

I was fucking exhausted after the last song. I kept dancing for the whole show. My fingers were on fire.
When Anthony had already left the stage, Flea and Chad were still jamming. I asked them if I could sing one more song. They agreed. I wiped off the sweat from my forehead, closed my eyes and walked up to the microphone. I'd been planning this and practising until the last minute before the show started.

- I'd like to dedicate this song to my dear father.

I said and people started cheering. I sang 'Heroes' by David Bowie. We both loved him. I hoped that John was watching this and he was singing with me.

"And the shame, was on the other side
Oh, we can beat them, forever and ever
Then we could be heroes just for one day..."

- Thanks.

I said as I finished and disappeared behind the curtain.

In the backstage Clara was already all over Anthony, making out with him. Great. I quickly went to my dressing room and took a shower. I was drenched in sweat.
Unfortunately I had to wait for everyone to be ready before we could head to the hotel.
There were many fans waiting in front of the building. They were standing in a line, holding CDs, t-shirts and posters. I put on the hood of my jumper and managed to get inside without having to take pictures or signing.
I've decided to call John. It was 4 AM in Los Angeles, but I hoped he wouldn't be asleep. I was still so pumped up. I was proud of myself. It was one of these rare times when I felt that I finally did something right.

- Hey, didn't I wake you up?

I asked as he answered the call.

- No, I'm downstairs with Emily. We had been watching the broadcast of the show.

- I thought so. And how did you like it?

- I'm beyond proud. And about that Bowie song, thank you so much, I cried like a baby when I heard that you're dedicating it to me.

John said with a shaky voice.

- That's true, he was so excited! He kept sobbing for the whole song so I couldn't hear you sing!

I heard Emily say.

- Don't worry, you'll have many more occasions to hear it. You should go to sleep, guys. I love you. Thanks for watching the concert.

- We couldn't have missed it. We love you too. Have a good night. Bye.

John said.

It was the most important thing for me. Hearing that he was proud of me was great. He was my mentor. I've always looked up to him as a guitar god. I skipped a few notes in the 'Scar tissue' into but he didn't mention it at all. That's how John was. Loving and caring, appreciating anything you've done.