Can't Stop (Frusciante fan fic)

Part 20-Dosed by You

Anthony's voice sounds better than ever. He sounded good last year too, but he's jumping around stage as he belts out the intro to "Can't Stop." Everyone is singing along. Then the part with John's angelic backup vocals comes, and I feel like I'm in a dream. When we saw them before, I appreciated Josh's backup vocals, and now I appreciate the nuanced differences between his and John's. I find myself singing along with John's part rather than along with Anthony's, though granted, there is overlap in the chorus. 

I was hoping they would start with "Around the World" just to do something different. Yet, I am not disappointed when it turns out to be the second song. All of them absolutely kill it as I sway back and forth, singing along with both Anthony and John. It's as if somehow, they knew I wanted them to play that. 

Next, they play "Otherside" and "Snow." I think the riff for Snow, which is not easy to play (Sophia won't even try it) was meant to be played by John, and only John. No disrespect meant to Josh, and no other way to describe it. 

I realize that John is going to have to make some sacrifices to play my and Sophia's desired set lists. He probably won't, but I'm blissfully happy with what I hear so far, just living in the moment. 

They do a quick jam, and then I see their keyboardist come on. The question everyone has been waiting for is being answered. Will John play any of the songs they wrote with Josh? People say he has a bit of an ego. I personally know that can't be the truth, and even if it is and I just haven't seen it, most of us are guilty of the same deep down. 

Recognizing "Dark Necessities," the crowd cheers loudly. Because it is such a bass-dominant song, it is a little of a sacrifice for John to suck it up and let Flea do his thing, which Flea does so very well. All of us just admire Flea slapping that bass and dancing on stage. Then John plays Josh's solo at the end, but there's something harder and more frenetic about it. I haven't heard him shred in years, but he absolutely rocks it. He also keeps playing, with Flea backing, long after the solo usually ends. 

The crowd (and I) barely recover from that when Anthony comes to the mic and says, "this is one of our new songs." He doesn't give the name that I remember, but it sounds great. I'm so glad they have new music to share with us already. I can't wait until the new album comes out.

The next song surprises me, as it is another sacrifice for John in terms of holding off on backing vocals, as they didn't write any for him in the song. How did they know I wanted them to play "Especially in Michigan?" I had hinted at it in one of my conversations with John, but never though it would happen. I hear the beautiful intro and reflexively start cheering at the top of my lungs. People must think I'm crazy as it's not one of their popular songs. And John does manage to throw in some subtle backing vocals as Anthony sings "Lions and tigers come running just to steal your luck." I know from reading and obsessing over the band and John that they have NEVER played this song live before.

But there is more to come from all of them, and John especially. John comes up to the front of the stage and strums the first chords of the Bee Gees "How Deep is Your Love?" and starts singing. I'm absolutely mesmerized even though I've watched him sing it in You Tube videos many times, but hearing it live is a completely different experience.

They play "By The Way," next, which is far from my favorite song, but still sounds good. They amp up the energy a bit with "Me and My Friends" and "Sikamikanico", which I've always liked.

There appears to be a pause, followed by a second guitarist on stage with John. It's not Josh, unfortunately, in fact, I don't recognize the guy. I'm wondering if this is what I think it is. I requested this song too, if it is what I think it is. But probably not. 

But it is. I hear the intro to "Dosed," and scream out like some idiot fangirl, "Oh, my God, thank you John, I love you!" Part of me hopes he hears and sees me, and the other part hopes he doesn't hear me making a fool of myself. Once again, giving up part of a song to a second guitarist, which you really need to play this song, though technically, he could have done a loop pedal.