Part 23
The Following Evening, Before The Concert.
We retrace our steps, following the shuffle of clothes as the goth kids stay just ahead of our sight. They are going for the temple, but when we arrive, there is no sign of combat. Duke is gone. There is no blood, no gunfire, only the shadow of the black robes disappearing into Rosslyn chapel. Beyond is the din of a crowd, all talking in hushed tones at the same time, the hot anticipation for the show to start.
Lights are down in the temple, and Nepotism and I split up to avoid detection. The black robes are filling the pews and sitting, silently watching the dias. A drum set has been erected and a microphone stand stands in a spotlight at the front. It reminds me of the time I busted up a Rock & Roll church that was funneling money to Evangelical terrorists converting African tribes by the sword.
Four more robed figures enter from the back of the dias, two carrying guitars. There is shuffling amongst the attendees. I can hear a much larger crowd outside the chapel, is Sado-Mass doing an invite-only performance first? I’ve got a sinking feeling.
Solomon pulls back his hood. A murmur passes through the audience. The spotlights hits him and silhouettes him with his arms raised. “Good evening,” he says. His soft voice echoes from the PA.
Joshua Solomon got his start in a boy band after a stint as a background character on a children's TV show. Through both he was 'the rebel.' When the band was retired upon high school graduation of ‘the young one,’ Solomon’s solo album was highly anticipated. He chose punk rock as his backup band, against the advice of his managers. A rock album could be acceptable if he was eager to get his demons out, but management thought he'd be better utilized as Country.
Feedback shocks the air as the band plugs in. They begin a drawling jam that rumbles the hall. Solomon looks left to right, touches his forehead and shouts, “Ateh!” The black robes in the pews repeat.
Punk was too dirty to be housed in any profitable situation. Equipment was always broken, police always called, and venues must be paid extra. Solomon won leverage when he threatened to publish a side-project regardless the terms of his contract. Rebellion earned Solomon the 'death of his career,' and all support was removed. SpectraCom filled their end of the agreement, pressing 10,000 copies of his album with his advance payment, but refused to arrange distribution or a supporting tour.
Solomon touches his right shoulder, now dancing a little with melody that found its way in the music. “Ve-Geburah!” he calls. The audience repeats.
Dancing harder, he the tips of his right fingers to his left shoulder and at the top of his toned voice sings, “ve-Gedulahhahhh!”
The audience is enthralled, undulating more and more, arms raising. Coming out of the dance, Solomon crosses his arms before the microphone and whispers in a musical break, “le-OLAHM, Amen!”
Roar of “Amen!”
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