I shuddered. “Fuck, that was a memory I’d suppressed for a reason.”
Some things were definitely better left forgotten. Gah.
“I miss his Muppet impressions.”
Ryker’s statement came from left field, considering the memory Leif had just inflicted on us.
“What?” Beau laughed.
“Remember how he could growl just like Animal?” Ryker shrugged. “Fucking got me every time.”
“BEAT DRUMS! BEAT DRUMS!” we all hollered before breaking out into laughter.
Leif sighed. “It didn’t hurt that he had a passing resemblance too.”
We all giggled like school boys because Leif wasn’t wrong. Like Animal, Gio was known for his stringy hair and wild beard.
“God, I’ll miss that fucker.” I stared down at my glass.
“To Gio, the best damn drummer the Long Licks will ever know.” Leif held up his soda.
“To Gio,” we all echoed before we clinked glasses and then drank.
My glass half full—I’d never been a chugger, especially with soda—I set it back down on the bar top. “I think you’re right, Leif; I don’t want to lose this either.”
“Ditto.” Ryker clasped my shoulder and gave me a little shake.
Beau tipped his head. “Me neither.”
“Agreed.” Leif looked at each of us individually. “I’ll ask Danny to see who he knows and set up some auditions when we’re ready.”
I swallowed hard. It still felt like a betrayal to move on so soon, but I also knew deep down that it was the right decision for us.
Life marched on.
My voice only sounded a little froggy when I spoke. “Sounds good.”
“Yeah, thanks, Leif,” Beau rumbled.
“Thanks,” Ryker echoed.
“And then we’ll need to figure out the new guy’s contract.” Leif shifted his weight. “Only makes sense to do a trial run. Start out with a year and go from there?”
“If they’re on a trial basis, we should probably wait to record anything with them.” Beau pointed out. “Or maybe have Danny look into what rights we want to give the new guy? We don’t want to end up with stupid restrictions on future royalties with some douche canoe who didn’t work out.”
Leif nodded. “Which brings us to the next point, what are we going to do after our next album? Find a new label or create our own?”
“I could ask Noah about the process.” My NA sponsee just happened to be the drummer for the Tin Gods, a metal band that’d started their own label a little over a year ago.
“Or we could save the hassle and sign with them.” Ryker rested his elbow on the bar. “They wouldn’t screw us over.”
“Would they be willing to take on a name like ours?” Leif asked with a frown. “So far, they’ve only signed unknown acts. And do they have the ability to give us the support we’d need? I don’t want to trade one shitshow for another one.”
I shrugged. “I’ll feel him out without committing to anything. But given that they recorded and released their own album last year, I’m pretty sure they’re up to the job.”
“Okay, sounds like we have a plan.” Leif’s voice sounded tight. “We’ll audition new drummers in the next few months, finish our contract with our label, and feel out the Tin Gods about joining their label.”
“Fuck yeah!” Ryker shouted. “Sounds like another toast is called for.”
