Page 82 of The Reboot
‘I don’t blame them. They had no choice but to cut me loose. I was dragging them all down.’
‘But you weren’t happy, Roly.’
They all said the same thing. He tried to tell them that was the drugs and the booze. It would be different this time. He’d appreciate it, enjoy it; he wouldn’t throw it all away. But they didn’t get it. He’d just have to show them. He’d get back with Oh Boy!, and he’d be on top again, and then they’d see; they’d understand.
For the rest of the week he waited for a call from one of the band, approaching him about the reunion, offering him a second chance. None came. It was everywhere now. Social media had gone crazy, and the former band members were being interviewed on the radio and TV – all of them except him. All the news channels doing the story included little snippets giving a quick background to the group – a brief history of their meteoric rise to fame, their record-breaking album sales, chart-topping singles and sell-out tours. There were invariably unflattering mentions of him – his drink and drug problems, failed solo career and recent money troubles.
He watched Zack being interviewed about the reunion in a piece on the evening news.
‘It’s not so much a reunion as a reboot,’ he said in a clip. ‘We’re acknowledging the fact that we’ve all grown up and moved on, and so have our fans. That’s why our new album will be called Oh Man!’
‘And will Roly be joining you for the reunion tour?’ the interviewer asked.
Zack gave a coy smile. ‘Roly hasn’t shown any interest.’
Yeah, Roly thought, mainly because I wasn’t asked.
‘It looks like it’ll be just the four of us, the line-up as it was when we broke up. It’s been a long time since Roly’s been part of Oh Boy! He’s moved on; he’s doing his own thing.’
Yeah, what would you know about that? Twat!
‘If he was up for it, would you be open to him joining the reunion?’
Zack shrugged. ‘Never say never.’ He gave a sly smile to camera. Roly knew he was just saying that to tease the fans, keep them on the hook. ‘But, honestly, I don’t think Roly’s interested in being a member of the group again.’
Well, how do you know if you don’t ask? Fucker!
Clearly, if he wanted this to happen, he was going to have to make the first move.
He called Liam first. ‘So, this reunion…’
‘Yeah, sorry about that, man. I’ve been meaning to call you.’
‘I mean, it’s a shock, hearing that on the news.’ They didn’t know Charlie had given him a heads-up and they didn’t need to. They clearly didn’t give a fuck if he heard it first on the TV.
‘I take it my name didn’t come up, then?’
‘We just … didn’t think you’d be interested,’ Liam mumbled.
He took a deep breath, bracing himself. He’d just have to ask; try not to sound too desperate. ‘Well, I am. So, how would you guys feel about making it a real reunion, the original line-up back together again.’ He tried to sound bouncy and cheerful, like he wasn’t that bothered either way. He kind of hated himself right now. ‘I mean, I’m sure the fans would love it.’
Liam sighed. ‘You know if it was just up to me…’
‘Yeah, yeah.’
‘But Zack…’
Oh sure, blame it on Zack, you spineless dick. At least Zack would have the balls to speak for himself.
‘You should talk to him, though – and the rest of the lads. It’d be a laugh if you were with us.’
‘I will. I’ll talk to Zack and the others.’ There was an awkward silence. ‘Look, I know you guys had to cut me loose. I was a liability, I get that. But I’ve changed. I’m clean and sober now.’
‘I know. Congratulations!’
‘And I’ve been working on some new songs…’
‘Oh, really?’ A wary tone crept into Liam’s voice.
