Chapter 1: Rock Star Luke Griffin Seeks A Larger Stage
Luke Griffin looked out at 62,283 vaccinated, tested, and screaming fans at FedEx Stadium in the Washington, DC, suburbs, sweat glistening on his cheeks at the finale of his show.
“Come on everybody let’s bring our hands together.” He waved his arms to get the crowd in sync. “We’ve got to come together and raise our voices. We’ve got to find common ground. We’ve got to get it together to save our planet.” The screams grew louder as he struck familiar power chords on his Gibson Les Paul.
🎵🎤”I woke up early, I was feeling a sweat
Glad to be awake, my bed sheets were wet
It was a fever dream, I’ve had them before
A vision of the future, it shook me to the core
Brothers and sisters from all frequencies
Let’s get together and plant some more trees
We’ll build a new world with the clouds from above
This is our future when we build it on love
After three encores, security officers led Luke and his band through the back corridors of the stadium to the waiting fleet of limos and his journey to the Georgetown Four Seasons. Next to him was Luis Ford, his friend and President of the Luke Griffin Band Fan Club.
“The crowd was really on fire tonight,” Luis said. “They’re in your hands, man. I know you’re ready to move it up a level. Everybody is behind you.”
Luke sank into the leather seat while Luis continued. “Luke, you know you’re ready. People are sick of the hating on each other. They’re tired of being afraid of the future. They’re desperate for leadership. Now is the time to step it up.”
“Yeah, I feel it, I’m feeling ready, Luis. This crowd was ready, they’re sick of Covid and glad to be out. It’s been a long long road, and I’m feeling the call,” Luke said, still feeling the buzz of the crowd after more than three hours on stage. He took a pull from a cold IPA. “What did you say you got set up for us in Washington?”
“We’ll have an easy social Sunday tomorrow, totally relaxing, and then on Monday I’ve got us a meeting with Manny Stone, and some of your foundation people. I’ve already told you about Manny, he knows politics like you know the guitar neck. We’ve got to start getting this production tuned up.”
The limousine exited the stadium loading area. “I kind of miss not seeing the young ladies waiting for you after the concert,” Luis observed with a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
Luke chuckled. “I’m sure you miss it more than I do. But we’re too old for that anymore. Now they’ve got $3000 seats in the front row that they bought on Stub Hub.”
“Ha, the times may be a changing, but you’re just getting better and better. You’ve got three shows left, if they don’t get cancelled by Covid and then the real fun begins. Hell, we’re going to Florida and Texas, that won’t get cancelled. Ha! Luke, I’m truly proud of what you’re going to do. It’s historic, you know it. It’s going to take a lot of balls, that I know.”
Luke stared out at the passing lights on the Washington beltway. “Well, I’m committed to moving forward. I’m committed, or I’ll be committed. One way or the other.” He chuckled to himself. The buzz of the concert was still strong, masking anticipation about the days ahead.