Is this what happens to all faded rock stars? Is this what happens to all of us? “When I was your age…,” and time moved slower and I was agile, nubile, naïve. I didn’t know — how could I? I thought it was always going to be like this. What do you mean my body is going to change? This very body? Do you know how much I can drink? Do you know how late I can stay up? You cannot fathom my weekends. I couldn’t count the amount of times I’ve danced this week. I’d never remember all their names.

But look at this face. And my ineffable charm. Look at these people, my friends, my confidantes, my co-conspirators. You’re telling me they’ll fade too? OK now what about this apartment. It’s mine. Look at my bed, my clothes, my shoes. My guitar! I could never part with my instrument. Look at this print my friend gave me. She’s going to be famous one day, I know it. She won’t? Oh. What about Eric? How’s he doing? Oh.

Well, who’s left? Who still lives in the city? I’m sure we could round them up. I command a good crowd. Do you remember that one fête at Ellen’s where she…? Ah, never mind. She’ll remember. Ask her. Oh, she is? Well, who else is there? Let’s go to Max’s and sit [at] our table and watch them come and go. This city still has a pulse. No, I don’t want to stay here anymore. Hold on, let me get my boots on.

Where did they go? What happened to you lot? Me? I’ve been here. I’ll always be here. This is my home. This is my life. I knew it from the moment I set foot in here. Where’s Angela? God I loved her. Why is she with him? Never pictured her as the Connecticut type. This music is rubbish. Turn on something good. Let’s go tie one of and start the day proper. What do you mean work? You can’t be serious. So you’ve come to…what…see me off? Oh don’t bother. I’m fine. I can do this. When do you grow up? We were in this together. This was our thing. What happened to your dream, man? Our dream? I thought we were dreaming. How could it get any better?

This place is different. I don’t know you anymore. I don’t want to be here anymore. No, I haven’t changed. I’ve known who I am since I got here. It was you who were a guest in my world. You call it maturity and casting off youth and your old ways. This is me. I can’t escape this. I can’t change with the fashion. You wanted me because of this. This is the only way I know how to be. What’s next? Oh, come on. Where are you going? We just started to talk. Don’t be like that. You’re going? Go on. I’m fine. I’ll be here. No, don’t bother.