Like his father before him, Hardy Rochester II was a respected
journalist. Once only the scion and heir apparent of the I.B.C.
broadcasting dynasty, HR2, as he was commonly know about the
newsroom, was now in a role that exceeded even his own father’s
accomplishments. He had traveled the world over, conducted
interviews with most of the world’s leaders and covered nearly
every major news story of the past thirty years.
Wars – military coups – catastrophic weather events – famines –
genocide – earthquakes – if it was major, then HR2 was on the
scene. But despite the enormity of the stories he had covered, none
was as personally fulfilling to him as the opportunity to interview
the reunited members of Golden Fingers.
Finger Frenzy, as the phenomenon was known, was at its highest the
night before the legendary reunion tour was to begin. Heightened
security surrounded the hotel where the four friends were
sequestered. Without being oppressive, police presence was in full
force, and throngs of anxious fans were present, hoping to catch a
glimpse of their musical heroes should they choose to exit the
building.
The odd juxtaposition of fans in their seventies together with fans
barely into their teens made for an amazing sight. Women of all
ages swooned at the possibility that their long-gone, but never
forgotten idols would soon be performing again.
When HR2 arrived on the scene, he was treated as a rock star as
well. It was well known that he would be interviewing the band
members, and the crowds shouted out questions they’d like asked.
“Tell them to come to Podunk, North Dakota!” one ardent fan yelled
out. HR2 acknowledged the fan with a wave and was allowed to pass
through the security cordon. Several fans tried to force themselves
through with him, but they were successfully repelled without
incident.
HR2 was directed to the high-rise elevators and was whooshed up to
the 18th floor where each member had been given his own suite. The
band members had gathered in I’s suite for the interview.
HR2, the proper, staid and sometimes stone-faced newsman was
nervous. As a young man, he had been a big fan of Golden Fingers.
He had attended three concerts during their first world tour, but
despite his father’s efforts, never had the opportunity to
personally meet the individual members face to face.
But the mutual admiration society was not one-sided. HR2 was as
well known throughout the world as Golden Fingers, and they in turn
had looked forward to meeting him as well.
Introduction and handshakes out of the way, HR2 got down to
business.
“It’s been forty-two years since you last played together. How have
you prepared for this most momentous of occasions?”
I was the first to respond, “We’ve spent most of the last two years
directly preparing for this moment. But, you know, the seeds were
sown forty years ago, even as we were breaking up.”
“How so?” HR2 inquired.
Spike took up the question. “It was necessary for us to leave the
scene as a group and find what each of us could do individually.
I’s choice was to continue in the business, but the rest of us
chose to pursue different careers.”
“Popular history records the story differently. Are you saying the
split was amicable?”
It was Isaac’s turn to respond, “There were tensions, to be sure,
but in hindsight, it was the right thing to do, and the right
time.”
HR2 turned to Osgood, “Some say that your contributions were minor
compared to the rest of the members. How do you respond to
that?”
Osgood put on an offended air. “Minor? Minor? I think the Ozzites
would disagree with that assessment!”
“Truly,” he continued, “the keys are a background instrument. I
don’t mind playing second fiddle to the others, and sometimes,
depending on the synth settings, I am actually playing second
fiddle!” The group laughed at Osgood’s joke.
I also came to Osgood’s defense. “Ozzie’s contribution to our sound
cannot be underestimated. Without it, there would be a definite
emptiness.”
“One final question: What do you think about reunion and the
prospects for tomorrow’s first concert in over forty years?”
“That’s easy,” began I. “Only Golden Fingers could play so
heavy.”
HR2’s report ran that evening on the 6 o’clock news.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, this is the six o'clock
edition of the I.B.C. News, with Hardy Rochester II, brought to you
each evening by Fender guitars. Your local music store will show
you their fine selection of Fender guitars, starting at only two
thousand dollars. Here’s Hardy Rochester II.
“Earlier this afternoon I had the distinct pleasure of
interviewing the Golden Fingers rock band, famous for their hits of
the nineteen seventies who are reunited tomorrow for the first of
ten concerts in Los Angeles. They will play to a capacity crowd of
three hundred thousand in the newly remodeled Forum, and are
expected to visit their full catalog of classics as well as a few
new gems to add to their treasury. The concert is expected to last
four hours, although likely it will seem to only be a few fleeting
moments. The enthusiasm of the crowds around their hotel this
afternoon was but a glimpse of what we can expect as this tour
continues to grow.
The group plans to tour the world, playing to an estimated five
billion people, through live concerts and closed circuit
appearances. The tour, planned to run for two years, will bring
proceeds of seventy billion dollars, which will be donated to the
Los Angeles Home for Aging Rock Musicians. And that's the six
o'clock edition of I.B.C. News. Tune in at seven o'clock
for an update of national and world news.”