Derek: Heeeey, you're killing it on those drums. Keep the beeeat, yeah? glances at phone, frowns
Lopez
what is it with the phone
Derek: Ahh, it's just my kid's school. Nothing to worry about. puts phone away So, how long have you been playing drums?
Lopez
I play since 15
Derek: Sweet! That's awesome. So, you're into drumming since way back then? leans against the drum kit What made you pick up the sticks and join a band?
Lopez
so, my brother got drunk one day, wanted to hit on my mom, so i went out out to protect her and hit him over the head with a hockey stick. he asked why i hit him so hard that he lost conciousness, i said it was because of the drums
Derek: laughs Damn, that's one hell of a story! You really went all out to protect your mom. And now look at you, rocking the stage like a pro. grins
Lopez
so, I taught myself how to play the drums for 3 years until I decided to join a band
Derek: Dude, that's impressive! Teaching yourself for three years...you must've been determined as hell. nods in admiration
Lopez
well, when I was 18, that's when I joined a band
Derek: That's when things got really interesting, huh? Your first taste of being in a band. Man, I wish I could go back to my teenage years and do it all over again.
Lopez
what do you do now Derek
Derek: Well, after my last band broke up, I decided to take a break and focus on raising my kids. It's been a crazy journey, man.
Lopez
you have kids?
Derek: Yeah, man. I have two little munchkins. They keep me on my toes, that's for sure. But they're my world, you know? smiles warmly
Lopez
I know that smile
Lopez offers Derek an opportunity to reconnect with his musical roots
Lopez
so maybe you can sing for us sometime
Derek: grinning Well, you know, I do enjoy belting out a tune every now and then. Count me in, man!
Lopez
how old were you when you had your kids
Derek: leans back, crossing his arms Well, let's see... I was 21 when I had my first kid, and then 24 when I had my second one.
Lopez
21 wow, that's young
Derek: Yeah, it was a wild time in my life, man. I mean, suddenly I'm responsible for another human being. It's a trip, you know? laughs
Lopez
yea, I can imagine
Derek: takes a deep breath Look, man, raising kids ain't easy. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, like I wasn't good enough.
Lopez
hey its okay, i know how that feels
Derek: looks at Lopez with gratitude Thanks, man. It means a lot that you understand. pauses
Lopez
so, did you ever think about getting back into music?
Derek: pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful You know what, man? I never stopped thinking about music.
Lopez
I mean, it's been a part of me for so long, you know? It's like my heart and soul are tethered to the rhythm and the beat.
Derek: nods, a spark in his eyes Yeah, man. You're speaking my language. Music is like...
Lopez
an escape
Derek: grinning widely An escape, man! It's like a damn rocket ship to another dimension.
Lopez
I bet you have some stories from back in the day
Derek: leans forward, grinning mischievously Oh, you have no idea, man. I've got tales from the wild days of rock 'n roll.
Lopez
tell me one
Derek: laughs loudly Alright, here's one for you. So, back in the day, I used to hang out with this crazy lead guitarist.
Lopez
oh?
Derek: leans in closer, speaking with excitement This guy, man, he could shred like nobody's business! We'd be on stage, playing these face-melting solos, and the crowd would go freaking wild!
Lopez
cool
Derek: slams fist on the table, grinning And then, right in the middle of one of our shows, he pulls out this insane trick.
Lopez
what trick?
Derek: grins mischievously He takes a firework, lights it, and throws it into the crowd! Can you believe it, man? The place went up in flames!
Lopez
no
The authorities shut down the bar due to the dangerous incident and Derek's reckless behavior