Contrary to the turmoil in my heart, the UK leg of the world tour marched on. I was currently in the middle of a performance in Liverpool—the city where The Beatles were born.
"Man, there are so many people!"
"If anyone stays still today, expect to see yourself in the news headlines because I'm coming down there myself!"
—WAAAAAAHHH!!!
We waved our hands, offering a greeting to the Liverpool fans that was perfectly in character for Enfants Terribles.
"I love how the atmosphere in Liverpool is heated from the very start!"
I leaned over the edge of the stage, getting closer to the fired-up fans. In my past life, Liverpool was the City of Music. Although it hadn't produced many standout bands since the era of The Beatles, the locals' love for music remained immense.
Countless indie artists could make a living here just on tips; these people didn't spare their money or their passion when it came to music. That held true in this life as well.
"I'll play whatever song you want to hear."
"Hey Jude! Hey Jude! Hey Jude!"
As if in return for my offer, the crowd began chanting in unison as soon as I asked what they wanted to hear. Despite the complications with the contract I signed during ASAYAN—which should have made it difficult to perform outside of Japan—the people here already knew 'Hey Jude.'
In a way, it was fitting for the city where The Beatles were raised. Of course, that sight only filled me with a sense of debt. It was a situation that should have been purely joyful, yet I couldn't fully lose myself in it.
"The next song is... Hey Jude!"
Since things had turned out this way, I decided to show them 'Hey Jude' in its original form. Not the rearranged version I usually played, but the original track driven by the beautiful resonance of a piano.
I headed toward the piano placed at the corner of the stage, something I had requested just in case. Since it was literally a 'just in case' addition, I lightly pressed the keys to check the tuning.
The piano was in perfect condition.
I might be a guitarist at heart, but I knew how to play 'Hey Jude' on the keys. To be precise, it was something I had learned after crossing over to this world.
The reason I practiced playing 'Hey Jude' on the piano was because I felt it was the least I could do to show respect to the original creator, Paul McCartney. Didn't at least one person have to remember what the original was like?
The lyrics of 'Hey Jude' poured out alongside the piano melody.
Singing 'Hey Jude' in the city that birthed The Beatles... Whether I liked it or not, England was a place that picked at my weaknesses.
The moment the song began, the audience members grabbed each other's hands and began swaying their bodies.
Music has the power to make people one.
And before my eyes, the people of Liverpool were enjoying the music as a single entity, singing along to the lyrics of 'Hey Jude.'
"Musclemon, isn't this sight just electrifying every time?"
Marveling at the crowd's massive sing-along, Shuji called out to Yokishi, who was providing a light accompaniment on the drums.
"Baldy, focus on the performance. Save the obvious comments for after the set."
Contrary to his harsh words, the muscular, mixed-race drummer was also smiling as he watched the crowd belt out the song.
This was Enfants Terribles' first UK tour. Yet, the Liverpool crowd was greeting us in their own unique way.
Seeing that sight, I continued the song.
'Hey Jude' was a song by The Beatles, but it was also the national anthem of the city of Liverpool. I decided to give their song back to them, if only for a moment.
The sight of the Liverpool fans singing their own song was nothing short of spectacular. Even though I couldn't enjoy the scene with a clear conscience, it was nonetheless beautiful to see the entire audience clutching hands and singing 'Hey Jude' together.
The song was rapidly approaching its climax.
In the latter half of 'Hey Jude,' there's a signature shouting section. This was the moment where I had to let it all out.
But just as I was about to transition into the raw shout, my voice cracked.
"Damn it...."
"Leader has been pushing himself too hard lately."
As Shuji said, I had certainly been running without a break. Since leaving Japan, I had been on a non-stop tour of live shows. Even with the experiences I had gathered in my past life, I didn't know a way to fully protect my throat under such a grueling schedule.
I had held up well enough until now, but my throat finally gave out mid-performance. Was the reason my thoughts had become so heavy lately because I had been running at my absolute limit?
"Naa na na na na na na, na na na na, hey Jude."
"Naa na na na na na na, na na na na, hey Jude."
Suddenly, the voices of Yokishi and Shuji began to rise from behind their instruments.
This was the reason why I had to keep running, even when it was difficult.
We were a band. And Enfants Terribles was the home I had found in this world.
As long as they were with me, I felt like I could run anywhere.
"""Naa na na na na na na, na na na na, hey Jude"""
The voices of the three men merged into one, creating a powerful harmony.
A band is supposed to grow by filling in each other's voids. Only then was I finally able to enjoy the stage once more.
We might be a mess when we're alone, but when we come together, we become 'dreadful children' that no one can control. Enfants Terribles—it really was an excellently chosen name.
.
.
.
.
That day, during the performance in Liverpool, the harmonies of Enfants Terribles continued to echo until the heat of the venue finally cooled.