A Tribute Like No Other
A/N: This next chapter is going to be a bit of a long one but I hope you enjoy it. I also cut down the lyrics for the songs because it took up a lot of the word count. Anyways all music rights go to Slipknot and I hope you all enjoy!
The night at the Rock It Club was electric, the air buzzing with the excitement of eager fans packed tightly into the dimly lit venue. Ash and his bandmates were backstage, putting on the finishing touches to their Slipknot tribute outfits. The plan came out better than expected. Masks, jumpsuits, and raw energy to honor one of the most legendary bands in metal history.
Ash adjusted his custom mask, its haunting design inspired by his favorite Slipknot member Corey Taylor. His hands trembled slightly, but not with fear, instead it was filled with a burning passion. This was their biggest show yet.
"You ready for this dude?" Paul asked, dressed as the legendary Paul Gray.
Ash nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Born ready. Let's blow them away."
Brock leaned against the wall, tapping his drumsticks together, wearing a mask to replicate the great Joey Jordison. "Remember, this is more than a show. This is our chance to prove we belong."
Gary smirked as he adjusted his guitar strap, wearing a mask that resembled a jester just like how Jim Root would wear his. "Oh, we'll prove it, alright. Let's give them a night they'll never forget."
Meanwhile, just outside the club, Drew and his crew of jocks arrived, their presence immediately commanding attention. Dressed in designer jackets and expensive sneakers, they looked out of place among the sea of metalheads. But Drew wasn't there for the music. His eyes burned with a singular purpose: Ash.
"Alright, guys," Drew said, his tone dripping with menace. "We're not here to have fun. We're here to send a message."
Angel and the rest of the gang nodded in agreement. They followed him through the crowd, their imposing figures parting the sea of concertgoers like predators stalking their prey.
Backstage, the band was moments away from their grand entrance. Ash paced the floor, mentally running through the setlist. But his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps and voices growing louder.
The door to the backstage area slammed open, revealing Drew and his gang. The room fell silent, tension crackling like static electricity.
"Drew? What the hell are you doing here?" Ash demanded, stepping forward.
Drew's smirk was cold and predatory. "Oh, don't play dumb, Ketchum. You know exactly why I'm here."
Paul moved to stand beside Ash. "You've got no business being here, Drew. This is our space."
Drew ignored him, his focus solely on Ash. "You think you're something special, don't you? Strutting around with my girlfriend, acting like you're better than me."
Ash's fists clenched at his sides. "May's not your property, Drew. She can have friends and make her own decisions."
That was all it took to ignite Drew's fury. He lunged at Ash, shoving him hard against the wall. The impact sent a jolt of pain through Ash's back, but he refused to back down.
Brock and Gary were on their feet in an instant, but Drew's crew blocked their path, creating a tense standoff.
"Get off him!" Brock shouted, his voice echoing through the room.
"Don't you get it Ketchum? You're a loser! A loser who is way out of her league. You and your gang of freaks should stick to your shitty music and stop interfering with my love life! Stay away from May," Drew growled, his voice low and dangerous. "This is your only warning. Next time, it'll be worse."
Ash's eyes blazed as he met Drew's glare. "You don't scare me, Drew. And you're not going to control May's life. She deserves better than you."
Drew's fist connected with Ash's stomach, the force doubling him over. "You don't get to decide that, Ketchum!" he spat.
Before he could land another blow, Paul grabbed Drew by the shoulder and yanked him back. "That's enough!" he barked.
Chaos erupted as the rest of the band and Drew's crew clashed, the backstage area devolving into a whirlwind of shouting and shoving.
The commotion caught the attention of a bouncer, who stormed in, his massive frame dwarfing everyone. "What the hell is going on here?" he demanded.
Drew released a seething Ash, adjusting his jacket with a smug grin. "Nothing. Just a little misunderstanding."
The bouncer wasn't convinced. "You're not supposed to be back here. Leave now, or I'll throw you out myself."
Drew glared at Ash one last time. "This isn't over, Ketchum. Remember what I said." He motioned for his gang to follow him, leaving the room in a hurry.
Ash leaned against the wall, catching his breath. His bandmates surrounded him, their concern evident.
"You okay, man?" Gary asked, his voice laced with worry.
Ash nodded, though his ribs throbbed where Drew had struck him. "Yeah. I'm not letting him ruin tonight."
Brock placed a hand on his shoulder. "You sure you're good to perform?"
Ash straightened, determination hardening his features. "I've never been more ready. But instead of Psychosocial starting off the show I've got a different song in mind now."
Brock tapped his drumsticks together, nodding. "That's the Ash I know. Let's do this."
Gary smirked, slinging his guitar over his shoulder. "We're going to blow the roof off this place."
As they prepared to take the stage, Ash could hear the crowd chanting. He took a deep breath, calming the adrenaline surging through his veins. His resolve hardened when he caught a glimpse of Drew and his crew lingering near the exit, preparing to leave.
Ash grabbed the mic, his voice steady and loud. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're starting this show off a little differently tonight. This one's for the people who think they can push others around, who think they own the world. Drew, this one's for you and your little jock buddies. Enjoy it on your way out."
The crowd erupted into cheers, some laughing as they turned to spot Drew's retreating group. Drew froze momentarily, his shoulders stiffening, but he didn't turn back.
The band launched into "Surfacing," the ferocious opening riff tearing through the air like a sonic explosion. The stage lights flashed red and white, amplifying the chaos.
Fuck you all!
Running out of ways to run
I can't see, I can't be
Over and over and under my skin
All this attention is doing me in!
Fuck it all! fuck this world!
Fuck everything that you stand for!
Don't belong! don't exist!
Don't give a shit!
Don't ever judge me!
Ash's voice was raw and guttural, his emotions pouring into every word. He stomped across the stage, his energy infectious. The crowd went wild, headbanging and moshing in rhythm to the thunderous beat.
Picking through the parts exposed
Taking shape, taking shag
Over and over and under my skin
All this momentum is doing me in!
Fuck it all! fuck this world!
Fuck everything that you stand for!
Don't belong! don't exist!
Don't give a shit!
Don't ever judge me!
And don't you fuckin judge me!
May stood in the front row with Dawn and Misty, her hands gripping the barricade in front of her. The intensity of the performance, the sheer rawness of Ash's emotion, sent shivers down her spine.
But her heart skipped a beat when Ash's voice cut through the noise, dedicating the song to Drew?.
"Wait… what?" May murmured, her eyes widening in shock. She glanced at Dawn and Misty, searching for confirmation that she hadn't imagined it.
"Oh, he totally just called out Drew," Misty said, her lips curling into a smirk.
Dawn leaned closer to May, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "That was bold. I mean, super bold. Ash is really putting it all out there tonight!"
May, however, wasn't sure how to feel. "He didn't have to do that…" she said softly, her voice nearly drowned out by the pounding music.
Dawn turned to her, her brow furrowed. "Are you kidding? Of course, he had to. No offense May but Drew is an asshole and I mean come on he had to have done something to make Ash snap that way. Ash wouldn't do something like that if he didn't have a good reason to."
Misty chimed in, her voice firm. "Ash must've been standing up for himself, May. He was probably standing up for you too. Think about it."
May blinked, her emotions swirling. She looked back at the stage, where Ash was prowling like a predator, every word he screamed dripping with defiance. Her mind flashed back to Drew's antics over the years, the way he'd threatened both her and Ash, the way he'd tried to control her for so long..
"I… I get why he probably did it," May admitted, her voice trembling. "It's just… I've never had anyone stand up for me like this before. It's a lot to process."
Dawn placed a comforting hand on May's shoulder. "Ash isn't afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to people he cares about. You've got to give him credit for that."
May bit her lip, her cheeks warming. "He cares about me?" she whispered, almost to herself.
Misty let out a soft laugh. "Uh, yeah. It's pretty obvious, May. The guy literally just dedicated a Slipknot song to calling out your jerk of a boyfriend. If that's not care, I don't know what is."
May's heart fluttered, but it was quickly followed by a pang of guilt. "But what if this makes things worse? Drew's not the type to let this go. I don't want Ash to get hurt again because of me."
Dawn shook her head, her blue eyes blazing with determination. "Ash can handle himself. He's stronger than you think. And besides, you're worth it, May. Don't let Drew make you feel otherwise."
Misty crossed her arms, nodding in agreement. "And if Drew tries anything else, he'll have to deal with all of us. Trust me, May, you're not alone in this."
May blinked back the tears threatening to spill. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear those words, how much she needed to feel supported. "Thanks, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you."
As the song thundered to its conclusion, Ash pulled his mask up just enough to reveal a small, defiant smirk. His eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on May. Their gazes locked for a brief moment, and May felt her heart skip again.
The band tuned their instruments, the stage bathed in eerie red light. Without a word, they launched into the opening song, "Disasterpiece."
Nobody stop me
I wanna slit your throat and fuck the wound
Wanna push my face in and feel the swoon
Wanna dig inside, find a little bit of me
'Cause the line gets crossed when you don't come clean
My wormwood meets your pesticide
You'll never get out 'cause you were never alive
I am infinite, I am the infant finite
Come a little closer, and I'll show you why
The familiar riff echoed through the club, and Ash felt the music take over, the nerves evaporating as he let himself get lost in the sound. The crowd erupted, a wave of energy that fueled the band's performance.
No one is safe
Noises, noises, people make noises
People make noises when they're sick
Nothing to do except hold on to nothing
No one is safe
Noises, noises, people make noises
People make noises when they're sick
Nothing to do except hold on to nothing
Ash's voice cut through the heavy riffs as he belted out the lyrics. Brock's drumming was relentless, a powerful force driving the song forward. Paul's bass lines were dark and brooding, while Gary's guitar work was precise, slicing through the chaos with deadly accuracy.
Noises, noises, people make noises
People make noises when they're sick
Nothing to do except hold on to nothing
No one is safe
Noises, noises, people make noises
People make noises when they're sick
Nothing to do except hold on to nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Oh, come on
As the final notes of "Disasterpiece" faded, there was no pause. The band seamlessly transitioned into "The Heretic Anthem," the stage lights flashing in time with the brutal rhythm. The energy was palpable, the crowd's cheers mixing with the deafening music. May, Misty and Dawn were shocked at the brutality that was being performed right in front of them.
Well if you're 555 then I'm 666!
What's it like to be a Heretic?!
Ash screamed the iconic lyrics, feeling the raw power of the song resonate within him. The intensity of the performance was almost overwhelming, but it only pushed the band to go harder.
With the crowd firmly in their grasp, the band moved on to "Nero Forte." The heavy, groove-laden riff reverberated through the club, drawing everyone in. The electricity in the air was almost tangible, and the crowd loved it.
A home like yours is upside down
Too much animosity
Nobody does it better than the enemy
A hope like yours won't help me now
You can do your worst to me
At the end of the day, that's what you do best
Ash could see familiar faces in the audience. Misty, May, and Dawn, all cheering them on. Their support gave him an extra boost of confidence as they tore through the song. Paul's bass was the backbone of the performance, steady and powerful, while Brock's drumming kept everyone on their toes. Gary's guitar solo in the middle of the song was nothing short of spectacular, his fingers moving with lightning speed across the fretboard.
The next song on the setlist was "Duality," a crowd favorite. Before the song began Ash knew he wanted to address the crowd.
Well what the fuck is going on Pallet its good to be back! Ash screamed.
The crowd roared with excitement knowing that the brutality was just getting started.
Ash continued Now I know you crazy mother fuckers know this next song which is why I want you all to sing it loud and proud. Ready Brock?! You guys repeat after me.
I push my fingers into my eyes
It's the only thing that slowly stops the ache
But it's made of all the things I have to take
Jesus, it never ends, it works it's way inside
If the pain goes on
As the opening riff rang out, the audience erupted once more.
I have screamed until my veins collapsed
I've waited as my time's elapsed
Now, all I do is live with so much hate
I've wished for this, I've bitched at that
I've left behind this little fact
You cannot kill what you did not create
I've gotta say what I've gotta say
And then, I swear, I'll go away
But I can't promise you'll enjoy the noise
I guess I'll save the best for last
My future seems like one big past
You're left with me 'cause you left me no choice
The song's catchy yet heavy nature had everyone singing along, their voices merging with Ash's as he led the chorus. The band was in perfect sync, every note, every beat hitting with precision and power.
I push my fingers into my eyes
It's the only thing that slowly stops the ache
If the pain goes on
I'm not gonna make it
Put me back together
Or separate the skin from bone
Leave me all the pieces
Then you can leave me alone
Tell me the reality is better than the dream
But I found out the hard way
Nothing is what it seems
I push my fingers into my eyes
It's the only thing that slowly stops the ache
But it's made of all the things I have to take
Jesus, it never ends, it works it's way inside
If the pain goes on, I'm not gonna make it
"Before I Forget" followed, the fast-paced riff and driving rhythm was up next, getting the crowd moving even more.
Go
Stapled shut, inside an outside world and I'm
Sealed in tight, bizarre but right at home
Claustrophobic, closing in and I'm
Catastrophic, not again
I'm smeared across the page and doused in gasoline
I wear you like a stain, yet I'm the one who's obscene
Catch me up on all your sordid little insurrections
I've got no time to lose, I'm just caught up in all the cattle
Fray the strings, throw the shapes
Hold your breath, listen
I am a world before I am a man
I was a creature before I could stand
I will remember before I forget
Before I forget that
I am a world before I am a man
I was a creature before I could stand
I will remember before I forget
Before I forget that
Ash felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he sang the lyrics, his voice raw but strong. The band's energy was at its peak, the music flowing effortlessly from one song to the next.
Next up was "People = Shit," a brutal, unapologetic track that had the crowd screaming in unison. Brock kicked up the drums in a fast pace while Ash and Gary let out brutal screams transition into the beginning of the song.
Here we go again, motherfucker
Come on down, and see the idiot right here
Too fucked to beg and not afraid to care
What's the matter with calamity anyway?
Right? Get the fuck outta my face
Understand that I can't feel anything
It isn't like I want to sift through the decay
I feel like a wound, like I got a fuckin'
Gun against my head, you live when I'm dead
One more time, motherfucker
Everybody hates me now, so fuck it
Blood's on my face and my hands, and I
Don't know why, I'm not afraid to cry
But that's none of your business
Whose life is it?
Get it? See it?
Feel it? Eat it?
Spin it around so I can spit in its face
I want to leave without a trace
'Cause I don't want to die in this place
People equal shit, people equal shit
People equal shit, people equal shit
People equal shit (what cha gonna do?)
People equal shit ('cause I am not afraid of you)
People equal shit (I'm everything you'll never be)
People equal shit
The heavy riffs and pounding drums shook the ground beneath them, the raw aggression of the song sending waves of energy through the audience. Ash was singing to a crowd of 500 people, excited to see how alive the metal scene truly was as he smiled under the mask he continued.
Ash interacted with the crowd again. We really wanna make history here at this venue and I want to take a quick second to thank the great Samuel Oak for always allowing us to perform here!
The crowd cheered loud for the owner as he took the stage for a quick bow before Ash continued
My friends, my family, this is the final song of the evening and I need every single one of you mother fuckers out there participating. On that note, I only have one more thing to say.. It's time for all of us here.. to SPIT IT OUT! Suddenly a song that had the entire crowd jumping and chanting along. The fast-paced, aggressive nature of the song was a perfect fit for the night's atmosphere.
Did you never give a damn in the first place?
Maybe it's time you had the tables turned
'Cause in the interest of all involved, I got the problem solved
And the verdict is guilty
Man nearly killed me, steppin' where you fear to tread
Stop, drop and roll, you were dead from the git-go
Big mouth fucker, stupid cocksucker
Are you scared of me now? Then you're dumber than I thought
Always is, and never was
Foundation made of piss and vinegar
Step to me, I'll smear ya think I fear you? Bullshit
Just another dumb punk chompin' at this tit
Is there any way to break through the noise?
Was it something that I said that got you bent?
Gotta be that way if you want it
Sanity, literal profanity hit me
Spit it out
All you wanna do is drag me down
All I wanna do is stamp you out
Spit it out
All you wanna do is drag me down
All I wanna do is stamp you out
As Gary repeated the same guitar riff Ash and the crowd knew what was coming next.
Ash spoke Oh you guys are fucking amazing out there! Alright, I really hope we make Slipknot proud by attempting this! You crazy mother fuckers know what time it is. I know you all know what to do.
Misty, May and Dawn were confused. Was this part of the act? Nonetheless they listened as the frontman continued to speak.
Ash continued That's right, I need to see all my fucking people get down on the fucking ground right.. now.
The crowd did exactly what the band asked, smiles of excitement knowing what was about to happen.
Now when I say jump the fuck up, what are you gonna do?
The crowd responded loudly, JUMP THE FUCK UP.
Ash asked again What the fuck are you gonna fucking do?!
JUMP THE FUCK UP The crowd responded again but louder.
Ash was ready But not yet, not until I say jump the fuck up, not until I say jump the fuck up is that clear you crazy motherfuckers, alright then on my signal unleash hell. Brock lets take these motherfuckers home man.
Brock began to smash the fuck out of the drums leading to the conclusion of the final song to end the show.
Bout time I set this record straight
All the needle-nose punchin' is makin' me irate
Sick o' my bitchin' fallin' on deaf ears
Where you gonna be in 25 years?
The crew and all the fools and all the politics
Get your lips ready, gonna gag, gonna make you sick
You got dick when they passed out the good stuff
Bam, are you sick of me?
JUMP THE FUCK UP!
The crowd erupted and all jumped in sync together. Having a blast and loving the performance of the final song.
Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies
Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies
Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies
Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies
Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies
Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies
Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies
Fuck me! I'm all out of enemies
Spit it out
All you wanna do is drag me down
All I wanna do is stamp you out
Spit it out
All you wanna do is drag me down
All I wanna do is stamp you out
Spit
Spit
Spit
Spit
Spit it out
Brock slammed the drums giving an epic outro combined with Garys shreds and Paul's hard base play. The crowd was a frenzy of movement and noise, completely immersed in the music. Ash could feel the connection between the band and the audience, a bond forged through the shared experience of the music.
As the last note rang out, the stage lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted into deafening applause. Ash, drenched in sweat and breathless, looked at May who had a shocked look on her face. Once the realization kicked in on how exhausted he and his bandmates were they all realized how happy they were inside because the smiles on their faces said it all. They had done it, they had paid tribute to one of their all time favorite bands in the most epic way possible.