Kill your heroes
Hugo's left hand fingers tapped a few simple notes on the black and white keys of the keyboard, as if a beginner was tentatively exploring the sound produced by the piano keys. These unfamiliar and simple notes stunned the onlookers, and most of them showed expressions of disbelief. They had hoped for some extraordinary and shocking performance from Hugo, but this beginning made it difficult for them to have any further expectations.
Suddenly, Hugo's right hand pressed a key, creating the sound of an airplane gliding, accompanied by a long tail sound. The force in his left hand gradually increased, and a series of enchanting, exciting, and powerful notes flowed under the slender fingers of Hugo's left hand. His finger joints were strong and powerful, and the music was light, smooth, and flowing. A smile curved at the corner of Hugo's mouth as he softly exclaimed, "Oh," and then his right hand quickly landed on the snare drum, producing a series of brisk beats. The drumbeats, filled with rustling string sounds, merged with the electronic notes on the keyboard, creating sparkling starlights that were embedded one by one into the gradually darkening night sky.
"Well I met an old man dying on a train," Hugo began to sing, his voice seemingly hidden within the music, veiled and indiscernible, yet conveying a rich and comforting tone. Hugo intentionally increased the use of his vocal cords today, in simple terms, he was "growling". This incorrect singing technique added a husky texture to Hugo's voice, creating a roaring effect. So even with just a simple lyric, Hugo used this vocal tone, combined with precise enunciation, to quietly permeate the entire song with a majestic aura.
[
No more destination, no more pain
Well he said one thing: "Before I graduate
Never let your fear decide your fate"
]
In fact, Hugo's singing technique couldn't be called exceptionally brilliant, and he was still exploring many methods. However, singing his own original songs had its advantages because he had a deeper understanding of the lyrics and melodies, allowing the singer to express emotions more fully. Like in this moment.
Everyone quieted down, listening attentively to Hugo's performance. The keyboard notes, traversing through the night sky, adorned the pitch-black expanse with countless starlights, creating a hazy and magnificent scene reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh's famous painting "Starry Night".
Listen to the depth in Hugo's lyrics. Who was the dying old man? Was it rock music or the spirit of adhering to the rock genre? "No more destination, no more pain" directly pointed out the lamentable aspect of people questioning Hugo's perspective. Lack of innovation is not just limited to rock music; all genres of music will gradually decline, and this is inevitable.
And that last line, "Never let your fear decide your fate" was even more thought-provoking. Why did Pepe, Eugene, and others believe that rock music without a guitar was impossible to exist? Was it because they lacked talent? Clearly, that was not the case. It was because they feared change, lacked imagination, and dared not take the step to break free from the framework. Fear determining destiny, that was the true tragedy, especially for rock music, which often astounded and transformed the world.
The melody under Hugo's left fingertips was not complicated—a simple eight-beat rhythm, a catchy melody that could be hummed after just one listen. Along with the well-arranged drumbeats from his right hand, intersecting within the melody, people couldn't help but follow the rhythmic beats. Unconsciously, everyone became immersed in the ecstatic atmosphere of the live performance.
A faint curve appeared at the corner of Hugo's mouth, his amber eyes sparkling with a radiance brighter than the moon and the sun. His thin lips uttered words, transforming meaningless vocabulary into resounding blows that struck the hearts of every listener. "I say you kill your heroes and fly, fly, baby don't cry."
Suddenly, Hugo's voice intensified, altering his singing technique and completely unleashing his voice. This not only didn't weaken the momentum of the song but made it even more powerful. The line "kill your heroes" passed through the night sky plain and unremarkable, like a gentle breeze, lightly brushing past. But immediately after, the words "fly! fly!" soared with tremendous force, erupting with the entire momentum.
Pepe stared at Hugo in front of him, slightly opening his mouth and widening his eyes. He was completely shocked by the presence of Hugo and even more so by the unconventional music.
Hugo's confidence shone on his face, captivating everyone's gaze. It felt as if every note was under his command. In reality, Hugo's use of the keyboard and snare drum was basic and not difficult at all. At least compared to his guitar skills, it was a step below. But with such simple melodies and techniques, through arrangement and combination, they emanated a brand-new vitality. And through Hugo's interpretation, they blossomed with radiance.
Every lyric, every melody, struck Pepe's heart forcefully. If in the morning at the car shop, he looked down on Hugo; if when he saw Hugo playing the guitar, he admired him; at this moment, Pepe was profoundly impressed. Once again, Pepe deeply understood that the underground rock music scene was filled with hidden talents. Never underestimate others because their talent often leaves people dumbfounded!
[
No need to worry 'cause, everybody will die
Every day we just go, go, baby don't go
Don't you worry we love you more than you know
]
Hugo's deep voice freely traversed within the mesmerizing melody, constantly changing colors. The weight of the lyrics landed firmly in the hearts of everyone.
Neil involuntarily closed his eyes. He felt as if he had sprouted wings and was soaring within Hugo's melodic fingertips, enjoying the wonders and happiness of musical magic. Indeed, Hugo didn't use the guitar; there were only two instruments on stage: the keyboard and the snare drum. Yet, Hugo successfully created a song, undoubtedly a rock song. More importantly, the grandeur, depth, and meaning of this song were no less than other outstanding rock songs, effortlessly immersing people in its essence.
Existing rock was the "hero" in everyone's heart. To be more specific, it could be Nirvana, or it could be The Beatles. Each person has their own hero. But in Hugo's singing, these so-called heroes represented the fixed patterns of rock. Yet Hugo, through his actions, told everyone not to let fear hinder their steps, not to let frameworks restrict their movements. Everyone will die, so instead of watching their heroes fade away, it's better to personally kill them, and then create their own world, soaring and running without worries about the future, because that's where the spirit of rock resides.
The line "kill your heroes" in Hugo's seemingly casual interpretation radiated a dazzling brilliance, enough to draw everyone's attention.
[
Well the sun one day will leave us all behind
Unexplainable sightings in the sky
Well I hate to be the one to ruin the night
Right before your, right before your eyes
I say you kill your heroes and fly, fly, baby don't cry
No need to worry 'cause, everybody will die
Every day we just go, go, baby don't go
Don't you worry we love you more than you know
]
Hugo's singing voice continued to soar in the night sky, completely illuminating the pitch-black darkness. The countless stars were lit up by the musical notes of this song, turning the night into a bright day. Rock without innovation, without breakthroughs, trapped within boundaries, will only meet its demise. So, when Hugo said, "Well I hate to be the one to ruin the night" the person who needed to break free from the shackles was "you", it was each and every person present.
The greatest aspect of humanity lies in daring to imagine. If you don't believe you can fly, airplanes wouldn't exist. The same goes for rock music.
Along with Hugo's singing, Neil was the first to start clapping and tapping the rhythm with both hands. The rhythm merged with the beat of the snare drum, gradually escalating the momentum of the entire song. More and more people joined in the applause, letting go of their preconceptions and immersing themselves in the frenzy of the music. They clapped with their hands, stomped their feet to the beat, and moved their bodies in harmony with the music, expressing their response to Hugo through their actions.
When Hugo reached the chorus, everyone sang along, "Fly! Fly! Baby, don't cry!" Hugo's smile brightened, blooming like a beautiful flower in the night sky. The crowd collectively sang again, "Go! Go! Baby, don't go!"
This was the realm of music, where hatred, animosity, and unfamiliarity could be temporarily set aside for the sake of this simple yet profound melody, and to revel in its ecstasy.
Eugene looked at Hugo in front of him, unable to suppress the smile on his face. Although he didn't want to admit defeat, he had to acknowledge that Hugo made him bow down with his actions. This was a song without guitar accompaniment, yet it was so outstanding that it made people cheer and rejoice. It was a song that delved deep into the essence of rock, and the call to "kill your heroes" was enough to make everyone raise their arms and shout.
As Hugo said, anything is possible because that's where the spirit of rock resides, in the courage to kill the heroes. Rock music has never lacked that.
So Eugene no longer restrained himself, he clenched his fists and rhythmically struck the beat with controlled strength. He relaxed the muscles throughout his body and fully immersed himself in the world of music, joining in the celebration.
At the intersection of a poor street, a scene that couldn't be ignored unfolded. A group of over forty people gathered together, jumping and cheering along with the music emanating from the center of the crowd. This pure enjoyment of music was not uncommon, as it was the essence of a rock party. However, it aroused curiosity. There was still over half an hour left until the Rock Night began, so who was performing on stage, eliciting such a tremendous response?
People couldn't control their steps and walked over. The crowd grew and grew, and all that could be heard was the powerful voice in the center shouting, "Kill your heroes!"