Comic 204
Back-Up Vocal~ Every now and then, the Cosmos will smile on me at exactly the right time. Such was the case in crafting this Comic. Whilst formulating its direction, I stumbled across an article that provided the precise bit of color and kitsch needed to crystallize my ideas.
The January 2019 issue of Guitar Player magazine, featured an interview with metal legend, Jake E. Lee. Best known for his work as six-string soldier for Ozzy Osbourne in the early 1980’s. That gig proved the job that launched him as a name and opened doors for a variety of projects since. In the last few years, Mr. Lee has formed a new band called Red Dragon Cartel. As of this writing, they boast 2 albums under their belts. The article was a “Career in 5 Songs” highlight reel of sorts. Jake broke down the stories behind his guitar work on songs spanning his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands and his current outfit. Jake relayed one particular story that jumped right into my fishing nets and SCREAMED to be used. Jake was in the studio, recording a guitar solo for a song on the Badlands album back in the late 1980’s. Frictions arose between Jake and his Co-Producer, regarding the opening note of his solo. Jake loved it, his Co-Producer hated it. Ultimately, the level of disagreement between the two men devolved to the point in which his Co-Producer resorted to bribery, offering $500 in cash and tickets to “Cats” on Broadway. IF Jake would even try playing the opening note his Co-Producer wanted. Just once. That was the moment Jake knew he was right to stick to his vision. Especially because, he said he said he also knew that if he played what his Co-Producer wanted, it would be recorded as a “take’ and that was the version that would wind up on the album. So, Jake stayed true to his original plan and stood by the note he wanted.
This is all to say that I found the tale just brilliant and it was a “Mannyacs Moment” waiting to happen. I had only just started thinking about this Comic when I read the article. It leant itself perfectly to the current zany misdeeds of our Splendorland crew. All it needed was a turn or two under the “Manny-fying Glass” and it was good to go.
The ‘tribute band’ has been gaining steady popularity over the course of the last few decades. Groups from Abba to Kiss to Megadeth to Marillion to Pink Floyd all have them. I have yet to hear of a single Osmonds tribute band. One could very well exist. Whether or not they perform on ice is a suspect notion at best. If anyone among my readers should stumble across one, you know how to reach me.