Rockstar for a night at the Redback

WHEN the backstage crew member announced: “You’re up next”, my stomach fell through the floor. When I signed up with my friend Karyn for the Redback’s Rockstar sessions, a type of ‘band-e-oke’, I knew that this moment would eventually come.

But I’d assumed the good ole Dutch courage would’ve well and truly kicked in by now, or that those fluttering butterflies would have been calmed by a few drinks.

While we waited patiently from the edge of the stage at The Redback, I analysed the band and eyed my Rockstar competition. They made it look like a breeze. I would need all the help I could get.

Theoretically, all Karyn and I had to do was get up there and belt out a tune we knew off by heart (or thought we knew by heart).

We’d only be on stage for a few minutes – how hard could it be?

The time had come for the amateur before us to leave the stage.

I didn’t have to wonder any more.

“Please welcome to the stage, Karyn and Shannon, singing We Are Family”, the MC said* as he beckoned us up the stairs.

The lights were bright, the 150-strong crowd* was pumping.

They were cheering us on (well, they were cheering for something, at least) and our friends were in the front row, being as supportive as they could.

Within seconds the band started and the familiar tune was in full swing. All we had to do was sing the lyrics in front of us and keep in time with the band.

Fail.

Turns out we didn’t know the words as well as we thought. And the timing? All wrong.

An overdose of nerves and those few drinks meant girly giggles were all we were could produce. Thankfully, the band joined in and gave us plenty of back-up vocals until we found our professionalism and, erm … rhythm.

When it was time for the chorus, we gave it our all. Like true rockstars, we held the crowd in the palm of our hands*.

Our fans in the front row were dancing about and singing along. For a tiny moment I felt like a celebrity. Before long, the song was finished and it was time to leave the stage.

We were greeted by our amazing fans, who were all well impressed by our efforts.

Unfortunately, the judges didn’t quite agree and we didn’t win the £100 bar tab that was up for grabs. But we did walk away with a funny, albeit hazy, story to tell and a taste of stardom.

*Note: alcohol affected ability to remember exact details.

The Redback Rockstar sessions are held every Thursday at the Redback Tavern in Acton and are free and open to anyone.