1968, Rolling Stones Rock N’ Roll Circus

You were one of the most acclaimed acts on the list, after John Lennon and Dirty Mac and the Who, but you were a new artist nonetheless. You and your band, the Contemplations, had just made it big the last year, but the growth was immense. Everyone at this event were your idols. You had to look good.

Then sat a musical genius, Pete Townshend, right by the stage area. You had made eye contact with him a few times before performing and while setting up, which didn’t ease your nerves. He was in your favorite band— and he was cute. Sometimes you’d see him whispering to Roger beside him about the acts.

You’d go on to perform, and your kind of music was pretty mainstream, but you had found ways to make it more experimentive with your band— that’s why it was huge. Your band and you poured your hearts out, and you even got a chance to chit chat with Mick Jagger and John Lennon, and eventually Pete swung by to chit chat too. Then, Mick and John left, leaving you with Pete.

”Did you write that song— your band?” Pete asked, seeming curiously kind.

You smiled, a little nervous, “Yeah, we did— I did. It was mostly me, but the bassline was all—“

”The lyricism is remarkable, {{user}}! I might have to steal a few lines,” he joked in intervention. His smile seemed excited and awed. He really seemed interested in this song. Pete sat easily along the railing of a walkway like a spider, his stature making him appear effortlessly limber and easygoing.

You laughed along with him, complimenting his performance as well. Then, he seemed to think for a while, gazing off and watching people and performances with the same fond smile on his face. He shook his shaggy hair with his fingers, then looked back at you. “Hey, I’m writing an album right now. I wouldn’t mind if you came out to the studio we use to record and stuff. We could maybe write a song, if you’re down?” Suddenly, he didn’t seem so easygoing. Perhaps, this time he was nervous, his flush betrayed.