Just an Illusion - EP

by D. Kelly

  Well, what you’re saying isn’t anything different than what I’ve seen so far. It’s nice to know what you see is what you get with you guys.

  I want to ask you something I’ve been wondering for a while now. With seventeen American Music Awards and twelve Grammy awards, Bastards and Dangerous has obviously been well-received within the music community, but you are notorious for not attending the ceremonies and have even turned down appearance offers. The only year you did both shows was with your breakout album Lost. Can you tell me why?

  Wyatt: We appreciate the awards and nominations, they mean a lot to us. We have done some performances and acceptance speeches via satellite so we could be there in some manner. The first year it was insane and so flattering. We were in high demand and didn’t have much downtime at all that year. We were able to take the people important to us to the shows that year, but after that tour was over we sat down as a group and made some tough decisions. You’re not a stranger to this world, Mel. It’s crazy at times. As much fun and honor came from the award shows, it wasn’t worth the stress of squeezing them into our schedules and making them priorities. We had to decide what events to schedule our tours around, our lives around, and oftentimes it came down to a scenario like … if you go to the AMAs you won’t be able to be home for Anna’s birthday, or the birth of your niece, or your parents’ twenty-fifth anniversary party. We have moments in the spotlight every day. Life is made of moments, family moments we’ll never get back, so we do what we can to be there. Unfortunately, that’s meant missing ceremonies. That being said, we’re all looking forward to going next year because we won’t be touring and we won’t have to make the choice anymore.

  Thank you for explaining that. I know it’s hard for the fans to wrap their heads around why their favorite band wouldn’t go to such a prestigious event. Now, maybe they’ll understand a bit more as to why.

  What’s your favorite holiday, Wyatt?

  Wyatt: Christmas. I love the smell of fresh-cut trees, and our families get together, so it’s one huge celebration of family and love.

  If you had to pick one, would you pick red licorice or black?

  Wyatt: Red Vines Super Ropes … those are the shit! I used to get them at the baseball field. Red all the way. But not Twizzlers, that shit sucks.

  Do you believe unicorns exist?

  Wyatt: Sure, just because I haven’t seen one doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. I haven’t seen a lot of shit I know is real so why not believe in unicorns, too?

  Does the same go for aliens?

  Wyatt: You’re fucking with me now, but it’s okay. Yeah, same for aliens.

  Yeah, I was messing with you, but we have to have some fun, right? Your interview was a little more serious than the others.

  Wyatt: That happens. I’m a pretty serious guy most of the time. I think it’s why Noah and I are such good friends.

  Okay, last question. If you could go back and tell your sixteen-year-old self anything, what would it be?

  Wyatt: Damn, that’s hard. My mom has always been a single mom. She was the best, but I know it was hard for her. When I got to high school, I really worried about her. She worked two jobs a lot of the time just so I wouldn’t miss out on anything. She wouldn’t let me work to pitch in because she wanted me to be a kid and enjoy my childhood. As soon as I got my first check, I paid off our house and gave her some money. Aside from Anna, my mom is my world. I’d tell myself not to stress about her so much because things were going to work out for her real soon.

  Thanks for sitting with me and answering these questions, Wyatt. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all of you in our weekly meetings and can’t wait to continue them. You’re all amazing men, and I’m honored to be able to call you my friends.

  Hey, Belle! Thanks for sitting with me today for a few quick questions. I think it’s important to learn a bit more about our favorite entertainment blogger who is keeping everyone updated on BAD this year.

  Belle: Hey, Mel! You know I’m always happy to sit with you and shoot the shit no matter what it’s about.

  Cool, my first question for you is a simple one. When did you first discover Bastards and Dangerous?

  Belle: It was the summer before I started college. I’d gone to a club in Hollywood where they were playing. I was hooked right away. That was the summer they got signed, and I’ve followed their career ever since.

  I’m pretty sure not many people know this next bit of information. The night at The Greek, where BAD announced Slammed had an exclusive about them in their upcoming issue, that was a surprise to you. How did you feel in that moment?

  Belle: Oh my God, I was so freaking excited! I was always a huge BAD fan, and to end up with a job where I could follow their career and write about them was a dream come true. Then to be asked to write exclusively for them for a year, by the band themselves? I could die tomorrow and my bucket list would be complete. It was the most amazing thing ever. I’m still in shock.

  Before taking this job you were one of the most influential entertainment bloggers/reporters around. Your Instagram followers were pretty steady at about three million last year. Could you tell us your current Instagram follower count and how it makes you feel?

  Belle: The numbers are insane. Almost overnight, I went from three million to about fifty million. BAD has eighty million, so I’m pretty sure those numbers will continue to grow. It’s awesome but also a bit daunting. People should just know that while I’m definitely posting more things about BAD, I’m still posting other bands, and my daily coffee, my shoes if they’re cute, my nails when they’re looking badass. I’m still me, just with a cooler job aspect.

  It was recently announced you’re going to spend the last three months of The Illusion Tour on the buses with the guys and me. What are you looking to accomplish in those three months?

  Belle: Being up close and personal with BAD is going to bring a whole new level of depth to my articles. Flying in once a month and attending shows and doing some quick interviews is great, but fully immersing myself in the experience is every reporter’s dream.

  Are any of the members of Bastards and Dangerous on your celebrity cheat list?

  Belle: Uh, yeah! Darren Miller has been on my celebrity cheat list since I saw him play in that club. I couldn’t get him out of my mind. I kicked myself for a good year for not introducing myself to him back then. After having met him and getting to know him better, I see why I was so enamored with him. Thankfully, I’m not dating anyone, so I don’t need a cheat list.

  Are you trying to tell us something, Belle?

  Belle: No, but a girl can dream, can’t she?

  Hell yeah she can! What has been your favorite part of covering BAD exclusively so far?

  Belle: When I come to the concerts and get to see how moved the fans are by the experience. Not just the fans in the audience, either. Smaller venues means less tickets, but the parking lots are always filled to the brim with tailgaters. Those people in the lots are so happy to even be in proximity of the band. It’s a heady experience for sure. One people will talk about for decades.

  If you could see Bastards and Dangerous collaborate with someone on this tour, who would it be?

  Belle: Wow, that’s hard! There are so many people I’d love to see them do something with but because of the acoustical nature of this tour I’d say Ed Sheeran would be a great mix with what they have going on right now.

  So what is up next for you? Do you have any idea where your career will go after this tour?

  Belle: You know me, I live by the seat of my pants. I’m sure whatever comes next will be a great experience. Life is such a mystery. I’m just along for the ride.

  What’s your favorite pastime?

  Belle: I’m in the beginning stages of dating someone new. You know how that is … kind of scary and awkward but also really fun. I guess you could say he’s my favorite pastime at the moment.

  Is it serious w
ith this guy?

  Belle: I don’t really do serious. I’m all about having a good time. Of course, I’d never rule out serious someday with the right person.

  Could this mystery man be Mr. Right?

  Belle: You’re not going to let this go, are you? I’ll never say never, but what I will say is he’s Mr. Right Now.

  Okay …We’ve been friends for twenty years, I know when to back off. Tell us your favorite must-have while writing.

  Belle: A latte or wine and either fresh fruit or chocolate. The time of day determines which order I have them.

  What do you prefer a man wear … boxers or briefs?

  Belle: Who has time for underwear? Commando all the way, baby.

  And on that note, I think our time is up. Thank you so much for sitting and chatting with me, Belle.

  Belle: Like I’d rather be doing anything else. Someone else … maybe. But anything else, not on your life.

  Amelia Greyson! It’s about time I get my hands on you for some interview questions. Our Slammed readers have questions they’re dying to know the answers to.

  Mel: I’ll do my best to answer them, but some things fall under my NDA so I might not be able to answer them all.

  Excuses, excuses. It’s all good, girl, we’ll make it work. My first question is what everyone is wondering. Are you involved with any of the band members?

  Mel: No. I’ve only been on the buses for a few weeks, so we’re just getting to know each other right now.

  Alright, tell us what it’s like to share a bus with Noah and Sawyer Weston. I mean, girl …you’re in the middle of a double yum sandwich.

  Mel: Belle, sometimes you are too much! I love being on the buses and being able to take in the countryside as we drive along. Hmm, what can I tell you about the guys? Noah is a sound sleeper. He works late nights and sleeps in as late as possible. Sawyer is an early bird. It doesn’t seem to matter how late he’s up, he’s still awake bright and early taking in the sunrise over a cup of coffee.

  How about the girls? Is it out-of-control crazy with women traipsing on and off the buses?

  Mel: I’m pretty sure this is something that would be prohibited by my NDA, but the truth is, these guys aren’t like that. Wyatt is married and I’ve never seen him look twice at anyone who isn’t his wife. The rest of them do their job and get on the bus for the next stop. There’s no juicy gossip here, they’re just normal people doing a job.

  Are they messy? Who is the cleanest?

  Mel: Sawyer is a neat freak, which is nice since I’m on his bus. Noah isn’t messy but he’s not perfectly clean, either. I’ve got no idea about the other guys since I’m not on their bus. Warren has mentioned Darren and Wyatt drive him crazy with their mess, though, but you’ll have to take that secondhand.

  What can you tell us about each of the guys that might surprise people?

  Mel: There’s not a whole lot I can say, but I’m going to group them together as a whole for this question. They all have a reputation for being out-of-control jerks. I don’t think anything could be further from the truth. From what I’ve experienced, they’re four nice guys with a deep love for family.

  I’m going to give you four categories and I want you to assign one member of BAD to each. Best Overall Personality, Funniest, Most Surprising, and Most Intriguing.

  Mel: Funniest is definitely Darren … he makes me laugh often. Best Overall Personality is Wyatt. He’s just so easygoing with everything and I’ve never seen him down. Most Surprising … definitely Noah. That leaves Most Intriguing and it’s a perfect title for Sawyer.

  Tell us about the book you’ve been hired to write. What makes this book different than most other band stories?

  Mel: BAD hired me to write their story, but they don’t want a fluff piece. This book is going to be an insight into their lives, their families, and fans. The perks of fame and the pitfalls as well. I think the best part of it is they will proofread every word, so not only do you know it’s truly their story but it’s got their stamp of approval as well.

  Most people may not realize you’re not a BAD fan. In fact, it caused quite a commotion when they found out you weren’t a fan of their music. Now that you’re immersed in it every day, have you changed your mind?

  Mel: Way to put me on the spot, Belle. I’m not a fan of hard rock in general. But I’m fortunate enough to get to sit in on practice each day, and I have to admit I love their acoustic album. My favorite part of the day is getting to listen to them sing on the bus. It’s different than watching them on stage. They’re more relaxed and have fun with it. I take great joy in being able to witness them in that element.

  One question I keep getting asked is if you’ve seen them naked. Have you had any accidental bathroom encounters? Middle of the night snack attacks?

  Mel: Nope. Sorry to disappoint, but there have been zero naked encounters. They’re very respectful of my space and I am of theirs. We’re in close quarters so I have seen them in boxers and an occasional towel as they leave the bathroom, but nothing to get excited about.

  Oh, Mel, if that doesn’t excite you there’s something wrong with you. Most people would cream their panties at the sight of Noah or Sawyer in boxers or a towel.

  Do you find yourself inspired enough to start other books? Your first book, The O Factor, is a nationwide bestseller. Do you think BAD will give you the inspiration you need for your next book?

  Mel: Well, their book is my next book. As for future projects, I’m not even on that wavelength. I can only write one book at a time and right now my head is in conceptualizing this book. I can’t say they won’t inspire me at some point because, as an artist, you never know when inspiration will come but so far it hasn’t happened. Sorry, ladies, no BAD themed romances in my foreseeable future.

  Last question. Do you see yourself staying in touch with the members of BAD after the tour is over? Or is this strictly a work assignment for you?

  Mel: We’ve all become pretty close in a short amount of time. We have so much more in common than I think any of us could have imagined. I’m pretty sure we’re forging lifelong friendships here and I’m really excited about that. I feel very blessed to be in the presence of these amazing men every day. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

  Well, there you have it, Slammers! My girl Mel gave us all the answers she could, and I’m sure we’ll get even more over the next few months. Thanks for talking to me, Mel!

  Until next time – Live today, like there’s no tomorrow!

  Xs and Os

  Belle