The TNT Tour

I stand back stage, watching Creed and Charles perform the final song of their TNT Tour. Creed Thompson. Charles Thompson. No relation.
    They met by chance at The Nashville Palace. Charles had come in after his performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Creed was sitting near the stage with me, as we wound down a week’s vacation in Nashville, enjoying the night spots and sleeping until noon. Charles noticed Creed singing along with the performer on stage, and when he took the stage, called Creed up to sing with him.
    And a tour was born.

    One year, ten months and countless miles. Jam-packed venues of all sizes. Thousands of dedicated fans. Chart-topping recordings. And a blending of voices that added depth to any song they sang, no matter the genre.
    After much discussion and overcoming Creed’s reluctance, they had chosen “Too Much Fun” as the opening song for tonight. The fans loved it and showed their appreciation with screams and whoops that nearly drowned out the music. Charles and Creed played to and for the fans, giving them a night they would most definitely remember. And a night they themselves would remember.
    For their final song they’d chosen “A Country Boy Can Survive,” which kinda surprised me as I thought they’d choose one of their own. No matter. The fans loved it. Both Charles and Creed were into the night and the music. As was the band. The concert had started at eight and it was now past midnight. I wasn’t certain that this ‘one last  song’ would be the last one tonight.
    As they neared the end of the song, Charles turned toward the band and raised an eyebrow. The band members glanced at each other, then they all looked back at Charles and nodded. And I grinned.

    These two musicians, my two guys, were loving the night, living their dreams, and giving their adoring fans more than they could possibly have expected.

    Five songs later, Charles announced, “This song is the ‘last’ for tonight and the tour. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves up here and hope y’all’ve had as much fun as we have. Hope you enjoy this song . . . Hit it!”
    I didn’t recognize the introduction the band played. When Charles and Creed started singing, I was shocked. I didn’t know they had even played this song together, much less considered singing it on stage. “My Way,” changed to “Our Way,” and done in their unique style. I didn’t think it was possible but the screams and whoops became even louder.

    As we were walking toward the bus, Creed’s arm around my shoulders, and Charles walking behind us, I heard the chorus to “People Are Crazy” and wondered who was calling me at this hour . . .

    I awake. Sunlight is shining through the bedroom windows, but there is no Creed beside me for he has been in his grave six long years. I have many memories and a few songs Creed had recorded of himself singing at home. Charles is beyond my reach but I have his CDs to listen to at any time.

    And a dream that will haunt me forever . . .