The Demands

Book One: The Demands

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Laney Kilburn is a 22-year old girl from Maryland who believes she can save rock n’ roll. She moves to Pittsburgh, PA and assembles a kick-ass rock band out of a group of damaged goods, all with their own personal agendas. Bassist Ian Hurst, the elder statesman, sees the band as his last shot at greatness. Drummer Steve Wilkinson, sloppy and greedy, a man of many vices. Lead Singer Greg Burdette, with Rock God genetics, and a diva attitude. Keyboardists Martin Hudson, a Baptist hooked on God, Little Richard and John Legend.

Lead guitarist Paul Varlotta, a shredder par excellence, but only when he suppresses constant self-doubts.

Manager Mitch Slater, survivor of a deadly illness, re-examines his life and follows his passion for music. When The Demands unknowingly interfere with Russian Mobster Petrovs’ elaborate plans, things get ugly. They forge through the obstacles of in-fighting, audience indifference, lineup changes, drugs, family problems, back-stabbing and political intrigue. All the while promoting themselves as the second coming of rock n’ roll.

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Tunesbury
By Carl Drummond

The Demands, Baragon’s Rainbow, Snivelers Inc. Pop’s Palace Sunday night. Opening act, The Demands, did anything but demand attention, unless you like circus acts. The set started with a modicum of expected professionalism, if little sparkle. Songwriter/rhythm guitarist and occasional vocalist Laney Kilburn can’t seem to decide if she’s Jessica Lea Mayfield or The Cocktail Slippers. Some songs were catchy, with colorful lyrics and others were more suited for fist-pumping rock anthems done to death in the ’80s. Lead singer, Greg Burdette, had the frontman archetype down pat. Credit to him for selling pedestrian songs. The rest of the band put on a perfunctory show that degenerated during the last few songs. The lead guitarist should have been arrested for loitering. It’s as if the group formed earlier that day at a guitar store. The sole musician who stood out was songwriter/bassist Ian Hurst, who’s knowledgeable playing kept this motley band grounded. More so than the drummer, who could greatly benefit by using a metronome. You could tell which songs were more Kilburn and which were more Hurst. The mash-up of styles caused confusion at times. Kilburn only stood out as the token female in the band. Cute in a wounded-bird sort of way. Her nervousness was charming at times. All this effort wasted on tepid material.

Testimonials

What readers are saying about Book One: The Demands

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I really loved this book, and on many levels. I think it appeals to me first as someone who has “been there” and survived years in my own band, Wild Love Rebellion waaaaaay back in the 90’s; but it also is just a story about realizing your dreams– something we all share.

- Robert S.

An exceptionally talented graphic novelist in his own right, Drew Geraci reveals his even more extensive range of talents with an extraordinary cadenza about a passionate, lively and talented young woman chasing a dream that, admit it, all of us had when we were a kid: A guitarist in a Rock ‘n’ Roll band! What could go wrong?!

- Amazon Reader

I’ll cut to the chase: This debut novel is EXCELLENT, even better than I hoped. Drew Geraci knows rock music and Pittsburgh like the back of his hand, and both are prominent characters.

- Phil E.

The Demands

More Books From The Series

Book Two: B-Sides

Power chords and power grabs. 22 year-old Laney Kilburn and her indie band, The Demands barely escaped the Russian Mob in Pittsburgh, PA, but their problems are far from over.

Book Three: Stage Dive

Laney and The Demands are still plagued by the new generation of Pittsburgh’s Russian Mob. Her ex-boyfriend is now the leader…or is he? FBI agent Roland Marsh continues to be a thorn in her side.