He paced along the darkened
corridor, slightly bouncing in anticipation. There was a roaring in his
ears and his pulse was beating at an incredibly rapid pace. His long, black
flowing cape was splattered with the thick, red warm liquid that was dripping
onto the floor in small droplets from his fingertips, as he smelled its
savory scent. He carelessly wiped the back of his hand across his cheek,
smearing red over his white makeup as he caught a glimpse of his yellow
eyes exaggerated with black eyeliner, in a cracked, dusty mirror.
The corridor gradually became a
few shades darker as the roaring increased dramatically in his ears as
he turned and faced the passageway that had slowly begun to glow with a
reddish tint. He snarled, baring his sharpened teeth as dark red fluid
trickled from the corner of his mouth. He knew it was his time and very
soon he would be doing what he was placed on this Earth to do, shock, horrify
and shed blood.
A deep, demonic voice thundered around him,
"Thousands of years go...He
was cast out of the Heavens...thrown crashing
down to the Earth...where He
remained in the infernos of Hades...waiting...patiently
waiting...for the day He could emerge with the legend of His fallen
angels...to take back what is rightfully His...the souls of everyone..."
The roaring in his ears intensified as the
voice continued, "Now that day has come...He has risen from the bowels
of the Earth...and He wants your blood...welcome...LUCIFER!!"
Pyrotechnics exploded on the stage, spraying brilliant
sparks over the
first dozen rows of fans. Thick gray smoke seeped
out from behind the speakers, resembling heavy fog rolling in as a multitude
of colorful lights rapidly flashed while hundreds of laser beams danced
around the amphitheater.
The roar of the crowd became ear splitting as the
drums began to pound and crash, causing the arena floor to vibrate. Electric
guitars wailed and screeched as their strings were violently plucked as
Lucifer slowly glided onto the center of the stage.
Thousands of leather-clad, longhaired fans stood on
top of their seats screaming and shouting, while others clapped their hands
forcefully, whistling loudly.
Lucifer raised his hands above his head, touching
his thumbs together, with his little fingers pointed upward while the other
fingers remained pressed against his palms. The fans immediately responded
by returning the devil-horn hand gesture. Lucifer moved up to the microphone
and began growling into it, then raising his voice into a moan, followed
by yet a higher pitched yell, ending in a gut-wrenching scream. The fans
went berserk.
***
June 15, 2000
Dear Lucifer,
My name is Joey Frost and I am a sophomore at Patrick
Henry High School.
I’m your biggest fan. I just got your new CD and I
think it’s great! I’ve listened to it a hundred times. It kicks some serious
ass, man! We have some
girls in school who are do-gooders and won’t talk
to me because I don’t listen to the stupid little boy and girl groups that
dance around like sissies while they ‘try’ to sing. They always make fun
of my heavy-metal shirts, my leather jacket and my long hair. When I hear
your song, ‘Rape All Angels’, I think of them. I’ve never been to your
concert, but I’m gonna try to go when you come to town next month.
Until then, Let Hell Rule!
Your Disciple Forever,
Joey
***
Lucifer strutted around the stage, leering down at
the fans as he howled the lyrics of his song, ‘Rape All Angels’. He jerked
his head back and forth rapidly with every word, causing his long hair
to flare wildly around head as his fans cheered with raised fists.
Half way through the song, a woman wearing a white
angelic outfit scurried
onto the stage and covered her mouth with her hand
in terror. Lucifer strolled slowly towards her while she weakly fell to
her knees as he bellowed the lyrics, "Come here, little angel...come here,
little angel..."
He tore off his cape, exposing his blood-covered bare
chest as he shrieked,
"Lucifer has got something for youuuu...I’m gonna
tell you what I’m gonna doooo...You’re afraid because you know it’s truuuue...I’m
gonna fuck youuuu!"
Lucifer screamed as he pounced on her, she screamed
as she fell beneath him
and the fans screamed in delight.
***
Excerpt from the Sun News Daily newspaper:
...police arrested twenty-four Lucifer fans yesterday
following a clash with
Christian protest groups after they had attended the
concert. The protesting
group, Jesus’ Soldiers, were attacked as they picketed
with signs across the
street from where the controversial rock star was
performing. The spokesperson for the group assured reporters that this
most recent incident would not deter future protests. In addition, thirty-six
people were injured during the scuffle and had been taken to area hospitals
where they were treated and released with minor injuries...
***
June 21, 2000
Dear Lucifer,
I just got my tickets for your concert! I can’t wait!
I had to stand in line overnight in front of the box office to get them,
but, man, it’s gonna be worth it. I’ll tell ya, everything in my life sucks
right now. My mom keeps trying to get me to go to church and I hate her
for it. School blows, I ain’t got any friends who understand what you are
really saying. Then there is this bitch, Angie, who I asked out for a date
and she just laughed at me.
But I just keep listening to your music, thinking
about your power as you sing, ‘Kiss of Satan’. I wish I had that kind of
power. Maybe, someday, I will. Until next time, Let Hell Rule!
Your Faithful Disciple,
Joey
***
Lucifer stood at the end of the stage while a mass
of young women pressed
forward as the band began playing the introduction
of ‘Kiss of Satan’. Many of them were lifting the fronts of their shirts
and blouses to expose their bare breasts while others danced seductively,
swaying their hips while tracing the curves of their bodies with their
hands. The tempo of the music intensified as the band's guitarist leaped
forward and viciously strummed the strings, triggering an assault of wails
as the drummer pounded furiously on the large set of drums with unbelievable
speed.
Lucifer started singing, "If you want the kiss of
Satan...You better be ready for death...Because as our sweet lips
meet...I’ll suck out your last breath...
" Several of the young women scrambled onto the stage
as a row of large men, wearing black shirts with the word ‘SECURITY’ across
the back, grabbed them and carelessly tossed them back into the audience.
One young woman broke past the wall of bodyguards and ran towards Lucifer,
who grabbed her by the back of her neck and passionately kissed her with
his bloody lips. He then forcefully pulled her away from him and proceeded
to run towards the end of the stage as he vigorously dragged her along,
throwing her at least ten feet as she plunged into the crowd headfirst.
***
A portion from a commentary found in the local newspaper:
...and Elvis was thought to be offensive with his gyrating
hips while the Beatles needed to publicly apologize after John upset several
people by commenting that the group had become more popular that Jesus
Christ.
Censorship has always been an issue with new styles
of rock n’ roll, but the
menace that refers to himself, of all things, Lucifer,
has pushed the envelope too far this time. The distasteful and disgusting
themes are extremely repulsive to me, which is the reason why I do not
listen to his ‘music’ nor attend any of his shows. But now, with the growing
violence surrounding his performances and the number of injured children,
yes, children, increasing, I am forced to put my foot down and call for
the destruction of his music and the banning of his shows...
***
June 27, 2000
Dear Lucifer,
I am so pissed off now! My mom told me I can’t go to
the show. She’s been
reading some shit in the papers and some dumb group
came to her church and filled her head with bullshit. I was so mad, I tore
apart my room, smashed furniture, busted my mirror and threw my computer
against the wall. When my mom came into my room, she was shocked, I’d never
done anything like that before. When she asked me why, I simply told her,
don’t mess with Lucifer’s disciple! I’ll find a way to get to the show,
whether she likes it or not!
She thinks she’s so high and mighty because she reads
the bible all the time and talks in these stupid-ass bible studies. She
doesn’t know shit! You are the real ruler, God is weak, and someday you
will reign with all your disciples beside you. I should have her listen
to ‘Crush God’s Faithful’, maybe then she’ll understand who you really
are and what you are capable of!
Let Hell Rule!
Your Disciple Always,
Joey
***
The lights in the auditorium had been shut off, leaving
the stage shrouded
in complete darkness. Thousands of fans screamed and
whistled with acute
anticipation. They began to roar as they heard the
soft singing of a religious hymn as they recognized the beginning of the
song, ‘Crush God’s Faithful’. A single spotlight illuminated a group of
people on the stage dressed in sparkling white robes with large gold crosses
hanging around their necks while they enthusiastically sang.
Another spotlight glowed from behind the stage revealing
a forty-foot cross
with the figure of a crucified Jesus on it. The crowd
began chanting, "Crush
God’s Faithful, Crush God’s Faithful..." as yet another
spotlight, this one red, exposed Lucifer upon a raised platform, dressed
in a long, flowing red cloak, wearing a black, twisted crown on his head.
The music roared out of the monstrous
speakers, drowning out the singing of the choir, as the fans became frantic,
angrily screaming, "Crush God’s Faithful!" Lucifer glared across the crowd
before him while he slowly raised his gloved hand in the direction of the
cross as the Jesus figure struggled and squirmed helplessly as he attempted
to free himself from it's restrain.
A deafening clap of thunder suddenly ripped across
the auditorium, accompanied by a brilliant flash from the base of the enormous
cross as it began slanting over until it finally came crashing down on
top of the choir as smoke and flames erupted from the destruction.
***
Excerpt from the Daily Beacon newspaper:
...The City Council announced today that it will ban next month’s performance of the heavy-metal star, Lucifer. The decision came following a meeting where numerous religious groups and community leaders addressed the city officials, pleading and urging them to prohibit the show because of its anti-Christian content and promotion of violence. The mayor was quoted as saying, "We will not allow the wicked blasphemy of this individual to penetrate the influential minds of our youth." Mrs. Frost, the leader of the Christian group know as M.A.D.E.M., Mothers Against Demonic and Evil Music, stated after hearing the decision, "We are very happy with the attention the mayor and the city have given this matter and we applaud their decision to protect our children against the destructive intentions of this so-called artist. But, it is a trivial accomplishment if we do not prevent him from relaying his harmful messages indefinitely. That is why the members of MADEM and myself will continue our crusade until he is permanently banished..."
***
Official press release from John Gattman, Lucifer’s
road manager:
It is with great disappointment to both Lucifer and
his thousands of fans to not be allowed to perform next month due to the
overreaction of extremist Christian groups. Lucifer is neither an
Atheist nor a Satan-worshiper, but simply an entertainer for millions of
people who greatly appreciate his darker sense of creativity. His concerts
are prohibited to those who are under the age of eighteen and all his CD’s
contain the ‘Parental Advisory’ label. Lucifer does not force any type
of anti-Christian belief onto people and does not condone nor promote violence.
Disregarding the blatant violation of his constitutional rights to express
himself with free speech, Lucifer will adhere to the motion and will not
perform at his scheduled concert next month, personally absorbing the financial
loss incurred from promotions and advertising. We are also taking this
opportunity to announce that ticket holders will be admitted to Lucifer’s
newly scheduled appearance August 18, at the 120,000-seated Galaxy Theater,
one hundred and sixty miles south of the original concert location. Fans
can be assured that this will be the most spectacular and thrilling show
ever performed.
***
July 14, 2000
Dear Lucifer,
I cannot believe what that bitch did! My mother started this stupid Christian mother's group that got you banned from coming to town. I’m really sorry, I told her she better go back to the mayor and tell him to let you play here, but she just went into my room and tore down all the posters I have of you! This got me so mad, I grabbed a kitchen knife and told her that I was going to cut her heart out. She doesn’t believe I’ll do it, but then again she doesn’t know that I am just like you and will one day sprout from the demon seed that is planted in me, showing everyone who I truly am. Some way, somehow, I’ll be at the show at the Galaxy Theater, I don’t care what it takes or what I have to do to get there! Let Hell Rule!
Your Only True Disciple,
Joey
***
Lucifer kneeled in the center of the stage, surrounded
by an array of tall black candles that cast a faint glow from their dancing
flames. He gracefully rose, revealing a woman with grotesque facial features
who had been hidden under his flowing cape. The echo of guitars penetrated
through the silence as they produced an incredibility eerie, haunting sound.
Lucifer wildly flung his arms around his body, mysteriously
producing a massive knife in his hand which he held up over his head. The
drums started pounding at a slow rhythm, progressively picking up speed
as Lucifer threatened to thrust the blade into the demonic woman who stretched
out at his feet, attempting flimsily to ward him away with her thin arms.
As the assault of music reached a pinnacle point, Lucifer plunged the dagger
deep into her chest as she threw back her head and screamed. He then reached
into the fountain of blood that was flowing freely from the wound and pulled
out what appeared to be a heart, still pulsating as he held it in his hand,
wrapping his fingers around it, squeezing the organ until it burst, spraying
blood over himself and his audience.
Joey sat mesmerized as he intensively concentrated
on the spectacle on the stage before him. His mother had tried to physically
restrain him from attending the show earlier that evening, but he had managed
to persuade her to release him by slashing at her with the large kitchen
knife that he still had in his possession. He had purchased a bus ticket
with money he had taken out of his mother’s purse and had walked twelve
miles from the bus station to the theater to see the show. It was well
worth all the effort.
The show was nearing its end after two hours of explosive
music and gaudily
depicted bloody scenes. Joey never felt so ecstatic
before, being able to directly relate every song to the numerous unfavorable
aspects of his own life.
The stage was now filled with dozens of figures that
were fully clad in brownish full-length robes with hoods that shrouded
their faces as they shuffled on stage with sandals on their feet. The crowd
began to emerge from their seats and anxiously pushed and shoved forward
towards the stage. Joey was caught in the center of the advancing mob as
the song, ‘Come Ye Disciples’ began to pour out of the speakers. Joey saw
with delight that Lucifer was pointing his long, bony finger at certain
fans as they paraded past him and the monks were escorting these chosen
ones onto the stage.
‘Surely,' Joey thought, ‘he’ll pick me. I’m his most
faithful disciple.
There was a reason I had suffered so much over the
last year. It was Lucifer
using his incredible powers to call me home, to where
I belong, taking my rightful place, beside the Prince of Darkness.’
Joey was about to step up onto the stage when one
of the security guards grabbed him by the scuff of his shirt and shoved
him along.
"No, wait!" Joey wailed, "You don’t understand, Lucifer
called me, I’m his disciple!"
"Yeah, right," the security guard gruffly replied
as he again shoved Joey into the scores of fans that were unwillingly being
directed away from the stage.
"Lucifer!" Joey cried out as he waved his hand frantically
as he stumbled.
"It’s me, Joey! I’m your faithful disciple, I’m the
one who keeps writing
you letters, I’ve come to join you, it’s Joeyyy!"
Lucifer blinked rapidly as he stared down at Joey
with a quizzical look.
"It’s Joey," Joey screamed louder as he was continuously
being shoved
along, "Joey Frost! Let Hell Rule!"
Lucifer’s eyes cleared and widened in recognition
as he pointed at Joey while the monks rushed after him and pulled him onto
the stage. ‘I’m home,’ Joey thought, ‘I’m finally being taken home.’
***
Joey felt odd as he stood self-consciously against
the wall as the older kids in the room indulged themselves with the large
selection of alcohol as others smoked from a pipe that was being passed
around. This was not what he had expected. There was no talk of Hell or
the ‘Legion of Demons’ or ‘Gathering of Souls’ that should had been the
center of conversation. Instead, they spoke of various drugs, other rock
bands and parties as they tried to grab one another in a lustful rush.
There was no sacrificial alter or satanic symbols anywhere in the room.
Only long tables of food and drink with T-shirts and other concert memorabilia
arranged neatly in glass booths.
‘Something is very wrong,' Joey thought, ‘somebody
really screwed up here.
But when Lucifer gets here, he’ll fix things, he’ll
cut their hearts out for not respecting him and his wishes. And I’ll be
beside him, grasping their failing hearts in my hand as Lucifer passes
them to me, his faithful disciple.’
***
Homicide Detective Jack Bortzinski strolled down the
hallway leading to the
interrogation room, sipping black, bitter coffee from
a paper cup. He hated cases like this, ones that involved a child as the
primary suspect of a murder investigation, but they seemed to be occurring
more frequently over the last decade.
He stepped into the gloomy room which contained a
single, abused wooden
table and stared at Joey who was seated at it with
a blank gaze in his eyes.
Jack sat directly across from him and momentarily
maintained direct eye contact as he thought of how young and impressionable
Joey appeared as he stared back at him. Jack’s eyes then moved to the brown
spots on the front of Joey’s shirt which appeared to be dried blood.
"I am Detective Bortzinski," he started as he glared
at Joey, "and I’ve
been doing this sort of stuff longer than you have
been alive." He paused for effect, "so now I’m going to tell you what we
do know and that is quite a bit! Then I’m going to ask you one simple question
and you are going to answer it!"
Joey did not change his expression at all and continued
to regard the detective with empty eyes.
"We know that you were at the concert this evening
and that you had threaten
your mother with a large kitchen knife before departing,"
Jack stated with authority, "we also found out from the public relations
people that you have
been sending several letters to Lucifer regarding
your violent intentions.
You were seen by multiple witnesses speaking with
Lucifer before his death and many of them stated that you were visibly
upset afterwards. You were found at the crime scene with blood splattered
all over you as you kneeled down next to the dead body. Now, I need to
know, what the fuck did you do with the murder weapon!"
Joey sat in his seat, maintaining the trance-like
expression
on his face, without uttering a single word.
"I’m not playing with you," Jack roared as he slammed
his open palms down
on the table, causing the sound to echo around the
room, "we have a mountain of evidence stacked up against you, so make it
easier on yourself and tell me what the fuck you did with the damn knife..."
"Hey, Jack," another detective interrupted as he poked
his head into the
room.
"I’m busy," Jack replied as he scowled down on Joey.
"I think you should hear this..." the imposing detective
insisted.
"This better be fucking good," Jack grumbled as he
stormed out and followed
his counterpart into the second interrogation room.
Seated in a chair was Mrs. Frost, Joey’s mother. She
looked up at the two
officers with red, swollen eyes and cried out, "I
had to do it, he was trying to take my son away from me!"