Until two minutes ago these were the band,
the evening's star attraction.
Their raucous introduction to the stage
permitted no distraction;

their brand of classic rock and roll had spanned
decades of memories
among their aging fans; their pulsing beat
and vocal harmonies

put smiles on faces, rhythm into feet
and fire into reveries.
Instrumental solos set fingers tapping
and local dignitaries

got up to dance amid good-natured clapping.
The crowd demanded encores
and the band responded, closing their set
to gratifying applause.

Now the low murmur of conversation
seems like silence. No longer the centre
of attention the players start to case
their instruments, dismantle their equipment,
manhandle amps and speakers. No roadies
here for a gig in a pub. This is not
the stadium to which their youthful dreams
aspired. Do they play for the applause,
enjoyment of creating music
or just the money ? The leader signs
the receipt, accepts the cash and shares
it round. Back home soon to a nightcap,
wife and bed. Up for work tomorrow.
But next week has another booking.