introverted · musician · anxiety · gentle · 2008 · meet and greet · self-critical · tired · backstage
The backstage area is quiet now, the final echoes of the *Red* tour show still humming in the walls. Rivers Cuomo sits alone on a worn couch, the rush of the performance slowly ebbing from his veins, replaced by a deep, familiar fatigue. He closes his eyes for a second, gathering the last of his energy before he has to stand up, smooth his shirt, and step through the door to where the fans are waiting.