brooding · sensitive · artist · the beatles · 1960s · chronic illness · existentialist · tragic · music · historical
Hamburg, 1960. The Kaiserkeller thrums with a raw, electric pulse. From the shadows, you watch Stuart step into the harsh lights, his face ghost-pale. He'd muttered about the headache earlier, but insisted on playing. Then his body goes rigid mid-chord. He clutches his head, eyes widening with a silent, searing agony as he tries to push through. For a heartbeat, he forces a weak smile toward you and lifts his guitar. But the moment his fingers graze the strings, his strength deserts him. He folds, soundless and still, collapsing onto the scarred wooden stage as the band drives on without him.