The Band’S Impromptu Jam In A Blackout-Lit Chicago Diner That Turned Into An Early “Monster” Riff

April 1, 2025

The night Chicago plunged into darkness was one I would never forget. A thick blanket of clouds rolled over the city, and a sudden storm sent sheets of rain splattering against diner windows like tiny percussionists their very own beats. I was sitting in a little corner booth at the 24-hour diner on the corner of Ashland and Division, nursing a plate of fries and the remnants of a soda, when the power flickered and then went out completely. Muffled gasps and whispers rippled through the crowded room, but it was the sound of guitars that soon filled the air, transforming the ominous mood into something electrifying.

It all started with Sam, our guitarist, who couldn’t help himself. He strummed a few chords, his fingers dancing across the strings, creating a melody that seemed to push back against the darkness. A few other musicians in the diner picked up on the vibe, and before I knew it, we had a full-blown jam session going in the middle of the dimly lit diner. With only the soft glimmer of candles on the tables, it felt like we were transported to another world, one where the chaos outside didn’t exist, and only music mattered. The rhythm took hold, and our motley crew of stragglers and lost souls became a family, united by the simple act of creation.

As we played, something remarkable began to happen. The music built and twisted itself into a powerful riff that felt alive — a riff that would later become an early iteration of our song “Monster.” It was raw and filled with an energy that echoed our fears and dreams. With every note, I felt a surge of hope coursing through me. We were crafting something special right there in that little diner under the cover of darkness, and it made me realize that music could be a lifeline, a way to pull ourselves out of despair even when everything around us was falling apart.

In that moment of unity, I could see the faces of my friends illuminated by the flickering candlelight. There was laughter, joy, and an incredible sense of possibility. For hours, we shared our passion, forgetting about the storm raging outside. It was as if the blackout had stripped away the distractions of our everyday lives, leaving us with only the music and each other. When the lights finally flickered back on, I not only saw the diner filled with people clapping and cheering, but I also saw a glimpse of our future — the path we were meant to take.

That night sparked a fire in all of us. The impromptu jam session became a turning point in our journey; it marked a shift where we realized that our music could resonate with others. “Monster” became one of our signature songs, but it was the experience of that night that truly shaped our artistry. It taught me the importance of resilience, how creativity can thrive even in the darkest of times, and the magic that happens when you let go of fear and embrace spontaneity.

Reflecting on that night, I often think about how music has the power to connect us, to uplift our spirits, and to remind us of our shared humanity. In Chicago, during a storm that might have brought most people down, we celebrated each other and the art we loved. The music we created that night was not just a song; it was a testament to our passion, our dreams, and the unbreakable bond we built in the heart of a blackout-lit diner.