I’m with the Band

Having a boyfriend in a band can be a VIP pass, but the backstage lifestyle isn’t all that glamourous.

Imagine rocking out backstage every weekend while your lead-singer boyfriend electrifies a sold-out crowd. Then you turn around to see a competing band doing cocaine off of its instruments.

The sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle is a fantasy for many, but for freshman public relations major Jackie Grillo, it was a reality.

“I was a dedicated girlfriend,” Grillo said. “I was there for the writing process, practice sessions and every show. All the band mates would buy me drinks, and we became close friends. The off-stage kiss was always nice.”

After dating her fair share of musicians, Grillo explained why some women can’t resist the aura of muscians.

“Girls are attracted to guys who have that badass edge,” Grillo said. “Musicians are macho, but they also have an emotional side. Personally, I’m impressed by their musical skills and luscious hair. Since I love music, hanging out with them is a good time.”

Her longest relationship was with former-boyfriend Nick – a singer/songwriter and guitar player.

Blending romance and rock, their relationship produced some sentimental moments.

“Nick actually wrote a song about me,” Grillo said. “It was about a brown-haired girl who made him happy. I didn’t know it was about me until he mentioned it.”

Reminiscing on their past, Grillo blurted out her funniest memory.

“Nick leapt off a speaker in the midst of an adrenaline rush, but ripped his pants in mid-air,” she said. “Everyone, including me, was laughing at him. This hardcore rocker ran outside crying and later made me call his mom to bring him a new pair of pants.”

As can be expected, touring provided some bizarre experiences.

“From watching a drummer roll a blunt on his drum set, to running from a homeless man stalking us at a photo shoot in an abandoned New Jersey theme park – I have seen it all,” Grillo said.

Grillo has had a few run-ins with groupies, too.

“These weird girls would message me on Facebook saying that my boyfriend is a good musician,” Grillo said. “[There are] too many band whores in this world.”

Although Grillo has enjoyed some bliss with her significant others, she said she has realized all good things come to an end.

“Every musician I have been with has cheated on me,” Grillo revealed. “Nick cheated on me by impregnating another girl. My other boyfriend, bass and guitar-playing Jake, lied to me about not having a girlfriend – not that it mattered because he continued to cheat on her with me.”

For all aspiring band lovers out there, Grillo offered some advice.

“Avoid musicians,” Grillo said. “They are usually cocky or too emotional. It is great being the singer’s girlfriend, but it gets old over time.”

“I mean, I would do it all over again,” Grillo added when asked if she regretted her romantic past.

John Corrigan can be reached at john.corrigan@temple.edu.