Based on the prompt ROCK BAND AU at [info]inception_kink

Disclaimer: Chris Nolan owns Inception, nobody owns rock n’ roll.  I actually have near zero knowledge of how to play a musical instrument, let alone any of the ones listed below. Apologies in advance if I offend actual rock musicians.

Fic title from AC/DC, chapter titles from the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses respectively, countless other tiny references throughout the fic because I do love that old time rock n’ roll.

The Kick is loosely based on my favourite rock band of all time, Queen.  When I say the Kick, I mean mostly guitarist!Arthur, whose playing style is heavily inspired by Brian May.  Brian May built his own guitar, the Red Special, out of a 17th-century fireplace, discarded shelving, razor blades and a knitting needle.  He is also a Knight of the Realm and an astrophysicist.  Basically, he is a very cool man.

In personality, Eames is very far from John Deacon.  John Deacon most certainly did not have a rap career after he left Queen.  Yusuf bears a closer resemblance to Roger Taylor, who plays the most amazing timpani solos.

Cobb is nothing like Freddie Mercury.  Nobody can be like Freddie Mercury, ever.  Not even you, Borat.

I dedicate this fic to my sister, who is the only person who would be able to get all the above without hints – nobody else in the world has had an equal exposure to great rock music and the inner workings of my twisted mind.

I: IT’S ONLY ROCK N’ ROLL BUT I LIKE IT

II: LIVING IT UP WHILE YOU’RE GOING DOWN

III: TAKE ME DOWN TO PARADISE CITY