March 29.
-Send out tickets to all the team members. I think they'd enjoy attending the concert, and it might help everyone bond with the cast, - Billy said. Forty-five people, grouped in one of the VIP sections, wasn't a big favor, especially knowing that some would likely cancel. But Billy didn't mind.
-Sure, we'll send out the notifications. Hopefully, some can join, though I doubt the kids will be able to attend. Still, it's a good move to have some well-known faces at the concert, - Michael Ocklars responded.
Billy nodded. Jerry was no longer up for traveling to other countries; he preferred to stay home rather than journey abroad. He only made exceptions for U.S. tours, choosing to stay in New York whenever possible. However, he planned to travel to London soon to see Billy's last concert there. In the meantime, Billy had five dates scheduled over the next three weeks, with one final show in London.
The press was already buzzing about the recent concerts and speculating about who might be in attendance. It was well-known that Billy had numerous big-name opening acts, which hinted at potential surprises during the shows. Among those surprises was the possibility of Jerry Wrexler, along with other old-school friends who were famous in the '80s and early '90s, joining the concert—a perfect setup for a legendary performance.
-The first date is in Birmingham, right? - Billy asked.
-Yes, then it's Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Cambridge, and finally London. We're not hitting the coast much, but these locations are special. Jerry wanted to do a broader tour, at least eight cities, but the European leg is planned for next year, along with Asia and Latin America, - Michael explained.
More concerts meant more headaches, but Billy tried not to dwell on it. He hoped the tours wouldn't consume too much time, allowing him to take on some acting roles.
-Let's get ready, - Michael said as they prepared to hit the road. They'd be traveling in a large bus, and the daily four-hour journeys were the most tedious part for Billy, who had a particular dislike for highways.
-It's pretty annoying, - Billy muttered as he entered the small private room in the trailer. The room had a bed and a small TV on the opposite wall. It was stocked with classic movies or the best of the '90s connected to a DVD player. Billy spent his time on the road either watching films or sleeping.
The trailer had three rooms, enough for everyone to sleep during the four-hour trips. For the first concert in Birmingham, Billy had chosen the fourth room to sleep in. Without Gwen in his arms, all he wanted was to drift off. In his mind, the only woman he cared for was the blonde, though the complication was that she was married. Meanwhile, Leight was like an angel, crossing his path, shy but willing.
While watching the second season of The Sopranos, Billy found himself wishing he could be part of a gangster series, something in the style of Peaky Blinders. Playing the role of a tough guy, someone who fires the shots, would be incredible—to be part of a great crew.
-I should think about the upcoming series. I wish there was an awesome character out there, something I could look at and say, 'I couldn't have picked anything better,' - Billy thought as The Sopranos continued to captivate him with its intricate, narco-themed plot. He spent a lot of time pondering his next move.
He tuned his guitar and quickly played a few chords. The anticipation still bothered him... Needing a distraction, he dialed his phone. It was still morning in the U.S.
-Hey, Leight, - Billy said, lying there with the phone to his ear. Maybe video calls would be more necessary now that they were apart.
-Billy, - murmured the young woman, who hadn't heard from him in two days. It was a surprise, to say the least. She'd spent her days staring at her phone with growing desperation, but the call eased her fragile heart.
-What's up? I told you I'd call. I've been keeping an eye on my phone, but the tour's kept me busy. All they do here is tour, - Billy explained.
-Your last concert was amazing. Every time I think about it, it takes my breath away. I'm just so happy to see… things are going well for you. Be careful with the weather over there; you could catch a cold, - Leight said.
-I think the warmth of your arms might cure my cold. How did your audition go? - Billy asked.
-How will you sing? - Leight countered.
-It's not too bad. Just a shot before the concert and a few pills afterward. With some care, I'll be perfect in two days, - Billy assured her.
They had a long, lingering conversation. Leight held nothing back, sharing every detail, no matter how small.
***
When they arrived in Birmingham, they were met by a crowd already excited about the concert. Billy could tell the show would be lively just by the energy in the air. The noise outside kept him from getting any more sleep, so he grabbed a jacket to cover his bare chest and stepped out. The rest of the band was in their own rooms, except for Spencer, who was practicing his guitar as usual.
-Working on the new 'Feeling Good'? - Billy asked, listening to the mix of jazz and rock, a sharp sound with the deep resonance of the electric guitar giving it a structured feel.
-It's a tricky song for guitar, better suited for piano, but the band needs to play with it, - Spencer replied.
-I'd like to arrange some trumpets. You could use Jack's bass and Egg's drums, - Billy suggested.
-Just don't sing it in public, - Spencer sighed.
-Only for the last concert. -
Two weeks was enough time to put together a computer track, ensuring it would sound good live, with Spencer's piano and Egg's drums anchoring the song. The idea in Billy's head required two trumpet players and a violin to add more depth to the orchestra he envisioned behind him.
-Show me the guitar adjustments, - Billy said. The harmony Spencer created was one of the best he'd heard. If Billy could learn it, he might use it later on.
-This song has a simplicity, but if you look closely, it uses elements of jazz, American ballads, and a bit of salsa. Nina Simone sings it differently, but I found a rendition by Anthony Newley, and I realized why it's so powerful. Still, it doesn't compare to your cover. You raised the bar, adding a punch that gives it a fresher, more modern feel, - Spencer explained. He had studied the song deeply; the difference was in the beginning—the voice leads first, and the instruments settle in, with orchestral flourishes 20 seconds into the song.
-Jerry got us approval for the cover. We can do a quick recording in Liverpool, - Billy said.