The band's tour was off to a strong start, and from there, Billy's voice continued to captivate those who heard it. Now, as a key figure in one of the most important musical venues, Liverpool was just a few steps away.
-We've got the recordings of 'Feeling Good,' - Michael Ocklars said over the phone to Jerry, who nodded in agreement. A cover at just the right moment—he had heard Billy sing with his powerful voice, moving a demanding crowd in a way that was far from common. They were not an easy audience; the upper class in the United States was notoriously one of the most critical crowds there was.
-Has the kid been behaving? No women? He hasn't gotten tangled up with any of those hippies, has he? - Jerry asked.
-I can't answer those questions. Maybe he's done something behind my back, but nothing has come up. The concerts have been intense, the press has even checked the rooms, and we've tightened security. But I doubt this will end as long as Billy is on tour. Now that he's involved in 'Harry Potter,' I think people will be even less inclined to follow the rules... He's a global superstar with massive media appeal; any news about him sells, - Michael Ocklars murmured, clearly exhausted by the tour.
-I'll talk to Warner to help us with these issues, - Jerry replied.
Billy Carson was Warner's golden goose. Recently, his licenses have been in high demand among filmmakers, and his cultural impact revived the sales of music albums after the piracy problems hit the industry hard. The music and movie downloads had severely impacted companies, at least that's the consensus, with file-sharing (P2P) entities like Napster, Kazaa, and eMule allowing files to be downloaded without payment, creating discomfort for the companies.
This had a devastating effect on the music industry, leading to a significant drop in record company revenues, consequently affecting many artists, especially those who had been in the industry for a long time and were now dusting themselves off in search of cybernauts. Even with the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act), people can't control these downloads.
However, Billy's singing was so powerful and popular that these losses didn't affect him as much. It's projected that without piracy, Billy would have doubled his sales. But even so, his total sales stand at 83 million, meaning that across his three albums, he has far exceeded the sales of many artists. Alongside him is Eminem with 'The Eminem Show' at 26 million, Britney Spears with 24 million, followed closely by Billy with 23 million. 'Fallness' and 'Adventito' both boast 27 million in sales. 'The Everflow,' his latest album, hasn't yet been fully counted, but it's likely to surpass 100 million sales.
The only artists who have surpassed 20 million in sales include a distant Alicia Keys with 12 million in the 2000s—a hard hit for the music industry—and Avril Lavigne, who hovers around 13 million in sales, followed by Usher with 10 million, and U2 with 11 million.
-They'll agree, - Michael Ocklars commented. - Any news on Billy's latest album? -
-Nothing new, but the sales are solid, in line with his previous albums. This one might not exceed 20 million, but that doesn't mean it's a bad album. The single 'Snow' is, in my opinion, one of the best Billy has ever performed, - Jerry said.
-Well, let's not forget that Billy's scheduled to release his 2004 album in June... They've been working on it for six months. 'The Everflow' was just a spur-of-the-moment inspiration, - Jerry added.
-Everything's set, but the issue is Billy's involvement in the 'Harry Potter' movie. Some special scenes have already been shot... They need special effects, - Michael Ocklars pointed out.
-We'll get it done, - Billy said, entering Michael Ocklars' room while the band members were practicing. They were likely preparing "Feeling Good" for the next concert.
-Good morning, Robert. I didn't expect to see you in Liverpool, - Billy greeted the man.
-Well, I live here. Liverpool is my city. Besides, it's not just me; I've got some friends who want to see you, - Robert Plant replied.
-Famous friends? Members of the music industry? - Billy asked, surprised by the mystery Robert Plant's demeanor conveyed. Billy couldn't think of anyone related, perhaps John Paul Jones or maybe Jimmy Page, but he knew Jimmy and Robert had a cold relationship after Jimmy left the band. For some reason, there was a sense that Led Zeppelin's involvement had been too brief.
-Well, I hope that's true, - Billy remarked.
-You'll be making an appearance on 'The X Factor' soon. The recordings have already started, and they want you to open the first scene, - Michael Ocklars mentioned.
-' The X Factor'? - Billy asked.
-It's a new music TV show. It's a quick gig—20 minutes, you sing, they film, you say a few words, and then you're done. -
Robert Plant shrugged, acknowledging that Billy was perhaps becoming the new face of music.
Billy began to drift into his thoughts, but something sparked a new idea. He had forgotten the importance of social media. In just 10 years, social media would hold so much power that some people would achieve fame simply by mastering its use. As a pioneer, he could shape a bold vision of how to use it and what to do with it. He needed to create a life of luxury, sports, beauty, and success, complemented by a few other elements.
-Michael, talk to Jerry—I want to take a photography course. And if you can, get me a Canon camera as soon as possible. I have some ideas, - Billy said, turning his attention back to Robert Plant.
-So, who's this person that wants to meet me? - Billy asked.
-A legend! But you won't get any more information from me! - Robert Plant replied with a hint of playful mischief. He was someone who enjoyed surprises, and his relationship with Billy was tentative, as they both admired each other.
-We've got time, - Billy commented, thinking about the concert the day after tomorrow.