superstar: sings for everybody

The song chosen by Nike was among many curious ones that Jerry was surprised to see selected. Whether from a video or in some other form, he couldn't find a way to view it as a fitting representation. Still, he remained silent and used it as a starting point. Seen from a dim perspective, he understood that the choice had likely been made many times by different people, and that's how it eventually reached them in the best possible way.

-It's a very good song... we believe it could work for some sports advertising campaigns, but we haven't received a response regarding the licensing rights,- remarked Dan Widden, better known as the director of the program and the man overseeing Nike's ad campaigns. The old grouch, as Billy referred to him.

Wieden+Kennedy, a renowned company known exclusively for major commercials, had collaborated with Nike numerous times, particularly in the special campaigns they'd done with footballers. Now, it seemed a large marketing campaign for a new type of football player would be added to the mix.

-Can you ask Billy?- Trevor Edwards commented. He usually spoke with campaign members, discussing the young man's involvement. The boy was rebellious, but when it came to working with people, he didn't sweat the small stuff like other major figures might. From food to treatment or demands, he was an outstanding worker, a model in that sense.

-We can do that,- David Kennedy whispered to Dan Wieden, seeing that things could go in a positive direction.

The song they were requesting was none other than "Hall of Fame" by The Script. Unlike the original, the rhythm was refined with more instrumental elements, and the vocals, though polished, were somewhat overshadowed by the instrumentals. It offered a song that captivated with its simplicity and implicit message, catchy and designed for an iconic moment.

-Though there's a slight hitch: Warner has treated the song like an elite product, and we have to meet three things—quality, timing, and marketing. If we don't meet those standards, we might be sent packing by the kid's lawyers,- Trevor Edwards noted.

***

Connor was pounding the drums with all his might, releasing his emotions. The clash of cymbals gave rhythm to his playing. Spencer, who had once lived in his grandmother's house, bought the place next door and turned it into a soundproof studio. It was there that Connor, now 18—his birthday had been last November—used to practice. His family had stopped bothering him about money, and he lived peacefully within the walls of music. He attended music classes at a small university, where he was known, though not the center of attention. He was just the second drummer, recognized only by the die-hard fans.

To Connor, life meant many things. It was a total detachment, a tough blow, and a fall in all its splendor. He devoted himself to music with bravery—it was his life.

-Do you want me to take you to class?- Spencer asked.

Connor nodded silently, as he often did. He was a quiet young man. Therapy helped, but his way of handling things was what made him stand apart from conventional norms.

-Billy sent over some new tracks recently. That kid, though it doesn't seem like it, works harder than anyone,- Spencer commented.

The silence remained, but Spencer didn't mind. He knew the quiet boy, a sweet young man who avoided causing a stir. Always calm and passive in his demeanor, that was just the way he was, and Spencer liked him, even though it tugged at his heart.

-I recently donated some instruments to an elementary school. I was wondering if you'd be interested in doing a tour and offering a friendly sing-along for those kids,- Spencer added.

-Sure… ask Billy, he'll do it,- Connor replied. He knew Billy better than most.

Spencer tried to answer, but for both of them, it was a strange topic. Billy was Billy, and figuring out his thoughts was so complex and stressful that Spencer preferred to let it slide. Now that Billy was based in London, Spencer doubted the response he'd get would be the right one.

-It's a small event; I could give him a call… knowing him, though, he might want to tour all the public schools in the country. He's simply unpredictable sometimes, beyond my understanding- Spencer mused.

Once again, they fell into silence. Connor's university was a public one, one of the few that didn't demand high grades. You just needed to pay to get in. It was one of California's more basic institutions, but Connor was content. Spencer, who had attended top-tier music seminars, taught him the rest, and his name would help Connor get into more advanced drum practice seminars.

It was enough for him to be considered a qualified music teacher. He'd learned to play everything from jazz, rock, and pop to marching band music, classical compositions, and more cordial restaurant tunes.

-Good morning, Spencer. I'll be back tonight,- Connor said with his usual tired tone, showing little enthusiasm for what lay ahead. As he turned down the street, he felt an intense gaze, but no one was there. Shaking his head, he entered his regular study routine.

Connor's family was somewhat estranged. They believed it was his duty to support them and even pay off their gambling debts, something he had vehemently refused. Instead, he had set up a trust that would handle their payments once he turned 18, just as Billy had done.

Entering the hall, Connor sat down, arranged his pens, and began listening to the first lecture of the day: Introduction to Music, with a focus on sheet music and composition.

***

Billy continued overseeing the filming plans for the vacuum tunnel, intended for a three-minute commercial. They needed 30 minutes of camera work to craft an ad that Billy was eager to see completed, hoping to push the director hard. But he shook his head once he arrived on set.

-I hate this crap,- Billy commented.

-It was your idea,- Jerry replied.

-Well, don't let me do so much stupid stuff,- Billy shot back.

Jerry shook his head but sighed. If only he were younger and had the chance to make those same mistakes. If only he could extend his life by another 20 years in good health. But that was an illusion—he was nearing his 90s.

-My son has much to learn, but he'll grow with you. I've taught him a lot, but only experience will give him the understanding he needs. There are things you must learn as well, or else you'll fall into the same vicious circle. I've seen many good artists fall into all sorts of traps,- Jerry said.

-Like Ahmet?- Billy asked softly, almost whispering, a name no one should overhear.

-Worse, kid. Ahmet just loves money but keeps his hands clean. When I talk about evil, I mean pure, hard evil. You need to be strong. The sensitive and weak don't survive in this world. When your mother died, that was your first trial by fire. There are people I despise, whom I hate with all my heart. Stick with my circle, but don't trust them. The devil isn't dangerous just because he's evil; he's dangerous because he's old. Be careful with those twisted old men who come near you, - Jerry warned.

...

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