A person can do anything they want when the opportunity arises. Scarlett, being a sought-after actress for young adult romances—or at least those that seemed like romances—took her time accordingly. Thanks to her, Billy landed an interview for a dubbing role. The world of dubbing is smaller, and the pay is lower unless it's for a major movie. People with good intentions might consider being part of a dubbing cast, but one must take a three-month course that includes various studies and exams, and obtain certification to be eligible.
It was under Scarlett's pressure that he began taking the course immediately, without getting into the initial details.
–I can be part of a dubbing team if I complete the course,– Billy said to Michael Ocklars, who knew well his enthusiasms, often some of Billy's wild ideas that seemed to come out of nowhere. His much-anticipated blog had been forgotten, like many of his other plans. Now, he managed the photos, promoted deals, and coordinated dining outings with a five-person team that acted as his eyes, ears, and admin staff. One took care of his photos, wardrobe, and room cleaning. The second and third were security guards who also served as chauffeurs and news filters.
The last was his direct assistant, who answered all his calls and passed them on to Michael Ocklars. But he acted more like a runner, always traveling and available at any hour, moment, or place where Billy might need him. He came from Warner and was replaced every three years. All of them had a job placement guaranteed after that term, usually a desirable administrative position through Jerry and Warner's connections.
–We'll do it, but you have a 22-date tour across Latin America starting January 15 and ending March 2. You can't predict the toll it'll take on your time and energy. You'll have to attend the Grammys and fulfill other commitments, performing in venues across the U.S. and Canada in the upcoming months, at least for the summer festivals, and also in London. We could use that gap for your training.– said Michael.
–Do it, and I'll skip the London festivals and only attend those in the U.S. I want to be an actor—it's better than being a musician.– Billy replied.
Michael had the urge to slam his head against the wall. He was the label's best musician, yet he said such nonsense. Though maybe the boy, always in a hurry, was simply following his own passion.
–Fine, do it. But let me talk to someone who can coach you without requiring traditional school attendance.– said Michael Ocklars, who now understood the leverage money brought. Some teachers were willing to comply with the curriculum from home—or even on tour—given the allure of fame, money, and all the perks that came with it, including generous donations to these schools, sponsorships, or business connections.
–That's a great idea,– Billy replied. –I want it by tomorrow. And thank you, Michael. I'll visit Jerry for Christmas—maybe I'll bring Scarlett so they can meet her.–
–Just don't get yourself into trouble, kid.–
***
Billy thought about how not too long ago, he'd released four albums from January 1 to December 31. Many of his songs were still playing on the radio, and in jukeboxes owned by students who were all about the music grind. During trips, they'd play his cassettes and enjoy Billy's rock music that always carried the fading spirit of true rock, from when the last drop spilled in the '90s. That drop had marked the end of an era, leaving behind remnants of a time now relegated to the shadows, as with the obscure cases of bands that held on. Just a stray thread born in the 2000s, delivering song after song. But now bands like The Strokes and Linkin Park were close behind—maybe even Green Day. Still, it wasn't the kind of rock everyone once loved.
–Then I'm afraid we're not the right fit,– said Billie Joe Armstrong, member of Green Day. Under pressure from his producers and agents, they were pushing for a collaboration with Billy Carson. They were part of Reprise Records, a Warner label, and their plan was to use Billy as the centerpiece.
–There are good songs,– said Mike Dirnt.
He looked at Billie, knowing full well how brutal the competition between singers was. Even if Billie Joe thought he was the best, that opinion wasn't widely shared.
–What's the plan?– Mike Dirnt asked.
–Let's make an album of our best hits and just release it. We split the profits equally. Five songs from our side, five from his, and we write one original track together.– said Billie Joe Armstrong, knowing how much exposure the band would get by working with a kid who had three platinum records—and even reached ten platinum with some—a staggering achievement in all its glory.
–I'm crazy about that "Seven Nation Army" track.– said Tré Cool, the band's drummer.
–We could add "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and "Animal I Have Become,"– Billie Joe added. He needed that intense punk energy.
–Of course.–
–"Like a Stone" - was almost shouted in unison by the entire band. Each took a moment to think about the radiant composition of Billy's songs—a blend of genres like a musical stew.
–All over the place... but I like it. Our songs are great too. But I bet we'll hear a new cover of "Basket Case,"– murmured Tré Cool.
The band members agreed it was time to take a break and rest before what they considered would be their next tour. Painted nails, mascaraed lashes, and gelled hair—there was no doubt the band was famous. But in a few days, Oasis or others—Jerry's suggestion for the next year—would arrive not only with original music but also with planned collaborations, aiming to branch out into different scenes, giving fans a new place to store their musical memories.
...