Chapter 13 #2
‘My apologies, Con. You’ll have to get used to the fact that I say exactly what I think.
It cuts out the crap. You’re sat here, aren’t you?
It means I think you have potential. The four of you look good together on stage.
Two blonds and two brunettes is an appealing combination.
Musically, you have a nice sound. Aside from that you have .
. .’ Freddy searched for the right word.
‘You have a charisma that’s raw at the moment, but could be developed.
I reckon with a bit of time, effort and money, we could put together something special. ’ He gave the boys a wide grin.
‘Not being presumptuous, Mr Martin, but what exactly is it you’re offering us?’ Todd enquired.
‘Todd, don’t rush me. I was coming to that.
More coffee, anyone?’ Freddy poured himself another cup as the four boys shifted nervously in their seats.
‘I’m sure you know that I used to be a performer myself.
For the past few years I’ve managed a very well-known group.
For reasons I do not wish to go into, that group are now no more.
What I’m thinking about offering you boys will be the same deal as I offered them, many moons ago.
Personal management.’ Freddy stood and began to stroll around his sitting room.
‘As you can imagine, my connections in the music business are widespread and well established. Any group that I take on is going to get through the door of a record company on my recommendation alone. I would personally fund demo tapes and all expenses incurred before such time as I secure you a deal. I would also pay you all a living wage that would then be clawed back out of your first contract. For the privilege of having me as your manager, the band would pay me twenty per cent of your gross earnings. That, Mr Bradley, is the deal.’
‘I see,’ nodded Todd.
The other boys stared in silence at Freddy.
Freddy crossed his arms and walked back over to the band, towering over them.
‘There is one thing you would have to understand before we go any further. I am a reasonable man, but if I’ve learnt anything from managing the last lot, it’s that there’s only room for one chief.
I need hardly say who that would be.’ Freddy looked at his watch.
‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to call a halt to this meeting.
I have a lunch in Soho in half an hour. Why don’t you boys go away, have a chat amongst yourselves and see how you feel?
’ He stood up and his guests followed him to the front door.
He solemnly shook their hands one by one.
‘Goodbye. Call me in a couple of days and we’ll reconvene.’
Freddy shut the door, allowed himself a small smile at the recollection of their glazed expressions, then ran upstairs to find his car keys.
Out on the pavement, the four boys looked at each other.
‘Pub?’ they agreed in unison, and set off along the road until they found one.
‘Did you see that gaff? Man, that’s serious spondulicks.’ Ian lit up a smelly joint as Derek and Todd came back with the beers.
Todd coughed and waved away the smoke. ‘Ian, do you have to? That’s the third since breakfast.’
‘Hey, Todd, it’s way better for you than ciggies,’ Ian replied good-naturedly, taking another drag.
‘So.’ Todd took a sip of his pint. ‘What did everyone think?’
‘He’s a powerful man,’ said Con.
‘Knows a lot of people,’ put in Derek.
Todd sniffed and pursed his lips before offering his opinion. ‘Well, I thought he was a first-class, out-and-out tosser,’ he sneered. ‘We don’t need him, boys. All he did was tear our music to shreds and suggest a haircut.’ Todd shook his head. ‘I’m sorry. He may be Mr Big Shot, but I loathed him.’
‘That’s because he said your lyrics stink, Todd,’ smiled Ian peaceably. ‘Maybe he was right,’ he shrugged.
‘Oh really, Ian? Well, maybe if you weren’t stoned out of your skull day and night you might try putting pen to paper and writing some stuff. Then you’ll know how difficult it is to—’
‘Boys, boys.’ Con held up his hands. ‘This is not the time to be arguing. We’ve been given a proposal and we need to consider it seriously.’
‘He talked about a living wage,’ breathed Derek incredulously.
‘Yeah, depends what sort of “living” he was talking about, though,’ Todd said morosely.
‘Well, let’s be honest, it’s got to be better than what we’re all trying to survive on at the moment,’ said Derek.
‘So you’d sell your artistic integrity for the sake of a few pounds a week, would you?’
‘We have to eat, Todd,’ put in Con. ‘And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make money. I thought he was straight-talking. No messing. I liked that.’
‘That’s only because he thought the sun shone out of your arse.’ Todd shook his head.
‘Well, man, it was something he liked. Don’t knock it,’ said Ian, searching his pockets for a box of matches and relighting his joint.
Todd looked like he was going to launch himself at Ian, so Derek put a fraternal hand on his shoulder.
‘You know how hard it is to get anyone from a record company to come to a gig. Freddy Martin would have them along in a blink of an eye. He also said he’d be paying for demo tapes, something we could never do, Todd. ’
Todd shrugged off his cousin’s hand. ‘Yeah, Derek, and then he’ll claw the money back when we get our first deal and then take twenty per cent of all we earn for the privilege.’
‘But that’s business, Todd,’ Derek shrugged. ‘Any manager will want to take his cut. We can be the best band in the world, but if we have no money to put into our development, then it’s pointless. We could stay as we are for years.’
‘He may have insulted us, but hey, man, he must think we have something. It’s his reputation on the line too. Anyone for a drag?’ Ian waved his joint around.
‘No thanks,’ said Con. ‘Freddy Martin knows what he’s talking about. I admit he’s not perfect, but what else do we have? There are a hundred bands in London who would jump at a chance like this. If we don’t take it, then another group will.’
‘Hear, hear,’ said Derek. ‘Guys, you know what I suggest?’
‘Pray tell us,’ droned Todd.
‘That we take a vote on it.’
‘What if it’s a split decision?’ asked Ian. ‘There are four of us.’
‘Then we’ll toss a coin or something,’ Derek smiled. ‘Okay, I’ll go first. I say we go with Freddy Martin.’ Derek shrugged as Todd shot him a venomous look.
‘I say I leave the band if the rest of you vote in favour,’ said Todd.
‘Con?’ Derek turned to him.
‘I’m with you, Derek. I’m thinking that a new haircut and a sissy suit is preferable to possible failure and probable starvation.’
‘Ian?’ Derek asked.
‘I’m with you too. I’m looking forward to the screaming groupies.’ He smiled.
‘Well, chaps, looks like the decision’s been taken. We’re giving Freddy Martin a shot. Sorry, Todd,’ said Derek.
Todd stood up, a look of disgust on his face. He silently left the pub.
‘You’ve done what?!’
Lulu stood in the centre of her Chelsea sitting room, staring down incredulously at her boyfriend.
Todd poured another glass of whiskey from the already half-empty bottle. He took a slug and shrugged. ‘Yep, I’ve left.’
‘You stupid, arrogant little shit!’ Lulu picked up a cushion from the sofa and threw it at him.
‘Lulu, I thought you’d be on my side? You’ve always said how much you love my lyrics. Freddy Martin said they stank!’
He looked like a hurt little boy. Lulu knew she must try a different approach.
‘Darling, I do love your songs. I think you’re wonderfully talented.
It’s just that after all this time, the break has come.
Freddy Martin, the Freddy Martin, ex-manager of one of the most famous groups in the country, has offered to manage you.
And you say you’re leaving. You must understand that I’m surprised. ’
‘Look, Lulu, you don’t know, you weren’t there.
Freddy insulted me. I’m the lead singer of the Blackspots, yet there was Freddy Martin kissing Con Daly’s arse and telling him how wonderful his voice was.
Seems to me that I’ll be consigned to supporting cast in my own group.
No thanks. I’ll start another, better group. I’ll beat Con Daly at his own game.’
Lulu sank into a chair and sighed. She pushed her thick black hair back from her face. ‘So this is about jealousy more than anything else. You think Con’s stolen your limelight.’
Todd clenched his fists. ‘I bloody hate him, Lulu, and his gentle Irish charm. He has the rest of the band and Freddy Martin taken in, but not me.’ Todd put his head in his hands. ‘Behind that calm exterior is steel. Con is as determined to make it to the top as I am.’
‘And is that wrong?’ Lulu shook her head. ‘Now you are sounding spoilt and jealous. Con’s a nice guy, Todd. Yes, he’s talented, and good-looking. But surely those are the qualities a group needs to make it?’
Todd shot a steely look at Lulu. ‘You’re talking as if you fancy Con Daly.’
Lulu rolled her eyes. ‘No, but I can see why a lot of women would find him attractive.’
‘Great. Just boost my ego, why don’t you.’ Todd hiccupped suddenly.
‘Todd, darling, you know it’s you I love.
What I’m saying is that Con is an asset.
That’s how you should think of him. There’s room for both of you!
Look at Lennon and McCartney – both brilliant musicians, singers and songwriters.
I’ll bet there’s been fireworks between those two at times.
But the more ability you have in a group, the more potential there is for massive success.
Work with Con. Don’t make an enemy of him. ’
‘You’re certain I shouldn’t leave then?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Shit.’ Todd rubbed his eyes and stifled a yawn. ‘I’m a bit pissed.’
‘I know.’ Lulu stood up and went to sit next to him. ‘Trust me, Todd, darling. My instincts tell me you must stay.’
‘Okay,’ Todd sighed, after a long pause, ‘but I can never like that Con Daly.’
‘You don’t have to like him; you just have to work with him. Come on, I’m going to put you to bed.’
Todd rose slowly to his feet. He took a tress of Lulu’s hair and twirled it round his finger. ‘You think I’m better than Con, don’t you?’
Lulu took his hand and led him to the bedroom. ‘Yes, darling.’ Without putting the lights on, she began to unbutton his shirt.
‘Hi, Con, I . . . I was just passing and I wondered if I could pop in for a chat.’
Todd lived in Chelsea. Con thought it unlikely he had just been ‘passing’ Arkwright Road in Hampstead at nine thirty in the morning.
‘Sure. Come in.’
Todd followed Con up three flights of stairs to a large airy room.
‘This is pleasant.’ Hands in pockets, Todd looked out of the window.
‘Ah, ’tis Sorcha. She has the touch.’
‘Yes. Um . . . look, Con, I thought we ought to have a chat.’
‘Of course. I was just making myself some coffee. Want some?’
‘Great. I seem to have one hell of a hangover this morning. I would have slept it off except Lulu gets up at five to go to the studios and for such a feminine creature she clomps around like a baby elephant. Subsequently I can never get back to sleep.’ Todd knew he was rambling out of nervousness.
‘Look, Con, what I said yesterday . . . I was in a state, angry at the way Freddy Martin spoke to me. You know how you feel about your own songs. It’s hard to be told they stink, especially when you’ve studied for years at music college. ’
‘Of course.’ Con filled two mugs with instant coffee powder and hot water. ‘We’re out of milk.’
‘That’s fine. I take it black anyway.’
‘Grand job. There you are.’ Con handed one of the mugs to Todd, perched on the arm of the sofa and waited expectantly.
‘The thing is that you and I are the strength in the band, both as singers and songwriters. Ian and Derek look good and will support the group well musically, but it’s us who are going to make the magic happen.’
‘It’s generous of you to say so.’ Con took a sip of his coffee, his calm gaze never wavering from Todd’s face.
‘So, to that end, I was thinking last night that we should maybe . . .’ – the conversation seemed to be paining Todd – ‘. . . pool our resources on the writing front. I know you tend to go for a more melodic, slower sound, whereas I like as many noisy riffs as I can get in.’ Con nodded.
Todd held his hands up. ‘And I admit some of my lyrics can be a bit self-indulgent, whereas, excuse me for saying, yours can verge on the sickeningly romantic. Maybe together we could curb each other’s excesses. ’
Con gently swirled the coffee in his mug. ‘That all makes sense. Does this mean that if we’re talking about the future, you’ve changed your mind about leaving?’
‘Yes, of course. I founded the damned band, didn’t I? Yesterday was a heat-of-the-moment thing, that’s all. I calmed down and realised I’d overreacted.’
Con was definitely impressed by Todd’s new attitude. ‘He was hard on us all.’
‘Well, I have a feeling there’ll be worse to come from Mr Martin. We’d better get used to the fact that he doesn’t keep his opinions to himself.’
‘So, you’re happy to go with him then?’
‘As you all pointed out, it’s better than starvation.’
Con nodded and reached for his tin of tobacco. ‘So, you want to have a go at writing some stuff together?’
‘Yeah. We should give it a shot.’
‘I’m open to that.’
‘Good. I think it’s very important we work as a team. Did the rest of you decide when you were going to give Freddy Martin the news that we’d accepted his offer?’
‘Derek was going to ring him this afternoon. We’d better let him know you’re back in.’
Todd nodded, a trifle humbly. ‘Sure.’