CHAPTER TWENTY: MODERATELY SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR

January 6, 2003

  It’s beginning of 2003, and No Rules are at a meeting with Logan and Peter. They were getting the sales reports and reviews.

  Logan spoke up first, “Peter and I received the sales report. Your debut album has been certified multi-platinum. Your TV programme, Dare 2 Dream, has been renewed for a second series due to high ratings. Your sales in Europe are very successful. In North America and Latin America, your sales are moderately successful. You’re huge hits on Radio Disney, but you barely cracked the Top 40 radio. Your album is reaching gold status.”

  Edward asked, “So what does that mean? Are we still the new, teenage British Invasion?”

  Peter answered, “That’s what we’ll be talking now. The music critics in both Britain and America say you have potential to become the next British Invasion, but there’s more work that needs to be done.”

  Logan added, “In a few weeks, we’ll discuss changes for No Rules. You’re successful now, but you need to maintain it. It won’t be easy, so be ready.”

  A few days later, No Rules are getting ready to perform their first concert by themselves. The tour is called simply, No Rules Theatre Tour 2003, and their first stop was Dublin, Ireland.

  At the same time, NR are beginning promotions in Britain for their final single from No Rules, No Tears. In North America, they’re releasing two singles as their third and fourth single: Tell Me Now (Darkchild Remix) for Radio Disney, and Make Me Want You for mainstream radio.

  The NR members are in their dressing room, waiting to perform. They’re reminiscing their first year.

  Ashley said, “I think we did well for our first year as a band.”

  Edward chimed in, “Yeah, our music has sold well in Britain.”

  Charlie said bitterly, “But can’t say the same for America.”

  Ashley reasoned, “Hey, we’re just starting out. We’ll do better.”

  Hannah added, “Yeah, and we got our TV series. We’re doing well with that.”

  Mariana said, “And we get a second season.”

  Edward said, “Even so, we still face competition from skate5.”

  Ashley said, “Don’t forget BG6. You know that BubbleGum is splitting up after their tour with BG6.”

  Alex asked, “Is every band splitting up?”

 Sophie replied, “No, but it’s down to us, Liberty X, BG6, S Club Juniors, S Club, and skate5. At least Liberty X and the two S Club bands likes us.”

  Hannah pouted, “I like BG6.”

 Edward told her, “They hate us cuz we got everything, whilst BG6 was poorly managed. It’s not over. The longer us, BG6, and skate5 are around, the more likely our rivalry is won’t end. We must stick together. Show those two bands that we’re not going anywhere. We may not be some cheesy pop group, but we got what it takes to be the next thing.”

  Edward stuck his hand out, and the other members put their hands on his hand. He asked them ambitiously, “United we stand, divided we fall?”

  The members replied, “United we stand, divided we fall!”

  This was just the beginning for No Rules. They have a long way to become a global phenomenon. But for this 7-piece band, it’ll mean still competition with their rivals, skate5 and BG6. No Rules will either live as a success, or die a failure. What will it be?

_______________________________________________________________________________

COMING UP NEXT: BOOK 2-Resurgence. ALSO COMING SOON: No Rules-The Lyrics Book. ;)