Chuck Tyler had been a valuable contact early on. His management of the female duo Tigress had paid off big not just for him, but us as well. Wherever they went, we were there as photographers for their website. Our work was seen all over the internet, it got us jobs on films, at festivals, TV appearances, you name it. So anytime we got a call from him, it was always something big.
We'd just gotten back from the job on the movie "Sunshine Dreamer" when Chuck called, asking us to a morning meeting at his office.
"Why would he have us go to his place? That's so unlike him." I asked Chris as we headed there in his Porsche.
"I think he just wants to show he's a big shot, that's all." Chris said as he navigated the morning traffic.
Chuck's office certainly had a great address; the Capitol Records Tower on Hollywood and Vine.
We arrived at his office near the top floor and his secretary escorted us in. The office was massive, with an early 60's look that seemed straight out of that TV series "Mad Men". There was a cushy seating area with plasma TV, a full bar, even a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox. Chuck was behind the curved desk talking on the phone. He waved us in and we sat down.
"There's my guys!" he said with gusto, shaking our hands. "Well, whaddaya think of this place, great huh?" he said stretching his arms out like an emperor surveying his kingdom.
"It's you alright, Chuck." said Chris.
"I love it, this used to be Sinatra's office." He said as he poured coffee for us.
Chris and I turned and looked at each other with a "yeah, right!" expression.
"Uh, Frank junior or Frank senior?" Chris said leaning over to my side and whispering.
"It's gotta be Junior, Senior hated the guys at Capitol." I said.
"I heard that!" Chuck said with his back turned. "But I still love you two, you know that."
We took our coffees and Chuck pulled out a file.
"OK, let's get down to business." Chuck said as he clapped his hands. "Have you heard about the Triple Threat tour?" he said.
We both shook our heads.
"Good, because it hasn't been announced yet. But it will be this time next week." Chuck pulled out 2 sheets of paper that appeared to be itineraries.
"It's a 22 city tour with Beyonce', Rhianna and Tigress. That's where the name comes from. And you guys will do the photos. Not just for Tigress, but Rhianna has asked for you guys too. You apparently worked with her once?"
"Well, yeah, down in Palm Springs, we did some shots for her album." I said. "I'm surprised she remembered us."
I certainly remembered her!
"Well, the question here is, are you guys interested in the gig?" Chuck asked.
"Would we be doing all three performers?" I asked.
"Not Beyonce', she has her own team, she let the others choose who they wanted. I think that's a fair trade." Chuck said.
"How long is this tour again?" Chris asked as he looked at the itinerary.
"22 cities, multiple night gigs in New York, Chicago and LA. The tour starts in Houston at the Toyota Center. That was Beyonce's idea, it's her hometown and all." Chuck replied.
"Oh, I almost forgot, this might make your decision a little easier. Look at page 2" He said.
We turned to page 2 and saw what our salary would be for the tour. All I could see was a dollar sign and a whole lot of zeroes. Chris and I looked at each other, I could see the dollar signs spinning in his eyes already.
