A Day in the Life of 3T
We're set to leave 3T's house in the "Hidden Hills" to go up to San Diego. Today they are playing a small concert (with the likes of the Outhere Brothers and Coolio) and are also doing some record store signings -- even though it's Saturday. You see, there never is a normal day for 3T. TJ has to go to school, but before and after, it's always something different -- touring, interviews, fashion shows...something like that will perch on their schedule every single day of the year.
We're waiting for the T's to get ready. Taryll's in his home "studio" working on a track. Taj is listening to his stereo (Oasis' Some Might Say) and not speaking -- "I don't want to say too much, I might give something away." (!) And TJ is stuffing his face with cereal, because that's all he eats.
10:30 am
We finally set off. Taj drives himself and TJ in his four-wheel drive jeep affair. Taryll goes in dad Tito's car, with Tito's fiancee. They travel in a convoy. Dad, who's a bit of a nifty worker when it comes to traffic, leads the way.
1:20 pm
We're in San Diego, at top hotel-next-to-mall DoubleTrees. It boasts two bars (not that 3T head for them, mind), gym, and pool. En route, Taryll's been watching wrestling (Hulk Hogan versus Macho Man) on his portable VCR. Taj comes over to him once they park and has a go. One is not sure what they're niggling about, but Taj is uppity about a transport experience. Then they go up to their room. And lose their dad.
2:00 pm
Tito is still lost. The boys chill before the show at the San Diego Sports Centre...Hang on, the show!! They're late for the soundcheck!!! Grab yer rucksack and head for the sea! They climb into their cars.
2:30 pm
And we're still lost. Tito has taken it upon himself to lead his convoy, including you bewildered Hits team, all round the interesting industrial area of San Diego which has more than one sports centre. Everyone gets ratty. We're late. Coolio will have a huff on. Yikes.
3:00 pm
After countless U-turns and scary Damon Hill-style speedery -- Tito Jackson, you are a crazed man -- 3T stumble up to the sports centre enterance flustered by their bad time-keeping, bless 'em.
3:15 pm
They soundcheck the three songs they're to play this evening. It's actually a "Personal Appearance," i.e., they're singing live to backing tapes (so's everyone else). They bing about, a-crooning with about 50% gusto, saving their "all" for the performance later on, but utilising every other bit of energy to kick each other on the bottom for a "prank" when they get bored.
3:30 pm
They're finished, and some mild-mannered geezer from the toughest, rappiest radio station in town is getting them to recite jingles for his programme. They're getting very good at saying, "Hi, we're 3T, and this is the Crazy Jay Nelson Show on 290." Pop star life, eh?
4:00 pm
Tower Records, San Diego. On the Radio 290 bus -- who've publicised the signings -- 3T are getting ready to meet their public. Taj films the crowds from inside the bus. Taryll is annoyed he hasn't been able to watch the baseball on the in-coach telly. TJ is just tired. But troopers that they are, they perk up at the sight of their adoring fans.
4:10 pm
The T sign everything from dollar bills to t-shirts. They have their photo taken with blushing women. "We don't do as many signings as we'd like," says Taj. "We love meeting our fans, it gives a chance to talk to the people who buy our music."
5:00 pm
Spin Off Records, San Diego. More fans! Screaming ones! Small children! Big marker pens! Yes, it's another signing. 3T love it. And so does everyone else. Autograph books, arms, legs...they sign the lot. Their mates from college in San Diego have met up with them. They wait around and find it all hilarious.
8:15 pm
After a chill-out in the hotel, each T gets his hair remoisturised and primped. Taryll watches baseball. TJ is worried about how it's going to sound. "We've had so many bad experiences," he murmurs before disappearing with some shampoo. Taj gets some extra dreadlocks moulded in. Taryll gets the hiccups.
9:00 pm
Back to the venue, which we find easily this time. Crisps, orange juice and sandwiches a-plenty are laid out in the dressing room. None of this lager business for T. They're feelin' fit and lookin' good on ham 'n' pickle, thank you very much. They chat quietly, as Marlon Jackson and other members of the San Diego clan drop by for a chinwag...
10 pm
The place is crazy with screaming girls. As 3T come on, the place erupts (they're second on the bill, after Coolio). "Howyadoing Diego?" shouts Taj, and they launch into Brotherhood. They stalk about, looking smoochily at the "laydees" in the audience and patting each other reassuringly on the back. Taryll croons like only a Jackson can. "Thank you to everyone who not only supported 3T but the entire Jackson family...we love you very much," he whimpers. Couples smooch as Anything blasts out and rucksacks are flung off. Taryll gets on bended knee...then he rips his top off! Phwer!
10:30 pm
They're exhausted. They were worried about the sound. They finish the orange juice. "It was a good show," says Taj. "But...we're perfectionists, and we didn't think the sound was all that good, y'see. We enjoyed it a lot though." Everyone agrees, and after a few minutes, Tito gives them a serious glance and they know they have to head for the hotel, for their beauty sleep. At least there's no work to do tomorrow. Unless you're TJ or Taryll and you've got exams to revise for. Or unless you're Taj and you've got a new 3T logo to design. Hang on...
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