Today we are up by 10am and ready to start clearing up our stuff from the studio/rehearsal room at the loft cause we will be playing a gig here tonight. Once that's done we jump into the van and get ready for our final day - a nice fun filled time at Universal Studios. Today is the sunniest day since we arrived - it's perfect. You know that feeling at a theme park when the sun just makes everything seem better - we are all well up for it.
First thing is to take the Universal Studios tour where a tram ride takes you around the back lot of the studios to see the sets where countless classic films have been shot, and even drives us up Wysteria Lane (not sure I should admit to watching Desperate Housewives or not....) and the whole thing lasts about 50 minutes. Everyone is happy to see the Jaws stuff, the huge blue screen used in so many films and mine and Scotts favourite bit..... the street that's on the opening credits of Murder She Wrote as 'Jessica' rides her bike through the town.
We also go on some of the rides -always fun to see grown men (Ash) having a heart attack as they go down the big drop on a log flume. Also went on some special effects talks/walk throughs including one for Backdraft and also one on sound effects where I got on stage to be one of the audience participants - fun.
The day goes pretty quick and then we go to Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant to get an evening meal before setting off to the loft again.
When we get back to the loft a few people are already gathering and soon there are about 20-30 party goers and before you know it we are changed and ready to play. There is a webcam in the room and a few hundred people watching from around the world. We play the longest set we have played all tour and have an absolute blast! Scotts mum was online watching the gig and said that we rocked - the mummy seal of approval!
As soon as we are done the beers are flowing as well as the various shots of the usual stuff. TM's set up and play and we join them for a few numbers as usual. It's almost funny watching everyone trying their hardest not to get emotional. Dan occupies himself by talking on webcam to fans and the rest of us drink it up! We give some t-shirts out to the gathering and get some cool shots of people wearing them - including the man with the party trick. At 3:00am we are still all up drinking and Scott is in full Jackanory story mode telling some girl that Ash is a TV presenter, I work at Longleat looking after the Meer Cats, and Scott has done everything from share a drink with Gahndi and signed his autograph for the pope. Brilliant.
Nobody wants to go to bed cause that means admitting it is over..... I finally go to bed at around 4am - as do Dan and Bill. At some point everyone rolls into bed. I'll let Freddie and Scott save some parts for the book.
So that's it. Tour done. It's been amazing. I could go on for ages writing thanks etc etc but I'll save that. I think we will do a long list of thanks when we get home. It goes without saying that the biggest thanks go out to Tattooed Millionaires - our new friends.
Marty:Riot
Friday 8 February 2008
Feb 6th - it's almost over....
We all wake up with some pretty heavy hangovers - obviously Scott is worse than everyone else.... no surprise there then! Again, we've got the day to ourselves before tonights gig so we decide to head to Santa Monica - after going to pay $140 the parking fine that we got on the van. When we arrived at the office we were told that the office we had gone to (which was listed on the ticket) hasn't even opened yet! Bastards!
The traffic on the way to Santa Monica is really heavy - but that's always a good opportunity to people watch and see the changing landscape as you drive along Santa Monica Blvd all the way from Johnny's flat, through the ghetto and eventually into the gorgeous Beverly Hills where the houses are mansions, the lawns are trim, the pavements clean and the people 'beautiful' - it's all new and cool for us.
When we get to Santa Monica the sun is shining and the beach looks picturesque and perfect. We find a small shop that only sells English products - so we stock up on the essentials - Robinsons Orange Squash, Cadburys chocolate, and of course - some lovely Scrumpy Jack Cider!
Time flies by and we go back to the loft to get ready to rock The Joint - but not before we get another amazing meal prepared for us by Betsy - a lovely turkey roast.
We get down to The Joint at around 8:45pm and there is a smal crowd and the venue is amazing - nice big stage, and high too - which always makes you feel like a 'big' band. After enduring some 80's throwback band it's time for us to rock out and we don't disappoint - I know that sounds arrogant, but we were battling pretty shady sound, but we really put our hearts and souls into it and it pays off. We have a great response and enjoy every minute - none of us want it to end.
The Joint is owned by a cool guy called 'Happening Harry' and his band end the night. The band is an 'all star jam' which includes Nick from Tattooed Millionaires. They play a great set of cover songs and I jump up top join Harry for Knockin On Heavens Door - I loved it!!! It's all over too soon, but then Harry invites us back to his place for more beer and pizza.
We jump in the van and get on the road to Harry's and when we arrive who's on the couch...? Dizzy Reed from Guns N Roses! It's all a bit bizarre and we spend the whole night drinking and sharing 'road stories' and hearing some amazing insightful GNR tales from the past and present. It is a great night and Harry wants us to extend our stay to join in the all star jam on Saturday - if only we could! The whole thing is amazing.
We get back to the loft a bit drunk and a very tired. Tomorrow is gonna be our last night and we are going to have a party in the loft and maybe play some songs - there are even rumours of a live webcast.
Today was an amazing gig and nobody is ready to go home yet. America loves Riot:Noise........ lets hope this continues back in the UK.
Marty:Riot
The traffic on the way to Santa Monica is really heavy - but that's always a good opportunity to people watch and see the changing landscape as you drive along Santa Monica Blvd all the way from Johnny's flat, through the ghetto and eventually into the gorgeous Beverly Hills where the houses are mansions, the lawns are trim, the pavements clean and the people 'beautiful' - it's all new and cool for us.
When we get to Santa Monica the sun is shining and the beach looks picturesque and perfect. We find a small shop that only sells English products - so we stock up on the essentials - Robinsons Orange Squash, Cadburys chocolate, and of course - some lovely Scrumpy Jack Cider!
Time flies by and we go back to the loft to get ready to rock The Joint - but not before we get another amazing meal prepared for us by Betsy - a lovely turkey roast.
We get down to The Joint at around 8:45pm and there is a smal crowd and the venue is amazing - nice big stage, and high too - which always makes you feel like a 'big' band. After enduring some 80's throwback band it's time for us to rock out and we don't disappoint - I know that sounds arrogant, but we were battling pretty shady sound, but we really put our hearts and souls into it and it pays off. We have a great response and enjoy every minute - none of us want it to end.
The Joint is owned by a cool guy called 'Happening Harry' and his band end the night. The band is an 'all star jam' which includes Nick from Tattooed Millionaires. They play a great set of cover songs and I jump up top join Harry for Knockin On Heavens Door - I loved it!!! It's all over too soon, but then Harry invites us back to his place for more beer and pizza.
We jump in the van and get on the road to Harry's and when we arrive who's on the couch...? Dizzy Reed from Guns N Roses! It's all a bit bizarre and we spend the whole night drinking and sharing 'road stories' and hearing some amazing insightful GNR tales from the past and present. It is a great night and Harry wants us to extend our stay to join in the all star jam on Saturday - if only we could! The whole thing is amazing.
We get back to the loft a bit drunk and a very tired. Tomorrow is gonna be our last night and we are going to have a party in the loft and maybe play some songs - there are even rumours of a live webcast.
Today was an amazing gig and nobody is ready to go home yet. America loves Riot:Noise........ lets hope this continues back in the UK.
Marty:Riot
Thursday 7 February 2008
Feb 5th - San Diego
Today we are up sometime between 11am - 12pm and all a bit tired. However, we are playing a gig tonight in San Diego and it's been a few days so we're excited. I know that I am not back to 100% BUT I think I'm gonna be much better than I was for the last two gigs and can hopefully get through more than 6 songs, althogh Freddie is going to go for some heavy backing a) to help me out and b) because it actually sounds pretty good!
We go off to the venue which is a couple of hours away. The drive takes in some nice scenery and before long we can see the ocean - which is a first for this tour. When we arrive the venue is empty as it's early afternoon, but it's a cool stage and has the potential to be a good gig.
We all eat and pass a few hours playing pool and watching Rob play on a hunting arcade game which he has become addicted to. The evening is due to start pretty early as it's an all ages show. Two lovely ladies turn up shortly before our set that are extremely excited to see us and have been eagerly awaiting our arrival for a few weeks - they even bring us a nice bottle of Jack Daniels as a welcome gift - WE LOVE AMERICAN FANS!
It's show time! Decent sized crowd and from the opening bars of Survival we are on top form again. Performance-wise it's a great gig. My voice does struggle at times but we def do okay and I'm happy with the whole thing. Think we got some good live footage too, so look out for that on Youtube soon!
After the set there is a local band on stage. They are young guys with over the top stage show (smoke machines!) and an over the top sound - but their friends and family like em. In the mean time we start to get involved in some drinking. Our friends Aimee and Wendy from Las Vegas have driven to San Diego for the show and want to buy us some drinks...Scott is happy and pretty soon he is extremely drunk - welcome back Scott! I think the thing with this tour and drinking is that people wouldn't have gotten so mashed up if it weren't for the sheer amount of drink mixing that is done every time. In the space of an hour, and I'm not exaggerating here, Scott has been seen with a Vodka, a Jaeger, a Jack Daniels, a Sambucca, and a few bottles of beer - and this carries on for 3 hours. Needless to say that there are some well oiled rockers walking around. This is also the last time we are going to see TM's perform at a venue and that is kinda strange. They play a good set and are really well received. At one point I hear Scott telling a girl that Ash is a big star in the UK and has been banned from kids TV for using profanity..... the bull that comes from this guys mouth when he is drunk is brilliant!
The drunken shennanigans carrry on for a few hours but we'll keep that stuff for the uncensored biography that'll be out in about 20 years time.
We head off and start the drive back to LA - mildly avoiding arrest at McDonalds. Another great gig, another long night, more drunken behaviour, and more heavy snoring!
Marty:Riot
We go off to the venue which is a couple of hours away. The drive takes in some nice scenery and before long we can see the ocean - which is a first for this tour. When we arrive the venue is empty as it's early afternoon, but it's a cool stage and has the potential to be a good gig.
We all eat and pass a few hours playing pool and watching Rob play on a hunting arcade game which he has become addicted to. The evening is due to start pretty early as it's an all ages show. Two lovely ladies turn up shortly before our set that are extremely excited to see us and have been eagerly awaiting our arrival for a few weeks - they even bring us a nice bottle of Jack Daniels as a welcome gift - WE LOVE AMERICAN FANS!
It's show time! Decent sized crowd and from the opening bars of Survival we are on top form again. Performance-wise it's a great gig. My voice does struggle at times but we def do okay and I'm happy with the whole thing. Think we got some good live footage too, so look out for that on Youtube soon!
After the set there is a local band on stage. They are young guys with over the top stage show (smoke machines!) and an over the top sound - but their friends and family like em. In the mean time we start to get involved in some drinking. Our friends Aimee and Wendy from Las Vegas have driven to San Diego for the show and want to buy us some drinks...Scott is happy and pretty soon he is extremely drunk - welcome back Scott! I think the thing with this tour and drinking is that people wouldn't have gotten so mashed up if it weren't for the sheer amount of drink mixing that is done every time. In the space of an hour, and I'm not exaggerating here, Scott has been seen with a Vodka, a Jaeger, a Jack Daniels, a Sambucca, and a few bottles of beer - and this carries on for 3 hours. Needless to say that there are some well oiled rockers walking around. This is also the last time we are going to see TM's perform at a venue and that is kinda strange. They play a good set and are really well received. At one point I hear Scott telling a girl that Ash is a big star in the UK and has been banned from kids TV for using profanity..... the bull that comes from this guys mouth when he is drunk is brilliant!
The drunken shennanigans carrry on for a few hours but we'll keep that stuff for the uncensored biography that'll be out in about 20 years time.
We head off and start the drive back to LA - mildly avoiding arrest at McDonalds. Another great gig, another long night, more drunken behaviour, and more heavy snoring!
Marty:Riot
Feb 4th- Day off in LA
Day to ourselves today so we decided to take in some sights of Hollywood. We started off by heading up to the see some of the famous stars on the strip and a get some good views of the Hollywood sign from Manns Chinese Theatre where there is a cool bridge you can stand on to get the sign in the background of your pics etc. Then we headed off to the Citiwalk by Universal Studios and grabbed a nice big lunch at the Hard Rock - I saw my lunch shortly afterwards when I threw it back up in the toilets..... looks like I'm not quite back to full health yet!
After about an hour we head back to the loft for some Lasagne that Johnny's wife Betsy had kindly prepared for us. We have been very well looked after by Mr & Mrs Jetson when we haven't been on the tour bus, and we really appreciate it.
As the evening really starts to set in we drive off to Sunset Strip to get a drink at The Rainbow.... I never thought I would get to say that!!! Our friend Paul from the UK joins us there for a beer. We get a call from Johnny whilst we are there - he's got us another gig for Jan 6th in Beverly Hills at a place called The Joint. It's not both bands on the bill, just us and some local bands - so it's great that the TM guys let us take the slot.
We are back in the van and driving in the general direction of 'home' when we notice a strip club.... but not any old strip club - Seventh Veil - made famous by Motley Crue in the Girls Girls Girls video, so it'd be rude not to go in and say hello right? A quick hello turns into a 2 hour visit to the place and as we're pretty much the only ones in there it is quite an amusing night. The other amusing bit is watching the pain on Scotts face - no, he didn't get punched for trying to grope a stripper, he is in pain becuase they do not serve alcohol in this place! Apparently they can't serve alcohol in a fully nude strip joint. Strange. Anyway, we have to leave before Rob ends up leaving with debts.
Back to the loft, and our beds - and a long night of Bill's snoring again.
Marty:Riot
We went for a drive up into the Hollywood Hills to get some cool photos and take in some of the scenery and views.
After about an hour we head back to the loft for some Lasagne that Johnny's wife Betsy had kindly prepared for us. We have been very well looked after by Mr & Mrs Jetson when we haven't been on the tour bus, and we really appreciate it.
As the evening really starts to set in we drive off to Sunset Strip to get a drink at The Rainbow.... I never thought I would get to say that!!! Our friend Paul from the UK joins us there for a beer. We get a call from Johnny whilst we are there - he's got us another gig for Jan 6th in Beverly Hills at a place called The Joint. It's not both bands on the bill, just us and some local bands - so it's great that the TM guys let us take the slot.
We are back in the van and driving in the general direction of 'home' when we notice a strip club.... but not any old strip club - Seventh Veil - made famous by Motley Crue in the Girls Girls Girls video, so it'd be rude not to go in and say hello right? A quick hello turns into a 2 hour visit to the place and as we're pretty much the only ones in there it is quite an amusing night. The other amusing bit is watching the pain on Scotts face - no, he didn't get punched for trying to grope a stripper, he is in pain becuase they do not serve alcohol in this place! Apparently they can't serve alcohol in a fully nude strip joint. Strange. Anyway, we have to leave before Rob ends up leaving with debts.
Back to the loft, and our beds - and a long night of Bill's snoring again.
Marty:Riot
Wednesday 6 February 2008
February 3rd
Today I am up and awake with the rest of the band, which is the first time for a few days. We go inside the venue and clean ourselves up and then relax for a while with a nice cup of tea - and guess what? this place does actually get one thing right - a proper cup of tea!
Time is rolling on pretty fast and today is actually Superbowl Sunday - and the Superbowl is actually taking place in Phoenix so it is going to get very busy soon. The next gig is in two days time so we have a few options.
The decision is made to head back to L.A asap so that we can all get some much needed rest and recouperation to ensure San Diego is a success. The drive is going to take 10 hours, but Johnny is confident he can do it and we're not gonna argue. So we set off........
At this point, despite the fact there are still more gigs (2 more), heading back to L.A starts to make us all get that sinking feeling.... the feeling that it could be over soon. This is gonna be the last time we're all on the tour bus together cause we'll use vans when we get back. It's not enough to bring a tear to the eye yet - but it is the first time all of us have seen the end in sight. Damn it!
The drive back is pretty uneventful and Johnny only stops twice to briefly empty his bladder, despite having to battle constantly with the extreme winds and rain that batter the bus throughout the journey, and before you know it we are back at the loft and emptying the bus of our belongings and bunk foams (which we need to sleep on at the loft). I get a herbal bath and we all enjoy a nice beef stew that Johnny's wife has made for us.
After checking emails etc everyone gradually slips off to sleep. Tomorrow is a day off, so we're gonna go and check out some sites around Hollywood.
Marty:Riot
Time is rolling on pretty fast and today is actually Superbowl Sunday - and the Superbowl is actually taking place in Phoenix so it is going to get very busy soon. The next gig is in two days time so we have a few options.
The decision is made to head back to L.A asap so that we can all get some much needed rest and recouperation to ensure San Diego is a success. The drive is going to take 10 hours, but Johnny is confident he can do it and we're not gonna argue. So we set off........
At this point, despite the fact there are still more gigs (2 more), heading back to L.A starts to make us all get that sinking feeling.... the feeling that it could be over soon. This is gonna be the last time we're all on the tour bus together cause we'll use vans when we get back. It's not enough to bring a tear to the eye yet - but it is the first time all of us have seen the end in sight. Damn it!
The drive back is pretty uneventful and Johnny only stops twice to briefly empty his bladder, despite having to battle constantly with the extreme winds and rain that batter the bus throughout the journey, and before you know it we are back at the loft and emptying the bus of our belongings and bunk foams (which we need to sleep on at the loft). I get a herbal bath and we all enjoy a nice beef stew that Johnny's wife has made for us.
After checking emails etc everyone gradually slips off to sleep. Tomorrow is a day off, so we're gonna go and check out some sites around Hollywood.
Marty:Riot
Tuesday 5 February 2008
Phoneix - Day 2
All is not well in the riot camp at this point. Martin has swollen glands, Freddie was hungover and moaning about his bad news but i on the other hand was enjoying the sunshine. The night before was a bit of a strange gig. Knocked out mexicans, power failure and cruizing aroung for a toilet with a lock. Anyway today we are being treated to a little bit of 'Home'.
'Home' as we've been told is an english themed-pub called the George and Dragon. this is only a few miles away from Casablanca's so we are in no real rush to leave. We treat Ol' Suzzana to a bit of a clean out and go and get some coffee.
We arrive at the the george around lunchtime. And you guessed it... except for the odd union jack or st.georges cross its not very english. Luckily when we walk in the are showing football. Its the first time in 2 weeks we've seen it and luckily liverpool were on.
Me and Scott decide to play some pool and darts while waiting for our english breakfast. as good as it was i feel that breakfast is not english unless it has bacon, blackpudding and fried bread. Unfortunately we didn't have the first 2 and the last turned up after we'd finished. The breakfast itself cause a few mixed reactions with the TM and R:N camp. While a few of us 'Brits' thought it was passable our american friends were not impressed at the amount of grease used to cook but were impressed to learn a little bit of history surrounding english food, Once again Dan was on hand to provide this information.
The afternoon is pretty slow to be honest. a few pints, a kick around in the car park and still very little sign of Martin and Freddie. The highlight of the afternoon was Keith the promoter taking me to guitar shops in his mustang... Thats my dream complete.
Whenshowtime comes around we find out that martin pretty much cant sing (no it hasn't taken us this long to realise he's bad, he was still ill) So its decided me and freddie will take most of the vocals and martin wil do what he can.
This turns out to be a success. The Vocals seem to be tight and agressive and no one notices anything was wrong. Quickly after martin goes back to the bus and me and scott begin drinking. This is obviously no different to any othe gig but the one different thing is we are surrounded by people kissing our asses. Its awsome. At this point we've been offered free recording time in phoenix, a 'tour' and places to crash when we return. Not bad for a 25 minute set.
We then watch TM, who are on top impressive form tonight. At this point me and scott are pretty wasted and join them for the usual 'star spangled hammer' backing vocals (very badly i must add).
After their set we have about 30 mins to cram in some shots, so i order some kamikaze's and away we go.
I forgot to mention we'd been talking to a model and a photographer called kelli and penelope. Some how i end up enagaged to kelli (not really) and covered in her lipstick, Leaving me looking like the joker.
All in all a top night... next stop San Diego!!!
'Home' as we've been told is an english themed-pub called the George and Dragon. this is only a few miles away from Casablanca's so we are in no real rush to leave. We treat Ol' Suzzana to a bit of a clean out and go and get some coffee.
We arrive at the the george around lunchtime. And you guessed it... except for the odd union jack or st.georges cross its not very english. Luckily when we walk in the are showing football. Its the first time in 2 weeks we've seen it and luckily liverpool were on.
Me and Scott decide to play some pool and darts while waiting for our english breakfast. as good as it was i feel that breakfast is not english unless it has bacon, blackpudding and fried bread. Unfortunately we didn't have the first 2 and the last turned up after we'd finished. The breakfast itself cause a few mixed reactions with the TM and R:N camp. While a few of us 'Brits' thought it was passable our american friends were not impressed at the amount of grease used to cook but were impressed to learn a little bit of history surrounding english food, Once again Dan was on hand to provide this information.
The afternoon is pretty slow to be honest. a few pints, a kick around in the car park and still very little sign of Martin and Freddie. The highlight of the afternoon was Keith the promoter taking me to guitar shops in his mustang... Thats my dream complete.
Whenshowtime comes around we find out that martin pretty much cant sing (no it hasn't taken us this long to realise he's bad, he was still ill) So its decided me and freddie will take most of the vocals and martin wil do what he can.
This turns out to be a success. The Vocals seem to be tight and agressive and no one notices anything was wrong. Quickly after martin goes back to the bus and me and scott begin drinking. This is obviously no different to any othe gig but the one different thing is we are surrounded by people kissing our asses. Its awsome. At this point we've been offered free recording time in phoenix, a 'tour' and places to crash when we return. Not bad for a 25 minute set.
We then watch TM, who are on top impressive form tonight. At this point me and scott are pretty wasted and join them for the usual 'star spangled hammer' backing vocals (very badly i must add).
After their set we have about 30 mins to cram in some shots, so i order some kamikaze's and away we go.
I forgot to mention we'd been talking to a model and a photographer called kelli and penelope. Some how i end up enagaged to kelli (not really) and covered in her lipstick, Leaving me looking like the joker.
All in all a top night... next stop San Diego!!!
Monday 4 February 2008
Feb 1st - Pheonix
With Skee well on his 18 hour journey back to L.A, it was Johnny's turn to take the wheel of ol' Susanna for the long drive to Pheonix. In all honesty I didn't catch much of the journey because I was feeling ill and was firmly glued to my bunk, all I know is this was probably the longest drive without stopping of the tour at 4oo miles....
We pulled up to the side of a lay by in Pheonix to meet Bill and Rob and we follewed the van up the next venue - The Casa Blanca. After about 5 minutes of checking out the venue we noticed we were a band member down.... Marty was still in his bunk. We sent Dan in to wake the dead only to see him back within seconds explaining Marty was ill and can't do tonights gig... We talked about the situation and came to the conclusion that whatever happens tonight we are playing this gig even if Marty had to sit this one out whilst me and Ash did the best we could with the vocals surviving as a 4 piece.
Stage time was half 10 so that left us about 2 hours for Marty to get himself in the best shape he could for what would be a tough performance. The end decision was that Marty would play and that me and Ash would help out the best we could.... We cut the set a little short because of the circumstances, and quickly left the stage ready for the Tattooed Millionaires.
Because earlier on in the night I heard what I thought was some bad news from home.... which I wont go into, I thought it would be the best situation for a couple of drinks, so for the next half hour of the Tattooed Millionaires the Jeger's went down nicely and after the set we ventured up into the after party which to be honest was a blur so I think now it's time for me to let one of the more sober members of that night to carry on the blog....
Freddy:Riot
OK, as the sensible, sober member of the band, I'll take it from just after the Mexican stage invader was knocked out by the lighting guy and dragged from the venue..Dan put him in the recovery position outside and left him in the cold...
The after party was upstairs from the venue and was in a strange art gallery with young American stoners playing drums and guitar whilst the 'audience' rocked back and forth..there was a distinct smell of a certain plant being burnt in the air, and for a minute I thought I had stepped into filming for American Pie 9..
The pipe being passed round now seemed to be spewing a white smoke, less Mary Jane smoke and quite possibly a little stronger..as it went round those partaking seemed to rock more and more as Justin from TM laid down a groove on the drums..I was starting to think I'd stepped into filming for the new Doors bio now..and ended up on drums myself with Freddie and Kevin from TM accompanying me on Tambourine and maraca, all that was missing were flowers in hair, although Freddie has been spotted in this look on other days during the tour..the party carried on way past dawn, and the Americans behaviour was getting way out there, so we decided to go to call it a night, no sooner had my head hit the pillow I was asleep, once we woke up we had to chuck clothing that clearly wasnt ours out of the bus window.....even I dont know where that came from..........
Less than 2 hours sleep before we have to roll on to the next venue - The George & Dragon in another part of Phoenix.
Special thanks to Aimee and her friends who mailed a 'care pack' that was waiting for us when we arrived in Phoenix. The box contained new socks, t-shirts, towels, tea bags, vitamins and other tour essentials. We love the American fans!!!
Scotty:Riot
We pulled up to the side of a lay by in Pheonix to meet Bill and Rob and we follewed the van up the next venue - The Casa Blanca. After about 5 minutes of checking out the venue we noticed we were a band member down.... Marty was still in his bunk. We sent Dan in to wake the dead only to see him back within seconds explaining Marty was ill and can't do tonights gig... We talked about the situation and came to the conclusion that whatever happens tonight we are playing this gig even if Marty had to sit this one out whilst me and Ash did the best we could with the vocals surviving as a 4 piece.
Stage time was half 10 so that left us about 2 hours for Marty to get himself in the best shape he could for what would be a tough performance. The end decision was that Marty would play and that me and Ash would help out the best we could.... We cut the set a little short because of the circumstances, and quickly left the stage ready for the Tattooed Millionaires.
Because earlier on in the night I heard what I thought was some bad news from home.... which I wont go into, I thought it would be the best situation for a couple of drinks, so for the next half hour of the Tattooed Millionaires the Jeger's went down nicely and after the set we ventured up into the after party which to be honest was a blur so I think now it's time for me to let one of the more sober members of that night to carry on the blog....
Freddy:Riot
OK, as the sensible, sober member of the band, I'll take it from just after the Mexican stage invader was knocked out by the lighting guy and dragged from the venue..Dan put him in the recovery position outside and left him in the cold...
The after party was upstairs from the venue and was in a strange art gallery with young American stoners playing drums and guitar whilst the 'audience' rocked back and forth..there was a distinct smell of a certain plant being burnt in the air, and for a minute I thought I had stepped into filming for American Pie 9..
The pipe being passed round now seemed to be spewing a white smoke, less Mary Jane smoke and quite possibly a little stronger..as it went round those partaking seemed to rock more and more as Justin from TM laid down a groove on the drums..I was starting to think I'd stepped into filming for the new Doors bio now..and ended up on drums myself with Freddie and Kevin from TM accompanying me on Tambourine and maraca, all that was missing were flowers in hair, although Freddie has been spotted in this look on other days during the tour..the party carried on way past dawn, and the Americans behaviour was getting way out there, so we decided to go to call it a night, no sooner had my head hit the pillow I was asleep, once we woke up we had to chuck clothing that clearly wasnt ours out of the bus window.....even I dont know where that came from..........
Less than 2 hours sleep before we have to roll on to the next venue - The George & Dragon in another part of Phoenix.
Special thanks to Aimee and her friends who mailed a 'care pack' that was waiting for us when we arrived in Phoenix. The box contained new socks, t-shirts, towels, tea bags, vitamins and other tour essentials. We love the American fans!!!
Scotty:Riot
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