9/27/12
Kiel, DE
11am
Just woke my dumb ass up. I'm stilling feeling that familiar tingle from the night before. Yes, I'm still buzzed a bit from last night. These things... they happen (two palms faced to the sky). The show turned out to be a really good time, the kids were super supportive, and the cafe really bailed us out. The bartender fed us a non-stop punishment line of beer and whiskey. I, personally drank enough whiskey to kill a small pony. Never look a gift Tullamore Dew in the mouth... never. In the fog of the night turning to day, I'm pretty sure the "Thorganizer" got laid. The jury is still out on that one though, and I imagine it will remain that way, as he doesn't come across as a kiss and tell type of guy. All class.
Today is the anniversary of Alissa and I getting married. Here she is, the love of my life, waking up beside me on the floor of a dirty flat in Kiel. As if it's no big thing... just another day on the road. She is the most beautiful, bad ass woman I have ever met. Alissa and I have tried real hard to live our lives in such a way that our interests and passions are inclusive for one another. I've been knocked for this before, but I simply don't want to tour without her. Why would I? How fortunate I am to have experienced this much with such a wonderful person. From here on out... it's all just bonus rounds of adventures, and memories made.
9/28/12
Hannover, DE
2pm
Last night was the first German house show that I've ever played! The flat where the show was being put on was on the fourth floor. I'm used to everything fun being relegated to the basement, and since I've got so little by way of equipment, I found this to be a welcome change. We were treated to dinner and beers by the promoter for the night, Glenn. Glenn came across as a really enthusiastic guy that just happened to have an un-relenting affinity for the band, NOFX. His extensive record collection could make any west coast punk nerd tremble with the fear of a greater nerd. While I also share a certain enthusiasm for this band, his was un-parelelled. That being said, Glenn was real happy to have us, and we were real happy to be in his company.
At 8pm, the doorbell started ringing. Friendly people started filing through the door. Each one with a welcoming handshake or head nod. I played a long set, but that seemed to be just fine by the crowd. They were an attentive and fun-timing bunch. I even tossed in a NOFX cover for Glenn.
In the morning, we were treated to breakfast and what I believe to be one of the most important, culturally relevant works of film making history... you guessed it... Police Academy. Turns out, Glenn, has a few obsessions up his sleeve. I can honestly say that Glenn is the biggest Police Academy fan in all of... Germany.
Tonight, we're heading to Bremen. The home of Gunner Records and Gunnar himself. I'm looking forward to catching up with Gunnar. He's an elusive guy, that one. He's always saying he'll hitch a ride with us for a week or so, but he never does. I like to think it's because he has so many rockstar bands on his label that he just sees me as a "lower rung" musician. The truth is, he's just a busy guy that runs a sweet label. He works his ass off at a full time job and does the label on the side, which I imagine is another full time job. A devil he is not, but I'm still gonna throw the required amount of shit his way. A wise man once told me, "If you've got a friend that doesn't systematically destroy your ego from time to time... A friend they are not". Words to live by.
9/28/12
Wicked late
Just got told by the boss man, Gunnar, that I am going to be dropped from his label for not liking Madball. Either we're drunk, or this got lost in translation. I'm sticking to my story. Whew, tour has put a hurting on the old liver. Over.