FALL 2005
Las Vegas, Nevada: VH-1 Celebrity Golf
Tournament
Day 1: After 4 hours of sleep a changeover in Texas we arrived in Las
Vegas. It was hard to believe that the tour was over and we were back on
the west coast. We were to grab our golf clubs and head to the celebrity
challenge but there was a snag. My golf clubs did not make the connection
so I made us late to the event. By the time we got to the course the
challenge was almost over. So Edbass, GT and I played a round and then
hooked up with Erik VH-1. We each filmed a short on the spot interview; I
was so out of it I do not remember anything I said. We stayed at the Hard
Rock that has a happening pool area. That is where the pairing up party
was held. I hung out with Stone at the bar it was complimentary so we
stayed there until it closed. I met the singer and bass player from Alter
Bridge I told them I have their album on my MP3 player, They didn’t
believe me. Then I talked with the guys from Alice Cooper. I partied with
Jack Blades, Alice Cooper, Meatloaf and a bunch of other people I don’t
remember. It started to rain so I was out of there.
FALL 2005
Fort Meyers, Florida: Barbara B Mann PAH
The day started off with a glorious golf game with the
radio guys from FM 92.5. It was a beautiful course and very difficult, I
was lucky to shoot a 100. The show was amazing for our last show. We had
some of the Ryche heads there and they gave me the metal respect on my
solo to Speak. Afterwards we gave salutations to a good tour and went to
the last M&G. I got quite a few invitations to go party at the hotel
but I was dead tired from the golf game. I said hello to some cool Rychers
who were outside our bus. I did manage to see some new tattoos of
Soulbender and Whip wear. So it was off to sleep for 4 hours and a flight
across the country to Las Vegas for some golf with VH-1.
FALL 2005
Lake Buena Vista, Florida: House of Blues
It was Back to Disney world for some Whip time once again.
I hooked up with Revolution Collin to do the much-needed drop off
backstage. Just like a professional drug dealer he delivered the goods
with an uncanny confidence. My buddy Big Ray stopped by, he said there
would be chance Johnny Damon would show up. I basically spent the whole
day in the back lounge working my fingers to the bone coming up with
ripping double solos for the OM2. This was to be my last day of recording
on the road because the next day is a mandatory 18-hole golf game. The
show was completely sold out and packed with crazy Floridians. It was a
tight show for the fourth in a row and again I had some Rychers that I
recognized in the front row Whip section. The after show was definitely a
bit intoxicated. I said hello to some friends and a few whiptresses.
FALL 2005
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: House of
blues
This is the HOB with the alligator park next store. I saw
a few gators and some giant turtles doing it. The grunts were pretty
hilarious. I spent most of the day going over my writing for OM2 on the
tour bus. The show was cool the crowd was all right. I rocked and gave the
people their metal.
FALL 2005
Knoxville, Tennesse: Tennessee Theater
It was nice to play a theater again. I spent the day in
pro tools land dealing with latency in my Mbox. The show was a vibe and
the crowd was very appreciative. The M&G was great. I met a kick ass
guitar player but I can’t remember his name, as well as some fans that
were at the Nashville show. Backstage I also met some local musicians that
were guest of our manager.
FALL 2005
Cleveland, Ohio: House of Blues
This is a House of Blues that has a very small stage. It
was definitely an intimate show. In fact the night before I went to see a
show there. There was a cool band called Porcupine tree that I really
liked and the alternative guitar legend Robert Fripp. There was definitely
not a lot of room to move. The show was really tight and the crowd was
hot! Afterwards I signed some autographs and said hello to some Rychers
outside. We had to jet because we had a show 12 hours away in Knoxville.
FALL 2005
Portland, Maine: Maine State Theater
I woke up to torrential rains hitting the top of the bus.
Apparently at a truck stop last night our bus driver got clocked in the
side of the head by some irate over speed-balling truck driver. Can you
say vicodin? The show was kickin but the backstage has had its share of
abuse. The bathroom looked like it belonged in a third world country. The
sound was great and I had my usual partiers camped out in front of me. The
crowed was loud and proud. Afterwards I hung out with some long time
friends, it was good to see you all.
FALL 2005
Atlantic City, New Jersey: Borgata Events
Center
Borgata events center is a wailing casino with a music
hall for bands to play in. There is such a diverse crowd that comes to
party. We had a bit of a hiccup with the video system in the intro. It was
a panic fest for our crew to bypass a cable that went bad do to local crew
abuse. The show was amazing and the big stage was fun to move on. I was
very appreciative to the fans on my side who gave extra Whip energy for my
performance. Afterwards, we went to a live on air radio interview in the
middle of the casino. It was pandemonium. The crowd was so loud that we
could not hear what the interviewer was saying. We signed a lot of
autographs and had a drink then we jammed up to our hotel rooms with some
big dude security guys to get our luggage and check out. I managed to
sneak a toast of vodka with some Ryche heads who were staying on my floor.
I bypassed all the hookers and crazies and made it to my bunk in time for
some absorbents and passed out.
FALL 2005
New Brunswick, New Jersey: State Theater
Like in the past New Jersey kicks ass for us, they feel the energy and
they respond! Another flawless show for the Whip. I am so dialed I
can play this set in a lounge chair! Before the show I met with some
publisher that wants to do a deal. I wined and dined him so stay tuned!
Afterwards the M&G was awesome, really cool people!!! Later I hung out
with comedian Craig Gass and Saturday night fever dude Jim Breuer. We
shared some funny stories and they did some kick ass drunk comedy for us.
Rockin!!!
FALL 2005
Reading, Pennsylvania: Sovereign PAC
The performing arts center was a beautiful place to play.
I do not know how many rock shows they have there but the place looks
great and the crowd was gracious to us as we blitzkrieg them with our song
and video!!! The ushers made people sit down which was not so rock but
they gave us a major standing ovation when we finished. The M&G was
cool. The infamous DR Rose was there to make us feel better. And I had a
pretty damn good cheese steak as well.
FALL 2005
Greensburg Pennsylvania: Palace Theater
A pretty kick ass show for a Tuesday night!! The crowd
cheered us on and I had in front of me the most amazing dramatic dude with
sideburns that could kill. He sang every line and air guitared every solo.
When GT sang Shadows with him he was jumping up and down with vigor and
enthusiasm that much of the older crowd could not even fathom. Still it
was a great crowd who got a great show. I hope we can come and play the
beautiful Palace Theater once again.
FALL 2005
Toledo, Ohio: Stranahan Theater
Another puzzling hot day when I expected to be blistering
cold. As being the 5th show in a row I was starting to feel a
bit of drain on my psyche, or could it have been RBV I had last night in
Merrillville? There was a sound check gathering of radio winners so we
played a few extra tunes for them. The first set was a bit sleepy on the
part of the audience but the second set they came alive for OMC. I had a
much better show than the other night. Afterwards at the M&G I said
goodbye to all the crazed Rychers who had been following us who actually
invited me to another party!!! But it was off to Pittsburgh for a day off
and a round of golf.
FALL 2005
Merrillville, Indiana: North Star Plaza
Theater
The star plaza theater looked the same as the last time we
played it. During the show my in ear monitors started going a bit south so
I was fighting the show all night. I remember there was a propoundious
amount of bass killing me all night. Thank goodness I had a bunch of super
energetic Whip fans in front of me. The after show was cool. I hung out
with a bunch of cool Rychers that invited me to their private party at the
hotel across from the parking lot. I was there only an hour but I was
pleased to see so many Rycheheads partying and getting along so well.
Thanks for the get together. Lets do it again sometime.
FALL 2005
Louisville, Kentucky: Palace Theater
Another global warming hot day. I ran into long time
financial friend Jeff Thomason who discussed with me some opinions in the
market these days. I then proceeded to record more much needed guitar
parts for OMCII. The first set the crowd was a bit mellow but we played
fairly well. The second set they came alive for OMC. It does it every
time. I do have to say the palace theater is a beautiful place to play.
The M&G was fun. Some fans gave me a Seattle Seahawk cap with my name
"Whip" on the back. I am not very good with names but I remember
faces fairly well so don’t get down on me if I look a little lost in
space sometimes.
FALL 2005
Nashville, Tennessee: Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Theater used to be the old opre a converted
church that still has its wooded pews. I have to say my clean sound
sounded great in there. I had some really cool fans in front of having a
great time rockin to the Whip. A funny thing happened to Stone and me on
the beginning of Walk In The Shadows. We both went to play our first note
and nothing happened!!! So we both walked off stage got our problems taken
care of and returned to start the song not missing a beat. The amazing
producer Peter Collins was there to greet us and said we hadn’t changed
a bit. He loved Mindcrime and was quite pleased with all the additions to
the arrangements and theatrics. The after show was cool. I met some fans
that hadn’t seen us since 91’ I walked out on the streets of Nashville
with Stone and we ended up in a country bar were we met some QR fans. It
was quite unusual for me because I usually hang in Irish bars but this
place was quite entertaining. "Save a horse…ride a cowboy" Yee
Haw.
FALL 2005
Columbus, Ohio: Promo West Pavilion
The promo west pavilion is where we performed with Dream
Theater. We played outside but tonight we played on the inside stage.
Before the show we had a QR barbeque so I got my quota of beef. The show
was fun and amazing. I had a fun group of people in front of me all night.
At one point in the show a bra came up on stage right in front of my pedal
board. Then a gracious sweetie displayed her womanhood during the
Mindcrime set. I remember Ed Bass tossed her a can of brisk ice tea for
her to cool off. The next thing you know she has lifted her shirt and
placed the can in between her breast still wearing her black bra. Very
cool!!! The after show was cool; there were a pair of hot twins that
wanted to got out on the town and party. Sorry, not this time.
FALL 2005
Des Moines, Iowa: Val Air Ballroom
The day started out very muggy and the Val Air Ballroom smelled a bit
moldy. I noticed that they had done some renovations to the place. I set
up my recording rig in the corner of the building and proceeded to record
some more guitar parts to OMC2. We had a radio contest sound check party
before the show with about 50 people. We played fro them the new song I’m
American. The crowd was crazy and ready to rock. Some voluptuous honey in
the first row kept me amused all through the first set. The Mindcrime set
was intense. I had a whole cheering section in front of me. Again, some
blonde girl got on some guys shoulders and showed the band her goods. Boy,
I sure love this job. Afterwards at the M&G I signed some guitars and
took a lot of pictures. Back out on the dressing room deck I hung out with
the keyboardist from Slipknot’s wife and sister. They were really cool
and diehard Rychefans.
FALL 2005
Saint Paul, Minnesota: Myth
The Myth venue was a new one for us. It had a very nice light system
and it actually sounded very good for a trendy nightclub. The place was
packed and the show was tight! Except for Silent Lucidity where my
acoustic guitar was not working for the first few attempts. I recognized
some Ryche heads out there in the audience. The after show was
interesting. I met a girl who proceeded to tell me how a Catholic priest
raped her and how her real life is so much like Operation: Mindcrime.
Onwards to Iowa!
FALL 2005
Winnipeg, MB: Burton Cummings Theater
The day started off with a round of golf at a local municipal course.
Our manager, Geoff and I ripped it up in record time. The Burton Cummings
Theater was a nice gig and they had a cute cook. The show was solid and
Winnipeggers gave us a great ovation. Afterwards I met some really nice
fans. I think the last time we played there was 1991. It was time to get
back to the USA.
FALL 2005
Calgary, Alberta: Mac Ewan Hall
MacEwan hall was situated right in the university. The first thing that
happened was our hazer machines set off the alarm system for the whole
campus. I managed to get some recording done for the next QR disc in one
of the many rooms that we had access to. The show was really good and the
crowd was great. Afterwards I met some of the Canadian ESP reps. they were
coveting my distressed Rory Gallagher guitar. I talked to some fans that
had visited Seattle and gone to some of our hometown shows. Then outside I
talked to a couple of guys that said they drove to see us play in Las
Vegas! That has got to be at least 1500 miles!!! Anyway, Calgary was a
cool gig.
FALL 2005
Edmonton, Alberta: Red’s Entertainment Complex
Reds entertainment center is connected to the mega huge mall. On the
ceiling is a giant moose. The stage is very, very small. We went on late
because System of the Down were playing that night as well so the promoter
gave a discount to anyone who bought a ticket to go to both shows. We were
very close to the audience. I had Scott’s kick drum right up my ass;
still I rocked every inch of the 2’x 2" stage area that I had. The
fans were great considering we had not been to Edmonton since 1991.
FALL 2005
Spokane Washington: The Big Easy
Another Big Easy show. Another crazy crowd and again fights, surfing
and GGW in the audience. This time there was a dark haired hottie in a
short plaid skirt who took her panties off and threw them at the stage, a
security guy in the barricade caught them and through them back at her and
told her to put them back on. A cool Ryche fan gave me the gift that makes
you smile, a fifth of Grey Goose. The show kicked butt. The M&G was
cool. Later, an after hours party with Ryche fans in a hotel suite was
visited by yours truly and Stone.
FALL 2005
Boise, Idaho: The Big Easy
After a glorious day of golf the day before it was back to the Big Easy
once again. It is a quaint place to perform but the crowd is always way
energetic. This show there had the usual fight in the front area of the
stage as well as crowd surfing and college looking girls lifting their
tops for us. Afterwards the Meet and Greet was cool. I signed a guitar and
talked to a few drummers.
FALL 2005
Vancouver, British Columbia: Commodore Ballroom
We caught the 9:00 am ferry to Vancouver and it was a beautiful day.
Standing out on the deck in the sunshine was invigorating. The load in was
slow so I just bummed around all day and noodled on my guitar in the
dressing room. The show was great. We had a lot of energy from the crowd
to back us up. Both sets were a lot more together and the playing was more
confident. The lights were better and all the stage props worked this
time. After the show I hung out with my Soulbender guitarist Dave Groves
and his wife as well as long time friend Chris who brought me a
few DVD’s of some vintage concert footage of Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull
and Riot. I also met the west coast rep for Warner/Rhino who is very
excited for OMC2. Also, Kevin the vocalist from the band Damn the Divas
stopped by to say hello. Then I hooked up with the owner of Wizard
amplifiers and cabinets. He said we are going to work together again. The
M&G was cool. I met a Soulbender freak that told me his favorite songs
were Samsara and Three Towers. The drive to the border turned into a
nightmare. We discovered that our Italian keyboardist was in the USA on a
just visiting visa. He argued with the gun carrying fatigued border
patrolmen and they yanked him off the bus with all his belongings and
shipped him on a bus back to Vancouver to deal with the local consulate to
get the proper work visa. There was nothing we could do.
FALL 2005
Victoria, British Columbia: Royal Theater
I had a 5:00 am bus call so a few extra hours of sleep on the bus ride
helped quite a bit. We arrived around noon then I proceeded to walk down
to the waterfront and find a Vietnamese restaurant for some pho ga. It was
a beautiful day in a beautiful town. Sound check was smooth. Everything
seemed to be working right except my wah. The two evil eye indicators
would not turn off. It was ok because I did not need it for tonight. The
opening set was a breeze compared to the Priest set. The Mindcrime set was
great for me; I had a pretty damn good show. We had some production errors
but a pretty good first show. The M&G was small but the fans were
really cool.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(One Off Show)
Sturgis, South Dakota
It was a long ass bus ride from Seattle to the motorcycle city Sturgis.
I walked around the venue for a while and bought some souvenirs. The
weather had definitely changed as storm clouds were coming our way. I met
some of the Disturbed guys they were really cool. I am a big fan of their
music. At sound check the wind started to blow. I knew this was not going
to be a bikini-laden event. After sound check we took a group photo with
Disturbed then decided what set list to play. The show was very good but
the temperature dropped about 10 degrees. The lighting was basic and it
was hard to see the crowd. The main thing I remember was during our set
between songs motorcycles could be heard revving their engines and it was
loud!!! After the show the Tropicana bikini contest girls were freezing
and not having much fun. I hung out with some of the guys from TrikDaddy
motorcycles and met some band from Sweden. We had to leave early so some
of our crew could catch early morning flights so there was no debauchery
that night for us. I did manage to watch some of Disturbed’s set. They
were tight and sounded good. It started to rain sideways. I was out of
there. Next was a long bus ride home.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 43:
Phoenix, Arizona:
Last show of the tour and it was the hottest. It got up to 115 degrees,
a human sauna. The show was flawless for me as the warm air definitely
relaxed me. After the show we took some pictures with the Judas Priest
boys and hung out with some friends. I said hello to some cool fan club
fans then I went back to the dressing room to celebrate with the guys.
After a few cocktails I watched a few priest songs and said my goodbyes to
the priest crew guys. I met a couple of fans out by the buses, they were
supposed to be to females but I had my suspicion! I said goodbye and I
think Stone entertained while I went back to the dressing room. After the
show Scott the drummer for Priest invited us to go to a club in Tempe with
all the band guys. The next thing I know I am whisked away in a long black
limo with Scott and KK and everyone else. We get to the club and I see the
2 androgynous looking two that I left with Stone. I hung out with Dimebags
widow Rita. She is a sweetie but I feel a little freaked when I talk with
her. I mainly hung out with Glenn Tipton and his 19 year old son Trent. I
was trying to tell Glenn without being a geek that in high school Stained
Class and Hell Bent for leather were my personal grand alchemic guitar
bible studies. I try my best to stay cool, it was hard but I did get Glenn’s
email on a napkin, unfortunately it got destroyed in my pocket the next
day. All of a sudden some nasty girls started kissing each other and began
lifting there mini skirts, Glenn Tipton grabbed me and told me it was time
to go before anything incriminating could happen, How cool… a fellow
musician looking out for a fellow buddy. I remember getting back to the
hotel at a decent hour, which is highly unusual for me. I will miss those
Judas Priest guys…. What a great tour!!!
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY42:
Las Vegas, Nevada:
This was an indoor show at the Mandalay Bay Center. I remember it was
blazing hot outside and inside the arena it was frigid cold. The show was
fun but it was to cold to feel comfortable. I saw a lot of QR fans out in
the audience and I saw some excellent architecture! The after show was fun
with our intoxicated fan club members and some guest from ultimate ears.
We were then taken up to the foundation room and again our fans had a
private room for us. The drinks flowed and a lot of laughs happened. I
remember being out on the deck with all the partying people and seeing
some interesting things happening. I make it back to the bus by 2 am. Time
for some Advil and lots of water.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 41:
Irvine, California:
Allen from ESP showed up before the show as well as Paul Muniz from
Digitech. We were hanging out back stage when KK downing walked by and
telling us that he was hurting pretty bad from the previous evening; he
was very hard to understand he reeked of booze and he said something about
"From the East coast and recently divorced". I have to say this
was my perfect show of the tour. Everything sounded incredible and I
played a perfect show. I was definitely in high spirits. The crowd was
incredible and incredible looking. After the show some guys from Spocks
Beard were hanging out, we had to kick them out of our dressing rooms
because they were consuming everything. The M&G was fun, I remember
meeting some incredibly built females!!! I am glad I will be home soon!!!
Back in our dressing room area there was a huge party going on with all
the Judas Priest guys and all the LA industry regulars hanging out. I was
lucky to get out of there because some nasty stuff was beginning to
happen.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 40:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 39:
Seattle, Washington: White River Amphitheater
The day started out as whip the dad in reality at home. Yes…confusion….
many responsibilities…scream, joy…help!!! I drive to the gig in my BMW
with my son who is kickin’ on the bass for a 12 year old. We get to the
White river amphitheater and park and immediately the JP merch guy gives
my son a new JP shirt. I run into my friend Troy, then I take my son to go
get something to eat. We grab our grub and head into the tables and run
into Rob Halford and some of his friends, he shakes my hand then grabs my
son Jazz’s hand and says "cool t-shirt" my son is frozen in
terror. We sit down at an adjacent table and my son is star struck, he can’t
even eat anything. He keeps saying to me "I just met Rob Halford….
I’m shaking!!!" The show was actually cold in temperature and the
crowd was great, my son and his best friend were on my side giving me the
signs of metal. Then my wife showed up and fixed my hair during a break in
the set. The show ends and we head back to the dressing room and they put
all our after show guests out side the dressing rooms. I go out to say
hello to my family and friends and it is a madhouse. Some fan asks me to
sign her shirt then my wife chimes in for her to lift her shirt!!! My eye
wide open the girl looks at my wife and says that "she is not that
kind of girl" Anyway more craziness happens and I manage to say hello
to all my friends and some fans. I go to the soundboard with my son and
his friend and we watch together a kick ass Judas Priest show, Definitely
a memorable moment. Afterwards we all head back to the dressing room. I am
partying with my family and friends. Some girl in our dressing room is
getting tanked when my wife realizes that she has completely fallen out of
her top, my friends are enjoying the show when my wife goes over and fixes
that honeys top. Meanwhile my son and his friend manage to get into the
Judas dressing room and have their shirts signed. Then my daughter shows
up with her friends and I take her back to Rob’s dressing room and he
signs her jean jacket. That was the end of that evening!!!
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 38:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 37:
Portland, Oregon:
For the 4th of July this was a pretty calm day and show, in
fact this was the quietest show of the tour with the decibel limit being
very low for a hard and heavy show. The turn out was very disappointing
probably due to the fact that it was a Monday and the 4th of
July. The show went with out any problems and my playing was fine. After
the show I did the M&G and then grabbed my luggage and got a ride from
some of my friends back to Seattle.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 36:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 35:
San Francisco, California:
This show was called the Bone Bash, there were 4 bands total, and the
other 2 were Testament and Cardboard Vampyres. There were a lot of new and
old faces to say hello to. Some of them were Jason Newsted, Jerry
Cantrell, and Patrick Lachman. Also there was our producer Jason Slater
and his assistant Ash. The show was pretty fun for me knowing that all
those musicians were there; I kind of hammed it up a bit. There was a sign
in the audience for me that read "Welcome home Whip" That was
very cool…Thanks. The M&G was huge and crazy; I saw a few
intoxicated fans that I recognized from past QR shows. I hooked up with my
aunt from Walnut Creek who came all by herself to this crazy event. We
stayed and partied with some interesting looking fans until the fireworks
went off and then we got on the bus and got out of there before any
trouble could start.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 34:
Reno, Nevada:
The wind was blowing all day and it was very hot. We went on stage and
the blazing sun was facing right at us not to mention the 35-mile per hour
winds that were blowing us away. I wore my skiing sunglasses until Walk in
the Shadows. I had a tough time because the wind was drying everything up.
It actually made it difficult to bend strings. After the show we did the
M&G then I went and had a cocktail with the guys. We saw Gene Simmons,
He did not say hello. He was with his daughter and walked right past us.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 33:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 32:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 31:
Denver, Colorado:
This was an early show for us 7:00 to be exact. So when we started the
show people hurried to get to there seats. This venue has an early curfew
and sound decibel limit. I do have to say the Denver crowd loves give it
all. I had smoking show and saw a few friends looking very hot out in the
audience. The M&G was small and the Rychers were cool especially the
one from Bulgaria what a surprise!!! A few cocktails later and we were off
to Reno.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 30:
Albuquerque, New Mexico:
After a mellow day off I was ready for a fun show. The crowd was a
little laid back in the beginning but they came alive by the end of the
show. During pre sound check GT, stone and I did a 2 song live on air
performance for about 20 people, we played Last Time In Paris and Sign Of
the Times acoustically. While in the catering tent a windstorm came
swiftly through and nearly lift the tent off the ground. The M&G was
really cool; it was good to see some long time Rychers. Afterwards I hung
with some of the Priesters and some of their families.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 29:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 28:
Dallas, Texas:
The day was insanely hot, I think close to 100 degrees. The sun sets
into the stage so the crowd was shadowed to us. I had a great show, on the
song NM156 I had a small passenger land on my arm for a whole verse. At
first I was startled but when I saw the long legs I laughed, some people
in the front row were amazed. We did a ridiculous interview with these
guys that are doing an Internet viewable 100 concerts in a row for Google.
After the show I hung out with my cousins from Dallas then I went the
M&G and talked to some enthusiastic fans. When I went back to the
dressing room Vinnie Paul, Dimebags Wife and their friends came in to hang
out, drink some tequila and exchange info. It was good to see the two in
happy spirits.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 27:
San Antonio, Texas:
Over 11,000 people were there to be metal for a day. The show was going
great for me until The Needle Lies. My guitar jack came loose and shorted
out until Mikey V found the sweet spot, I came back in on the first solo
after the first verse. After that it was smooth until the end. At the
M&G I signed another Soulbender CD and took a few pictures. During the
Priest set I met Ian Hill’s daughter and son. They were very polite and
friendly. After there show Scott Travis invited me into their dressing
room for hors d’oeuvres. I talked with Ian for a while then KK came in
and we talked about golf then KK informed me that he is building a 27-hole
golf course on his property in England. He said the next time we are over
there we have a personal invite to play some golf.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 26:
New Orleans, Louisiana:
Ed bass and I took a walk down to a very cool store called Gargoyles. I
bought some cool new clothes then walked through the French Market and saw
the thousands of hot sauces available. It was strange to be on a small
stage again and also the noise from the old dimmer packs reminded of me of
the previous tour. Ed bass had some problems otherwise I think we played
very good. Our curfew was 11:00 pm and we ended exactly on the mark. There
was an opening band called Invain, they were very young and energetic.
After the show we went to a bar that had a terrible duo playing, I could
not bear it so I grabbed some of the crew and walked to Pat O’Brien’s
for a thirst quenching hurricane.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 25:
West Palm Beach, Florida:
Today was the golf press day with Big Joe from the The Buzz. We played
a game with 2 winners and also played with 2 jocks. Ed bass and I played
with the 2 jocks Nick and Meatpacker. Nick crashed their cart into the
bridge and broke the axle of the right wheel. Then later in the game
Meatpacker through one of his clubs into a pond. I shot 95 and Ed bass
shot 91. During the game some red ants got on my hand and bit me, they
really hurt. I also got a nasty sunburn. Before the show we did a photo
shoot with Larry Munroe then it started to rain. The air was very thick on
stage; I had to pace myself because I started to see white spots. After
the show I hung out with my brother and my father who were doing business
in Miami. I also spoke to my brother in law who called me during a biopsy
he was performing to say he was coming to see me, later he called to
congratulate me on the show.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 24:
Tampa, Florida:
Trik Daddy’s motorcycle gang showed up with their trailer and
Winnebago and brought out about 500,000 dollars worth of custom bikes for
everyone to ride. We joked with the guys and they gave us some of their
shirts. The show was kick ass. I had a cousin show up and my friends Big
Ray and Matt were there. The M&G was enthusiastic. It was sure hot and
muggy.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 23:
Day Off: Atlanta, Georgia:
The day started out with a round of 18 holes of golf, I shot a 91 and
Ed bass shot an 87. The show was a hot kick ass performance. I was a
little sore from the golf but was full force by song 3. After the show the
M&G was small but lively. Later we hung out with Morgan the drummer
from Sevendust.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 22:
Day Off: Atlanta, Georgia:
Day Off. Our bus driver Ron lives about 45 minutes out of the city and
invited the whole band and crew for a barbeque. We also played golf at
this course in Dawson County. This was my first game of the year, I played
pretty good but I lost a few balls. We went back to Ron’s house and all
the local neighbors showed up, lets say it was very interesting.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 21:
Bristow, Virginia:
A perfect night to rock the weather was great, I had a great show. I am
locked into the set playing wise so I can lay the shapes down easier. The
M&G was great. I hung out with Revolution Collin and friends. He is
leading the way for the Soulbender Fan club and setting up chapters in
various cities. He showed the prototype for the Soulbender decal, which
looks very cool. I took pictures with some young kids. It is always great
to see the future metal bastion.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 20:
Camden, New Jersey:
Another intense NJ crowd These people give so much back to you that it
makes you perform just a little bit better. The M&G was cool. We had
some repeaters including doctor Rose and Monica the pharmacist. They told
us of a story when in the emergency room a packer was arrested coming into
the country smuggling heroin. Apparently he had swallowed 80 balloons of
heroin. The authorities had to wait until the balloons flushed out, once
they had the evidence they cuffed the guy and began dragging him down the
corridor. Monica happened to see this as she was passing buy then much to
her amazement she saw that the guy was wearing an Operation Mindcrime
shirt. That was pretty creepy!!!!
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 19:
Wantagh, New York:
This time the drive from NY City was not so bad. We made it to Jones
Beach with no problem. Before the show I ran into Steve and Rob from
Planet Waves and D’addario strings. The show was really good, there was
a nice breeze coming across the stage, I barely broke a sweat. The M&G
was small I met some cool people. Back in the dressing room Fingers the
radio DJ did an interview with someone, then the crew from the Howard
Stern Show showed up and a crazy time definitely happened. They wanted to
kidnap Stone and me and take us to this premier strip club but my will was
good.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 18:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 17:
Hershey, Pennsylvania:
This was an indoor gig on a blazing hot day, which normally reeks havoc
on my guitar necks, but today they were just doing fine. There was a lot
of sitting around and waiting today, I was not sure why there was a slow
set up. In any case we did not get a sound check so we were to wing it and
do the best with what comes at us. For me the first song of the set I
noticed that my mix was all screwed up, I figured I would fix it by next
song, but Scott broke his snare and we had to delay the next song, which
was Enforce. Well he replaced his meaty thick snare with a piccolo snare,
which is very bright sounding. Needless to say my mix was all screwed up
for the first few tunes but eventually I made a kick ass recovery. Even
without a sound check and against technical problems we still managed to
pull it off.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 16:
Scranton, Pennsylvania:
The place was Montage Mountain, which we have played before a few times
before. I think it was like 100 degrees with the heat index. The crowd was
very reserved probably do to the heat. Thank goodness the JP lighting guys
put a couple of fans out for us. I had a slaying good night. M&G was
the smallest of the tour.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 15:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 14:
Boston, Massachusetts: Tweeter
Center
The last time we played here it was with Dream Theater, I think. Holy
F%#& was it humid. Mikey V my tech had to wipe down the guitar necks
with alcohol. I got the JP lighting guys to put a couple fans on the side
of the stage. That made the show bearable. I thought our double solos were
kicking; Stone is really making improvements on the fast intricate parts.
GT had one of his better performances; I think the humidity helps his
voice. Afterwards, The M&G was quaint. A couple of Stones’ friends
gave me a Boston Red sox hat. I was touched but I showed my loyalty to the
Mariners.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 13:
Uncasville, Connecticut: Mohegan
Sun
This place The Mohegan sun Casino is a first for us. A lot of tickets
were sold so that must have made JP happy. For the majority we have been
playing outdoor places with deathly humidity. This arena was air
conditioned heavily. Fortunately my guitars did not go out of whack. The
show was fun, I actually got the nerve to jump up on the PA and go all the
way to the edge and lay waste. Normally my leather pants get so sweaty
that it is hard to jump up on things. After the Show we had a Small
M&G, I met the editor for Braveword magazine that is based up in
Toronto. He is going to do a feature with Soulbender in the future.
Afterwards we hung with Frank of Fates Warning and his wife. We hung out
with some of the Judas Priest dudes and Stone did his levitation trick on
some of the non-believers. We then went out to the casino and explored the
bars but unlike New York they do not stay open very late. We hooked up
with my friend Eric from VH-1 and went out to our tour bus and partied. I
heard from others that he did not leave until daylight.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 12:
Holmdel, New Jersey: PNC
Bank Arts Center
Finally a show were we got to go on at 8:00 pm. It got dark enough to
actually have a decent light show. I had a great performance considering
the 80% humidity. I do have to say that the New Jersey crowd was
excellent. Afterwards I hung out with the rep for Floyd Rose guitars. Then
2 guys from our old record label showed up as well as VH-1 Eric and his
friends. I met a guy from Cyberstorm Internet radio; another killer
contact for Soulbender.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 11:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 10:
Manchester, New Hampshire: Verizon
We took an extra long sound check to work on songs we are going to
perform at the New Orleans show. I switched from the Mesa power amp to the
Marshall amp and it seems to work in the mix better. The show was the best
so far technically speaking, the stage sounded very good and the crowd was
great. After the show I met a couple of guys from Godsmack, the singer and
the drummer. I watched the remaining Judas Priest show from the soundboard
then afterwards we partied a bit in the dressing room with K K Downing.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 09:
Buffalo, New York: Darien Lake
We were back at the Darien Lake outdoor shed. I noticed white fuzzy
cotton flying in the air; they make me sneeze. I had a great time on stage
except the wind was crossing the stage blowing my hair in my mouth all
night. The M&G was small but enthusiastic. We had some drinks with
some old friends then off we go.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 08:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 07:
Toronto, Ontario Canada: Molson
Amphitheatre
This time into Canada was smooth sailing; there were no hang-ups with
immigration. Toronto weather was perfect for a metal show of epic
proportions. The only snag I had was my Sabine wireless system was getting
hit hard by the big tower, which was in close view. During the performance
I saw in the audience many QR t-shirts as well as a flag from Hungry. I
thought we rocked and I thought the audience was very appreciative. The
M&G was small, I took a picture of some banner that is going to all
the shows, I also said hello to some Sanctuary record label people as well
as a girl from Australia. I watched the whole Judas Priest show and hung
out with some of the crew. On the bus we watched the last episode of
Deadwood.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 06:
Detroit, Michigan: DTE
Energy Music Theatre
Another blistering hot show, it is amazing how muggy the weather can
get in a few hours. The performance was quite good although there were
plenty of annoying RF hits throughout the night. KK Downing came over to
my side with his Tech Andy to check out some Whip mania on stage right.
The M&G was small but everyone was really pleased with show. One of
the fans brought a couple of pictures of Eddie’s old tech Franklin
Felder who tragically died back in 99’. A little later on Stone and I
had some frosty sierra pale ales with the Gwar guitarist "Beefcake
the Mighty" He invited us to there show in Seattle in late July, this
I’ve got to see. Some more beer drinking entertainment for you, a drunk
out his mind fan was trying to scale the barbwire fence to get back stage.
He kept falling down and rolling down the hill. It was like watching an
animal in the zoo. Eventually, security tried to shoo him away in there
golf carts, he eventually disappeared into the forest.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 05:
Chicago, Illinois: Tweeter
Center
The Tweeter Center was the venue of choice, a massive outdoor
amphitheater. I ran into our promoter Gary Buck and midget wrestling
champion Meatball before the show. This time the show happened with no
major hiccups. I thought I played fairly good for a hot muggy night. I saw
a couple of Soulbender shirts out in the audience, which made me rock a
little harder. Afterwards In the M&G I hooked up with the Soulbender
fans. They were asking when the release would be. I said "patience.
We have 14 ideas brewing and we will post on Myspace any demos that are
ready," They also asked about my signature guitar line. I told them
the Skull strat will be available for the Fall line, the Les Paul series
will have to be a custom order from ESP directly. My friend Jim Harwood
was there with his lovely wife. He was gracious enough to tend to our ever
ending laptop computer problems. Just before the bus was about to pull
away KK Downing came on the bus and told us what a pleasure it is to have
us on the tour and stop by anytime on their bus for a beer. Pretty damn
Cool!!!!!!
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 04:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 03:
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Xcel
Energy Center
We were lucky to have a sound check do to the fact that there was a
late load in, still the Priest held the doors for us to get an adequate
sound check. The beginning of the show was a bit sketchy due to a switch
of an intro song to signify Stone and I to get out and start the set. The
problem was there was no intro song. I heard our machine intro while I was
still back stage and bolted like lightning to get out to the stage, but to
my dismay, I found that Stone did not even have his guitar on, so I just
started the intro riff of "The Whisper" by myself and figured
Stone would come in on the second time around. The crowd looked confused,
then I figured out that I was not even on in the mains, so when Stone
finally got on stage we both came in together through the mains on the
second time around. After that the set went really well for me. Afterwards
I met some guy from Cranesong who make hi-end audio gear, he will
hopefully hook us up with some toys when MC2 is mixed. I listened to some
of the Priest show, they sounded incredible.
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 02:
Travel Day
SUMMER U.S.A. 2005
(Judas Priest)
DAY 01:
Cleveland, Ohio: Blossom
Music Center
For the first show it was a scorcher of a set. We are contracted to
play 60 minutes as the opener for Judas Priest. The show started at 7:30
pm so we were in full daylight. It was strange at first because the crowd
was not all in there seats. Then after the first riff in the song
"The whisper" thousands came from the beer gardens and parking
lots. It was fairly comfortable with no breeze and a mild temperature in
the lower 70’s. I made it to the second to the last song before I broke
a string. Right after the last melodic lead line I popped the high e
string. After the last song we headed to the back stage, we were surprised
to hear such a loud ovation coming from the crowd. We could of easily done
an encore but we were out of time. When we were heading to the dressing
room Glen Tipton was there waiting and congratulated us. Afterwards I hung
out with my photographer friend Amir. You can see a lot of his pictures on
my web site.
The day started out with ESP guitar rep Allen Steelgrave taking Stone
and me out for breakfast or lunch. We were met by a friend of his named
Mike Stone. So I had lunch with 2 Mike Stones. We sound checked with the
orchestra, there were some wireless problems that kind of put a kink in my
performance including three second audio drop outs during the set. I also
broke my first string of the tour. It was a great sold out audience with
some unusual people getting busted for smoking pot. After the show it was
a zoo backstage. There were a lot of industry people to meet and hang
with. Also the fan club had an after show which included 2 kegs of beer;
it got a little too crazy so I did not hang to long. I also did a photo
session with ESP for my up and coming signature skull guitar with Gene
Kirkland. I remember getting about 2 hours of sleep before I had to catch
my flight back home. Now to sunny Sun Peaks Canada for some intense fast
skiing. Metal!!!!
The day started out with Stone and I meeting with the Taylor guitar rep
Bob. He picked us up at the hotel and took us to lunch, actually breakfast
for us, which was sushi. We then went to the Taylor guitar factory and did
the tour and picked up some swag and then got a nice ride to the Viejas
Casino. I can tell you everyone is feeling fatigued, most everyone has had
this shity cold and cough for 3 weeks now. The stage was bigger than last
night so we weren’t bumping into each other as much. The first half of
the show went well, I had a very nice looking front row to keep me
company. The second half of the show I was a bit knackered and I think the
crowd was too. The room sounded quite good.
This is the smallest of the House of blues, there is no room to rock on
that stage so you just half to get into the music and stand there and lay
slabs of rock. Paul Gargano showed up from metal edge magazine. We had a
meeting about scheduling the next album, recording and writing and the
future tour with Judas Priest. The crowd was energetic as usual. It was
especially nice to see the two females in the front row who shed there
tops and watched the show in their black bras. Very metal!
Before the show I had a great lunch with my cousin and his girlfriend.
The show was extra sold out. I had a great time after the show. I met
comedian Craig Gass and Porn star Tabatha. Some cool fans rented a room up
in the foundation room. We partied till 2:30 am then it was off to
Anaheim.
This time at the celebrity theater we did not set up for the 360 degree
round stage but they sold tickets way around the perimeter. The show was
inspiring having to play to so many people at different angles. I hooked
up with Dave Ellefson (ex Megadeath) who works with Peavey on the side. We
did some photos for their upcoming catalog with Stone and me posing next
to their new JSX amp. I also hooked up after the show with our old
wardrobe person Alie Amato and I met the California Angels tour manager.
I wish I could have gone skiing, my mouth was salivating seeing ski
runs but with a beautiful day and being a Saturday the lines were way too
crowded. The show was a work out and a half, the air was so thin I almost
passed out in the Mindcrime set. This was much more intense than Denver.
After the show I hung out with my relatives and some cool fans. I
abstained from gambling.
This was a very interesting gig. It looked like we were playing a
wedding. I have never played a show were the audience was having dinner. I
was very unenthused the first set, I would try and throw my picks in
peoples drinks to stay amused. The Mindcrime set was much better, the
crowd actually stood up even though I am sure they were discouraged to sit
down by security. In fact one dude got popped for lighting up during the
show. Even if the crowd has to sit down there is so much energy in playing
Mindcrime that I can disappear into a guitar coma. All in all I think the
band played very tight.
The day started out with a 1:00 pm drive to the rock station the Bone
107.7 for an exclusive acoustic performance. There were about 40 winners
that got to sit in and ask questions. Stone and I decided the night before
after hitting 4 Irish bars and the Gold Dust saloon that we should work
out another Mindcrime tune acoustically. I suggested The Mission and we
worked it out in my hotel room before we left for the Bone. The
performance went off very well, thank goodness since it was beamed across
the country. The Warfield is a great place to perform, before the show Ed
Bass was not feeling to well so we acquired a mobile doctor to administer
some good drugs for my partner. The beginning of the show was a bit funky;
Stone was having problems with his guitar cutting in and out subsequently
messing everybody’s mix up. I played the first 2 songs almost as a
single guitar player. After that problem was fixed the rest of the show
kicked ass. Afterwards the meet and greet was pretty cool. San Francisco
is my home town so it was good to be back.
I had a great show at the Electric Factory. My sickness basically gone
I had a good amount of energy for a very energetic crowd. Mindcrime was
ferocious. The place was packed. The after show was good. I had a kick ass
Philly cheese steak.
Backstage at the Webster Theater It was cold and damp in the dressing
room. I spent most of my pre show moments in the bus where it was nice and
warm. The first note of the show hit as a rush of that warm smoky
alcoholic air. The place was packed all the way back to the front door.
The set went smooth until Silent Lucidity, after the solo my sound started
to fizzle, my clean sound started to gristle like chicken on the barbeque.
My trusty Mesa Boogie 100/100 power amp torched! How ironic, on the guest
list were 2 guys from Mesa Boogie! I was lucky that was the last song of
the set! I had Mikey V hook up my back up Marshall 100 watt for the
Mindcrime set. When I hit the first chord of Anarchy X it was blistering
loud, it almost took Ed bass’s head off. After everybody adjusted their
mix the show rocked. We had a little film glitch but all in all it kicked
ass! Afterwards I met some cool fans and a couple of girls from Turkey.
Frank of Fates Warning and his wife showed up for some stories and laughs.
After a quick van ride to the Beacon we ascended up the stairs to the
dressing rooms then back down for sound check with Tim Truman and the
local NY orchestra string section. Things went semi smooth due to the fact
that there are stage black outs for the local union. I did not worry
because with orchestra you just have to wing it. I felt pretty good just
coming off a nasty cold that had made its way through our entourage. The
first song Whisper started off powerful but I think I threw a very heavy
slab of metal because I popped my ear monitors out of my wireless pack.
Mikey V was there to pack me in and wrap me back up as well as catch a
little of my spot light glory. The Mindcrime set was magical. Having a
sold out standing room event at the Beacon is to cool. Everything was so
intense, in fact on Breaking the Silence a power chord threw my right arm
into a spasm that hurt like a Mutha! I shook it off and had a triumphant
ending. After the show we said hello to some of the record label people
and some people from VH-1. Then James and Mike from Dream Theater Stopped
by. I was back in my bunk by 1:00am. That is quite different then what
happened the last time we were here.
I was feeling about 50 % due to the cold I had contracted. The Northern
lights club was packed and the crowd was venomous for some Ryche. The
stage was very small so there was not any room to rock out but I feel I
played extremely well as well as the rest of the band. There was a guy in
the front row that had a fetish for piercings, his whole face had pins in
it, definitely a man of discipline!
I am a man beaten into throws of submission. There will be no drinking
for me tonight as I have caught the dreaded lergy of the Turning Stone
casino. I spent the whole day in my boring room feeling ill. I did manage
to write a killer new tune in my dreary state. The show was surprisingly
good for me; I guess my last drops of adrenalin kicked in. After the show
I just wanted to drop dead but I did manage to say hello to some friends
and some overly friendly fans.
This is the first time we have played this house of blues which just
opened 2 months ago. It was great to give them a sell out show. The first
set went smooth; the crowd was a little laid back. Then when Mindcrime hit
they went crazy. Eddie and I got our first brassier of the tour thanks to
some full figured lady. I was definitely on my mark though I did consume a
bit too much of the red bull.
This was Eddie’s birthday and he decided to celebrate a little bit
early. We actually had to delay the show to sober him up. The first set
was a bit rough though we all played a bit harder to make up for our
birthday boy. After Jet city Woman we sung happy birthday and brought out
a cake with candles for Eddie to blow out. He did that with no problem
then he did a stage dive into some pour fans in the front row. After
security helped Ed back on stage, Geoff told Eddie to make a wish so Eddie
got on the microphone and told the audience to "Blow Him". All I
have to say is that it was a memorable night indeed.
A cruel 6:00 am wake up for a drive across town to do some acoustic
performances for WGN TV. We played 30 second clips of Sign of the times
and the lady wore Black and about 3 minutes of Eyes of a stranger. We met
Carrot Top and Vanilla Ice who were also at the station. The show was
great. I had a great time. Afterwards we hung out in the foundation room
then went to a local bar to unwind.
With 4 hours of sleep we were off to visit the Mancow radio show for a
live electric performance. Our crew set up our back up rigs and we played
I don’t believe in love, Breaking the silence and modified version of
Eyes of a stranger. Everyone loved the performance at the radio station.
Next was an acoustic performance for Loop radio station and about 25
contest winners. Then back to the hotel for some fragmented sleep which is
hard to do when you’re full of caffeine and adrenaline. The show was a
bit sleepy but the crowd was intense. I had some great fans in front of me
to spur on the Mindcrime performance.
It was blistering cold outside of the Emerald theater. It was a big
stage that placed Scott way in the back. It was so fun to have lots of
stage room. I played very aggressively but right around "Love" I
kind of went brain dead so I had to go ingest some Red Bull on the side of
the stage to pick me up for the rest of the set. The audience was great.
Back again to the Rave. A great crowd and sloppy sounding stage but a
good rockin’ time. We had to break in Pamela Moore to do some acting due
to the sudden disappearance of Roxy. The guitar necks are starting to
straighten out a little too much do to the cold dry air, so a ¼ turn is
needed in the truss rod. My tech Mikey V is on the case.
A glorious Sunday in Madison started out with lunch with my good friend
JH. I watched some playoff football, sad to say my buddy Jim Mora’s Team
did not win. The gig was at an old theater called the Bellamy. I have to
say it was the best sounding stage of the tour so far. The show flowed
like butter for me especially the infinite sustain that was godlike. After
the show met some cool fans then it was off to Milwaukee for a much needed
day off.
Half way from Kansas City we were hit by a nasty snow storm. Visibility
was almost zero with 50 mile per hour winds. We had to pull of the highway
and wait out the storm at a truck stop. The inside windows of the bus
began to freeze. We finally left around 12:30 with a 3 hour drive to
Minneapolis. We arrived at 3:30 and were told they still wanted to do a
7:00 pm show, so there crew and our crew worked diligently to get the show
to set up in time. We actually hit the stage at 7:20 with no sound check.
The first set went ok but the smoke was taking its toll on our singer. It
was really kind of a long sound check. The Mindcrime set was smoking.
After the show Stone and I hit the bar and talked to the locals..
This show was a good quality big stage rocker. It’s all come back to
me, my stage sound is mammoth and I am ready for battle.
Across the Mississippi and into the bad part of town is where we were
taken. Amidst Strip bars and strange buildings is where the place called
Pops resides. A strange smoky event that that turned out to be a lot of
fun. The stage was quite small so I had Scott’s kick drum practically up
my ass. I had the pleasure of viewing some nice architecture out in the
audience though.
Our gear was frozen when the truck finally arrived to the house of
blues. Scott’s cymbal stands were completely frozen inside their case.
Our computers were frozen and would not boot up. It was 5 degrees outside
and that does not include the wind chill. All the necks on my guitars were
bowed and had to be tweaked. I'm glad we had an extra day to get all the
kinks worked out. My new guitars played beautifully through the show. My
new skull guitar with the Floyd Rose is punchy as hell; it's made out of
swamp ash. My new signature Les Paul’s have infinite sustain. This will
be a great tour to break them in. The performance was pretty damn good
considering we had not played together in 2 ½ months. The crowd was great
as expected; they really came alive for the Mindcrime set. Afterwards we
met up in the Foundry room with our booking agent and had a much needed
cocktail. They kicked us out around 2:00 am I think?
