Back on the Bus…
We’re spending the next 2 weeks of the Rat Pack tour up in Denmark and Sweden. This is a definite change of pace for us, particularly since we’re playing one-nighters and consequently have to ride the bus every day.
We’ve settled into a good touring rhythm over the last year and a half: rarely spending less than a week in a venue and sometimes a month or more. This week has already reminded me how easy we have it compared to a few years ago when I did all those one-nighter tours for B,C & E. It just goes to prove how much a touring experience is defined by habit. Riding the in a coach for hours a day can be a back breaking experience. It doesn’t take long for you to feel really twisted out of shape.
A positive so far has been the free Wireless Internet offered by the Scandic Hotel chain here in Denmark. We stayed at the Scandic in Ringsted the last 2 nights and I’m writing now from the Scandic in Herning. Given the amount I’ve spent on WiFi over the past year this is certainly a refreshing change. It’s interesting to see the difference with how the Internet is clearly regarded as more of a commodity in Germany and the rest of Europe, whereas here in Denmark, it almost seems to be viewed as a right. Cultural differences like this never fail to amaze me - particularly when the 2 countries in question are neighbours.
I should also take a moment to bid a fond farewell to Andy Cuss. Andy has been playing Lead Trumpet since the beginning of this tour and left us this past Sunday. I’m proud to have the dubious honour of replacing him in the Lead chair. Dubious because he’s a fantastic Trumpet player and has a remarkable ability to infuse any situation with tremendous excitement and energy whether on or off stage. He has been a good friend to us all and despite our personal ups and downs during the last 20 months or so, I shall certainly miss having him around. I have some large shoes to fill!!
Right, off now in search of lunch and phonecards. More touring tales to follow but probably not for a couple of days. I bet the Radisson in Arhus doesn’t give you free WiFi….
