Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Heading home

Well, it's all over. I'm sitting in the Newark airport thinking back over not just the second leg of the Allmans (which, by the way, culminated with a show with the Grateful Dead last night), but all the touring I've done this year. I'm pretty sure I can say this is the last major tour I go on this year and that should make my girlfriend happy.

That's not say I won't be doing some more travelling. This weekend I'm going to Memphis with MyNameIsJohnMichael and then out to LA for a showcase the first week of November. No matter how often I leave or how long I'm gone, I've always got my sights set on New Orleans. So, while I had a lot of fun, I'm excited to get home.

I did make some good friends on the road this year and hope I'll see them again when various bands roll through New Orleans if not next year's ABB tour.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Hotlanta

Well, my birthday came and went with little notice. I suppose that's what happens when you spend it away from your friends though.

We've been in Atlanta since the 9th and have one more show tonight. As the tour winds down with just two shows left I realize that I enjoy being out on the road, definitely appreciate the pay, but I don't think I could do it full time like some of these folks. I just miss New Orleans and everyonr in it too much to be away for months at a time.

Thus, I will be finding a new job when I get back to the city next week. Any ideas? Something music related without the sin of retail would be preferred.

I return to New Orleans on Tuesday so, if you're reading this, let's celebrate.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Show #20

Last night's Birmingham show was a doozy. They played a couple of tunes I'd never heard live, they did the set list completely out of order, Warren called out an old blues song on the fly, an Mr. Salt and Pepper American Idol Taylor Hicks sat in.

The show was going wonderfully until Mr. Hicks was called on-stage. He didn't sing, as one may expect, but instead took to the harmonica. I always thought it was near impossible to be off key playing harmonica as it is only in one key. It was confirmed that his harp was in the right key (more on that later) but the way he played it was just bad. I almost felt sorry for the guy having just gone out and made a fool of himself on front of 5,000+ people.

This apparently isn't the first time he has sat in with the Allmans and it's not the worst performance he's given with them. It is, however, the worst performance he's given sober. Anyway, after he came off stage he set his harmonica down on one of my cases and walked away. Thus, I am now the not so proud owner of a Hohner harmonica in the key of D played on stage by Taylor Hicks. I have no idea what to do with it but for now it will rest in my backpack. Maybe I can sell it to a middle aged woman fascinated by his boyish good looks underneath a sea of gray hair giving her an idea of youth in her later years.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Birmingham, AL

First of all, please check out the new element on my blog! On the right column, you will find a link to my iPhone app GPS Tracker. I will update it every day (or I will do my very best to do so) so you can figure out where I am on a day to day basis! Thanks!



So here I find myself on day off number two in Pelham, AL (just south of Birmingham). It's a lot like one may expect in a small southern suburb: fast food, chain restaurants, and a Walmart. There's honest to God nothing to do. Yesterday we decided to hit up the only sports bar in the area, Hooter's, and watch some football. While a good time was had by all, I must say I felt kind of filthy to be in there.

It was my first trip ever to a Hooter's and I'd love to say it's my last but the Saints and the Red Sox are playing tonight so I guess I'll be returning. It's hard to be picky when you're on foot.

Today I spent an exciting morning doing laundry, eating at Waffle House (which truly was exciting), and finding the quickest way to Walmart--which is through a 6 foot diameter drain under the highway and down a dry creek bed. Yes, I am quite the adventurer you might say.

Tomorrow we have our show in Birmingham and I can only hope it will be without a Hendrix tune on the setlist like the last show. When the Jimi Hendrix Experience plays "Manic Depression" as a three piece, it's wonderfully loose and dirty and it moves. Now when the Allman Brothers play "Manic Depression" as a seven piece, it's polished and slow and tight a.k.a. no good. Everyone's been asking if we're in town for the Talladega race. We're just sorry to disappoint them.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Carolinas

We have made it through the first half of the second leg officially. Today I find myself in Charlotte, NC waiting around as Phil Lesh and Friends finish their setup as they will be closing the show again tonight. Thus, it's a hurry up and wait situation until we can get our stuff on stage.

Last night's show was pretty killer though I'm worried about the mix since my ears were all stopped up thanks to yet another sinus infection. Apparently, my sinuses know when I leave the deep South and make me pay handsomely for it. Thankfully, it was just two bad days and it wasn't too severe. Brian Farmer, poor guy, is puking due to the build-up in his throat.

I wish I could say I had a lot more stories about shooting rubberbands outside the bus window, but I don't. The most ridiculous thing I've seen since I last visited you was a sponsor tent last night raising money for a children's hospital. It's not that alone that makes it ridiculous. It's the fact that the organization that was raising money through a motorcycle auction was Raleigh's number one strip club. Honest to God, strippers were walking around asking for donations and telling everyone about free admission valid with the ticket stub to last night's concert. It didn't make much sense to me. I thought they were going about it all wrong: calling out to people based on hair color, what they were wearing, etc. For example, when I walked by on the way to the CD sales tent, I was called "Boston hat," "red western shirt" and "hey you." However, I don't guess they know any better. I would imagine that's the type of treatment they get day in and day out. How unfortunate. It's no wonder I don't go to those establishments.

Tomorrow we're heading for a whole two days off in the Birmingham area. My buddy Adam said he'd come visit but I doubt he'll remember. Maybe calling him out publicly in this forum will convince him to make the short drive. Otherwise, we'll just hang around visiting the hotel bar, possibly playing paintball, and watching TV. If you're in the Birmingham area, come pick me up and take me somewhere Sunday and Monday!