It was great to be back at Bush Hall last night. Nice memories flooded back of when we played there in 2003. We really enjoyed the set by Pete Astor - reminiscent of Velvet Underground at times, and a great show.
There is an impending sense of excitement and nerves (in a good way) as the tour is about to kick into gear. These last few days have been an unusual and rare treat - to have some days off, and to be staying in a hotel. It only occurred to us last night when we ducked off early from the Bush Hall show so as to ensure that we are well rested for the big show today, that in years gone by we didn’t usually have that option. We were always crashing on people’s floors, so we would often be moving at someone else’s pace. So there is some benefit in getting older and being able to afford to move ease into things.
I started my day today with a delightful FaceTime call with my daughter Esther and partner Michelle who are back home in Melbourne. The time difference is working in our favour and we seem to be able to manage a call just as I wake and they prepare for bedtime. Esther turns 2.5 in a couple of days, and having FaceTime is really helping her understand that I’m away. Pete from the Butterflies of Love flew in from the USA yesterday, and likewise at the Bush Hall gig last night he was on FaceTime with his little boy, passing the phone around so he could say hi to all the other guys in the band. I guess all of our priorities have changed since we last on the road together 14 years ago, and its nice that technology has kept up and is helping us feel connected to the ones that we love. I certainly don’t miss the days of dealing with phone cards and Internet cafes - it feels like a miracle we ever got anything achieved or ourselves from A to B.
Rehearsing in the hotel room these past few days has provided some fortuitous and timely preparation for our next two shows after tonight, which will be 100% acoustic with no PA or amplifiers - Sunday an in a tiny West London record store, and Monday in an ancient church in Pisa. Lately we have been rehearsing plugged in to get ready for bigger stages. Its all part of the excitement and challenge of being on tour, with such wild extremes to deal with.
Time now to get the mind ready for what will hopefully be a great show. The venue looks amazing, and there are lots of old friends coming along. Can’t wait!
We are becoming locals in "The Stow"
Thankful we packed the hats and scarves. Just a bit chilly compared to Melbourne!
Pete Astor ripping it up at the amazing Bush Hall
Can we take these guys home with us. Loving our reuinion with dear friends The Butterflies of Love.
