Well, its all over and I'm back at home in the Garden State trying to acclimate myself to "normal" life. Lots of laundry, lots of mail to catch up on. Give me a moment to breathe and I'll summarize the absurdly awesomeness that was Europe in a day or two.
Cheers
~RedRum
Monday, May 25, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Ultra Mega Mondo Post
Bear with me as I try and recollect the past 48 hours. Hollywood was a bordering on life changing experience. All because of In-N-Out Burger. I woke up in LA to an empty bus. Guess I slept in way later than the rest of the guys and felt rather "ditched", because I knew they were all out livin' it up on "the strip".
But, as chance would have it, I ran into our merch guy Nick lurking outside the club and convinced him to walk down Sunset to the nearest In-N-Out Burger. As we meandered down the bustling byway, he prepared me for the glory that was to come.
"Let me prep you for what's about to go down." Nick said.
"Uhh, okay?" I quipped, unaware of the knowledge that was about to be dropped.
"You're gonna walk in there, and its gonna be crowded as fuck. But trust me, you'll be glad you waited. You're gonna order a Double-Double, and you're gonna love it. The fries are meh, don't bother. They're all about the fresh never frozen meat from California only cows. They DON'T fuck around." he touted.
"Fuuuck." - It was all I had.
On the way he pointed out numerous locations of minor fame. Some restaurant that was on VH1's Rock of Love, the Hollywood Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Mesa Boogie store, etc.
We arrived at In-N-Out and it was everything I dreamed it could have been. Phenominal. I apparetiate their simple menu approach and their deep food trays. This creates a perfect environment for catching those loose fries. Yea, I ordered them. In hindsight, I should listened to Nick.
We stopped in the Guitar Center on the way back. Had fun checking out the famous musician hand prints in the vestibule area. Ozzy Osbourne's hands are small as fuck, and Ronnie James Dio imprinted his hands while throwing up the horns. As far as the store goes, it was pretty run-of-the-mill. Same overpriced designer gear.
Got back to the venue for load in, sound checked, then meet up with my good friend Adam who attends film school out in Orange, CA. A bunch of people of Nuclear Blast Records came out to meet us for the first time, as well as our booking agent. All cool as hell.
The show was good. To be honest it was just amazing to play the House of Blues. Fuck.
Afterwards, all the bands ended up at the Rainbow Room. We showed up and who should be there but the Hedgehog himself, Ron Jeremy. He was partying it up with who Adam pointed out as the girls from the HBO show called The Cathouse. Lots of people where bothering him for pics and such, so we left him be, until he was on his way out. Then I snapped a shot of him and Jerry from Primordial and just met him. Nice dude. Kinda limp handshake, but I'll let it slide. Cause he's Ron fucking Jeremy.
I think it was the only night on the whole tour where everyone from all the bands went out to drink together. Good times. Irreplaceable memories.
The San Marcos show was kind of a crapshoot. In some respects, the tour ended in Hollywood. Most of the other bands agree that the tour should have ended that Sunday in Hollywood. The club in San Marcos was a tiny 300 capacity bar. When we arrived we were told it was an all ages event only until 10pm. So we had to push the whole tour package early so that all the kids would get to see Korpiklaani. So we did. And we played to my friend Adam (again) and Gordy (another old friend from school), the Moonsorrow guys, half of Primordial, and half of Korpiklaani. Do you know what its like to be on the bill, and play for 15 minutes, and the only people there are the other band's and their girlfriends? Then you realize there's a million of these Jimmie Wing bone-smugglers. These guys are running the industry, and they don't know a DAMN thing about rock 'n roll!
So yea. THEN, turns out the venue was never all ages at all. So all the underage people who came out (probably about 60% or more of the ticket sales) literally watched from the back doors and windows of the bar. They really got the shaft. So not only did they get screwed, but so did all the bands by forcing everyone to play earlier than normal for apparently no reason. Total dipshit promoter. I can almost guarantee you that Paganfest, or any other killer Euro band for that matter, will never be there again.
The good news is, I had Jack in the Box for breakfast, Taco Bell for lunch with my friends, and then Jack in the Box again for dinner. Reminds me of the date in Mokena where I had Denny's for breakfast, White Castle for lunch, and then Denny's again for dinner. I have notcied that the "fast" aspect of fast food in places outside New Jersey, but in particular California, to be less than accurate. Perhaps I'm being overly critical (I probably am), but it just seems that fast food gets into my hands so much quicker in Jersey. On the plus side, the "food" aspect of fast food is still accurate.
Following the completion of the final Paganfest date, all the bands hung around in the back of the venue playing some form of rudimentary football (aka soccer) and/or American football (aka football). Long goodbyes were said. I know we will cross paths with Korpiklaani sooner rather than later as we'll be supporting them again on the Paganfest II euro tour in September, but I'm not sure when we'll have the pleasure of seeing our boys and gal in Blackguard, or Primoridal, or Moonsorrow again. We boarded our seperate buses, and were off to LAX, where I still sit awaiting my flight to Munich. Lets see what you've got Europe.
Backstage Beer Info:
Hollywood:
Budweiser
San Marcos:
Budweiser (fml)
~RedRum
But, as chance would have it, I ran into our merch guy Nick lurking outside the club and convinced him to walk down Sunset to the nearest In-N-Out Burger. As we meandered down the bustling byway, he prepared me for the glory that was to come.
"Let me prep you for what's about to go down." Nick said.
"Uhh, okay?" I quipped, unaware of the knowledge that was about to be dropped.
"You're gonna walk in there, and its gonna be crowded as fuck. But trust me, you'll be glad you waited. You're gonna order a Double-Double, and you're gonna love it. The fries are meh, don't bother. They're all about the fresh never frozen meat from California only cows. They DON'T fuck around." he touted.
"Fuuuck." - It was all I had.
On the way he pointed out numerous locations of minor fame. Some restaurant that was on VH1's Rock of Love, the Hollywood Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Mesa Boogie store, etc.
We arrived at In-N-Out and it was everything I dreamed it could have been. Phenominal. I apparetiate their simple menu approach and their deep food trays. This creates a perfect environment for catching those loose fries. Yea, I ordered them. In hindsight, I should listened to Nick.
We stopped in the Guitar Center on the way back. Had fun checking out the famous musician hand prints in the vestibule area. Ozzy Osbourne's hands are small as fuck, and Ronnie James Dio imprinted his hands while throwing up the horns. As far as the store goes, it was pretty run-of-the-mill. Same overpriced designer gear.
Got back to the venue for load in, sound checked, then meet up with my good friend Adam who attends film school out in Orange, CA. A bunch of people of Nuclear Blast Records came out to meet us for the first time, as well as our booking agent. All cool as hell.
The show was good. To be honest it was just amazing to play the House of Blues. Fuck.
Afterwards, all the bands ended up at the Rainbow Room. We showed up and who should be there but the Hedgehog himself, Ron Jeremy. He was partying it up with who Adam pointed out as the girls from the HBO show called The Cathouse. Lots of people where bothering him for pics and such, so we left him be, until he was on his way out. Then I snapped a shot of him and Jerry from Primordial and just met him. Nice dude. Kinda limp handshake, but I'll let it slide. Cause he's Ron fucking Jeremy.
I think it was the only night on the whole tour where everyone from all the bands went out to drink together. Good times. Irreplaceable memories.
The San Marcos show was kind of a crapshoot. In some respects, the tour ended in Hollywood. Most of the other bands agree that the tour should have ended that Sunday in Hollywood. The club in San Marcos was a tiny 300 capacity bar. When we arrived we were told it was an all ages event only until 10pm. So we had to push the whole tour package early so that all the kids would get to see Korpiklaani. So we did. And we played to my friend Adam (again) and Gordy (another old friend from school), the Moonsorrow guys, half of Primordial, and half of Korpiklaani. Do you know what its like to be on the bill, and play for 15 minutes, and the only people there are the other band's and their girlfriends? Then you realize there's a million of these Jimmie Wing bone-smugglers. These guys are running the industry, and they don't know a DAMN thing about rock 'n roll!
So yea. THEN, turns out the venue was never all ages at all. So all the underage people who came out (probably about 60% or more of the ticket sales) literally watched from the back doors and windows of the bar. They really got the shaft. So not only did they get screwed, but so did all the bands by forcing everyone to play earlier than normal for apparently no reason. Total dipshit promoter. I can almost guarantee you that Paganfest, or any other killer Euro band for that matter, will never be there again.
The good news is, I had Jack in the Box for breakfast, Taco Bell for lunch with my friends, and then Jack in the Box again for dinner. Reminds me of the date in Mokena where I had Denny's for breakfast, White Castle for lunch, and then Denny's again for dinner. I have notcied that the "fast" aspect of fast food in places outside New Jersey, but in particular California, to be less than accurate. Perhaps I'm being overly critical (I probably am), but it just seems that fast food gets into my hands so much quicker in Jersey. On the plus side, the "food" aspect of fast food is still accurate.
Following the completion of the final Paganfest date, all the bands hung around in the back of the venue playing some form of rudimentary football (aka soccer) and/or American football (aka football). Long goodbyes were said. I know we will cross paths with Korpiklaani sooner rather than later as we'll be supporting them again on the Paganfest II euro tour in September, but I'm not sure when we'll have the pleasure of seeing our boys and gal in Blackguard, or Primoridal, or Moonsorrow again. We boarded our seperate buses, and were off to LAX, where I still sit awaiting my flight to Munich. Lets see what you've got Europe.
Backstage Beer Info:
Hollywood:
Budweiser
San Marcos:
Budweiser (fml)
~RedRum
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Reminds me of Rice a Roni
Hands down, best day of the tour. I woke up this morning around 7am and took in the amazing scenery on the way from Portland to San Francisco. We stopped for gas in the town of Weed, CA. I found that amusing. As did the Finns. Went back to sleep for another 4 hours and woke up due to ridiculous heat. Apparently, our AC units on the bus had been pushing themselves so much that the condensers froze over. This created sauna-like conditions. When I walked into the front lounge, everyone was either wearing no shirt, or no pants. But not no shirt AND no pants. Lawlz.
I went out to dinner with my aunt who lives out here. She is the youngest aunt that I have, and clearly the coolest. We went to a famous microbrewery here in San Francisco called Gordon Beirsch. If you ever find yourself in San Francisco, I recommend every beer they have. But in particular, the Hefeweizen.
Got back to the venue with just enough time to get into my pirate garb and rock out with one of the best crowds on the tour. Thanks everyone, you guys ruled.
Caught Blackguard's set, then went back out with my aunt to some uptown restaurant for some more drinks and same tasty nachos. Was back in time to see Korpiklaani start their set. I had to be there for "Pine Woods". Fucking love that song. I think the greatest thing I'm getting out of this tour is being able to see them play every night. Their sound is so organic and raw. And they just know how to have fucking fun and make the audience have fun at the same time. Simply rollicking.
Backstage Beer Info:
San Francisco:
Heineken
Pabst Blue Ribbon
I went out to dinner with my aunt who lives out here. She is the youngest aunt that I have, and clearly the coolest. We went to a famous microbrewery here in San Francisco called Gordon Beirsch. If you ever find yourself in San Francisco, I recommend every beer they have. But in particular, the Hefeweizen.
Got back to the venue with just enough time to get into my pirate garb and rock out with one of the best crowds on the tour. Thanks everyone, you guys ruled.
Caught Blackguard's set, then went back out with my aunt to some uptown restaurant for some more drinks and same tasty nachos. Was back in time to see Korpiklaani start their set. I had to be there for "Pine Woods". Fucking love that song. I think the greatest thing I'm getting out of this tour is being able to see them play every night. Their sound is so organic and raw. And they just know how to have fucking fun and make the audience have fun at the same time. Simply rollicking.
Backstage Beer Info:
San Francisco:
Heineken
Pabst Blue Ribbon
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Chicken Pox and Pimples
Portland, Portland, Portland. I'm on the fence about you. You had amazing Mexican food and cool ass stores. But you could have shown a little more love for the retarded pirates...
I found a store that sold stuffed giant microbes which are basically exaggerated plush cells. I bought Chicken Pox and the bacteria that causes acne. Completely useless I know, but I couldn't resist. Seriously though, I had what was probably the greatest burrito in my life tonight. Fuck it was good. I wish I was eating it right now.
Another cool feature of Portland, nay Oregon in general - no sales tax. Brilliant.
Backstage Beer Info:
Portland:
Miller High Life
Corona
I found a store that sold stuffed giant microbes which are basically exaggerated plush cells. I bought Chicken Pox and the bacteria that causes acne. Completely useless I know, but I couldn't resist. Seriously though, I had what was probably the greatest burrito in my life tonight. Fuck it was good. I wish I was eating it right now.
Another cool feature of Portland, nay Oregon in general - no sales tax. Brilliant.
Backstage Beer Info:
Portland:
Miller High Life
Corona
Friday, May 15, 2009
How 'bout those SuperSonics?
Today was a good day for fooding. Breakfast was had at a Thai/Chinese restaurant made up of a bunch of old train cars. I'm not sure what the connection was between train cars and Chinese food, but it was some of the best General Tso's chicken I've ever had.
Finally some good catering at the venue here in Seattle as well. Had me some killer homemade spaghetti & meatballs.
Juho from Korp and I had an interesting conversation regarding the state of metal music from Finnland, which culminated in our mutual belief that, although we'd like it to, Wintersun's new album will probably NOT live up to the hype and expectations that have been built around it. Our hesitations grow as the album delays keep flooding in. But who knows, maybe Jari and company have something special up their sleeves. Don't get me wrong, I'd love for it to be as groundbreaking as the first record was. I guess only time will tell. Har har.
Backstage Beer Info:
Seattle:
Corona Extra
Heineken
Finally some good catering at the venue here in Seattle as well. Had me some killer homemade spaghetti & meatballs.
Juho from Korp and I had an interesting conversation regarding the state of metal music from Finnland, which culminated in our mutual belief that, although we'd like it to, Wintersun's new album will probably NOT live up to the hype and expectations that have been built around it. Our hesitations grow as the album delays keep flooding in. But who knows, maybe Jari and company have something special up their sleeves. Don't get me wrong, I'd love for it to be as groundbreaking as the first record was. I guess only time will tell. Har har.
Backstage Beer Info:
Seattle:
Corona Extra
Heineken
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The coolest Canadian city?
So Vancouver surprised the fuck out of us. Cool city with lots to see, very nice venue, and the crowd was bitchin'. I have come to realize, the thing I love about Canada is that there are A&W's everywhere. The closest A&W at home was almost an hour away. Then it closed down, and the next closest A&W is in Newark airport nearly two hours away. Fuck my life.
But our neighbor to the north has repeatedly given the gift of easy access A&W. And for that, I thank you Canada.
Had border check to get back into the states earlier this morning. We crossed into Canada twice, and into the US twice on this tour, and NONE of the border check procedures where at all the same. I can understand the protocol at the US to differ from that of the Canadian stops, but come on, the US border checks can't get their shit together?
But I digress. Vancouver was a great show in probably the nicest venue on this tour. 5 days left though, so we'll see. We're in Seattle now. Everything I know about Seattle I pieced together from watching Frasier. Yea, I like Frasier. Fuck off.
Backstage Beer Info:
Vancouver:
Sleeman Honey Lager
Molson
But our neighbor to the north has repeatedly given the gift of easy access A&W. And for that, I thank you Canada.
Had border check to get back into the states earlier this morning. We crossed into Canada twice, and into the US twice on this tour, and NONE of the border check procedures where at all the same. I can understand the protocol at the US to differ from that of the Canadian stops, but come on, the US border checks can't get their shit together?
But I digress. Vancouver was a great show in probably the nicest venue on this tour. 5 days left though, so we'll see. We're in Seattle now. Everything I know about Seattle I pieced together from watching Frasier. Yea, I like Frasier. Fuck off.
Backstage Beer Info:
Vancouver:
Sleeman Honey Lager
Molson
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
High Fives & Plank Dives in Calgary
Killer show this evening. Korpiklaani has been here before, and it was a huge draw. For some reason tonight felt like the most fun of the whole tour thus far. Captain Crashride was stage diving all night long. Even the jovial Admiral Nobeard got in on the action during "Happy Little Boozer." I've never seen a more terrified front row of crowd goers when he readied to jump. Hopefully there will be video of this momentous event on YouTube soon.
I walked to a local supermarket for supplies. Calgary is a nice town. At least, this area of it is. The show was put on in a ballroom inside a student center at the University of Calgary. The feel of the campus reminded of my alma mater Rutgers. Although, I suppose most colleges are probably similar.
I was so wrong the other night when I spoke of that 14 hour drive. I don't remember how long it was, but it was no where close to 14 hours. Tonight, on the other hand, is long. 12 hours I'm told. Early bus call. See everyone in Vancouver.
Backstage Beer Info:
Calgary:
Molson
I walked to a local supermarket for supplies. Calgary is a nice town. At least, this area of it is. The show was put on in a ballroom inside a student center at the University of Calgary. The feel of the campus reminded of my alma mater Rutgers. Although, I suppose most colleges are probably similar.
I was so wrong the other night when I spoke of that 14 hour drive. I don't remember how long it was, but it was no where close to 14 hours. Tonight, on the other hand, is long. 12 hours I'm told. Early bus call. See everyone in Vancouver.
Backstage Beer Info:
Calgary:
Molson
Monday, May 11, 2009
Edmonton
This has been a good day in Edmonton. Very good crowd, definitely top 3 thus far. I was exploring the city earlier with Korp's sound guy. We came across an underground mall with exceptional restroom facilities. He was hanging around the food court whilst I took advantage. Upon my return, he showed me a periodical which he found on a table, some sort of local arts document which by complete happenstance advertised an article on Swashbuckle across the front cover. Not only this, but we were above a headline regarding the Swine Flu. Apparently, in Edmonton, we are more important than Swine Flu.
Moving on - I caught an amazing deal on eBay for a top of the line wireless system for my rig. Being anchored by an instrument cable is becomming a serious hinderance. Looking forward to fooling around with that when I get home.
After our set I was hanging out backstage watching Blackguard, as I so often have been doing. Cane (guitarist of Korpiklaani) approached me and told me people outside had asked him if he was the guitarist of Swashbuckle. For some reason, this filled my heart with a warm fuzzy fealing.
Admiral Nobeard is doing the lights tonight for all the bands besides us. How fuckin' wacky is that?
Backstage Beer Info:
Edmonton:
Old Style Pilsner
Even longer drive tonight to Calgary. 14+ hours.
Cheers
~RedRum
Moving on - I caught an amazing deal on eBay for a top of the line wireless system for my rig. Being anchored by an instrument cable is becomming a serious hinderance. Looking forward to fooling around with that when I get home.
After our set I was hanging out backstage watching Blackguard, as I so often have been doing. Cane (guitarist of Korpiklaani) approached me and told me people outside had asked him if he was the guitarist of Swashbuckle. For some reason, this filled my heart with a warm fuzzy fealing.
Admiral Nobeard is doing the lights tonight for all the bands besides us. How fuckin' wacky is that?
Backstage Beer Info:
Edmonton:
Old Style Pilsner
Even longer drive tonight to Calgary. 14+ hours.
Cheers
~RedRum
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Regina = Beer Pwnage
Finally, a venue that adheres rationally to the logic of a beer drinker. Instead of getting a case of one beer this evening and subjecting myself to certain monotony, I was able to get procure that which I wished from the bar. This being said, I went ahead and sampled those which I had yet to sup. Tasting unkown beer is a wonderful experience.
Also,there is an old Hammond organ from the 70's with built in rhythm loops and auto-chords backstage that Korpiklaani and we were fooling around with. Built in waltz beats + Finns = crazy fun.
Backstage Beer Info:
Regina:
Lucky Lager
Kokanee Glacier Beer
Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale
Big Rock GrassHopper
Big Rock Honey Brown Lager
Big Rock Traditional Ale
Old Style Pilsner
10 hour drive tonight to Edmonton.
Cheers
~RedRum
Also,there is an old Hammond organ from the 70's with built in rhythm loops and auto-chords backstage that Korpiklaani and we were fooling around with. Built in waltz beats + Finns = crazy fun.
Backstage Beer Info:
Regina:
Lucky Lager
Kokanee Glacier Beer
Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale
Big Rock GrassHopper
Big Rock Honey Brown Lager
Big Rock Traditional Ale
Old Style Pilsner
10 hour drive tonight to Edmonton.
Cheers
~RedRum
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Laundry
No bus internet, no venue internet. I have been reduced to free laundromat wifi. Coincidentally, this also gives us a chance to launder our piratical and non-piratical unmentionables. Winnipeg appears to be a cool town. There is a really interesting vintage t-shirt/cd/rock-n-roll paraphernalia store down the street from the venue, possibly the biggest I've yet encountered.
Apparently Testament is playing tonight in one of the city's larger venues. This could quite possibly spell disaster for our quaint Paganfest. To tell you the truth, I'd rather go to Testament myself. Lawlz.
Apparently Testament is playing tonight in one of the city's larger venues. This could quite possibly spell disaster for our quaint Paganfest. To tell you the truth, I'd rather go to Testament myself. Lawlz.
Friday, May 8, 2009
I'm in Budweiser hell
I have given a name to my pain, and it is 'Budweiser'. I take solace in the fact that we will be in Canada for the next 5 days; away from the monotony that is Budweiser beer. I actually do like Budweiser, just every night for a week. Will be good to change it up, hopefully with some good Canadian beer I have yet to try.
St. Paul fucking owned. Thank you everyone who came out and raged with us, you guys kick ass and were definitely the best city on tour thus far.
Take a fucking guess as to what today's backstage beer was.
St. Paul:
Budweiser
St. Paul fucking owned. Thank you everyone who came out and raged with us, you guys kick ass and were definitely the best city on tour thus far.
Take a fucking guess as to what today's backstage beer was.
St. Paul:
Budweiser
Denny's x2
I had two meals at Denny's yesterday, and in between them I managed to squeeze in a meal at White Castle. During the second Denny's visit we were accompanied by the gents in Primordial. As the food arrived at the table they were shocked and appalled by how primarily yellow the food was. I have never really thought about it, but its true. Pretty much everything you can order at Denny's is yellow. I guess in America we are so desensitized to overly fried foods that we just don't even think twice. America. Fuck yea.
Powerfest was cool. The venue, the Pearl Room, was beautiful. I am told it was just recently built and it's still in prime condition.
As I sit here in the back lounge before the show in St. Paul it occurs to me that I have to update the backstage beer info, but the dates are beginning to become hazy as I try to recall details such as this. I am now 3 dates behind, and although this is no one's fault but my own, I'd still feel better assigning blame to someone else. Let's just say this is Captain Crashride's fault for buying me too many Jagerbombs.
Backstage Beer Info:
Cleveland:
Budweiser
Covington:
Vexed on this one, but probably: Budweiser
Mokena:
Miller Genuine Draft
Budweiser
This is the last US date for awhile, then we're back in Canada living it up in the North with no bus internet. Fuck my life.
There's rumor in the air of the Winnipeg show show being canceled. If this is the case, it will be a very welcomed day off. But we'll see. It would be a shame, the Canadian shows have been exponentially better and to top it off, its a Saturday show.
~RedRum
Powerfest was cool. The venue, the Pearl Room, was beautiful. I am told it was just recently built and it's still in prime condition.
As I sit here in the back lounge before the show in St. Paul it occurs to me that I have to update the backstage beer info, but the dates are beginning to become hazy as I try to recall details such as this. I am now 3 dates behind, and although this is no one's fault but my own, I'd still feel better assigning blame to someone else. Let's just say this is Captain Crashride's fault for buying me too many Jagerbombs.
Backstage Beer Info:
Cleveland:
Budweiser
Covington:
Vexed on this one, but probably: Budweiser
Mokena:
Miller Genuine Draft
Budweiser
This is the last US date for awhile, then we're back in Canada living it up in the North with no bus internet. Fuck my life.
There's rumor in the air of the Winnipeg show show being canceled. If this is the case, it will be a very welcomed day off. But we'll see. It would be a shame, the Canadian shows have been exponentially better and to top it off, its a Saturday show.
~RedRum
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Rum
Long night of chucking bags of puke out the back of the bus's back lounge window. Bless the man who created heavy duty garbage bags. For those of you who don't think the Admiral knows how to party, I suggest you buy him a shot of rum. Then buy him 15-25 more. Then buy him a heavy duty garbage bag.
Currently on the way to the "Chicago" Powerfest which, coincidentally, is not in Chicago. Apparently contained within the venue's parking lot is a White Castle, a Denny's, a Wendy's, and a "bangin' pizza place". I'm looking forward to options.
Suns coming up. Time to retire.
~RedRum
Currently on the way to the "Chicago" Powerfest which, coincidentally, is not in Chicago. Apparently contained within the venue's parking lot is a White Castle, a Denny's, a Wendy's, and a "bangin' pizza place". I'm looking forward to options.
Suns coming up. Time to retire.
~RedRum
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Kentucky
My grandfather on my fathers side passed away this morning. R.I.P. Walt Greczyn. He was one of the most straightforward men I have ever known and will be missed. I have been somewhat in my cup all day because I will not be able to attend the ceremony due to Paganfest. But the show must go on.
On the brighter side, I had authentic Kentucky fried chicken for lunch. Not at a KFC, at a legitimate proprietor of fried foods.
It will be another small show tonight, I believe. But this is a welcomed break from the monster venues we were playing where the crowd is a bajillion (yea, I went there) miles away behind a lame barricade. Fuck barricades. Kills the intimacy. And we all know, intimacy is the fuckin' shit.
Word on the street is Eric W. Brown of ex-Destroy Destroy Destroy/Inferi fame is coming out tonight. Looking forward to nerding it up with his ilk.
Hazzah
~RedRum
On the brighter side, I had authentic Kentucky fried chicken for lunch. Not at a KFC, at a legitimate proprietor of fried foods.
It will be another small show tonight, I believe. But this is a welcomed break from the monster venues we were playing where the crowd is a bajillion (yea, I went there) miles away behind a lame barricade. Fuck barricades. Kills the intimacy. And we all know, intimacy is the fuckin' shit.
Word on the street is Eric W. Brown of ex-Destroy Destroy Destroy/Inferi fame is coming out tonight. Looking forward to nerding it up with his ilk.
Hazzah
~RedRum
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Springfield, New York City, and Cleveland
Been slacking here. I'm quoting Tycho from Penny Arcade when I state "I've been colonized by some invasive organism, origin unknown, and I can feel it breeding and pooling in my substructure." Sinus pressure abounds on this bus. The Finns are heavy smokers and while I don't necessarily curse them for it, it is somewhat inhibiting.
I was joined by two close friends from Jersey at the Jaxx show in Springfield, VA This made for a good evening.
Many familiars came to the New York City date last night. Worthy of brief mention was Lou who appears are the ship captain in our upcoming video "Cruise Ship Terror" and the head of our old label Bald Freak Music, Ron "Q*Ball" Scalzo. Always a pleasure to be in the city, there's always good pizza around every corner.
Tonight we're in Cleveland at a little place called Peabody's. The bus is parked across from a large building with the words "Wolstein Center" adorned on its facade. I think it would be funnier if it said "Wolfenstein Center", and if you entered, it was just like starting one of the Wolfenstein games. Har har har.
See you all at the show.
~RedRum
Backstage Beer Info:
Springfield:
Budweiser
New York City:
Budweiser
I was joined by two close friends from Jersey at the Jaxx show in Springfield, VA This made for a good evening.
Many familiars came to the New York City date last night. Worthy of brief mention was Lou who appears are the ship captain in our upcoming video "Cruise Ship Terror" and the head of our old label Bald Freak Music, Ron "Q*Ball" Scalzo. Always a pleasure to be in the city, there's always good pizza around every corner.
Tonight we're in Cleveland at a little place called Peabody's. The bus is parked across from a large building with the words "Wolstein Center" adorned on its facade. I think it would be funnier if it said "Wolfenstein Center", and if you entered, it was just like starting one of the Wolfenstein games. Har har har.
See you all at the show.
~RedRum
Backstage Beer Info:
Springfield:
Budweiser
New York City:
Budweiser
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Friendly Faces In Fucked Up Places
Allentown was refreshing. Close to home so many family and friends came out. Notably, my friend Aki. We used to be in a band together and we often shared common dreams to "make it" in the music industry. I went on to dress up like a pirate and thrash on a major metal label. He went on to get a full ride at Harvard Med. Guess it worked out for both of us.
The show was less than spectacular, especially for a Saturday night. However, the venue had many redeeming qualities. There is a pizzeria attached to the club and the owner always takes a picture with whatever bands are playing wherein, they are eating his pizza. So, free pizza. Score. And on top of this, they supplied us backstage with Yuengling. A treat I fear may not be as frequent during the remainder of the tour.
Tomorrow we play the Jaxx.
Backstage Beer Info:
Allentown:
Yuengling
~RedRum
The show was less than spectacular, especially for a Saturday night. However, the venue had many redeeming qualities. There is a pizzeria attached to the club and the owner always takes a picture with whatever bands are playing wherein, they are eating his pizza. So, free pizza. Score. And on top of this, they supplied us backstage with Yuengling. A treat I fear may not be as frequent during the remainder of the tour.
Tomorrow we play the Jaxx.
Backstage Beer Info:
Allentown:
Yuengling
~RedRum
Friday, May 1, 2009
Woosta
First US date on the tour. The Palladium. Pumped because we had our boys Diamond David Davidson and Filthy Phil of the Boston Tech/Death band Revocation come backstage with us. The very first Swashbuckle tour was with Revocation so it was a pleasure to see them in good spirits. Had some decent pizza at a spot called Woosta (local pronunciation/slang for "Worcester") Pizza. Caught the opening few songs of Primordial's set. They kick ass live and are so consistent every night, and are great guys to boot. They have deep passion for their musical roots and it really shines in both their performance and their characters.
Onto Allentown @ The Crocodile Rock. I saw the first US Paganfest tour with Ensiferum, Turisas, Eluveitie, and Tyr at the Croc Rock last year. Ahh, the circle is now complete.
Backstage Beer Info:
Worcester:
Budweiser
~RedRum
Onto Allentown @ The Crocodile Rock. I saw the first US Paganfest tour with Ensiferum, Turisas, Eluveitie, and Tyr at the Croc Rock last year. Ahh, the circle is now complete.
Backstage Beer Info:
Worcester:
Budweiser
~RedRum
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