Alan's FTR Archives
As long as these can be accessed in a sensible format on the Official Great Big Sea site I'll leave this as links to the FTR archive pages on that site. If those pages are removed or if these entries wind up being hidden behind another silly point-and-click map, I'll edit in the text of the entries here:
For anyone wondering about 2005, that was the year of the Long Break, although Alan kept himself quite busy and has promised to one day tell his tale of that year's events. Still waiting somewhat patiently for him to find the time to do so, without a doubt he'll be well worth the wait.
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Editing in on September 6, 2006: It looks as if Alan's 2002 FTRs have disappeared from the official GBS site, at least there is no current link for them that I can find. Until/if they return to the official site, here they are in their entirety:
ARCHIVE: Entries from 2002 shows
December 1, 2002
Home, 4pm
Well, dear reader, it has come to this. Forty odd shows and ten provinces later, GBS cast and crew have survived another one.
When asked about our favorite places to play, we almost always answer "home". But here's a little confession; it is also the hardest. There is not a single audience in the world whose opinion means as much to us as the opinion of those from the city in which we live. It follows then, that the hours leading up to a hometown show are difficult, filled with nervous energy, fright, anticipation, and most of all, worry. Worry about the rink, the seats for the guests, the sound, the lights, the set list, all things that I consider everyday but second-guess and fret about every time we play at home.
I guess it stems form performing in front of your friends and family and the boys from the hockey team and the lady from the drug store, etc. These are the people that we see the most and are most keen to impress.
As often happens, the crowd last evening reminded me that I need not have worried at all. All hands up and singing when prompted and the cheers were easily the loudest of the tour. I got the sense that everyone understood how special the evening was for the band and were eager to participate in the celebration.
But that's not enough to say. Fortunately and thankfully, many audiences clap and sing along. More special last night was the undeniable feeling we were in a room filled with people who are proud of us. Imagine that. What a feeling. Lucky us.
Had several jars at the pub after the show and were surrounded by family and friends who are happy for our travels and successes, but even happier to have us near them for a while. What a feeling. Lucky us.
Since the start of the tour and the inception of the journal entries, I have wondered what to say in conclusion.
I can say this. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the chance to do what I have done. Thanks to Louis, Tony, Danny and Jaye, and the rest of the crew for their tireless efforts. I am eternally indebted to Bob, Darrell, Kris, and Sean for sharing the stage, covering my ass when I screwed up, and mostly for making me laugh a lot more in three months than most men get to do in a lifetime.
Much to remember from Victoria to St. John's. Far too many moments to list highlights here. I'll just offer a "thanks" to all of you for being a part of this journey.
Much to plan for the holiday season and for the New Year. I'm not sure what lies ahead, but who is? Rest assured you have not seen the last of us. There are many more songs to sing.
Thanks for reading these little windows over the past few months. I have enjoyed writing and have learned lots along the way.
Wahoo! Christmas is coming.
Currently sitting in the kitchen watching the wintry wind take the last of the stubborn leaves. Home.
Alan
November 29, 2002
Halifax Airport, 7:30am
Crazy night in Moncton. Some things never change. Drove to Antigonish with Sean in the Ford Explorer and passed through the snow dusted Nova Scotia countryside. Just like a post card.
Arrived at the cool new St. FX Rink just in time for sound check. As I walked back to the dressing room after the usual barrage of "check one, two" and "turn me up Danny". Waiting for me are three or four attractive college ladies. "You're coming with us", they insist. Hmm. But not what you might think.
Ten minutes later, I'm in full goalie gear taking shots in the workout with the Ladies Varsity Hockey Team. You'd think they'd have eased up considering these university athletes were shooting on an out-of-shape rural Newfoundland folk singer. No such luck. The girls have brought their "A" game. Here's a quick summary of my performance. Shot, Goal x 10 - Lucky Save - Shot, Goal x 10 - repeat. Thanks for the fun all the same.
Sat with the Slainte Mhaith(sp?) guys last night after the gig. Shared tales of victories and defeats while on the road. They are great fellas. Hope to hook up again soon.
Just said goodbye to Mikey and Glenn, the two bus drivers who won't be making the long trip to the Rock. Bands and crew fly in today so the busses are done. We have had the green Prevost rented since January. I have slept on that bus three times as much as in my own bed in that time period. It has been at every promo tour date, every GBS American stop in the spring, every Uprooted show and all but the last of the shows on the "No Cares Tour". Mikey or Glen got us there safely each time. Champion job lads.
Waiting for the flight home.
Alan
November 27, 2002
Moncton Dressing Room, 12:45pm
Just drove across the Confederation Bridge. Quite an amazing view from high up in the bus. GBS and the Rankins performed at the grand opening of the bridge some years ago and I recall the hesitation many locals had to connecting the Island with the mainland. Many feared it would end Island culture and make PEI less distinct. I wonder how they feel about it now.
Great response from the sparse crowd at the rink last night. It's tough to sell tickets in Charlottetown in the winter, especially on a weeknight. We would not hear of skipping a province on this tour, though, and we insisted on playing PEI. Those in attendance rose to the occasion, and made for a respectable showing. Thanks for singing loud.
Paul from Crush rode on our bus last night and sat with us this morning as we rolled to Moncton. Man, it's good to have a different person around to listen to the same old stories that GBS cast and crew have long since exhausted. Poor bugger hardly got a word in as Bob, Danny and I littered him with "Remember when's" and "Sure, one time's".
Currently sitting in a concrete dressing room that smells of hockey equipment. I must be a Canadian Rock Star.
Three to go.
Alan
November 26, 2002
Charlottetown Hotel Room, 12:30pm
Man, it felt good to sing with a somewhat healthy throat last night. We were quite charmed by the hospitality of the Bathurst crowd. Please ask us back — maybe in the summer time!
Currently overlooking the Pier in downtown Charlottetown. Our first trip to "the island" was in February of 1995, I believe. We played at the Old Dublin Pub and made friends instantly with the owners and staff. Many great stories form playing PEI.
A little known story is that we played as a three piece here one day as Sean missed the plane form Newfoundland. Myself, Darrell and Bob scrambled to learn Sean's songs and we got through the show. To make it all the more surreal, the gig was at a place called Woodly(sp?) Replicas, an amusement park with three-foot miniature models of the White House, Big Ben, the Pyramids etc. So there we were skishing our way through tunes on a 4x8 platform next to a bus load of American and Japanese tourists taking photos of tiny Eiffel Towers. Truly bizarre.
Expecting a small but noisy crowd at the rink tonight.
We are in the home stretch, now. Only three gigs till home.
Not sure what to think.
Alan
November 21, 2002
A Day in the Life...
7:45am
8:00am — Walk dog on Signal Hill.
8:45am — Return to house, feed dog, watch Sports Center, shower.
9:30am — Pack. You'd think I'd be getting better at this by now, but still have no clue what to stuff into the knapsack.
10:15am — Return overnight phone calls and e-mails.
10:45am — Running late, stuff bags (including computer this time) into SUV and bolt for airport.
10:49am — Pass a green van with "Nova Recycling" tattooed to its side panels. Realize I forgot to put out the recycling, say "@#%%!" a few times, and pull a U-Turn in the SUV.
10:50am — Arrive back at house, put out recycling. Cat gets out.
10:53am — After several coaxing techniques, complemented by passers by laughing at my plight (not that I blame them), the cat returns. I do not feel like a Rock Star.
10:54am — Now really late, bolt once again for airport.
11:10am — Arrive at airport, check in and run to security.
11:11am — Pass digital cloak in airport hallway and notice the four "ones" side by each. This happens to me at least ten times a week. Weird.
11:35am — Board flight. The kind lady at the desks seats me in First Class. Starting to feel like a Rock Star again.
12:00 noon — Depart St. John's over Bell Island.
12:35pm — Chat to Bob about upcoming gigs. Try to avoid planning for New Year. No easy task.
12:40pm — Push chicken breast around the rectangular plate. Eat cheese and grapes.
12:45pm — Try unsuccessfully to convince Bob to surrender his carrot cake.
1:10pm — Begin descent into Halifax.
1:35pm — Pile into old Mini van driven by Yarmouth driver.
1:37pm — Driver confesses that the horrible screeching sound is body of the mini van scraping off the wheels as the shocks and springs are in desperate need of repair.
1:38pm — We insist that he drop us off at the airport car rental area and we unpack the mini van and load up a Ford Explorer. We'll drive ourselves. Feeling less like a Rock Star, again.
2:00pm — On the road to Yarmouth. Music provided by Jimmy Rankin's solo record. I have always been a Rankins fan and Jimmy's writing is one of the biggest reasons why. All hands should enjoy his solo effort as he has managed to keep all the touching, down-home, maritime sentiment in very worldly songs. "Midnight Angel" is a standout.
2:53pm — Foolish conversation about high-school girlfriends. I wonder if they talk and think about us as much as we do about them.
5:15pm — Arrive at Mariners Center in Yarmouth an hour late.
5:30pm — Catering (delayed from 4:30).
5:45pm — Sound check (delayed from 4:00).
6:15pm — Media interviews.
7:00pm — Finally load bags and stuff on to the bus.
7:30pm — Shower.
7:45pm — Try to phone home, but no answer.
8:15pm — Meet and greet contest winners.
8:45pm — Change into stage clothes, warm up.
9:00pm — Showtime.
11:00pm — Shower.
11:30pm — Meet and greet more contest winners.
12:15am — On the bus. Check Sports Center. Habs lost. Boo.
1:20am — In the bunk, bus rolls to Fredericton.
Alan
November 11, 2002
AC Flight 8656 to Halifax, 2:30pm
As a touring musician, I find the passage of time difficult to measure. Events from long ago seem like yesterday while yesterday's events take embarrassing effort to recall. Playing our first gig at the Lower Deck in Halifax in 1993 seems like something we did only three or four years ago. I could describe in great detail, the recording of "Lukey" with the Chieftains. Though I know it was done several years ago, it feels much more recent. Yet I cannot believe the whole scare of losing my laptop occurred just 19 or 20 days ago at the beginning of this tour. It feels like at least a few moths have past since we played two shows at Massey Hall. Surely, I think, the wedding I attended in Kitchener, was last summer, not last Friday.
I can offer no explanation for this phenomenon. I wonder if it's like that for everyone, or just me.
As the Dash 8, flown by the capable hands of our friend Captain Kreiger, takes us to Halifax, I think of the recent happenings on this leg of the tour. So much gets jammed into the days on the road that it's hard to keep it all in order. There have been 19 concerts in 15 different cities, 34 media appearances or interviews, three flights, and about 4500 kilometers traveled in a bus or SUV, all in the past 20 days. Perhaps that explains the disorder of memory and time.
Quebec City was a great city in which to wind up the tour. We hooked up with some of the lads from Tea Party last night as they were prepping in the big theatre at Le Capitol for their symphony shows that start tonight. Remarkable coincidence that we should find each other at that venue. As some of you may recall, the same night in 1999 that GBS played the Cabaret at Le Capitol, Tea Party played big theatre. We all gathered at one of the coolest music clubs in Canada called "Bar Chez son Pere". It's a simple little place where primarily Quebec singers and songwriters perform solo acoustic versions of original and traditional Quebec songs. Lots of singing along and call and answer stuff made for a fun "fin de la tour".
Home is only a flight away. I've got to take it easy this week and regroup after three nights of living like a rock star in La Belle Province. The plane home brings us back down to earth. In more ways than one.
Thanks to all hands who made the central leg of the "No Cares Tour" so successful.
Till Yarmouth,
Alan
November 10, 2002
Ford Explorer, Road to Quebec City, 1:20pm
Last night turned into an over-the-top rock show, with tossed guitars, jumps from risers, soaked stage clothes, etc. I loved it. The last two verses of Mari Mac turned into a frenetic race for the finish. Each player on stage trying to go faster than the other, resulting in little collective accuracy but a pile of energy.
All hands to Hurley's after the show. Our friend Jonathan Mooreman was playing at the pub and he and his mate were very quick to offer up the mics for the like of us. Needless to say, we jumped at the opportunity to sing a few tunes. Through the haze, I recall singing "Lovers in a Dangerous Time", "Molly Malone", "and Drunken Sailor", and playing guitar while Jonathan ripped out a few fiddle tunes. Man, he can play. Check him out anytime you can.
Currently rolling to Quebec City with the new La Bottine Souriante CD proving the perfect soundtrack for our journey to the heartland of French Canada. Some of the LBS lads were at the Friday night show. We've shared the stage together several times and I admit that they have smoked us more than once. Without question, LBS are the most imaginative, progressive, dynamic, and therefore the best folk band in the world. Their live CD "en Spectacle" is a great place to start if your interest is peeked.
Also at the Friday show were the lads from Gearbox, an up and coming rock band from St. John's. Great lads, with some very versatile styles from acoustic to heavy rock and folk. One of my favorite fusion pieces of theirs is a collaboration with Fergus O'Byrne, the Shanty Master, on the tune "War Like Lads of Russia". They are playing at Zaphod's in Ottawa and Clinton's in Toronto this week.
If Montreal is one of the best cities in North America, Quebec City is the prettiest. The walk along the hillside park, the Plains of Abraham has to hold the most breathtaking view in any urban center on the continent. I could, and have, walked the streets of la Vieux Ville for days. Soaking up the culture, enjoying the food and local folk music is a holiday in itself.
Wish I could stay longer than a day, but this is the last day of this leg of the tour and home calls.
Alan
November 8, 2002
Road to Montreal, 11am
It is ten degrees warmer than yesterday, but through the windows of the eastbound Ford Explorer, it looks much more like the early days of winter. Yellow grass and leafless trees line the 401 joined by traces of stubborn snow.
Quite a pleasant trip to Brockville yesterday. The folks at the Point radio station went above and beyond the call of duty promoting last night's and Kingston's shows. Despite what she thinks, Aly the afternoon DJ there has quite lovely pants. Thanks to all hands who brought the cool signs.
The highway signs have suddenly changed languages. There is a point driving east when Thousand Islands becomes Mille Isles and names like Brockville make way for names like St-Zotique. The McDonalds on the highway has a smoking section. The garbage cans read Merci instead of Thank you. The bright menu sign behind the smiling cashiers lists things like "Quart de Livre avec bacon ou frommage". Vive la difference.
La Belle Ville draws ever closer. Montreal is on the short list for the best city in North America. It has all the accolades of Kingston discussed earlier, along with high fashion, worldly theatre, metropolitan high society, unique art and museums, the best comedy and jazz festivals on the continent, F1 racing, probably the best cooks in the world, smoked meat and bagels, shopping, cathedrals, fabulous French folk music in Old Montreal, and of course, the Habs.
We could easily be doing one night in a bigger venue than the Spectrum, but the only thing better than one night in Montreal is two nights in Montreal.
Alan
November 7, 2002
Road to Brockville, 12:30pm
Last night was quite a treat for me. Playing to a packed house in the Jock Harty Arena would be enough to make for a memorable evening. Having the chance to share a song with Baby Sis in the encore was the icing on the cake.
For those of you who missed it, my sister Michelle was in town last night and she joined me for a version of "Time After Time", one of our favorite songs to sing together. She's on a week-long hiatus from her song and dance gig on the Holland America Cruise ship, "The Amsterdam". All brotherly biases aside, that girl has serious pipes.
Off we go to Brockville. We have played in Brockville a couple of times - once or twice at the theatre and one more memorable gig at an outdoor festival called "Riverfest" or "Waterfest", or something like that. We shared the stage with Leahy that evening and were thrilled by how well each of the nine or ten of them played their own instruments as well as everybody else's. Truly gifted people.
Most notable about that gig, though, was the fact that our tour manager Tony had to receive some emergency dental work. We thought we would have to bail on the show. But generosity and hospitality prevailed once again. Some friendly dentist squeezed Tony into his clinic and fixed him up proper and saved the day.
Nice to be heading back.
Alan
November 6, 2002
Kingston Hotel Room, noon
Today, I am participating in a "phoner blitz". I'll explain. Most of the advance press for a tour or record is done over the phone with radio stations and print media. Instead of doing one or two a day for a number of weeks, it easier to organize these phoners in blocks to get them all done before deadlines pass. Today is my phoner day. By 2pm today I will have done 13 interviews with various writers and radio hosts. All from the same hotel room chair that I now sit in as I type.
These days can go quickly and smoothly or drag on like a root canal. It totally depends on the interviewers. If they've done their homework, they keep you interested and engaged by asking questions that are new and thought provoking. Other, more unprepared interviewers, just ask you to re-tell the history of the band or ask desperate, generic questions like, "So how did you guys meet?"
So far today, I've only talked to the good ones. Some of whom I've spoken to often, (you know who you are), who still find new things to ask and actually make me think about the answers. The best interviewers don't really even ask questions, they just carry on a conversation that encourages the interviewee to say something he did not expect to say or reveal some opinion or thought by accident. These chats make the time move quickly and can even teach me things about myself or the band that I had not previously realized.
Not all press days go as good as this one.
Currently in Kingston, having driven overnight from Brantford where I was happy to be reacquainted with the love of my life. She looked down on me for the whole concert. I have always argued that Kingston is one of the nicest towns in the country. Beautiful waterfront, amazing old stone buildings that have been kept up or restored, a wonderfully diverse university, excellent pubs and restaurants, loads of live music and a great sports scene, are all within walking distance of the main street. Now that's a town.
Can't wait for the show at the rink tonight. It was in that rink that we opened for Spirit of the West about eight years ago. One of the coolest gigs ever. I expect nothing less tonight.
Alan
November 4, 2002
Stratford, Ontario
Hotel Room, 4:15pm
I have to congratulate those responsible for the construction of the new rink in London. Indeed inside it is a first rate facility for sports and concerts, but my praise is primarily meant for the building's exterior. All too often these days, cities and architects cheap out on the exterior of these new sports-plexes much to the demise of the cityscape of downtowns. The rink in London has such a beautiful and unobtrusive exterior that I almost walked right past it, as I was expecting the standard ugly square box that usually houses hockey rinks everywhere. Way to go, whoever!
Great gig in London, too. Sold out to the doors.
Made our way to Sarnia yesterday for a good showing at the home of the Sting. Bob rocked the house with "Recruiting Sergeant", I thought.
Kris MacFarlane has now publicly smooched two ladies in the audience on this tour. Once in Guelph, once in Sarnia. They are sisters. Hmm.
Currently in Stratford for the day off. Hoping to recharge the batteries for a rowdy week to come.
Alan
November 3, 2002
Road to Sarnia, 1pm
A few days away from the computer have resulted in the lack of entries here. Thanks for your patience. Here's a review.
Peterborough was as eventful as ever. Now I remember why we argued to spend two nights there instead of one. Night one featured a good show and an even better after-show gathering at the little pub next to the Red Dog. Many songs and stories were exchanged as Terry, the house singer, was very generous with his guitar. Many thanks to the Peterborough Police for their role in the whole evening.
On the second day, I got to fulfill a childhood fascination of attending a Peterborough Petes hockey game. As I explained earlier in this journal, the Petes and the Brandon Wheat Kings were the only two major junior franchises that I had heard of as a kid. I always held the notion that every player on those two teams eventually became hockey stars. Thanks to Carry and all hands from The Wolf for being wonderful hosts.
I had a wild couple of days following Peterborough. I drove overnight on the bus and arrived in Hamilton at around eight am. I was then whisked off to Kitchener where I was reunited with family and friends, all gathering for a wedding. Myself and my sister Michelle, fresh off the plane from down South somewhere on her cruise ship gig, learned three songs and played at the wedding mass shortly thereafter. Not much rehearsal time, but I think our tunes were well received and moved the ceremony along nicely.
Then the day got interesting. I had to drive myself back to the gig in Hamilton. In ten years on the road with GBS, after countless kilometers of North American and European traveling, I have driven the band vehicle exactly 0 times. There is good reason for this. I am in the discussion of the world's most directionally challenged people. I could get lost in a fish bowl. So the prospect of getting myself up and down parts of the 401 was shaky at best.
I managed, after a few wrong turns that left me facing the CN Tower instead of looking at it in the rear view mirror, to get myself to the convention center on time for the gig. The guys applauded. Tony was relieved. Danny lost ten bucks.
The trouble really began when I attempted to drive back to Kitchener to the last few dances at the wedding reception. I received ample info about the easy route north that passes next to Guelph. I was doing quite well despite the snowy conditions. The signs to Guelph were easy to follow, actually. Then I had the feeling that the highway was getting a little too well lit. Streetlights and sidewalks were now lining the sides of the road. I was no longer on the road to Guelph. I was in downtown Guleph, and hopelessly lost.
After several attempts to get myself back to the highway, I finally gave up and spotted a taxi on a street corner. I pulled in behind the taxi and left the car running as I approached the rear doors. He must have had a fare or something because he pulled away just as I was about to knock on his window and ask for directions. As his rear lights, and the hopes of me making it to the reception became smaller and more distant, I heard the voice of a young woman say, "Hey it's the Great Big Sea guy".
About six minutes later, I'm getting photos taken in the entrance of a dance bar with several friendly people, all of whom refuse to listen to my pleas for directions to Kitchener. After refusals of offers for drinks, I finally find a doorman who knows the proper route to take. I arrived safely at the wedding, an hour and ten minutes late.
Never a dull moment.
Alan
October 30, 2002
401 East to Peterborough, 3pm
With such clarity I remember the first time I drove on this highway. It was the fall of 1994 and GBS were doing our first ever college tour of Southern Ontario. The gigs were primarily lunch-time cafeteria concerts, pubs, rallies, and the odd opening slot for bands like the Barstool Prophets and Spirit of the West. We drove over night a lot and slept in a rented station wagon along with our six or seven instruments and a couple of boxes of the indie GBS CD's and tapes.
On this highway, almost ten years ago, I saw for the first time the densely populated heart of Canada. I remember being amazed that in a two-hour drive east or west of downtown Toronto, you passed through little or no unsettled areas. When you grow up on the Eastern edge of Newfoundland, it takes a 13 hour drive, an 8 hour ferry, and another 5 hour drive to reach the closest city with more than 50 or 60 thousand people. I just stared out the window in 1994 and wondered how different it must be to grow up in one of those houses in Pickering or Ajax, compared to a house in Petty Harbour.
I had never seen such seemingly endless highway exits, transport trucks, and lanes of aggressive drivers going way too fast. To be honest I am not sure that I had ever really seen what most North Americans call traffic before that tour on the 401. The busiest street I had ever driven on previous would have been Kenmount Road in St. John's. A street that, I have since come to learn, exists in every town that has MacDonald's and Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken stores. I recall my father cursing the slow progress up or down the Kenmount Road. A pace that most city dwelling motorists could only dream of attaining. Our friend Danny Greenspoon, the Torontonian producer for the Up and Play records, would jokingly refer to the sparse downtown St. John's traffic by saying things like, "C'mon fellas. We don't want to get stuck in rush minute.
Having traveled to many more large urban centers and driven on much crazier highways since the 1994 401 Tour, the feelings of awe and displacement have long since left me. What remains however, is the same feeling I had during that first tour. The feeling that driving on this road between gigs in Toronto and Kingston or Guelph or where ever, meant that, to some degree, we had made it. This is what a Canadian Band does, and we were doing it.
Almost ten years later, with a nicer station wagon, two tour buses and a transport truck, we are still doing it. We are a Canadian Band.
Alan
October 29, 2002
Toronto Hotel Room, Noon
I think I'm catching a cold. Sniffles and coughing is the enemy of the singer. I'll load up on the OJ and hope for the best.
Saw Allan Hawco's play "The Shape Of Things" last night. It is an interesting discussion of how far one might go in the pursuit of art and truth. Allan and Amy Redford and the rest of the cast give fantastic performances as twenty-something romantically involved Arts students. Great ending, too. I recommend you check it out at the theatre at the corner of Berkley and Front Street in downtown Toronto.
Tonight we play what's known in the biz as a corporate gig. We do about a half dozen or so of them each year. In a nutshell, we get hired to entertain at the social event of some conference or convention or whatever. As you are being asked to perform for people who may or may not be fans, and may or may not want to be listening to music, they can be stuffy and kind of cold. Most bands hate them, but we always manage to engage those in attendance and make the best of it for all concerned. Some of them have even turned out to be great gigs. We shared the stage with Leahy and Rawlins Cross as well as Natalie Macmaster and The Barra MacNeils on two separate occasions at a grocer's convention in Halifax. We all encored together then continued the celebrations throughout the night. Fun, Fun, Fun.
Toronto Island looks beautiful from here. I remember playing the Mariposa Folk Festival there in 1995, I think. I often wonder what it would be like to live there on one of those boats. It seems like an oasis in an urban desert. Tranquil, peaceful house boating on a tiny Island, under the constant shade of the biggest city in the country. What a difference a boat ride can make.
Alan
October 28, 2002
Toronto Hotel Room, 4pm
Currently overlooking Lake Ontario from my 23rd floor room. Just arrived from North Bay after an adventurous night on the town. Last night's show was a good cap to the first week.
Too bad we got to North Bay on a Sunday and Omer's was closed. Perhaps it for the best. I may have saved some money.
Kris, still reeling from his smooch in Guelph, suffered the loss of his headphone amplifier during Everything Shines. This results in the complete inability to hear any of the other players on stage, rendering attempts to play together futile. We had to stop and regroup as Danny, Fixer-of-all-things-broken, came to rescue the day. Kris was mortified but no one seemed to mind.
Very cool was the young lady who was kind enough to bring us flowers early in the show. Also cool were the singers to my left who know more GBS lyrics than me. Thanks a lot for singing.
Going to see my buddy Allan Hawco and Amy Redford's show tonight in Toronto. Allan and I go way back, as they say. We went to the same high school and then he went on to graduate from National Theatre School. His brother Greg is also a gifted fella who played with me in my first high school band "First Attempt". Sorry about the name. The more discerning GBS fans out there will recognize Greg as the percussionist on the first GBS album. Anyway, Allan is a great actor and you'll get to see him apply his trade in the "Clearest Indication" video.
I think the first Peterborough show is the halfway mark of the tour. The bus rolls ever east.
Alan
October 27, 2002
North Bay, Ontario
Dressing room, Noon
Drove overnight to North Bay and just arrived at the theatre. Walked through the back door and did the ususal, "Oh Yeah, I remember this place."
I have fond memories of North Bay. I bought my favorite guitar here, at Omer's Vacuum Repair, Used Guitars and Pet Grooming. Yes, believe it. Truly one of the most bizarre collections of completely unrelated products and services for sale under one roof - a must see. I cannot believe Wayne Rostad has not done an "On the Road" show at Omer's.
I bought my Gibson J00 there in 1997, I think. It has been on every GBS record since then and on recordings by the Fables, Corey Tetford and many others. For any guitar heads, there is a cool picture of it in the GBS Tourbook in the studio photo section.
Well, I am looking forward to tonight as I can finally do a show and not worry about the gig the next day. I have been so paranoid of my voice depleting in the cold weather, and with the volume of shows and press, that I have not caroused at all on this tour.
Hope there's a good Sunday spot in North Bay.
More later,
Alan
October 26, 2002
Toronto Hotel Room, 11am
Sorry for the tardy restart, dear reader. It's because I'm a scatterbrain. And it's only because I'm a scatterbrain that lives in St. John's, that this text is possible at all. I'll explain.
On Tuesday morning I awoke at around 7:30 and walked the dog up the back of Signal Hill as a parting glance at the town I call home. I scooted back to the house and packed my knapsack and prepped my golf bag for the last trip of the year. I dropped those two bags behind my SUV and went back in the house to grab my computer bag, which I placed on the sidewalk of my busy downtown street.
I was running late and had to pick up my fair one who was to drive me to the airport to catch my flight to Ottawa. In my haste, I threw the golf bag and suitcase in rear of the truck and sped off to Jo's workplace. Get the picture?
I arrived at the airport to discover that, 45 minutes previous, I had left my computer bag on one of the most active sidewalks in Newfoundland.
We raced back to my house to discover, of course, that the bag was gone. I began to review the contents of the bag. Laptop containing audio demos, songs, stories, addresses of the rich and famous, financial reports, and many other personal photos of family friends etc., all lying in some strangers hands. The bag also contains my wallet, passport, some cash and house keys. Quite a find for anyone.
I was a wreck. I cancelled my credit cards and phoned the police. "Where was your bag stolen from, Mr. Doyle?" the polite officer asked. "From the sidewalk in front of my house" I explained. "I left it there and drove to the airport and back."
There was a pause. I'm sure the officer covered the receiver to laugh. Rightly so.
I returned to the airport a broken man. I just made the flight and slumped in my chair and for an hour and a half fretted and woed the loss of the bag. How would I ever remember all the half written songs? How would I explain to the several public figures that I know, that their private phone numbers and addresses were now in someone else's hands?
I confess, dear reader, that I conjugated the verb to @#$%^&! several times on that flight.
In Halifax airport during a stop over, I phoned Jo to whine some more about how difficult it is living as an occasional idiot. "Don't worry," she said "the postman picked up your bag about a half hour after you left it and gave it to our neighbors down the street. I'll courier it tomorrow, you'll have it in Toronto by Friday night."
Now I wonder how many people passed that bag lying there in those thirty minutes. An honest guess would be around one hundred. And no one stole it. What a town.
I don't know if my postman wants his name broadcasted across the web so I won't offer it here. I can only say thanks to him for being so considerate and thanks to the other 99 who passed up an opportunity for a quick buck. I am, and I guess any readers out there who wanted the Tour Diaries to continue are, in your debt.
Lucky me once again.
Alan
October 7, 2002
Home
After a whirlwind spin through the Thunder Bay nightlife, we have all made it home safe. Saw a great band called the Dust Rhinos (sp?) at a pub after the GBS show. They come from the Peg and play a cool variety of up-tempo Celtic stuff.
Stayed up way too late and barely made the airport call. Nothing new for the last day of the tour.
Coming home is an odd mix of emotions. It's easy to long for the familiar hand of a loved one and the thought of a night in your own bed could make you weep. But I confess to dreading the return to normalcy, at times. The road can be pretty carefree. Tony tells me when to wake up and the bus takes me to the next gig. The publicist brings me to the interviews and the caterer cooks all the food. At home I have to make all those decisions, and a million more, on my own. Things like oil bills and home repair can be easily put off while on the road. Touring is an easy escape from responsibility of real life. I know these are the thoughts of a spoiled man. But, somewhat shamefully, I confess to their existence.
Ah well, confused again. Nothing new there, either.
Thanks for reading these little windows into the tour. Thanks to all who came to any or all of the shows from Victoria to Thunder Bay.
Till the tour resumes, be good.
See you in Ontario.
Alan
October 5, 2002
Thunder Bay Hotel Room, 5:15pm
Winnipeg never disappoints. We have played the Peg six times in the last four years so we were worried that we had over stayed our welcome. How silly of us.
Did anybody else see the little kid dancing on his Dad's shoulders all the way through the show? He knows more GBS lyrics than I do! I met them back stage after the gig and, Aidan who's about four I guess, was still lively well passed his bed time. He's going to be a star.
Thanks to those who attended the after show function. Especially those who respond so well to Shakespearean prompts.
Currently overlooking the lake in Thunder Bay. The theatre here is one of the best in the country, so it should look and sound great.
Last night of the Western Leg. Some foolishness in store, no doubt.
Home tomorrow.
Alan
October 3, 2002
Brandon, Dressing Room, 3:48pm
Got to play nine hole of golf yesterday with Jason Plum, former lead singer with the Waltons. He's a great singer/songwriter who's about to finish a solo record with Ed Robertson from BNL. Looking forward to hearing it in the New Year.
Woke up in Brandon next to the Wheatkings rink. Now this IS a Canadian Tour! No game tonight, though. I was hoping to see the lads play. I have always held this romantic notion that Brandon was the center of the hockey world. Perhaps it's because, as a kid, the Wheatkings and the Peterborough Petes were the only two major junior hockey teams I knew.
Just discovered that turning on the hot water in our dressing room cuts the hot water in Crush's dressing room. I discovered this by recognizing the correspondence between my turning the tap on our sink and Cory's screams from the Crush shower next door. It's going to be a fun day! I will confess sometime tomorrow.
Three gigs till home.
Alan
September 30, 2002
Saskatoon Hotel Room, 12:15pm
Ft. Mac showed up in large numbers last night. Almost 2400 people. That's huge for us. They brought their voices as well. The old rink shook by the end of Ordinary Day. We were thrilled to see a 'Mary Brown's' and had to order post gig Big Mary's and Taters. Hardly health food, but what are ya' gonna do?
Just arrived in Saskatoon and am currently overlooking the River (sorry, still don't know the name of it). This city has done a great job developing the walkways and green areas around the river so that we all can run, walk, or just hang out near the river's edge. Too bad it's cold and rainy.
Currently reading Wayne Johnson's new book, 'The Navigator of New York'. Like his award winning 'Colony of Unrequited Dreams', 'Navigator' is a work of historical fiction about a young St. John's lad who discovers he is the illegitimate son of polar explorer Dr. Frederick Cook. His journey from turn of the century St. John's to Manhattan to meet his father makes up the early part of the book. Very cool idea. I hope the two of them journey to the pole in the remainder.
Got to find some spicy food tonight, and lay low. I think I'm on TV with Blue Rodeo tonight, but I'm always the last to know.
Hope I don't suck.
Alan
September 29, 2002
Ft. Mac Hockey Rink, 12:48pm
The Black Dog wins again.
September 28, 2002
Highway to Edmonton, 2:27pm
The Ford Explorer rolls North containing Darrell, Bob, Sean, our manager Louis, and our agent Jack. We just stopped at Fay's Diner about 80 kilometers south of Edmonton. With all due respect to Leo's in St. John's and the Five Bay's in Goobies, I think I just had the best chips in the world. Spectacular. Little Mom and Pop shops always have the best food. Check out Fay's.
Last night was as close to a perfect night as we've had in a while. We were so pumped that I consciously encouraged the lads to take it easy off the top. The reviewer in the Sun is right, I over did it and the first few songs were a little calmer than usual. Other than that, the room looked great, the fans sang from the first note, and I thought we played and sang as well as we can. No easy task considering the nervous energy of facing an NHL hockey rink full of people. Trying for the same or better tonight.
Speaking of NHL, Harold Druken, from Shea Heights NF, scored twice for the Canucks last night. Good on ya. I hope the Oiler's are in town tonight. I'd like to meet Dan Cleary. He's from Sean's neck of the woods, near Harbour Grace.
Man this place is flat.
Alan
September 26, 2002
Banff Hotel Room, 10:30am
Just leaving Banff after a fairly civilized night out. Band and crew got together for Alberta beef and after a few glasses of wine, I hit the hay. Got to save my pipes for the four day run coming up.
Calgary and Edmonton are all but sold out. Wow. Ten years in and we still sell more concert tickets each tour. Lucky us.
Leithbridge tonight and another game of golf tomorrow.
Then, the Saddledome!
Alan
September 26, 2002 — Part 2
Road to Leithbridge
Tour Bus
Driving through the mountains is always a humbling experience. I've heard people speak of the ocean as the one thing that makes them feel small. The mountains do that for me. Riding below the hills that took millions, or billions, of years to create makes all my worries, defeats, and all my ambitions and accomplishments seem so timely, so trivial. What a strange sense of place.
The boys are in the front lounge continuing their Soprano's marathon while I have fled to the back of the bus to seek the most elusive commodity; a moment alone. As we roll through nameless towns, past those exiting grocery stores, children playing in school yards, it's tough not to be envious of the people outside this bus. So often we are envied, and rightly so. We are lucky. But during these drives it's easy to wish for a normal day, a friend who has nothing to do with GBS, a walk with your dog, a trip to the movies with your gal. It's the classical dilemma of the touring musician. The only thing worse than touring is not touring.
Enough reflection. Darrell has just announced that Tony Soprano is about to 'off' someone else. Gotta go. Can't wait to finally get on stage tonight.
Alan
September 24, 2002
Grand Prairie
Hockey Rink, 5:15am
Quickly rolled out of PG last night in lieu of the long North Passage to Grand Prairie. Arrived around 8am and managed to scam free golf, thanks to Jane at the venue and the good folks at the Grand Prairie Golf and Country Club.
Myself and Darrell and Cory from Crush played 18 holes on a great course on a sunny fall day. Now it's not all bad, is it?
Bob and I did a couple of interviews at the Sun FM building. We spoke on SUN and then scampered to the adjoining studio to record an interview for the am station and to do a few PA announcements. While there, we watched through the common studio window as Cory and Paul entered the Sun Studio. As we finished our PA's, they began performing live on the air. I could not resist the temptation for devilish behavior. I made faces and rude gestures and pressed unmentionable body parts to the glass as Paul tried to complete his singing. He could not. He laughed so hard they almost had to stop the tune.
Boys will be boys. Sorry Paul.
Alan
September 23, 2002
Prince George
Hockey Rink, Noon
Friday night in Vancouver was one of the top 10 concerts I can remember. Great room, great crowd. Bob stole the show with U2's 'Party Girl'. MacFarlane makes GBS guitar debut. That @#$%^&#! can play anything. Thanks to all for singing and dancing.
Left right after the show and went to the Hip show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. They were having an awesome show. Hit after Hit. Hung with the Hip and Sam Roberts lads till the wee hours. Always a good laugh to get a few like-minded people together. Thanks to the Hip for being so hospitable.
Had a good couple of days in Kelowna playing golf with Darrell, brother Bernie and buddy Doug. What a play land Kelowna is. Golf, water skiing, house boating, etc. Had sore pipes at the concert, though. Five over-the-top two-hour rock shows is a stretch for my voice.
After a day off though, we are ready to go again. Currently sitting in Prince George. I am considering trying out my new 'Spud Gun' or 'Potato Launcher'. My buddy Dave in Kelowna made one for me out of PVC Pipe and BBQ lighter. It can launch a potato about a thousand feet. Stupid, but great fun.
Toys for boys.
Alan
September 20, 2002
Vancouver hotel room, 10:32am
Very interesting show last night. Darrell Rocks! Many thought he was down and out for the count with a stumble and fall early in the match, but he roared back with a powerful regulation time set and stole the show with "I don't like Mondays" in the overtime frame.
Bolted after the show to see Wide Mouth Mason at the Rage. Shawn Verrault is a superstar — no question. Easily in the top ten guitarists I have ever seen. He sings like a bird with the soul of Stevie Wonder. They play Victoria tonight. Check it out with Holly MacNarland on the bill as well.
The Orpheum is a beautiful Theatre. Can't wait for tonight. Sold out shows are always the best.
Out the 33rd floor hotel room window, tankers, pleasure crafts and cruise ships come and go, in and out of the harbour. I have always thought that Vancouver and St. John's are the two most amazing places in the country to put cities. Harbour towns are my favorite.
Wahoo! My brother joins the team today. Hoping to catch the Hip set and then it's over the mountains to Kelowna.
I need coffee.
Alan
September 19, 2002
8:41am, hotel room
Last night we made leaps and bounds, I thought. Finally had the guts to play French Perfume after rehearsing it for six months. It's tough to play with as there are several switches from Latin grooves in the verses to straight 4/4 in the choruses. Kris slayed the place with his congas. Shite, he's a talented young fella.
I bought new sneakers yesterday!
Just finished reading Motley Crue, The Dirt. Definitely the best Rock and Roll autobiography I have ever read. Also an amazing story of how groups of people can succeed in spite of themselves. Very interesting story of how bands can interact and self destruct. From the murders, sexual assault, drug addiction, violence, near death experiences, loss of children and having sex with everyone, it's hard to believe that so many things could happen to four people who work together. I recommend it. So do critics, by the way.
Gotta go catch the Ferry. We are traveling east. We are heading home!
Alan
September 17, 2002
Just after midnight, hotel room
Wow. I had forgotten how beautiful Victoria is. Walked around the harbour this morning as yachts and ferries came and went, crafts persons set up their stalls, and the streets slowly came to life with hurried, yet pleasant, people eager to get somewhere. Truly one of the nicest walks I've had in many years.
Spent most of today scrambling to get ready for the show. Tony is not feeling well and could not make the trip so we all had to pitch in to do his stuff. Holy Shite, he has got a lot to do! Thanks to Carl for stepping in and doing sound, otherwise we would have had to cancel. Hope to see Tony back tomorrow or in Vancouver. Not the same without him.
Spent most of the show remembering subtleties of the tunes and desperately trying not to forget the words. All things that never happen except during show number one. The fans were great listeners and singers. Very forgiving of my numerous errors. Thanks to all.
Hope to golf early tomorrow and rehearse in the afternoon.
So far, no casualties.
Alan
September 16, 2002
Toronto Airport, Executive Lounge
The first day is always a day of mixed emotions. Never easy saying ‘see ya later, be good' to the cats and dog. Even harder leaving the ones you love to carry on without you, again. And again. But, then again, we are about to start our biggest tour ever. It's almost overwhelming to see all the cities and venues on our itinerary. This is what I've wanted to do since I was old enough to want anything. So, it's go boys go.
I will try to keep you, most faithful and dedicated of fans, in the loop by dropping in with stories and tales from the tour across the greatest country in the world. First gig in Victoria, last gig in St. John's. The long journey home.
Cool things have happened already! I sat on the plane with the golden voice of Hockey Night in Canada, Bob Cole. It's always cool to hear that famous voice, that I heard every Saturday in my childhood, talk about the weather and golf.
Hope to get to Victoria tonight in time to hook up with the Hip after their show. They are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Proud of where they're from and glad that I am as well. Should be fun.
Till later,
Alan
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