And So It Ends

Verviers, Belgium is only about 20 minutes from Aachen, and since we were told earlier in the week to be at the club by 7, we went to the hotel first and chilled for a moment. Jana soon gets a phone call saying that we were expected at the club at 4:30, and it's after 5pm. She calls Marc, who says that he sent her an e-mail earlier in the day with this news. Problem is, we haven't ben able to find a phone line to hook the laptop into, and Marc knows this, and Jana has a cell phone that Marc has the number for. It's this kind of stuff that has plagued the entire tour. I don't know if Marc is a liar or is trying to cover for his mistakes, but every step of the way he has either not done what he's supposed to do, or told us one thing then another thing happens. Like sending the sound guy home before the a show a few days ago to save money. No mention of that to the band. We found out when we took the stage. No lodging on Friday in Dresden, and we had even gotten invitations from friends we had made there last week to stay at their places, but we said no thanks, Marc is taking care of it. Of course, he didn't. Nice guy, but as they say in rock n roll, Dude, come on!

There's nothing we can do but play on, so we ran to the club, but it was too late to soundcheck. The owner Francis loves Noli and Jerry, and he knows that Marc is flakey, so it was no big deal. Once again, it was an excellent club, pretty big, great sound system, computerized lighting system, and the best drums I've had all tour. The night was actually a battle of the bands, electronica category, and we were the guest stars who were to play after everyone was done their set. We were a little afraid that we wouldn't fit in with that crowd, but again, it comes down to the strength of our performance. Although most of the crowd had left once the electronica bands were done, the people that did stick around seemed to really enjoy it - dancing, yelling, clapping.

	The view from above, at Spirit of 66 in Verviers.
"Oh Travis, you came and you gave without taking..."
	We got spirit, yes we do, we got spirit, how 'bout you!
Noli rings this bell in the song "Marzipan" and people go crazy. Me too.
	Me, Jana, Travis, Jerry, Stosh and Ms. Thing on the floor.

We let it all hang out this show, our last. We've been playing really well, Travis and I clicking especially. Once you have that solid foundation of tight drums and bass, it allows the entire band to explore a little more. We all kind of threw in some new or extra stuff into the songs, just letting go, really. It was alot of fun.

Since we were, as always, the last to leave, we got a few bottles of wine and some doner kebabs and the six of us (Noli, Jerry, Travis, me, Stosh and Jana) hung out in Noli and Jerry's room for a little farewell toast.

It's been a long, interesting journey. Along the way there have been some gains and some losses.

I could probably think of more, but I'm too tired to be witty anymore. Let's go out for a drink when I get back (scotch for me, thanks) and I'll tell you about the stuff that I didn't post.

I hope you've enjoyed the experience as I've related it. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Love,
Shambo