Tour from hell..pt1.

[optikhog]

Originally Posted by xgabriele

I'm sorry, but an $8000 house is a slum. You'd be lucky to buy a tool shed for that kind of money in the Northeast. You're talking about middle America. Each section of the US is like a whole different country. Nothing can be generalized about a country as large as the USA, no matter how many people try to do so.

In Illinois, the economic situation works in direct relation to your distance from Chicago/St. Louis. Springfield is a bit of a beacon in the darkness thanks to being the capitol, but cities like Rockford and Peoria are pits of despair. Trust me, I've spent significant time in each (I grew up very close to Rockford). Bear in mind these are likely *small* houses in fair shape on an 1/8th acre lot which run 50-80 years old and are well within city limits. There was a bit of a housing boom in the 50's in most of these cities thanks to the migrations after the war, with the end result being that most people have moved out of the cities and into the 'burbs (or to somewhere else).

Good luck on the "tour", man.

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by steveksux

My Brother in law bought one for $3000. It all depends on the shape its in and how much work you're willing to do. This one was gutted by fire.... lol lots of work. But there are plenty of abandoned houses that are falling apart that can be picked up for next to nothing in the ghetto.

Randy

Thanks... I knew somebody would believe it! It's definitely true!!

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by NWF Bassist

hey if your still lookin for gigs lemme know, danvilles a ways from here, but i know some people, just need to know what kinda music.

Well, We're stuck in Rockford right now..

I'll take the time to thank you guys/gals.. I'm trying to keep the spirits up.

Jauqo and me have been talking on the phone. And another TB'er is taking me to a jam tonight.

We are getting a sub. for the drum chair and we may have some positive stuff going on..

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by Modo74

Slightly OT, but I'm from that little blue bit in the middle originally. The Isle of Man.

Had to mention it, you wouldn't believe the amount of times we get left off maps like that depicting the UK.

Hmm, Corinne Bailey Rae's manager lives on the Isle of man now.
I spoke with him a week ago, he was in LA.

They're building a studio..

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by optikhog

In Illinois, the economic situation works in direct relation to your distance from Chicago/St. Louis. Springfield is a bit of a beacon in the darkness thanks to being the capitol, but cities like Rockford and Peoria are pits of despair. Trust me, I've spent significant time in each (I grew up very close to Rockford). Bear in mind these are likely *small* houses in fair shape on an 1/8th acre lot which run 50-80 years old and are well within city limits. There was a bit of a housing boom in the 50's in most of these cities thanks to the migrations after the war, with the end result being that most people have moved out of the cities and into the 'burbs (or to somewhere else).

Good luck on the "tour", man.

Springfield was dead IMO, but nowhere close to how bad I'm finding Rockford! I plan on lookiing around more this week..

Once again, i can't speak for anyone but myself, so i don't want to offend anyone. This is my opinion... From a guy who's been away for awhile..

[DrayMiles]

Auditioned a drummer...

Why is it sooo hard to find a drummer that doesn't have bad time?

Saw a killing guitar player named "preacher" last night. Alledgedly, used to play with Ike and Tina Turner. He played so tastefully, I enjoyed "just" playing bass. It was a pleasure...

Now, if I can just get some work!!!

[optikhog]

Originally Posted by DrayMiles

Springfield was dead IMO, but nowhere close to how bad I'm finding Rockford! I plan on lookiing around more this week..

Once again, i can't speak for anyone but myself, so i don't want to offend anyone. This is my opinion... From a guy who's been away for awhile..

No, you're right on. The East/Southeast part of town is pretty normal but it gets gradually worse as you move West through the city.

If I still lived up there, I'd find you some work, man. Hang in there...

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by optikhog

No, you're right on. The East/Southeast part of town is pretty normal but it gets gradually worse as you move West through the city.

If I still lived up there, I'd find you some work, man. Hang in there...

Thanks bro, My good friend Pete Brown sent me some bread to keep the wolf away. I told him if things get any worse, instead of chewing off a nail, I'd chew off a finger by mistake!!

Boy, there are a LOT of churches around here..

Churches and funeral homes.. I wonder if it's a sign?

Darn, just paid 46 dollars to send more paper off for the drummer.


"I ain't drunk.. I'm just drinking.."

[steveksux]

what's wrong with a "Tour from Hell" anyway? Anywhere you go on the tour coming from Hell is going to be better than where you started, in Hell.

Randy

[optikhog]

I talked to a friend of mine who used to be part of the Rockford music scene (which is, I think, Cheap Trick and like 6 other people) and he didn't know any good drummers left up there (he's in Texas now). He also said that all of the places they used to play are now gone, so he didn't have any leads. Sorry, man.

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by steveksux

what's wrong with a "Tour from Hell" anyway? Anywhere you go on the tour coming from Hell is going to be better than where you started, in Hell.

Randy

I wouldn't mind being on the "Highway to hell," It's sitting around in the same place in hell that's difficult..

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by optikhog

I talked to a friend of mine who used to be part of the Rockford music scene (which is, I think, Cheap Trick and like 6 other people) and he didn't know any good drummers left up there (he's in Texas now). He also said that all of the places they used to play are now gone, so he didn't have any leads. Sorry, man.

Bless you bro, I certainly appreciate the fact you made an effort and asked someone.. Thanks

[DrayMiles]

Well....

Last night the agent invited us to play at a jam session in Wisconsin that he was doing the sound for. I think he wanted to parade around the "English band" that he happened to have brought over. So we went..

And... (Get ready for it, it's a good one..)

We went and there were 10 people in the club maybe, we were introduced to a stringy haired dude that was the "house bassist." He said "his drummer" was good. I said in humility, "Well, I'd like to see for myself." As the night progressed, we waited at the bar for 3 to 4 hours and the house band consisted of a little bald guy on guitar (the owner), a tall chick with no butt singing badly (the wife), and the 16-18 YO drummer (the son we learned..).
They all were wearing cheap Kiss makeup, and he was literally spitting beer all over the stage and crawling around on it like a dog. Pretending to vomit beer.
I found the whole thing amateurish, obscene, and likened it to bad cabaret. They were clearly acting out their fantasies. Then I learned they owned the bar... Obviously..

Well, we talked to the barmaid, (she had a killing body.. a 38 YO grandmother?!) and John was jovial and drunk as a skunk. Unfortunately, he said something to the owner when he finally asked if we wanted to play. I told John "You're the leader. I prefer to leave..". I walked on the stage, looked around and The owner walked up on stage and said "I'm your drummer, since you insulted my son." I "replied "what the **** are you talking about?" ( I later learned that the owner had learned from the agent we needed a drummer, so he was talking to john like the kid "had" the gig already. John alledgedly said something that they took offense at. I.E. "This is the John **** band, what are you, his manager or something? " He also told me he said "they were ****, and it was the worst thing he'd ever seen." The story continues here.. ) John walked up and I finally said I wasn't playing a note, and walked off the stage. After a few moments i look up and see John push the owner. The guy walked around and said "He pushed me.. You're oughtta here!" I said "fine," as we walked towards the end of the bar and spoke to the bouncer. I let him talk, then he left and me and the bouncer were speaking civilly and reasonably. I turned around to see John push the guy again. The owner then proceeded to hit John in the chest, and down he went, backwards, slamming into the floor and cracking his head on the bar foot rest.

I moved towards the scene and was blocked by 2 guys. The bouncer sided with me in cooling things out, and we kept them separated, The "Agent" magically appeared, and said he was staying to do sound. Initially he said the place was 10 miles away, when it was 40 miles away, and in Wisconsin! He told me how to get back and we left.

I drove until 2 am listening to John rant in a drunken stupour, paid 20 bucks in gas, bought him a Mcdonalds, and finally found my way to the message parlour/idiot hotel. At 7:30 this morning the agent calls John and asks if he was okay.

What a night.. Studio work was safer and easier.

[DrayMiles]

Am I having fun yet? My return ticket is booked for March...

The story continues..

On the way out the barmaid gave us her mobile phone number. She manages a strip club.

Hmm..

The story continues..


Help.

[Messiah25]

Da*n!!!
I was just reading thru 3 pages and i haven't been this fascinated since "On The Road" by Jack Kerouac.

It's a pity to have a tour from hell, but think of all the stories and memories it leaves you with.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by DrayMiles

On the way out the barmaid gave us her mobile phone number. She manages a strip club.

Hmm..

The story continues..

You know the rules, man. No pics, no barmaid, no strip club.

Best of luck with this whole mess BTW.

[Lucas G]

this story keeps getting better and better. i can not wait until the next installment!

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by Messiah25

Da*n!!!
I was just reading thru 3 pages and i haven't been this fascinated since "On The Road" by Jack Kerouac.

It's a pity to have a tour from hell, but think of all the stories and memories it leaves you with.

I don't mind memories.. It's the fear of being left with bullet or knife holes! This place is rough.

I'm just sitting in the library rockford, and for the second time this week a policeman walks behind everyone and looks over my shoulder. Someone told me that the reason they always ask for my ID is the "patriot act."


What the heck is that all about? It smells like paranoia to me. I couldn't get on a train in Chicago without ID. Terrorists? What if it was a fake ID? Most of these people have never seen a british drivers license before.. How are they gonna know it's fake or real? I swear I've never seen so many police before, like they have here. I like police, but a paranoid policeman with a gun worries me a little. Remember the guy in London shot 11 times in the head from Brazil/ What did he do? NOTHING.. He's still dead.. that kind of fear causes people to make fatal errors. I hate to be involved while out minding my own business.. I'm having a hard time..

But I'm alive, dig?

Well, enough ranting, time to find a salad bar..

Oh, by the way, I ain't making this up!! Thanks for reading, it gives my day porpoise..

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by Passinwind

You know the rules, man. No pics, no barmaid, no strip club.

Best of luck with this whole mess BTW.

I know..

Man, she was fit!!!!

I won't post any pics, boy, she was a stunner.. The best looking woman I've seen since I've been here..

And she definitely, wasn't made of anything plastic..

I'm sorry to say the invitation is for Sunday. so by day, i'll pray..

But at night, thangs sho' nuff gots to be right!!!

thanks for the encouragement. I'll let you know if it gets better. i'm keeping my sense of humour..

[DrayMiles]

Originally Posted by Lucas G

this story keeps getting better and better. i can not wait until the next installment!

I'm not sure if I can wait.. Hmm, dude next to me is asleep in the library. Snoring, droolin', and smellin...

He looks happy though..

Hell, I got to find a shower somewhere...

"Give me some air, tooooooo funky in here."