Leaving Switzerland

After a nice, restful day in Schaffhausen - sleeping until noon, not getting out until about 3, and then walking around a city that reminds me of some magical Disney movies - the tour starts up again in earnest. Today we drive to Reutlingen, about 2 hours north of here, for a show in our booking agent's home town in a nice venue that we played at on the last tour. Then, tomorrow, comes the first of two hell days - the drive to Italy (and then two days later the drive back out again). I mean, admittedly, the drive is going to be gorgeous - through the Alps most of the way. But 9 hours drive time not counting traffic and necessary stops is nothing to sneeze at. Still, with 3 drivers, it will be doable. We have also heard rumors about the food in Italy - apparently it's tasty - so of course we're thinking it will be worth the trip.

The show here last night was a good time. The bar owner is another one of those Europeans who actually believes in - gasp - bringing unknown bands to play his venue. He knew he'd be taking a loss on this show (he admitted as much to us) but still gave us housing for two days, an excellent meal, and literally anything from the bar at any point during the night. So kudos to the Cardinal restaurant and all who work there - you're doing valuable work. The crowd was also very nice (ie enthusiastic) and as seems usual for Switzerland, definitely there to listen. Another top-notch experience in a country that I hope will continue to host us.

So for those of you who read the tour rule book, it's a very accurate and complete list of necessary things to be mindful of when on tour. To that list I would add, if you have a problem with someone, fix it. I was pissed at a band member, and told him so after a show. I yelled at him about some stuff, he yelled at me about some stuff, we shook hands, had drinks, and that was that. You just can't go on stage every night with animosity towards other band members if at all possible. I'm not saying you have to like every member of your band (many string quartets famously hate each other), although I happen to; but active anger about something is really tough to deal with on stage. I guess some bands manage to keep performing in spite of such things, but it really can't be healthy.

Probably won't be blogging much over the next 5 days or so, given the insane traveling, but we'll see.