Brent slapped me to wake me up yesterday morning, and then told me George Carlin was dead. Not the greatest way to begin things. On to the recap…
Grand Rapids- After Detroit, we needed a little bit of a boost, and Grand Rapids definitely came through. The show was well attended, and members of Hatebreed and The Showdown were hanging out. We have definitely reached the period of tour where the routine has set in. Monotony is an overstatement, but not by much. Grand Rapids showed us that Michigan knew how to cut loose, and we appreciate it. Also, Shane from Oh, Sleeper wears Birkenstocks.
Cincinnati- Our second experience in Cincy was slightly less ghetto, and was highlighted by homeless who were markedly less screamy. Don’t worry Denver, your homeless still take the cake. We were all pretty tired, and I don’t remember too much about this one, honestly. I will say that this was the night that I decided to stop reading the book of Mormon, and start reading every wikipedia entry on American serial killers. I’m at Dennis Rader right now, in case anyone was wondering. BTK. Super messed up dude.
Cleveland- The first House of Blues show of the tour. The staff and the venue were nothing short of absolutely amazing. If any of you ever have a chance to play, or even attend a show at the House of Blues, do it. They take care of their bands, and those in attendance. Sadly, this show was overshadowed by some upsetting news. Here is the unfortunate part of the evening…
Upon our arrival, we were notified that we had been removed from the bill of our June 28th show at the House of Blues in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. As it turns out, this particular venue is on Disney property, and all acts performing there are therefore subject to Disney’s approval. Someone at Disney decided that The Famine, and ONLY The Famine, do not meet Disney’s standard, and we were removed from that night’s show. We weren’t offered much in the way of an excuse, and it looks like this is something we are just going to have to take on the chin. Frankly, it is a disapointment, since this show promised to be one of the biggest of the tour, and our merchandise sales are what allows us to stay on tour. We disagree with the decision, but there is not really any recourse available, so we sally forth.
Allentown- This day will go down in infamy for what we refer to as the “Cicada Incident”. Brent has declared himself to be more powerful than nature, science, time and sleep combined. Until this day, he had no weakness. We stopped to get gas, and found that the station was swarmed with cicadas. Mark grabbed one, and Brent screamed like a girl. A chase ensued, ending with Mark putting the cicada on Brent’s seat in the van. Brent refused to get in until Andy disposed of the cicada. Andy disposed of the cicada at the behest of Brent, and we readjourned to our travels. As we were getting on the highway, Mark instructed Brent to look above his head, where Brent promptly discovered the cicada that Mark and I had placed on the ceiling above Brent. Brent freaked out, and laughter ensued. At one point Brent attempted to kick the cicada out of the van while traveling down the highway. What a weiner. We played a venue called “The Crocodile Rock”. I feel obligated to mention that I saw many rocks, and no crocodiles at the venue. Not even an alligator. Anyway, this show ended up being one of the, if not the absolute hottest show of the tour. Allow me to clarify that when I say hot, I am referring to the temperature, not the spiciness or attractiveness of the show.
Philadelphia- We pulled in to Philly early to check out South street, the happening center of the town. Brent and I got some awesome asian food while the boys had some cheesesteaks. I was able to check out the Relapse Records store, and I finally found a copy of The County Medical Examiners record, which I had been seeking for some time. The disc itself is manufactured to smell like rotten flesh. Rock on. I had been looking forward to playing the Trocadero the entire tour, since Neurosis headlined the Relapse festival there. Even thin associations to Neurosis are enough to excite me. The show was cool, and the staff was very kind. On a scale of one to Whitesnake, the Troc earns a Faster Pussycat. Kudos.
Towson- Towson has good chinese food.
Love,
-Nick
