Western Addiction is currently on tour in Europe with Lagwagon and The Flatliners, and the band (Western Addiction, that is) are keeping us informed on what’s going down. Check out the first entry below, and check out their tour dates here.
I’m a grown man in a hardcore band. It doesn’t make much sense but it is what it is. This is Western Addiction’s first trip to Europe, 22 shows in 7 countries. Joey from Lagwagon graciously asked us to play with them and the Flatliners. Both bands are filled with kind, wonderful people. We had a rough week leading up to the tour because the band lost a close friend. We’ve seen some pretty incredible sights so far and that has helped distract us. – Jason Hall of Western Addiction
3.11 – 3.13 SF to Madrid
The bus we share with the Flatliners. It’s tight quarters but very nice. I usually pick a classic book to read on tour and this time it’s Kim Gordon’s “Girl in a Band.” She’s very cool.
Having lunch on the streets of Madrid. The waiter did not like us.
Here is T and our TM Julia. Old buddies.
Here’s Scott from the Flatliners in Plaza Mayor with some kind of golden conquistador.
Whether you like religion or not, there are absolutely stunning cathedrals in Spain. This is inside of Almudena Cathedral.
Here is Dave from Lagwagon sound checking behind our new banner. Our pal Ian from Dead To Me made it. People LOVE Lagwagon. You can see the joy and feel happiness when they play.
3.14 Bilbao
Bilbao in northern Spain is a great city but we literally played on the wrong side of the tracks. It looked like a ball of garbage exploded.
There is awesome graffiti everywhere but I don’t know what any of it means.
On our way to the Guggenheim we saw our show poster.
Here is Chad in front of a piece by Richard Serra at the Guggenheim. Truly stunning. Also check out the artist Niki de Sainte Phalle and Cy Twombly. It’s interesting when you are looking at art that is both stunning and at the same time a physical documentation of someone’s madness.
Here’s Kenny practicing for FC Barcelona.
Here is Joey and Chris singing “International You Day.” This song made us miss our pals Tony and Dave. It was special.
Couldn’t be more true.
Kenny and Joey on the bus.
Here is Little Joe “enjoying” some birthday cake after our show. One of the best punk bassists of all time.
Here is Kenny in front of Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece under perpetual construction. If you don’t like religion, it’s also black metal.
We had a day off in Barcelona. This city is absolutely incredible. I highly recommend it. 3.17 – Toulouse, France
Toulouse, France is a beautiful city. Joey and I took a stroll to get some gifts for our families.
On most nights the club feeds you dinner and this was the best food so far. Also, attention all show venues, when there are three punk bands playing you do NOT play punk between the bands. Do it right like this place, Connexion, and play vintage R&B, jazz, etc. The music was unbelievably great. It sounded as good as music playing in a record store.
Plotting world destruction.
T and I forgot our green shirts on St. Patrick’s Day. Fun show. I hung from the rafters on the last song.
Four more shows in France coming up then we head to the UK.
