So this is tough – looking back at a week gone by and trying to recount the times had. Especially when you take into consideration the relative routine of van-show-party, compounded by the mass consumption of alcohol. But I’m going to do my best and try again to make this part of a daily routine.
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After leaving Merch-man Baron’s apartment and finally eradicating the cat pee smell from our gear we made it to Rouen, France where we were received with an incredibly warm welcome by Titou of “Of Noise and Ink” (translation) record store and tattoo shop. He literally gave us his flat while he and his pregnant wife stayed with some friends nearby. He then proceeded to hit each one of us with an “Absolument” tour tat at his shop while we casually entertained some patrons with some acoustic accoutrements. Meeting people who are this down with the scene is one of the reasons I continue to tour. Would I recommend checking out some of his insect work and generally amazing style? Absolument!
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We then had a ass-deadening 14 hour drive to Viviero and Oviedo, Spain (respectively) for a semi-private show and, of course, Resurrection Fest. We played what was essentially a private pre-fest show in Viviero at a somewhat dilapidated Spanish Villa that was built circa 16th century. Words cannot do this place justice so we’ve attached some pictures for your perusal-safe to say that we fulfilled all of our quixotic fantasies through mass consumption of the regions finest beverages.
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The next day it was off to Resurrection Fest where we opened the main stage. We had the opportunity to meet and hang with the amazing folks of Deez Nuts, Death By Stereo, Anti-Nowhere League, and Terror. We were also able to ensure that the beverages continued to flow by donning a staff shirt that we found backstage. It’s amazing how the facade of authority can be breached with a little confidence. Special thanks to Motörhead for the beers. The staff apparently didn’t get the memo that Lemmy only drinks Jack.
Up next we were headed to Extremefest in Albi, France. The venue used to be some sort of mine or rock quarry which has since been filled with water and made into water park complete with a wakeboard tram, luge, dirt cart track, skatepark, etc. It was Xtreme and we all had Mountain Dews to celebrate! We, again, had the pleasure of opening the main stage and then sticking around to see Ta Guelle, which features Ed from Uncommon Men, Terror (again), Opium du Peuple, and Satanic Surfers. Quite a lineup. If you’ve never heard of or seen Opium du Peuple think Dwarves meets Gogol Bordello. It’s quite a stage show and worth YouTubing at the very least. Our tour manager had the pleasure of being pulled on stage by one of the band’s lovely backup dancers.
After Extremefest we were treated to a 12 hour van ride to Zurich where we are now sitting out front Club Dynamo swimming on the river on one of the cities major promenades. Can’t wait to play with our buds from The Uprising tonight. Life’s not so bad. Til next time!
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