EUROPE '95 May 30, to July 17, 1995

Who Do You Voodoo?

What a life! What could be better than flying all over the world to do shows! Well, no one tells you that it starts with almost twenty hours of airports, customs, immigration, flying, waiting, sitting, etc., etc., etc., only to get to a hotel and hope you can find something somewhere worth eating (if you can find someone who speaks english). However, this is the "big time" and we have 7 opening shows for the Rolling Stones; those famous bad boys of Rock. It's a "huge" difference from Robert's style of connecting with his audience. Half of these fans can't even see who's singing. Is it really the Stones or is it Milli Vanilli? But once they start playing, it really doesn't matter much. Your eyes travels to the giant, flame-shooting cobra hanging out over the stage; not to mention the massive fireworks display on the song "Jumpin Jack Flash". Then who should appear but giant blow-ups, including the King himself. Hey, now you know where Elvis really is!

With so many shows, there was plenty of traveling; by plane, by ferry, and by land. They did feed us well, though. The Stones have great catering. You can tell they're starting to think like the "older generation" since they also take their own doctors with them.

If you are ever in Nijmegen, Holland, be sure to check out the Erica Hotel; also known as the "Rehab Hotel". It's a great getaway out in the middle of the woods. You will receive rehabilitation to ween you off everything you depend on in every day life. There is no place to do laundry, one-channel TV (no remote), no vending machines or change for vending machines, no food (except when they wanted to serve it), or anything else you might want! All and all it was a great Hotel.

"Life after the Stones" was much more relaxed and pleasant, although we certainly missed the catering. We saw beautiful scenery and castles in Great Britain; a little R & R in Montecatini Terme, Italy by riding a tram to the top of the mountain; but I ofcourse have little to say about France or the French. Especially, when the "witchy" stage manager in Nice, decides to give little to no time (15 minutes) to get the gear on stage and the same to get off. Ofcourse, you can always get around people like her by lifting all the equipment over the fence after she locks the gate; a Hammond Organ only weighs about 300 lbs!

Now for the good stuff: TECH TIP: When you need to block a stratocaster bridge for Sonny Landreth, an unopened wine bottle and a piece of wood does the job nicely. Curious? Just email me and I'll explain. ROAD TRICK: When you see your buddy go into the outhouse, get some friends to bang on it, shake it, and then RUN!