JAPAN '96 May 11, to May 20, 1996

Charlie Watson Dies

These latest stories come to you from the "Land of the Rising Sun". Robert Cray's charisma with his audience is evident even when he isn't on stage. As we arrived at the hotel, we tiredly watched as a LARGE group of women stood in front of us at the elevators. Thinking it would take at least a couple of elevators to hold all of these women, we watched in amazement while they all got into one elevator. None of us moved, except Robert! As the doors were about to close, he ran quickly to the door opening, put his hands together in an "about to dive" position, and pretended that he was going to "jump in". All to the delight of the ladies as noted by their "tee-hee's".

First show: Kobe! Our first impression upon returning to this city was how quickly the Japanese people were rebuilding after the massive earthquake that hit here not so long ago. Too bad they can't come to San Francisco when they're finished in Kobe. I noticed right away that the Hotel rooms were "normal" size, not what I was expecting. I also found a great place that served spaghetti carbonara near the venue. Later, some of us learned to follow the Japanese crew to some great restaurants and got to try some really great food, although I can't tell you the names of any of them.

The Japanese crews have always been top of the line. This time was no exception. Some unions in the US and other places in the world could really learn a lot. The Japanese pay extreme close attention to detail. The first night they mapped out diagrams of exactly where everything was to go on the stage, they don't play "dumb", and they are right there waiting for directions. Even with a language barrier, they figure out how to understand what you need. Therefore, I want to give a very special thanks to the following members:

Mariko, Michiyo, Wada, Knou, Kato, Masahiro, and Hiromichi !!!! You guys are four star!!!!

Roadies beware! or use this as a great ROAD TRICK: Northern Japan has 50Hz power, not 60Hz. So-o-o-o when you see your fellow tech plug in his power strip and blow it up, making smoke all over the stage, you have a choice. You can laugh and call it a great road trick or you can do what I did....plug your power strip in and blow it up too. That way he won't feel so bad! This brings us to the TECH TIP: When travelling to Japan, bring lots of power strips.

As the tide goes out, we say goodbye to these islands and the special friends we made. Had a great time BUT we Americans can't live on rice alone.....give us BAR-B-QUE !!!!!

I need to take a special moment to say goodbye to Charlie Guitar Watson who died on stage doing what he lived and loved to do. Our deepest sympathies go out his friends and family. He will be greatly missed.