So as to be sure to completely dismantle the rock star myth (at least as it applies to your humble reporter) I must tell you that this final tour report is being written not in my luxury hotel suite with flowing champagne, cocaine and supermodel/whores, but rather, here in arid, but bustling, Primm, Nevada. Home of the world famous Primm Fashion Outlet Mall.
That’s right, I’m here doing what millions of other American men are doing today: Sitting in the food court while my wife shops. And I’m not complaining either. We’re talking deep discounts here. 60% off on Kenneth Cole (one of my personal favorites). Christmas shopping is upon us and I am no exception to it. It’s fun. I appreciate just being part of a life that’s a good life, that’s ongoing and connected to my friends and family. A definite improvement over the way things used to be for me.
I find real enjoyment in doing regular things that regular folks do. We just visited the Meteor Crater just east of Flagstaff, AZ and then went to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. It was a ball. I never used to be able to do these kinds of things, because I was radioactive. I emanated negativity from within. I was just too cool for school, too hip and too damn smart for my own good. As is now, I’m having a ball, y’all.
The tour itself ended last week in Owensboro, KY, after 13 shows across the mid-south and Texas. And what a grand undertaking it was. I repeat, Cheap Trick get extra cool points for having the courage to bring me out on the road with them. They definitely stepped up, and they told me it was great for them too. Their fans got to have a night’s music that was completely different that anything they have ever heard before. And judging by the feedback I got every night at the merchandise table, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The best part was getting to play for people who never heard of me before. Mainstream music fans in middle America. I heard it over and over, "I’m sorry, I never heard of you, but that was great music!" We actually sold out of Adult World by tour’s end. I’ve been trying to sell out for years. It finally happened.
I couldn’t have heard anything better from the many, many folks I spoke to after the shows. It was humbling and inspiring. I was a little perplexed to occasionally hear remarks like, "Man, I’m glad you had the courage to stand up there and tell it like it is." And, "we need more people to talk that way."
Now, I don’t think I live in a different world than anybody else or that I’m any braver or more outspoken than many other folks, but it struck me as strange that my attitudes and observations would sound so radical to middle America. Am I being naive? Or is there a lot more fear present in our country than I thought there was? I have no problem with someone who disagrees with me. In fact, vigorous discourse is necessary to a healthy democracy and should be encouraged. What struck me was the fear of discussion that was expressed. Maybe Ashcroft & Co. have chilled dissent to a degree that exceeds my grasp or perhaps there’s a deeper apprehension for the future than I thought might be happening. Obviously there’s a problem here that deserves further study.
I do need to say a bit more about my hosts. Cheap Trick also showed me how a band can survive and remain one of the most successful touring acts in the business and be completely ignored by MTV and radio. (Not that anyone who ever cared about music would try to find it in those two places in the first place.) And, they know how to run a road show correctly. A real bunch of pros. Thank you, brothers.
As always, Doug Lunn and Eric (E-ROCK) Gardner played beautifully every night. They are a consummate rhythm section and are becoming one of the most in-demand outfits in LA. They go from my gig to jazz club dates to pop, rock and even Persian and Brazilian music gigs! I am blessed to have them in my life and work.
New keyboardist Gary Matsumoto also rose to the occasion in fine style. I know coming on my band can be a challenge. We do a lot of unorthodox things musically and I ask a lot of the players, but this is what makes the gig fun. There are plenty of groups that play conventionally, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I just need something else. Musically and in every other way, our "Secret to Anti-Matter Tour" was a great success. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make it happen.
Now it’s back to work on the 10,000 things we want to do in the new year.
Speaking of which, let me wish everyone a happy holiday season and thank you all for the support. See you next year!
Best, w
That’s right, I’m here doing what millions of other American men are doing today: Sitting in the food court while my wife shops. And I’m not complaining either. We’re talking deep discounts here. 60% off on Kenneth Cole (one of my personal favorites). Christmas shopping is upon us and I am no exception to it. It’s fun. I appreciate just being part of a life that’s a good life, that’s ongoing and connected to my friends and family. A definite improvement over the way things used to be for me.
I find real enjoyment in doing regular things that regular folks do. We just visited the Meteor Crater just east of Flagstaff, AZ and then went to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. It was a ball. I never used to be able to do these kinds of things, because I was radioactive. I emanated negativity from within. I was just too cool for school, too hip and too damn smart for my own good. As is now, I’m having a ball, y’all.
The tour itself ended last week in Owensboro, KY, after 13 shows across the mid-south and Texas. And what a grand undertaking it was. I repeat, Cheap Trick get extra cool points for having the courage to bring me out on the road with them. They definitely stepped up, and they told me it was great for them too. Their fans got to have a night’s music that was completely different that anything they have ever heard before. And judging by the feedback I got every night at the merchandise table, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The best part was getting to play for people who never heard of me before. Mainstream music fans in middle America. I heard it over and over, "I’m sorry, I never heard of you, but that was great music!" We actually sold out of Adult World by tour’s end. I’ve been trying to sell out for years. It finally happened.
I couldn’t have heard anything better from the many, many folks I spoke to after the shows. It was humbling and inspiring. I was a little perplexed to occasionally hear remarks like, "Man, I’m glad you had the courage to stand up there and tell it like it is." And, "we need more people to talk that way."
Now, I don’t think I live in a different world than anybody else or that I’m any braver or more outspoken than many other folks, but it struck me as strange that my attitudes and observations would sound so radical to middle America. Am I being naive? Or is there a lot more fear present in our country than I thought there was? I have no problem with someone who disagrees with me. In fact, vigorous discourse is necessary to a healthy democracy and should be encouraged. What struck me was the fear of discussion that was expressed. Maybe Ashcroft & Co. have chilled dissent to a degree that exceeds my grasp or perhaps there’s a deeper apprehension for the future than I thought might be happening. Obviously there’s a problem here that deserves further study.
I do need to say a bit more about my hosts. Cheap Trick also showed me how a band can survive and remain one of the most successful touring acts in the business and be completely ignored by MTV and radio. (Not that anyone who ever cared about music would try to find it in those two places in the first place.) And, they know how to run a road show correctly. A real bunch of pros. Thank you, brothers.
As always, Doug Lunn and Eric (E-ROCK) Gardner played beautifully every night. They are a consummate rhythm section and are becoming one of the most in-demand outfits in LA. They go from my gig to jazz club dates to pop, rock and even Persian and Brazilian music gigs! I am blessed to have them in my life and work.
New keyboardist Gary Matsumoto also rose to the occasion in fine style. I know coming on my band can be a challenge. We do a lot of unorthodox things musically and I ask a lot of the players, but this is what makes the gig fun. There are plenty of groups that play conventionally, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I just need something else. Musically and in every other way, our "Secret to Anti-Matter Tour" was a great success. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make it happen.
Now it’s back to work on the 10,000 things we want to do in the new year.
Speaking of which, let me wish everyone a happy holiday season and thank you all for the support. See you next year!
Best, w
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