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27.10.2004 -
Hi everyone!
The North American tour is over and what a fantastic tour it has been
on many levels. I can categorically say this has been the most
memorable leg of any USA, Canada and Mexico tour I have ever been on.
Having Annie Lennox and her band open for us every night has been a
great joy. We had an end of tour dinner with her band and crew (paid
for by Annie) in Toronto and Sting made a short speech where he said,
among other things "following you (Annie & band) has been a big
mountain to climb every night". This is so true. But I think it's fair
to say the bill was a perfect one because it was two icons from the
eighties (and beyond) whose music complemented one another. I would
like to openly say thanks again to Annie and Sting for giving me the
great opportunity of opening every show with my 'fifteen minutes'.
This has been such a thrill if not a little daunting at times. I have
never known nerves like that. I managed to conquer them, by the grace
of God, every time but it sure was a challenge playing acoustic
guitar, no vocals, in front of audiences as they were coming in,
grabbing popcorn and generally not knowing who I am. Thankfully I
found a way (or shall I say gimmick) to make people take notice; play
something they all know and don't expect: The Star Spangled Banner.
This worked really well and on some occasions became very emotional. I
saw people carrying beer and food literally stop what they were doing
and listen. I had to remember NOT to play it in Canada and Mexico.
Imagine that! After a few shows I found my way and stuck to a set
which included JS Bach's Air on a G String and tunes from First Touch.
Sting was a real gentleman and caring 'older brother' for closing my
set on Shape of my Heart every night. It's quite a profound feeling
playing classical music in front of some American crowds but it worked
and I'll never forget. The other great thing about opening was the
opportunity to meet some of you while I was signing CD's. One thing is
to sell a lot of albums and another is to see and briefly get to know
who's buying them. Seeing some of you has really helped me understand
this dynamic and what I have learned is I am no different to you nor
you I. Of course I am the 'artist' but you and I have a lot in common.
You are parents (some), hard working, fun loving people who just want
to get on with life on life's terms. I have really enjoyed meeting
some of your kids and thank you for exposing them to our music. I
remember how impressionable I was when I started going to concerts. I
hope I can live up to their expectations as they get older and try and
be something like a good role model. This is not easy but it's worth
it and I will try my best. Kids are so important and are easily taken
for granted because although some of you see them every day it's the
absence of seeing my children that really hits this home. I have
chosen to be a musician which is a very selfish existence or has
become so because I didn't expect to be this successful which has
meant endless long tours around the world.
We had a fantastic last show in Tampa. It was great seeing Frango Girl
there as she has been a great, fun fan for a long time now. Annie's
band were all quite emotional because it was their last. We all gave
each other big hugs and there were grown men (roadies included)
showing tears. Annie is such a beautiful, sincere, honest and kind
woman. Oh, and talented? It's kind of ironic she has an album called
Diva because nothing could be further from the truth. She has no
entourage. I will never forget the experience of working with her and
her band. A lot of people were taking endless photos with each other.
Not me. I have stopped taking pictures because I like to have them in
my mind. Sometimes seeing a photograph actually blurs a memory somehow
cancelling it out. It's like going to see your kid in the school play.
These days they seem more like press conferences because most parents
are quite aggressively trying to get the best position to 'capture'
the moment. Here's my tip of the day. Try and see the school play with
your eyes and your heart. Not a lens and some digital film. It works.
Plus, who will EVER want to see it again anyway. Your daughter won't
let her boyfriend see what she was like aged four, will she? There I
go again, bitching.
We had an interesting time in LA for Sting's birthday in Malibu. What
a party! I've never seen anything like it and I have been to a few of
these things. Fantastic experience and full on. There were celebrities
EVERYWHERE. Not just anyone but trust me, they were 'A-listers' by
far. I won't mention any names but I think Pamela Anderson's ***s have
gotten bigger. Actually, looking around, my wife and I realised we
were the only people we didn't recognise. At one point I thought 'who
am I?' Thanks Sting and Trudie for a memorable night.
I would like to say that I really enjoyed being in Canada more than
ever this time. You are all such cool people. I particularly enjoyed
being in Calgary and Edmonton because we rarely go there. I do believe
I was there on the Soul Cages tour back in '91. I always love being in
Toronto and Vancouver but sadly we couldn't go to Montreal this time.
I think Montreal is my favourite city in Canada. I look forward to
seeing you all again soon I hope.
Off to Europe now for another leg. This should be a good one and I am
really looking forward to seeing all of you. Unfortunately I won't be
doing the opening slot but I can't complain. We have some trumpeter
guy doing it instead. However, I am on the subs bench on the ready! Hi
Gitte, Stepanka, Diana (I have the watch ready for you), Sophie, etc
etc etc. You are all wonderful and I know we are going to make this a
fun tour.
I would like to let you know that I check the website almost daily and
recently have been very amused with the Mi Fe correspondence in the
Forum. You guys crack me up. I am sure we would get on really well!
Thanks to Poems, Michelle, Dee, Edith, Levke and many others for
giving me all this entertainment. Sometimes I show my friends what you
are writing and they find it amusing too. Please keep them coming.
You are probably wondering if I got anything for my wife re what I
said in my 'fifteen minutes'. Well I have and thanks to all of you for
your support. She was into Heavy rock and will always be. I am afraid
to say she is now into Heavy Metal. Better make an album again soon!
Enough said. I just want to say thanks again to all you Americans,
Canadians and Mexicans for a memorable experience playing in your
cities and Europe here we come again!
Love to all,
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