Tour Diaries
The Stranglers. The Best Of British, Midem, 2000.
Day One - 23/01.
Never been to one of these (Midem, an music industry only festival)
before, and I suppose it is not really the 'artists' thing,
more business. We are the main event. The hotel we are at is
the centre of attention every night. Ours is 'the hottest ticket
in town' apparently, and I am aware that we will basically be
performing to most of the music industry in at least Europe.
The hotel reception is packed and we are checked in and hauled
off for dinner. It's like someone has moved all the people in
the business side of music that I've ever met to my hotel!
Day Two - 24/01.
A walk along the seafront in Cannes is a pretty good way to
start the day. At 12 30 we soundcheck and we have Max back with
us for this one. Then on to an intriguing press conference for
the British industry with my old mucker Chris Smith (Culture
Secretary in UK government) where he makes a speech about the
government's commitment to creativity and music in the youth
of Britain etc. It sounded very promising I have to say. Pictures
were taken all round and then we went down to the beach to do
some shots for our good friends Dr Martens which was quite fun.
JJ did an early press conference and a short interview on the
beach and that was that until the gig. I hadn't realised the
effect of seeing these kind of people at a gig, or indeed how
I'd react to being scrutinised as the 'new singer'. I mean,
a Minister is no problem, but under these unusual circumstances
it felt like I was starting with the band again. I guess I need
not have worried, it was a great show and everyone seemed to
love it, subsequently we were told that there hadn't been a
reaction like this for a long time. It was an excellent feeling.....
…..now here's a funny thing.........After the show, a guy in
a hideous blue leopard-skin (draylon or some such thing) jacket
asks me if I remember a guy called Terry Pearce.......!!!!!!!
**** ME I says (in a Cornish accent) "You what mate?". "He says
Hi.". "..who are you?". I'm dumbstuck. "we've been working together
for a few years. I met you years ago at a mutual friends house,
I used to clear rubbish and stuff." (reeeaaally) OK, this is
weird....but then he whips out a CD by the two of them.....Terry
is the guy who played the bass with the band I started singing
in (See I Talk To My Car, Made In Heaven and Brand New Melody
on the discography - C.i.B.). What a shock I can tell you.....talk
about full circle.
Hit the hay at 5 to be up for 9....nice.........in Cannes.
Day Three - 25/01.
Hmmm got up - ish, struggled to breakfast. Went home......
Paul.
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