We arrive in Halle with bags of soaking wet clothes in tow. The dryer in our hotel in Magdeburg simply wasn't up to the job, so the first port of call is a laundrette - that also doubles as a cafe bar. Sounds odd, but to our troupe of road sozzled warriors it was a gift from the heavens. We sit supping beverages and eating panini's whilst our pants dry. Harsh electronica dominates the airwaves, one particular featuring the unforgettable line "Life on other planets - is difficult." Well yes, it is certainly not easy, some might say impossible, but I'm all for a dash of cautious optimism!
Tonight's venue was visited on the "Ozona" tour last year and was a highlight so we are looking forward to the gig. As we load in I note they serve strongbow on draught, another indicator that a good evening awaits. We settle down with Spaghetti Bolognaise in the band room with the support band Crashing Dreams, and find them to be a very charming bunch of individuals. Buckling under the weight of carbs, we decide that we should head back to the hotel for a "screensaver." This phrase is used to describe the state prior to a full on nap, but grabbing a few of these whenever possible is definitely beneficial.
The venue is jammed to the rafters when we head back there, and Phil goes down a storm. I get in a reserve of strongbow, and head for the stage, for what proves to be a highlight of the tour. Halle were feeling Saturday Night Fever, and we were a well oiled rock machine. When Robin sings "We Will Not Be Machines" he means that we should not be figures of capitalist oppression. It's OK to be a rock machine in my opinion. After the gig we hang round and meet some lovely locals and enjoy the indie rock disco that follows. I play a bit of air guitar to Rage Against The Machine, then that I really should go and get some sleep since we have another eight nights ahead of us. Nice one Halle, see you again x
Sunday 25th February - Dresden - Scheune
The venue tonight has an adjoining cafe that serves an amazing brunch. You pay eight euro's and help yourself to a massive selection of nutrients and deep fried stuff. It was exactly what the doctor ordered, as another helping of ham and cheese might have resulted in weeping. Tonight we played with two bands from Belgium, all of whom seem like great guys. They huddled around their splitter van in the car park playing indie karaoke and being generally jovial. Then I hear that this is only the second date of their tour, and it makes sense - I envy their zest for life.
Tonight's accomodation is inside the venue, and resembles a boys dormitory at boarding school. Although I don't think you can drink Jim Beam at school, so I guess in some ways it is slightly better. Poor Garo got locked in the room whilst we were soundchecking. Everyone was wondering where he was, but the poor sod was trapped. I suspect some dark thoughts probably passed through his transem in that lonely hour, but he's a professional and rises above it. The gig is OK, although as Mr Partridge would point out it was "Sunday, Bloody Sunday." Still, an encore is demanded and Dresden is a cool place, so we are happy to oblige. Post gig, myself, Stuart and Phil head off into the night and eat pizza, washed down with Green tea. Then back to the dorm before headmaster shouts at us.
