Airport Thoughts
I sit in a reasonably plush hotel room at Detroit Metro airport. Last night was the end of the Gaslight Anthem tour for me, and seeing as I have an arse of a journey ahead of me, followed pretty much immediately by rehearsals and another tour, I thought I'd splash out on a nice room. I'm well rested after last night's shennanigans and ready to head home. I'm really excited about coming back to England - not just for the sight of small fields under grey skies from the window of the plane as we come into land, but also because this next tour is a massive deal for me. These are the biggest headline shows I've ever played, and I'm eager to get stuck into them. Roll on the tour.
Farewell America. This has been easily the best US tour that I've done so far - in terms of the shows, the company, everything. I've made a whole bunch of new friends along the way, and been blown away by meeting people who know the words to my songs in far flung corners of the continent. Who knew that at my first ever Vancouver show there'd be a home-made banner welcoming me onstage? I remember seeing Boy Sets Fire back in 1998 (Kneejerk's first gig as well, incidentally). Nathan made a comment about how mad it was to have people sing back songs written in a Delaware basement in London. I kinda feel like I know what he was talking about now. I also had a blast hanging out with The Loved Ones and Murder By Death, two excellent bands made up of excellent people.
A final word. Sometimes I think people aren't expressive enough of their gratitude in life. Well, here's mine. Since hooking up with The Gaslight Anthem crew at the start of the year, they've taken me with them on two tours covering 9 countries and playing to many thousands of people. It's done my fortunes an immeasurable amount of good. I've watched them from the merch stand night after night and can honestly say I've never been close to being bored - they're excellent. I'm also pleased to count them as friends. So, to Brian, Alex, Alex and Benny, as well as their crew (particularly Hollie), I'll raise a toast. Thanks guys.
Farewell America. This has been easily the best US tour that I've done so far - in terms of the shows, the company, everything. I've made a whole bunch of new friends along the way, and been blown away by meeting people who know the words to my songs in far flung corners of the continent. Who knew that at my first ever Vancouver show there'd be a home-made banner welcoming me onstage? I remember seeing Boy Sets Fire back in 1998 (Kneejerk's first gig as well, incidentally). Nathan made a comment about how mad it was to have people sing back songs written in a Delaware basement in London. I kinda feel like I know what he was talking about now. I also had a blast hanging out with The Loved Ones and Murder By Death, two excellent bands made up of excellent people.
A final word. Sometimes I think people aren't expressive enough of their gratitude in life. Well, here's mine. Since hooking up with The Gaslight Anthem crew at the start of the year, they've taken me with them on two tours covering 9 countries and playing to many thousands of people. It's done my fortunes an immeasurable amount of good. I've watched them from the merch stand night after night and can honestly say I've never been close to being bored - they're excellent. I'm also pleased to count them as friends. So, to Brian, Alex, Alex and Benny, as well as their crew (particularly Hollie), I'll raise a toast. Thanks guys.
posted by frank at 3:16 PM
10 Comments:
Feeling reflective before the UK tour, Frank? I still have a mental image from an old blog post of yours where you were chasing lights from the glitterball with GA at a European venue (while the Levellers were moaning about their illnesses on their tour blog lol). They do sound great.
But give yourself more credit too... you're ace, you work bloody hard and you keep in touch with your fans on here - all of which has also done your fortunes an immeasurable amount of good.
Next week still seems a long time away but I for one can't wait to see you headline in Manchester. And again in March. Happy rehearsing!
Loved your set in Milwaukee, Frank. Wish it would have been longer. Can't wait til you come back and do a headline show.
I second what Rob posted Frank. Your show in Minneapolis was wonderful! While we stopped into the Cabooze expressly to see your set, I know from talking to folks in the crowd that you won over many new fans with your talent, energy and obvious love of performing. The only complaint was your limited stage time. I am holding out hope you will include a stop here again on a headline tour soon!
While others are at it, I would like to say that your presence in Milwaukee was something I will not forget.
and on the topic of gratitude, and although I am not sure if you personally pay much attention to this sort of thing, I have to thank you. I was the silly thing that showed up late and missed your show, and you were brilliant enough to play a little bit more outside at the end of the night. It was an awful day inside of an awful week for me, and you turned it right around. Drunk and tired, you still played beautifully, and you turned one of the saddest things ever into something wonderful. I am still sad to have missed your set, but you still gave me something great.
So, thank you, sir. Fer real. It meant a lot to me.
I wish you the best of the luck on your continuing tours, and I, like the rest, hope to see you back here soon.
I can't help but feel like i'm just repeating everything everyone else is saying, but...
Your show in Grand Rapids was pretty much amazing. Thanks for coming out, probably one of the best shows i've ever been to.
good luck back in England, it sounds pretty fucking exciting, and looking forward to seeing you out this way again!
Patric
Hey Frank. They're talking about you on http://www.punktorrents.com
FRANK!
Im going to see you at Plymouth Uni later this month! I cannot wait! :D
im so glad that you choose to do a gig down here, i wouldn't be able to see you otherwise(not being able to drive and all)
im so glad your doing so well, you really deserve it.
Anyway im realllllllllly looking forward to your gig!
peace
x
Cya in Nottingham!!
Good luck with the tour, if its as good as everything thats come before it, it'll be damn good!
All the best, cant wait
You are really working hard for your tour.I wish you have great tour ahead.I always like your music and songs and hope I can come in the concert in your next tour.
bildschirmschoner aquarium
Frank you were immense in Manchester tonight! I was grinning my way through your entire set! My friend got to meet you at the bar and said you were super nice! I'm so jealous, but I wouldn't have traded in my place at the front for the world!
We'll see you in March! Manchester loves you most!
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