Australian Tour 2004 – continued.
September 15th Frankston Pier Hotel
The 'Queensland Cough' has got the better of us! Off to the local chemist who supplies us with some Mega vitamins. We spend the day relaxing and recuperating. We've sold out of all the CDs we brought with us. Found a great local company who manage to reproduce some more. We collect them en route to the show.
The Pier Hotel is one of the coldest places in the world. Just what we need at the moment. Had a beautiful pre show meal at Davey's. Crowd on the smallish side but it is a Wednesday. Played a pretty good show despite the odd croak. Even chucked Lost Angels and Cockroach in for good measure. Good meet and greet after the show. Gargles, vitamins and plenty of sleep!
September 16th Ferntree Gully Hotel
Feeling slightly better all around today. Leisurely breakfast at the legendary Greasy Joe's in St. Kilda. Day of laundry and rest. Photo session with the Melbourne Herald Sun at 4:00pm and head off for soundcheck. Had a really good gig, the band is cooking now despite the colds we're having to deal with. The guys in 'Stand' are really cool. They are big Sweet fans and offered to do these 6 shows for nothing. Turns out they are also the backing band for Bruce Kulick (Kiss) and Mike Tramp (White Lion) when they come to Oz, so these guys can really play. Changed the set a bit by playing 'Cockroach' and a blistering version of 'Lost Angels'. Another early night all round.
September 17th Doncaster Shoppingtown.
We arrive at the venue well rested. It looks as if we're playing at somebody's wedding! Circular tables adorn the venue. Turns out to be a great show. Joined onstage by the legendary Wilbur Wilde on sax. The guys in 'Stand' have been to see the new Metallica movie and say it's more Tap than Tap! Luckily we recorded the show and he blasted on Peppermint Twist. Some friends come back to St. Kilda with us and we party till the early hours: only because it's Friday
September 18th Yarraville Club
Are there really two 5 o'clock's in one day? We rise late. The gig was brilliant; much more rock'n'roll. We're on a little circuit of shows here in Melbourne. the promoters are really looking after us. We've got great PA and lights and we're gonna miss the guys on the crew (Thanks Acky, Tony and Wayne). People crammed to the front and we played all night. Chucked in 'You're Crazy' and 'Set Me Free' for good measure. Somebody actually threw a bra onstage! It's Saturday so the only thing to do is crack a few Crownies and get down to the Sunset Strip in St. Kilda. Walk back to the hotel in the sunrise...
September 19th Croxton Park
Had a great lunch at Greasy Joe's. Their burgers are taller than a pint glass!! Even had an afternoon beer (because it's Sunday). Last day in Melbourne. It's been a blast but as today is the end of 6 gigs in a row we are all looking forward to a day off. It hasn't been easy looking after the voices having colds but everybody has played and sung their hearts out. The crowds have given everything. We love it here! Great gig and fantastic crowd, especially for a Sunday night. Early night as we need to be at the airport at 7:30am to fly to Sydney. Thank you to everyone who made the Melbourne shows. Can't believe how quickly the time has flown. Only four shows left....
September 20th Day off Coogee
Back at the lovely Coogee Sands Hotel for the week. Went into Sydney and did the tourist thing. The Sydney Opera House is absolutely beautiful. Andy, Damian and Bruce then went on to the Aquarium. Damian's got some great photos that we'll try and put up soon. Some shopping (they bought me a Crown Lager polo shirt;thank you) personally I think I should be a shareholder by now. We all met for dinner at the Coogee Bay Hotel and even managed the odd bottle of Crown! The Captain arrived at about 10:00pm after having driven 10 hours from Melbourne. He even managed to get a speeding ticket! (Missing the lads). Stayed out later then necessary.
September 21st Day off Coogee
Feeling the force! It's beautiful here! 26 degrees and not a cloud in sight. Had a late breakfast with Damian and the Captain. Planning a nice band meal this evening as it's our last night off. Typing this on Coogee Beach and just off to find an internet cafe to upload.