Fairport's faircop at Cropredy 13/08/09

And so to the last show........

That fabulous institution of Fairport Convention's....Cropredy!

So with an early load in successfully executed James, Si-Fi and Ross head back for the boys..

Ross, now in JT's shoes so to speak, wonder's why his new ipod isn't playing System of a Down anymore.....Simon and I stay to await the arrival of our families...and get a few zzzzzzz's

It's not too long before I'm left holding the baby!

Well, Gabriel did have a little scream when he arrived and was calmed by Simon Nicholls' wife, while Kelly got comfortable...

Jimmy takes up position at the front of house tent with Si-Fi snapping a few shots....and keeping award winning James company.

Cropredy's friendly family festival vibe is not lost on the Winwood crew and band...

Steve's friend's Mike Kellie and Bill Hunt turn up along with Eliza and her fella too.. We also get to meet Ross' lady Sarah too...

Simon's pregnant lady Dee and son Jack arrive, Karl's Wife Tessa with Afi and Remi complete the family vibe...

My son Curig and Karl's boy Remi, already firm friends, hit the festival and go off and cause mayhem side stage...

The picks up where those fabulous Buzzcocks left off....Big hi to Steve Diggle who spent some time with us before the show drinking champagne and waxing lyrical.

A wicked show indeed!

Dave Pegg is behind me the whole show and later joined by the rest of Fairport, except Simon Nicholl who graces James and Simon at front of house... Steve Diggle also turns up to enjoy some top playing from the band and a hot performance from Mr.Winwood!

So we hit HQ for a few beers and a wind down......

Falmouth....Training Day 11/08/09

And so with ~Jet Glow gone to attend his buddies wedding with our old friend Mr.Fields, it's time to usher in some new blood!



Meet Andy 'Spricket' Lansley,(left) and Simon' Si-Fi' Turner(right) along with the usual Crew monthly pose.

This month's featurette is on 'Hanging Tough'.....

We have a great load in and one of the faces is very familiar indeed...It's Andy from Bristol..

With a bit of time before sound check I'm fixing strings for Jose with my good friend Steve Parker, a local of Falmouth..who supplies some much the needed 10's!

We hit the beech for a quick catch up and some sun...

So what do you eat when visit the seaside? Why fish and chips of course.....everybody enjoyed!

Moments before the show and the crowd are excited....if you look carefully you can see Steve, like some latter day where's wally..it's stalk Steve!

What a great show..the crowd went wild!!

The new boys had done well and load out was smooth. The long drive home was full of Sci-Fi chat with Andy and Simon followed by a bit of audiophile natter with an impromptu meeting of the CAS!

The day we flew back to Germany 30/07/09

And so with myself and JT covering the band, James and Steve flew ahead.
Jiohnny's first order is for wine, the breakfast of champions!

It's time for a little rest between flights...

In a Belgian bar Jose and JT's friend, Charlie Lombok discuss the finer points of life..

Donau'wotits'worth 31/7/09

And finally.............our lastr gig in mainland Europe.

Brian, a repatiated American and all round good guy, tells us of the bikers who will be attending.

JT and I envisage gig hairy blues and rock loving motorcyclist's.

Just at this moment a guy walks in front of the stage weaing full cycling regalia with shades, bandana and beard... could this be Jose's German doppelganger?


A bicycling festival?

Oh yes! With some bike's backstage too....

It's not long before the fun begins...well I thought so anyway.

Simon decides to bother the lovely lady on security with that old favourite:

'Can you see the blue parrot?'..really Simon!

Paul booth does some shamefull self promotion... www.paulboothsax.com

A top performance by the master and commander!

JT reflects on the fun times...he's home and wont be back for the las 2 UK dates...

He will be missed :)

Google-heim 29/07/09

A day off in Bilbao and we head off into town..each to find his own ting!

James hits the nail on the head first by finding a wireless spot and wastes no time in receiving another 100 emails, the the life of a global mogul!

Steve has a chat with the local promoter while James takes time to answer his mail...

Johnny T scopes out the locale for a decent wine store..but finds a great big shinny building instead.
We all walk on in style, I must confess to not quite feeling myself at that time.

So we sit down to gather strength and take in the museum, especially after witnessing probably the best installation EVER!

Unfortunately there was no footage taken as the 'man/ woman in the blanket-dragon' was just too much of a surprise.

So we all enjoy the dog and head off back to the hotel, without finding a decent tobacconist for Steve, wine shop for JT or photography shop for yours truely.

We did however all marvel at the local bus route......

Rocky Bilbao...28/07/09

And so to Northern Spain... It's all a bit greener and we are greeted by rain!

We hit the hotel a day before show and Steve, James, Johnny and I go to a friendly local bar and discover Gulas....mmm baby eels baby!



After a good nights rest we get a decent welcome at the venue and the locals again are extremely quick in getting to work!


With the band shopping Simon waste's no time in getting his cuddle from our promoter's rep Marjorie.

Johnny T just can't get away from his past!

That Jet Lag tour was a bitch too...
One time me and Johnny we're in this venue..*ramble ramble*....*blurt yawn*...

So the stage is set and after a mad rush to the only music shop in the village to get strings, we're ready!

Actually whilst tuning Jose's guitars I banged my head 3 times on the advertising screen's they lowered onto the stage....

So with a false start due to our aging B3 we get going....

But not for long as Johnny has to hit the volume pedal for some emergency TLC...

What a guy!
So with all kit in order and Karls' dropped shaker back in place, the show is hot hot hot!

What a crowd, Jimmy gets a top sound and really pushes the p.a. whilst the crowd are whipped into a frenzy!

Simon has been held up at merch central, so I employ Pinky to dismantle his drums.

What a great job too! I fired Simon then hired Pinky, re-hired Simon and fired Ross..
Then fired myself and hired George!

It was that kind of night :)

He's second from the right..with Perky George to his right.

Thanks guys...

So back to our favourite bar for more refreshment before bed...

Alicante 26/07/09

It's back indoors with some air conditioning for this one..but still we find ourselves sweating!

Simon takes time out and acts out King Lear, in his mind, whilst watching the band sound check.

Johnny T sits back and enjoys Richard 'machine gun' Bailey...nice!

Lots of colourful background lighting for today's show.

Really nice old theatre today with courtyard bars surrounding it!

Cool gig tonight with a lot of english in the audience, including some special guests.

My guests for the show Lin and Richard arrive with Paul's guests, Jim and Chris.......................

Small world!

The Williams' put me up and look after me well.....taking me out on their boat for a spot of site seeing too!

Thanks guys :)

San Javier Jazz 25/07/09

Back to the land of tans and tapas, sea, sand and the Spanish!

Jimmy takes the truck to task and drives to the venue..


Load in is a great success thanks to eager locals and your faithful narrator's dripping crew.



So it's time for a little wander into the town to find some refreshments and tapas...


Ross makes sure he stays in the shade during sound check while Paul enjoys his newly aquired bongo bell beater..

Karl also enjoys his tambourine pedal thanks to a top German store near Winerbach who fixed it!

Thanks Soundland :)

Dangerous James checks sound in the concrete amphitheatre that is our hot plate.


Wicked gig, as Karl would say!

Winterbach and forth... 23/07/09

So we arrive at yet another converted big top!

Load- in is a rude affair, it's so hot and humid inside!

The Crew are reduced to speedo's!

***BLANK IMAGE***

Dangerous James and Mad Marco keep it real back stage..



While Steve sit's in his caravan and tries to get onto the front cover of 'Pipe Times'


Johnny T's old buddy from back home in N.Carolina..Mr Bogie Bowles is around today...

What a lovely man, and he plays drums for Mr.Joe Bonamassa too!

We're sharing the stage today with Joe Bonamassa who has the lovely Sandi Thom singing with him.

If you look carefully at the first pic...you may just see her :)

I'm joined stage right by Joe's g-tech, Dave who like's Jeremy Clarkeson, horse riding and cigars!

We catch a bit of his show before we switch stages..Rockin hard!

And it's time for Neto to dual another guitarist!

Go Neto Go!!

PS: Jack Black lookalike Bass tech for Bonamassa moonwalks to Gimme Some Loving......

NICE!!!

Duisberger Baby! 23/07/09

It's time for a fab crew lunch with Steve and our promoter's rep, Marco.

During which we are entertained by a wasp eating a moth, excellent!

Sound check enjoys the crew running around fixing problems..etc..

Ross has more than his fair share with the tambourine foot pedal!

Light up?

The morphing of Jet Poe into Johnny T is nearly complete!

King Tutt-lingen! 22/07/09

And so with another hefty hike to the gig, Jimmy, Johnny and Jay waste no time in getting to the top!
Against the advice of Jimmy, Johnny tries to break in!

And so it's a moment in the back stage area and more beer!

Billy Smart's electric Circus..or is it the venue?

And a good time was had by all....

Wunderlust! 20/07/09

And so did three intrepid explorers venture forth into the black Forest!

Dead branches were found and fashioned into walking sticks.

The road was long and arduous, the explorers took shelter in a cave for a moment...

The glory of the vista was not lost on the walkers as they enjoyed the summit.

And it's into the local brewery to wet their parched throats and fill their empty bellies..

What a great day, in fact everyone came back to the pub to eat, drink and be merry..*hic*..

Some of us, having had a head start however, drank a little too much of the dark heve weisse...

Serenadenhof, Nurnberg 19/07/09

Today we find ourselves in the unfinished congress hall in Nurnberg.

We're all overwhelmed by it's size......Simon especially....

Family shot...

Now for sound check... Global mogul J.Towler checks his stocks between numbers.......while Uwe takes financial advice....nice!

JT sits in for Richard, as Richard teaches Simon the joys of more 'bell!

And a courtyard full to the brim all have a jolly good time!

Here Peer Beer Here 18/07/09

And so to Belgium for some fine frites with mayonaise, blues and beer!

Steve, Simon, Ross, Karl and myself all hit the festival market.

Ross, lover of slogan shirts soon finds a tee, followed closely by fellow trucker Simon who buys a couple of baby tee's for his expectant Dee.....

I decline the cigar smoking purveyor of slogan shirts, this time.......

Quick food at the VIP restaurant where our orders arer accepted by the slightly confused staff.

Simon it appears is not allowed any brod!

So with a few hours to kill everyone files into the production room and we all fight in vain to get online.

Backstage security is tight and only children accompanied by adults can get in!


We finally get the stage and as we've built the stage super quick it's time for our crew monthly shot!

JT brings Steve a belgium treat for some light refreshment.

Show goes well and our after show meal is disturbed by a well oiled Rolf Harris impersonator, who claims to be mellow and own 2 goats and 4 chickens...

Royal 'Lemming' (ton) Spa 14/07

Back to Blighty and a gig on home turf!

So with all the cases loaded and stage set it's time play!

What a backstage area.....


A happy Steve gives Ross a push start.

James tries to get a better deal with the local promoter.

Ross and I go for a spin.

JT wonders at Ross' new caravan.


So with Muff, Mike Kellie and the boys from Fairport in attendance the gig kicks off to a fine start!


I get heckled on the load out by a cheeky feller....

I get my revenge by getting him on to the tail lift........but fail to get him in the back of the truck!

North Sea Jazz 12/07

After a well earned day off in Luxembourg we hit the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam.

A quick call to my eldest boy Curig to wish him Happy 13th Birthday and it's time to scout the venue.

As we try and find our way around it becomes very apparent to James and myself is how much of a labyrinth it all is!

As we arrived early we have some time to kill....the band find their way to the hotel.

Ross explores his ipod while Uwe, our driver enjoys the internet.

Steve and Jet go off in search of seafood.... A mission that doesn't go according to plan.

They do find food and end up coming back via one of the event's shuttles, full of performers all dressed in their Sunday best :)

Meanwhile the labyrinthian site now filled with thousands of people proves more than a challenge for James, Ross and myself as we go in search of food....

Not a lot of fun.......

Thankfully the food was great :)

So we prepare back stage during Seal's performance.

A few words are passed between his lovely brass section, some of which are know to by our own Paul Booth...

As soon as the performance is over Seal flies out around the corner straight towards Simon...

Whose retort is a hearty 'Well Done'....Perhaps he should have said..Jolly good show too!

And it's time to hit the stage..

Today's special guest is the fabulous guitarist, and all round nice man, Derek Trucks.

So guitar world has a couple of extra bodies on top of Derek and Bobby-his right hand man.

Things are settled nicely by a quick Russel Crowe impersonation by yours truly..

And what a blinder!!!

Derek Joins the band for Low Spark then Crossroads...

Low spark sees Derek soar through his solo, later joined by a Jose in dual of stratospheric consequence I'm sure!

As I wonder around the stage snapping away with my Nikon I find one Jamie Cullum Bopping away during Crossroads...Nice!

So it's Cigars and 'Vanden' Grolsch before home....

We all came down to Montreux, 9-10/7/9

As our bus carefully winds its way through the Alps we are followed by Ross & Simon in the truck of brotherly love.

A gentle tap from a sleepless Karl wakes me from my slumber and camera in hand I feast my eyes.

It's a quick bag drop and back to the venue to await the truckers.

With locals like help from a top crew of locals we hit the stage and set up in good time.

Sound check happens and it's time to strike the stage as Derek Trucks, then David Sanborn both have their sound checks..

So it's an 11 o'clock show and we leave about 3.30......

What to do?

A bite and a kip :)

What a show!

Steve plays and sings a blinder.

A fine set of solo's from each band member.

A guest appearance from Chaka Khan during Higher love.

Followed by a cool load out and drinks in the Jazz club....

We end up in my room watching sunrise from my balcony.

Jet Poe tries to explain the mechanics of the event in sign..

So after a few hours sleep Ross, Simon and myself head off in search of food....

Madame Mercury finds a very happy Simon as Ross and I capture the moment.

And it's off to find Vaffels...mmmm ve luv vaffles...

The evening is rounded off by the sweet tones of Baltik Folk tunes delivered in a Heavy Metal fashion..Rock it!!

Udine, Ooh- deen..eh? Houdini! 8/7/9

As we open our bleary little eyes we are welcomed by the sun to the extremely picturesque town of Udine.

James, Simon, Ross and myself decide it's time to hit the streets in search of pasta.

After taking our fill it's time to wind our way up to Ill Castillo.

How simply the views captivate us all as we wait for the local stage hands to arrive.

Jet Poe tries to use his super powers to create a rope for the well......

On this tour it appears that our favourite saxophobist Paul Booth thinks the show needs more cowbell..

A sentiment Ross shares and employs the label printer to exemplify.

Meanwhile, just moments before the show our hero finds himself locked in the lavatory!

What to do, muses Steve..

A quick listen reveals a fluting Booth, and in moments he is rescued.....Hoorah!!

Goodnight, said Florence....7/7/9

After some sleep we all meet for breakfast in the sun....except a sleepy Ross.

James stayed up late to make sure Simon and Ross made it safe..

Paul and I decide to go for a swim in the outdoor pool to loosen up.

As we both get into the empty pool a peel of thunder strikes and the pool guard turfs us out.....but offers us refreshment.

At this point Karl arrives followed by a torrential downpour.

This soon subsides and we enjoy a few lengths.

So with commissionaire Neto guarding our bags we wait for our lift to the venue.

All goes well and we hit the stage for the first load in.....

Sound check goes well and Jose and Paul stay a while to play.

And it's off with the promoters assistants for a slap up Italian....grrrrrrrrrrreat!

A great first gig is had and we hit the road.....

While the cat's away........

With Young Gabriel and Kelly left at home

The mouse evicted from the mouse organ (Traffic's original B3 actually)

The truck packed for the long voyage, with spare bean bag of course!

It's off to Florence, Italy!

Home 25/01/09

After 2 hours sleep.....Steve, Richard, Paul, Karl and myself meet to catch our flights home.

James stays in NYC.....with Tash.

Tyler goes back to Cheetah in LA.

JT and John travel home with Tim an Jose flies home to San Fransisco.


I arrive at 10pm, GMT, to a very happy wife.

Until next time readers.....Keep on Running!

Kingston Mayhem 24/01/09

Last show and a little prank is to be dealt to Mr Paul "I can play both at once" Booth....



I've already got a plan now all I need is some rice and a workshop.

Bob and Sarah help in my time of need...


After quite a few attempts to get rice into the baby rattle, we get there, and all is set for Different Light.

At first Paul can't find his shaker.....I run on and hand the rattle to him.

Richard and Karl find this very amusing.

The gig goes down a storm.


And it's last time to play......'Where's the setlist!'....with your host Jet Poe!



Load out is not without it's problems as one of our cases gets wedged because the trailer is on a slant! Eventually it all goes in and it's back to the dressing room for pizza and a ride to the airport hotel.

Fiagra Nalls 22/01/09

Ah now then....it really is a bit chilly today!

Before setting the stage I'm off with Mr Paul Booth to check out the famous site.


We end up having an argument and spend some time on a snow covered bench to cool off!!!


JT, John, Karl and Steve also take in the sight....

Karl finds it all a bit too cold........
Meanwhile on a heated tour bus James and I battle wits in a game of Chess.

The show is a belter!! The kids loved it.... :)

After the trailer is packed and those waiting for autographs informed that Mr. W would not be out anytime soon....we all go back to our rooms for some well needed sleep before hitting the road..

Lancaster bomber!! 22/01/09

This is my favourite crew of the tour!

They jump aboard and all our cases are landed on the stage and set early!

..............( Alex, Neil and Julia)

In fact James and Steve arrive with the stage practically set.

Alex and I get along famously with similar sense of humour.

Over lunch we're taken good care of by Autumn and Laura, who work in the theatre's costume dept....more on that later ;)

So all is set and ready I have to pop off to Target to get a couple of tools and a new ironing board! Julia, the runner, helps out there...without her yellow jacket!

John gets familiar with Julia and a very shy Jesse.

The show goes well and I can't resist using one of their props whilst getting Jose's guitar at the end of the show.

Day off with Tim Robinson!

John and I ride with Tim to get the Bus washed and do a spot of shopping on the return.

Good old Macy's... a nice pair of jeans!

Fye provide John with Fletch Lives and Tropic Thunder.

And Tim gets an iPod lead :) from Radio Shack.

Steve and James have left for New York to see their beloved ones and JT for his cousin's. Steve has charged me with the responsibility of taken everyone out.


After a chat to our friendly receptionist, Danielle, we grab 2 cabs and proceed at great speed to Libretti's restaurant in Orange.


With great food and a fantastic atmosphere...Richard enjoyed his Birthday ;)


Thanks to Sandy and all the Maria's there, we had a great night out!

Inauguration day, Montclair, New Jersey....the one the only! 20/01/09

Into Soprano land we go!

I've got my eyes peeled just in case I see Dr. Melfi's practice...but alas, no luck!

A good crew, Gus, Jason, Rich all help take us to the stage.

Sound check goes well and it's time to get fed!


Just time to iron a shirt and figure what to do with the $9 ironing board that won't collapse anymore.

Tyler, John, Richard and myself hit the sushi bar..with a bit of a time limit!


A couple of fans, Sasha and her friend( sorry forgot your name!) buy us a round of green tea, unfortunately Richard has left as they don't serve alcohol.

We get our miso soup but are left waiting for the entree...too late I have to go and set the stage.

John bring me my sushi and the tiny portion is devoured with gusto.

We hit home with a top gig under our belts and a new American in the White House...

Baltimore Symphony Hall 19/01/09

In stark contrast to Foxwoods we have very few hands to help, something to do with Lincoln..apparently!

So with stage set and some fine crab cakes for lunch....

Soundcheck goes swimmingly.



Symphony hall, in it's 1960's sci-fi glory is enjoyed by all......

Except James who is left to battle with the bass demon....

Duck Poe in another hilarious episode of 'where's the setlist!'...this week fans we find it in his hand!

Richard Bailey tried out his enormous new cowbell...it's bigger than a cat!!


Meanwhile in the bowels of the building Steve and I find some costumes...




Afterwards while the cases enter the very icy trailer, we meet Alice from China and her American friend and have some nice conversation.


This pic was taken by Alice whilst we pack away the stage..Thanks

Chicken Balti...more..groan:>18/01/09

With the semi-finals of Superbowl 2009 upon us and Baltimore's Raven's deciding match on.......it was gonna be a busy night off!


First for some crab cakes.....yummy!

Steve, James, John and myself head down the street to Luna di Sea and are served by a most animated waitress who delivers are menu expertly.

ohn's buddy Bruce lives in the city and together with Tyler we head for some more crab cakes, whilst the aforementioned game is in play..

The Baltimore Ravens don't win.. :(

But we have a top night out and get a good night's sleep.

Foxy lil wood! 17/01/09

There it is deep and crisp and even....

As soon as the stage doors open we're swamped by local crew!
They quickly and expertly take our gear out of the frosty trailer and into the warm venue..

Meanwhile Tyler practices his reverse striptease to Hockey! A ritual he's found hard to break..

As soon as we're set Jet Poe suddenly remembers his Disco Power!!

James steps in to sing back up on Gimme some lovin!

Tylers light show blinds us all, as usual!

Top show....and we're outta Connecticut!

United Palace 16/01/09

So If Nashville was a shock to system and a sharp reminder that it was winter...

This was to be a trip to Iceland!

Stage is set and soundcheck is good..

During Soundcheck steve spots 4 gold painted leslie cabinets bolted high, 2 at each side of the stage!



Jet thinks he's seen a ghost but John stares on oblivious..that crazy Jet!

Groovy....now to find some fine food before the show!

Just around the corner we find a top Dominican restaurant....great fish!!


So with full bellies we hit the Palace and what a blinder of a show.....

.....................................The kids went wild.....