News From The Road

The tour is in full swing now but has hit a minor snag. The Denver show has been postponed, it will be made up on April 12th.

The band is finally out of their adopted state of Florida. Now it feels like we are finally on the road. Different city every day, different hotels, it’s great! Rockin’ stops in Charlotte, Atlanta and Greensboro. We stocked up on the boiled peanuts in the land of red clay. Speaking of peanuts, Jimmy Carter sent the guys an autographed copy of his latest book. It arrived backstage at the show at Philips Arena. The band then signed a beautiful Les Paul for his Habitat for Humanity charity. Derek St. Holmes of Whitford St. Holmes was in attendance. If you get a chance pick up the Whitford St. Holmes or Pandora’s Box CD’s and listen to the song “Sharpshooter” on 11.

After the show in Houston all the guys, except for Joe, headed to San Antonio. On the off-day Joe and his family went to the opening night of “Cavalia.” As I told you a few reports back that Joe, Billie and Roman toured the stables in Washington, DC. Joe and I had to miss that show to catch a red eye flight to LA, but Billie and Roman stayed and saw that show. First let me tell you about “Cavalia.” The show is set up in a big tent but there are no signs of Barnum or Bailey here. It’s Horses, Horses and more Horses! It’s almost like the ballet for horses. I can’t get my dog to give me his paw and these animals are doing handstands. Joe spent a lot of time again in the stables and this time in Houston he got to see the show. If it’s in your town I highly recommended seeing it.

Old Ross Halfin was in Houston bitching and moaning like a young school-girl. I can’t even remember what it was about but it probably had to do with someone spilling a Texas-size beer on him. If he wore pants instead of daisy dukes and white tennis socks with the pomp pomp’s snipped off he might stay dry once and in a while - and not get picked on by rowdy Texans. I had the pleasure of having breakfast with him in San Antonio but later learned he charged the meal to my room. I got him back a few days later in Dallas. He told me in confidence that when he dies he wants his ashes spread out on Brokeback Mountain all friendly. He did bring some amazing photos from the last go-round for the band to approve.

Lenny couldn’t make the San Antonio show due to illness but he was back at the Dallas show. He was replaced in San Antonio by a local band called “Sexto Sol.” They reminded me of a cross between Los Lobos and Santana. Steven gave them a shout out at the end of the show.

The Dallas show brought out Ted Nugent. He hung out with the guys and gave Steven and Joe some kind of medal before the show. I am not quite sure what it was for and I don’t think the twins of toxic knew either. He joined the guys on stage for Train. He took to the stage looking like it was the first day of hunting season. The end of the song climaxed with each guitarist taking a solo and Brad just shredded. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - Brad is the most underrated guitar player in the history of Rock and Roll. I feel fortunate to get to hear him play each night and it doesn’t hurt that he’s a great guy and fellow 3 Stooges fan.

Old friend John Kalodner made a surprise visit in Dallas. It was good to see John. I’ve known him for about 15 years now and he will always tell you like it is. He’s a class act!

The long awaited 3rd leg tickets are on sale and going like hot cakes. Cheap Trick will be back aboard as support. Rick may even throw a pick or two this tour. Rumor has it he goes through a couple of hundred a night.

Aerosmith will be playing a lot of the lost cities that they don’t get to that often. I’ve got to say I have been to a lot of cities but I’ve never been to Lansing. I’m sure it’s going to be nuts!

Looks like Steven and Joe will be at the Grammy’s and play with Sly Stone. Sly hasn’t performed in 25 years but then again he’s been busy. Joe will be at the pre- awards that take place next door to the Staples center at the convention center earlier in the day. Joe, as you all know is up for a Grammy for the instrumental, “Mercy.” The song is on his critically acclaimed, self titled, solo album that was released last May. He is up against Les Paul in that category. Les is playing the night before at the Gibson amphitheatre and Joe will join him on a few songs. Les is up for two Grammys. I’m hoping he wins one…

After the show Steven and Joe will board a private jet and head straight for Oakland to play at the Arena. This isn’t the first time the guys have gone from one stage to another. Remember the United We Stand show a few years back where the full band played in Washington, DC in the early evening and flew to Indy to play a scheduled show that night?

Tommy Lee was at the Phoenix show and had a visit with the guys beforehand. He was in town doing some DJ gig. He asked Joey and Tom if they would play Last Child and they obliged. The guy was like a caged animal and acted exactly like you would expect. He’s the real deal! Steven gave him props. If my memory serves me Motley was in Vancouver recording “Dr. Feelgood” while Aerosmith was recording PUMP. Some of the Aero guys even sang on a song or two on Feelgood. It was video taped by Keith Garde who was the guy responsible for making “The Making of Pump.” Maybe some day that killer documentary will see the light of day.

Also at the show were Boston Red Sox hurler, Curt Schilling, and his wife, Shonda. Curt also hung out with the guys before the show and was sporting his Red Sox World Series ring. When you look up guts in the dictionary you will see his picture and not some girly-man ready to swipe at a guy’s glove on his way to first base. Ouch! How’s that catcher’s mitt taste A-Rod? Before you Yankees fans get all hot under the collar just remember what kind of pain us Sox fans have been through.

>>  Curt Schilling pic by Donny Wightman

Next time I’ll give you a complete Grammy update!

See you on the Road!

-- John B

All Photos by John B unless otherwise noted