Tumbleweed Tour Diary: Part Three

DAY 6

Grateful for wishes granted, nearly every box has been ticked in our band's humble existence and today came another - a double album, classic black vinyl in a gatefold sleeve - something we have always wanted to make arrived, finally! we rushed to pick them up on the way to the airport and only just made the flight.

From the chill of the rainy grey of home to the orange heat of Brisbane, walking the streets of the valley in black from hat to boot, a humid golden glow on every passing face until the sky opened up with a downpour of torrential rain cooling the afternoon for soundcheck at the Tempo. Lupus from Kadavar was trying to make sense of the cricket on TV. Lenny tried to explain but only added to his confusion.

Richie hanging with Elin from Blues Pills.

We had a nice turn out for a Thursday night, Sun God Replica got the party started with their angular grooves and Link's amazing melodies. Blues Pills were back in action after a couple of days recovery petting kangaroos and cuddling koalas and it was great to see Kadavar again, they were once again dreading a big drive after the show. We are the lucky ones, flying everywhere, playing weekend warriors and staying in hotels. They've done it all by road, sleeping in the van and playing nearly every night - they need something good to eat and a good night's sleep.

DAY 7

We had hours to kill in Sydney, waiting for Kadavar and Blues Pills to arrive with the backline, so we slept on the dingey lounge in the dressing room all day waiting for the gear to arrive, until we got a call from the road, ”running late, be there at five”.

BRIGHT LIGHT, BRIGHT LIGHT!

Half past six the van pulls in, the bands escape out into the loading dock like zombies, they've been driving for 15 hours, so we empty the box trailer into the lift, they go to another shithole to freshen up and we set up the gear and bought them some beer.

I love the sound of the Metro and we've got plenty of friends in the audience, which is good because there is one ugly jerk in the front row calling out my name and flipping me the bird between songs. Weird way of getting into it! 

DAY 8

Last show of the tour and it's in our home town. The 'Gong has always been kind to us and with a line up like this, tonight's show at Waves is sure to be a memorable one.

Blues Pills, killin' it.

I only wish more people could've witnessed tonight, but the final show of the tour was only for a few hundred lucky people. There's a sadness watching Blues Pills for the last time as they're such a timeless, world class band. They finished their show and drive to Melbourne to fly back home.

I knew the 'Gong would love Kadavar and for those that came you know you saw something special, it's like the sprint for the finish line, every last bit of energy left in the tank is used on the last show.

We all went back to Riss and Paul's and had a fire in the backyard. Kadavar had beds for the first time in a while, but didn't get to use them as they talked until the sun came up.

On stage with Link Meanie.

Great show, good times, great bands and now good friends.

Written by Richie Lewis