click here to see CUTTING CREW unplugged on CHICAGO T.V June 2009
TORRONTO (July 1st 2009)
As the first leg of the ‘Cutting Crew’ U.S tour is over I feel fortunate to reflect on the great concerts I’ve been part of, the sights I’ve seen and the talented people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’ve almost written two songs since I’ve been here too which I hope to complete in this week off. Thanks to all concerned and I’ll be writing more diary entries soon as we continue the tour from ‘Salt Lake City’.
TORRONTO (June 28th 2009)
We played at the chaotic Gay Pride festival with an addition to bill of ‘Destiny’s Child’ but cleared out long before they were on I’m now sating with family a couple of hours outside Torronto as now have a week off before flying to Salt Lake City.
DETROIT (June 27th 2009)
We wanted to visit Motown of course but it’s thirty miles away so we don’t have time before duties commence. I can’t get over how well equipped these outdoor amphitheatres are for the artistes it’s like having a private hotel backstage, the setting of the concert is unbelievable, I can see over the hills from the stage. It’s reminiscent of a UK national trust marvel yet still has the twilight of a Chicago evening.
CHICAGO (June 2009) Surreal, Michael Jackson is dead?
I write from my room in Chicago and will soon go to the venue to sound check. I cant remember which state I was in last night? However, I can remember it being the loudest and most enthusiastic audience I’ve played to for a long time.
It hasn’t sunk in yet that Michael Jackson is dead, I found out from Martin Fry the ABC front man whilst rehearsing a new song in the venue yesterday, we returned to the tour bus to watch CNN.
This wonderful performer, dancer, singer and song writer has left the earth. When I think of the musical memories this man has given me, the most significant are hearing ‘Human Nature’ and ‘Man in the mirror’ for the first time.
What a shame.....
And if he had chosen to live a simple life?
WASHINGTON (June 25th 2009)
I’ve spent today thinking I’m in Baltimore. However, after the gig I realised I was in Washington, Vienna to be exact. I’m in the dressing room at the moment having just watched ‘Berlin’ from the wings. Terriu has a great band and she is a great performer, dramatic and animated.
Baltimore was last night! The audiences have responded very well to ‘Cutting Crew’ and we’ve really been ‘pulling it out of the bag’. Next we will travel to Grand Rapids.
ATLANTIC CITY (June 2009)
I did an interview on Chorley FM back at home about a year ago and I had to give them my top five songs of all time which the D.J played the show, it was so difficult to choose. However, one of them was ‘Atlantic City’ by ‘the boss’. He paints a dark picture in his lyrics as he also does in the references heard on his earlier track ‘Sandy’. I completely understand the song now and he is brilliantly accurate. Our hotel is grandiose but you can almost smell the dead gangsters.
ATLANTIC CITY (June 2009)
Following another successful show here at the resorts hotel we have two days off here.
NEW YORK (June 20th (approx) 2009)
The rain was torrential and the traffic London style. I felt at home. I slept on the bus on the way here as the proposed two hour drive turned into eight. ‘ABC’ had sound checked and returned to their hotel by the time we got here. Tonights show was at ‘The Fillmore’, another legendary barn which I didn’t think I’d ever darken the door way of.
BOSTON (June 19th 2009)
Having just spent two days in this fantastic city I’m feeling great. The friendliness and ‘up beat’ vibe from the city is infectious. Last night we played at the legendary ‘House of Blues’ and the venue was like no other I’ve played in before anywhere in Europe and beyond. Half indoor arena, half theatre? It’s hard to explain. The show was enjoyable to play and my voice feels stronger these days, obviously I don’t sing any lead vocals in ‘Cutting Crew’ but I still have significant vocal parts.
We were first on the bill and although well received I wondered if the producers where holding back. It could be in my head, and to be honest I expect the first act to be capped a little on the out front sound and stage lights.
‘Wang Chung’ were great too and last night was the first time I’ve seen them, although there songs are familiar! They are two great blokes called Jack and Nick who I will write about further as ‘Wang Chung’ and ‘Cutting Crew’ are on one tour bus and ‘ABC’ on the other. ‘Berlin’ have separate tour management and aren’t part of our travelling entourage.