Hello America, Rob here. Sorry for the delay on this one, it basically boils down to me being a big lazy sack of crap.
Crazy couple of weeks in Revivalist world! Hoo boy! Two weekends ago we did two shows in Alabama on Friday and Sunday, but we had to come back Friday night because of the Music for Matt benefit on Saturday, so we spent pretty much all of that weekend driving. It’s been like two weeks now, so most of that weekend has already grown hazy. As a result, I’m just going to run down a few highlights, listed non-chronologically:
George almost destroyed a trailer filled with show horses while trying to merge on the interstate.
Zack bought me a hat that says "USA BORN AND BRED" at a rest stop in Mississippi.
Dave had a funny idea at the Birmingham show: "Hey Rob. You should get absolutely wasted tonight. Here, I’ll buy you several shots." I can’t remember the last time I’ve been onstage that drunk, which makes since, because I don’t really remember this time either. It’s weird fading into consciousness from a semi-blackout to realize you’re in the middle of a sax solo. I bet I played great, though. Yeah, probably not. Blame Dave.
We went on a beef jerky run in Birmingham and ended up in a gas station that had an adult video section where the DVDs were separated by race. "Adult DVD - Latino" was severely under-represented, proving once and for all that this country still needs affirmative action.
Inspired by an episode of "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia," I drank boxed wine out of a Diet Coke can. Onstage. At a benefit concert. I’m the worst.
We might have an opportunity to play a Christmas party in Alabama! At the largest topless bar in three counties! Fuck yeah, we’re classy!
Since then, things have been pretty mellow.
Saturday last week we played an elementary school Oktoberfest fun fair in Metairie. They had inflatable playground equipment, a BB gun shooting gallery, a beer garden, kiddie prize booths, and us. Followed by Rebirth. It was odd, but fun. Maybe a little cold. Apparently cold weather makes guitar strings break a lot, because Zack and Dave lost a combined total of 5 strings throughout the night. We had to improvise a bit in order to keep the show going, and by the end Dave was running his acoustic through his amp, but dammit, we made it happen. We’re (semi-)professionals, and that’s what we (semi-)do.
After another week of mostly down-time, we hit the road this Sunday to rock face at the Harvest Cup Polo Classic, a high-society schmooze-fest replete with free food and drink, show horses (careful, George), and trophy wives in sundresses and big floppy hats. We watched six chuckers of high-quality polo, and even stomped the divots at halftime, but unfortunately Campy’s and my beloved Lee Michaels squad (led by the fearsome Carlo Santucci) was defeated by Doctor Jay and his Inside Northside squad. No, none of those words are made up.
Oh yeah we also played music. And an old lady said "fuck."
That’s all. We’ve put in a bit more studio time, and Thursday we will finish the last little bit of recording. It’s still a bit far off, but I am so excited to hear this album that I will slap you.
Don’t forget to check us out Friday night at La Maison de la Musique on Frenchmen (we should go on at about 11:30), and then next Thursday at the Wolf opening for Perpetual Groove. There might be a few surprises along the way!
Peace, love, and lots of can wine.
-Rob