Three weeks before I left for a month of shows with Bob Mould and Robert Pollard's Boston Spaceships, respectively, I broke my left hand pinky. It's not the worst one to break with regards to bass playing but it does effect my abilities. While in the ER, I started to get the shakes. I had a flu for all of Labor Day weekend. I then contracted a strange illness that attacked my shoulders, back, and hamstrings. They would cramp to the point of sleepless pain. I saw a number of doctors and a specialist diagnosed me with "post-viral arthritis". Never heard of it either. I recommend avoiding it at all costs, though.

Fortunately, after weeks of drifting through my days in a heavily medicated state, my muscles relaxed enough to perform with Bob Mould in Madison for a duo show. It was the first time we'd done an entire set in this format.



We then flew to Monticello, New York for the All Tomorrow's Party Festival with My Bloody Valentine. Kevin Shields was very welcoming and calm. Unlike the rest of us.



I hadn't seen his brother, Jimi, in 10 years. He had spent a few years in Chicago with his great band, Lotus Crown, featuring my close friend, Zack Kantor on drums. It was a treat to catch up with Jimi.



The Bob Mould Band had a fun, sweaty set. Better pictures coming but this is right after the performance before we all ran over to catch MBV.



Then off to Dayton, OH for Pollard rehearsals. Jon Moen (The Decemberists) and I could not keep focus



More soon.....