I just got back from my second trip to Italy this year. I had some amazing experiences (mostly food or music related, although I can live without ever having cow's tongue again) and some strange ones - for example I had my oddest ever audience-member, a woman in Bologna who yelped, hyena-like, at seemingly random intervals. I managed to calm her by playing some of the concert unplugged, stood right at her table, effectively serenading her. She was awesome. But not at every concert, please.
I also got "interviewed" by the police in Milan, who basically wanted to know how much cash I had on me, and whether they could have any. They couldn't, because I suddenly and conveniently forgot how to speak any Italian at all. Which resulted in them just pointing at Wilma (my guitar) and saying "Ereek Clapton" over and over. That happens surprisingly often.
It's been great fun selling the Music Postcards (Cartoline Musicali in Italian) at gigs for the two singles released so far. Some people have been very generous, so thanks! But some have also paid what little they can afford, which is just as much appreciated. Posting them off around the planet has been awesome too! I sent some to Hawaii this morning. I couldn't fit my body in the letterbox. I tried.
Here's the photos from Italy:
And right before I left it was Leeds Guitar Night. It was pretty stressful cos Natasha (my manager) and I were organising and promoting the event. Erik Mongrain had gone to great lengths to get here for the gig, changing his flights and driving the entire length of England. Thankfully there were 250 people there, which was awesome. Thanks SO much to everyone who came, I truly appreciate it.
Photos from Leeds Guitar Night 2011:
Right now Wilma is at the doctor - she suffered far more than I did with the changes in temperature and the amazing Autumn humidity in Italy! Then we're travelling around England before a few gigs in Germany to finish off the year. I wonder if they have British Christmas Markets in Bavaria? I'll let you know.
See you on the road!