Back On the Road Again

Dear all –

As we so often start these posts, its been a while. The band has been on a mini hiatus while we sorted out some ugly legal business, and generally got our lives in order. Dan and I spent the bulk of our time in NYC doing some part time work, while McKenzie and Jon hung out at home.

But all this is behind us – as of June 17th were out on the road for the ENTIRE summer, which is great! This will be our longest ever continuous run on tour, but we pretty much know what to expect. Fun, adventure, music, weirdness, a complete lack of privacy, and some epic overnight drives across America. We also meet a lot of nice people, eat way too much fast food, and enjoy some blurry, boozy evenings. Performing every night is so much fun though, and we always have something to look forward to even during a 20+ hour hellride.

Lineup for this tour is Spill Canvas, Ludo, Steel Train, and ourselves. It’s a great package of bands, because everyone is doing something different and cool than the normal rank and file. Steel Train is five amazing instrumentalists and singers, with a catchy songs and a classic rock vibe. Ludo was once described to us as “Queen meets Weezer”, which is pretty accurate. Rock virtuosity and theatrics in an endearing, nerdy package. And Spill Canvas brings it home every night with their soulful and rocking hotness.

A few highlights from our travels:

Finally playing the big room at the Masquerade in Atlanta

Having a Texas police officer hand me his loaded service weapon when I inquired about its weight

An intense full court basketball game with Ludo and Steel train, where those skinny music nerds showed us up!

A BBQ pool party at Ludo drummer Matt Palermo’s parental estate.

Having many, many whiskey drinks with the newly party-prone Spill Canvas.

Meeting my brother at midnight at the border patrol checkpoint in the middle of the desert.

Watching tour manager Daryl casually pull the hottest girl we’ve ever seen, putting every band dude to shame.

Gang members in black bandanas threatening Ryan to remove his own non-gang issued black bandana.

Deadly dances with nature – hail, lightning, tumbleweed tarantulas, coyotes, Cujo following our car.

Being forced to improv “singing the blues” in order to be released from captivity on a party bus.

Being caught in a lie in Truth or Consequences, NM, and suffering no consequences.

More to come I’m sure. We’re now burning through the desert towards Tuscon, paying 4.00 a gallon for gas. Those bastards. Immediately after this tour we’re hitting the road with Boy George, which may or may not be postponed due to Visa issues. Ech!

Keep in touch.

Matt
Liam and Me
www.myspace.com/liamandme