The European Tour
April 1997

Our tour started in the port city of Le Harve in Normandy of northern France, just across the way from Deaville, a beautiful resort town. The language is beautiful here but I have a hell of a time keeping up. The club we played is called the Family Style and it is a small place, but packs the people in on a good night. Our drummer, Nicolas Filiatreau, had only had three rehearsals to learn the 25 songs, but did a fine job on the first night.

The town's people, musicians and civilians alike crowded in and gave us a great welcome and the second night asked us back for several encores. The people here are great listeners. They admire musicianship and pay attention to all the musical nuances. They cheer each song and solo on.

Next, we took the tgv down to bordeaux the following day for a day off. It's a beautiful part of the country, close to Spain so you get more of that laid back feel. And of course it's wine country so, it is very belle.

We sampled some of the great food and wine of the region. The only thing I'm having trouble with is the lack of plain fresh or cooked vegetables. They believe in French bread, fish, meat and coffee and sauce with everything. I ate so much salmon in a three-day period I felt fins growing under my arms. But the wines are unbelievable both in their taste and their price.

We played two nights at the Club le Plana, which was a sort of sports bar. After the gig where do you go to eat? Steak and shake? Denny's? No! To the boulangerie for some croissants and quiche. Next chapter Bia Ritz and the foothills of the Pyranees Mountains.

Hellos to everyone back home. Haven't spoken a full sentence for a week and a half. Ah, the life of an ugly American.

Peace,
Peter