BUS SLEEPING…

Hey Good People!!

I’m here at our hotel in Oslo, Norway the night before our fourth show on this second leg of the “All That Echoes” European tour. Actually, this would be show 13 of the world tour… Oslo is a gorgeous place, and I’m telling you, we have hit it at a gorgeous time, indeed. I didn’t get out much today, as I had to catch up on some practice and some other work. This will be the last hotel stop until Wednesday, so I’m kind of soaking up the slower pace today, rather than running around looking for stuff to see… It’s a balance on the road for me, where to be good to the body and keep strong, I sometimes stay in. I have to admit that it does get tempting in most every city – especially the ones I have never been to before – to go out and try to take in all of the sights that I can. Even here, on this beautiful day, I had to tell myself “Self! Be responsible – put in some time on the mandolin… catch up on some work you have to do… Norway will hopefully be here for your eyes again…”. So I listened, and it was ok.

Gamla stan – Old Town, Stockholm, Sweden – 5/24/2013

Gamla stan – Old Town, Stockholm, Sweden – 5/24/2013

There is another side of that, too. Sometimes you just feel a sense of “cabin fever” on the road, where you just need to get out and look around. Again, it’s a balance. Drum Tech (and buddy) John “Magee” McGarry and I took such a walk around in Stockholm the other day, and it was a great time. We walked to the “Old Town”, known as Gamla stan, and checked it out. The last time I was there was around Christmas of 2010, and it’s really a sight for those interested in historic places.

A nice little side story on that – as we were walking up one of the many shop-lined narrow cobblestone alleyways, we saw a crowd of people hovering around one of the stores. Magee soon noticed as we got closer that there were secret service agents in front of the store. We were wondering who might be in there when former American president Bill Clinton walked out. What a surprise! He took a few pictures with some of the waiting people and then went on his way. All in a day on the road.

Look, I got to take a picture with the president! Gamla stan – Old Town, Stockholm, Sweden – 5/24/2013

So the show in Stockholm went well. The band introduced a new instrumental feature song into the set list – Aerosmith’s “Dream On”. The arrangement, ironed out during soundcheck, ended up really cool, and flows beautifully right into the “Voce Overture”, a drum solo segment for Josh that leads into the song “Voce Existe En Mim”. We debuted “Dream On” that night, and it was well received (and sounded great).

The Globe Arena prior to load in. Notice the “grid” lying on the stage in the center of the picture. This is flown up and our lighting trusses are hung from it. Stockholm Sweden – 5/25/2013

We are finding a quick rhythm, too. Getting set up was a little delayed, due to a problem with the rigging of the “grid”, a super structure of trusses from which our lighting trusses hang, but as soon as that was sorted we were set up fairly quickly, and ready for soundcheck. Load out was extremely smooth and quick as well, thanks to some prior organization from a legendary crew member on our team, Guitar Tech Dave “Pops” Clements.

And then it was onto the bus for an 8 hour drive to Oslo. I was actually pretty beat, so retrieved to my bunk quickly. This morn we woke up in Norway, and then made it over to the hotel, which is where this entry started. Well then, I guess that would be a good place to finnish this piece! OK for now. Enjoy a few pictures until next time…

– R

The “grid” finally makes it up. Check out the inside of the Globe Arena – yes, it’s a globe inside as well! Stockholm, Sweden – 5/25/2013

Soundcheck at the Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden – 5/25/2013

Working out “Dream On” during soundcheck at the Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden – 5/25/2013

Music Director/Guitarist Tariqh Akoni leading the band rehearsal prior to the show. Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden – 5/25/2013

Josh Groban, in action at the Globe Arena, Stockholm Sweden – 5/25/2013