i saw the whole thing...what happened?

it's make-up time in the homework/blog dept. i guess being an embedded journalist/lead guitarist in an english rock band is a little more time consuming than i had first imagined.
this has been one hell of a trip. the gigs were awesome, the isle of wight festival being the pinnacle of the gigs and of the trip, really.
first of all i have to give some major thanks to the people that made it possible for me to be here and that showed the finest hospitality i've received.
eric ryan, paul newsome, nev cottee (for putting us up and putting up with us), paul's folks michael and gaynor, white nick the greek (for driving and being a kick ass roadie). shelley and kid for tour management, chris for the rehearsal space and gear loans, and last but not least - elvis presley for the booze and hot-knife action. shine on you crazy diamond.

here are some photos, as always, i'll try to narrate the best i can...


our fearless leader, paul, coordinating in our rehearsal space. word to the ten bears!


eric ryan at rehearsal. this is manchester.


nev, hard at work.


waiting for a train to leeds..


soundcheck at leeds


our new job in manchester near the university..


cooking up some imaginary victuals


we partied this bus DOWN with some bo diddley into magic bus. support your local headshop! word to steve and fox!


ricardo and the psychedelic wolf.


tensions within the band get a little bit tight at times while travelling..


ahh, but this ought to cheer things up a bit.


see? all better.


geting down on the curry mile in manchester. may i suggest PUNJAB, if you are looking for a proper vindaloo. i have NEVER been so high on food. i can't believe that it is legal.


from the first bite


to samadhi


it does the heart good!


outside the rehearsal space


nick the greek even let eric ride in the van!


michael newsome. top geezer at a top boozer!


a fine after-dinner stroll in the countryside. thorp farm is a magickal place.


hey, it's for rent! too bad the dollar is so f-ing weak.


down at the barn.


telling jokes in the garden after a long day of fun.


got this friendly note on the van on the way down to isle of wight. notice the punctuation. awesome!


michael and gaynor on the ferry over to the island.


half of the members of the new band/football club HOGROAST! rock and porkroll.


shelley and pals on the ferry


separated at birth? this guy had a keg of foster's in a backpack. amazing..


coming into port at the isle of wight


greg and katie at the campground we stayed at. good ol' sandown. nice folks there.


making friends with the locals. mega.


the paparazzi here is very friendly.


this crew rocks bells.


god bless management. you rock, shelley.


it wasn't me, I SWEAR.


backstage at IOW getting the risers ready for our set.


tour manager KID fresh from russia with amy winehouse. to work with us. awesome dude.


soundcheck. testing one, two, check check check.


spot and kath.


iggy pop freaking out the capacity audience.


iggy's biggest fan freakng out the vip area.


dave from zutrons chilling with his fans. great band.


after party in the caravan (trailer).


a good reminder


down at the beach


making friends with the locals. best fish and chips right here.


barbecue time.


hail to the chef!


golden hours of summer with new friends are good times to remember


the crew. special thanks to security for the loan of the coat.


festival on!


the police.


end of the show....


what hangover?


back to the main island at portsmouth.


STONEHENGE


i'm lichen it..


old school mile-marker


this is nev's place in manchester, btw.. it's called india house. right next to the palace theatre.


really, though..


back at the holiday park


gotta do what you gotta do..


chilling after the gig..


wait! wot is that?


it can't be!


IT IS!! IT'S ELVIS! oo, he don't look like he's doing very well, does he?


this guy's gonna go help the king..he might have had a little too much to drink..


he's yelling something.. i can't quite make it out..let's follow him, shall we?


got him backstage! wow!


you're gonna do what?


I think we should let him sleep it off...


poor hippies, having to sleep outside and even share their cigarettes..


i like it here.


r&r


heading back from the beach


did i say that i love this place?


what a crew.


me and the greek on the ferry ride home


how are we going to get all of this in the van?


setting manchester on fire


mmmm..yummy and hot!


picking at the holly bush in london.


what's that strange noise?


damn. busted down on the way home from london town.


yes. i am a tourist. and a yank.


'doing' manchester


and dancing in the street.


didn't find any werewolves in london, but here's a kittykat!


and a nice french restaurant..


top boozer, that.


paul and katie

so..there it was..there are other photos...i may end up posting them as well. we are heading back to the states tomorrow. thoroughly beat and totally happy. can't wait to get back though. this has been an amazing time. thanks to all of my new friends. you have made my journey an epic one.

cheers,
bing