the avionics of the Embraer Legacy





busy day.... the first thing to mention is the great start to the day I had at the Four seasons hotel spa in Lisbon. I had a really nice swim and sauna and found myself wandering around in the changing room in a towel simply enjoying the facilities. Then it was back to the hotel room for a typically late breakfast and onto the computer to finish editing a little movie I've put together of our trip to India.

--MOVIE--

The thing I enjoyed most about that was adding the soundtrack, in particular, the music of Abida Parveen. Once that was done, it was time to leave Lisbon and head off to Madrid. The luxurious way by which we travel became evident almost immediately as three of the six drivers we're using ushered us into three new Mercedes and proceeded to the Airport. We used the same driving team on the last tour (2001) and the concept of leap-frogging limos lives on! Basically three cars take us to the plane whilst the other three are waiting at the destination. Then of course, the first three then drive to the next city to await our arrival there. Luxury, or what!
When we de-planed (that really shouldn't be a word) we were driven to the venue (below) where because of the distance from the previous show, the crew were still loading in. soundcheck was going to be out of the question. Not a problem as the level of trust between band and crew has reached new heights and indeed when we took the stage, everything sounded as though we'd spent all day tweaking with the monitors. Thanks Robert and Kerry... you guys rule!
Then, after the show, we did our customary 'runner', straight to the plane, G+T's at the ready and off to Barcelona where we'll be staying for the next week. We'll fly 'in and out' from here for the next 4 shows. It was then party in my room until about 5:00am listening to Bob Mills, Taj Mahal, Abida Parveen, Marvin Gaye, Muddy Waters etc etc etc.

A word about the venue. New. Not really finished yet. apparently, Queen played there last night and infact christened the venue. Let's just say, it will be nice when it's finished...Too much concrete for my liking...actually, let's be honest here, for a brand new building, it sucks! Of course it didn't' impair the show at all and the crowd were, as you'd expect from Madrid....AMAZING!
It really is always a real treat to play in this city. Because of the fabulous fans!

How do you tune a uke?





Here's me warming up what has become known as the 'whingeing' ukulele in preparation for gate-crashing the meet and greets. I told you it would evolve. . that's if you can call the addition of a uke an evolution. Mark keeps saying he wants to use it as a shoe...it's a cheap Chinese uke which I got on e-bay. I mean they're difficult to tune at the best of times and this one is a nightmare. I'm sure this one is not long for this world if I can only keep it away from MK until I get a new one. Maybe we'll eventually auction off the pieces on e-bay for charity!

Meet Susi. . . .aka Gucci-Girl. She has been taking excellent care of us aboard the plane. Gin and Tonics at the ready as we board!



No signal up here Tim....



The diary entry is a little late due to the excessive travel today, and the effects of the 'party in my room' when we got here to Barcelona. Notice the new teabags. Glengettie.
Hefryn yng nghymru ers cenedlaethau

Another Solpadeine I think......



This is what happens if you don't pay your airport tax/landing/parking fees at Lisbon airport. This 707 has been here as long as I can remember, in fact, I recall taking a photo of it in 1981 on the Roxy Music tour. It used to belong to the President of Zaire.