Surely the world's most beautiful city, Paris evokes many fond memories for all band members as over the years we've had many great shows here and some wonderful time off. I'm always glad to open the tour itinerary to see the Bercy as the chosen venue for this wonderful city.


pic Jean-Luc Lebeury

I opened my window this morning overlooking the typically Parisienne back-street behind our hotel to a refreshingly rainy day. I'm one of those people that just loves the rain. In actual fact, I like most weather, but I have no problem at all with incessant rain, just as long as it isn't cold and today it was particularly mild I thought. A bit of computer catching up and a leisurely breakfast ate away the morning and most of the afternoon so by the time I'd got through it all, it was time to sit in the notorious Paris traffic for the 3 mile journey to Bercy. When we finally arrived after inching along for 45 minutes, I grabbed the bag and made my way through the myriad backstage, underground corridors of this very 80's mainly sports venue. Originally designed to host amongst others, the French masters tennis tournament, the Bercy also is home to the Paris-Bercy Elf Masters kart race for well known and high ranking professional racing drivers.



Seems to be an SPL measuring device...



The seating capacity varies from around 7,000 to an astonishing 17,000 and I believe when the Straits were here in 1992, I seem to recall that we played 7 or 8 nights to 15,000 per night. Every night was special but I have to say that this evening's gig was every bit as good as those old days and a little bit better. The audiences in Paris are always unique and a pleasure to play to. we decided on a set-list which is probably my favourite of the tour and after the usual sound-check, dinner (which included a fantastic seafood bisque) and vocal warm-ups we took to the stage to a mighty roar from the Parisiens.


pic Jean-Luc Lebeury

I never honestly thought I'd ever feel like a pint of Guinness in Paris but that's exactly what we did once we arrived back at the hotel. Hotel bars, especially in Paris, tend to be overpriced, vibeless and generally pretty crap and there bars and cafes usually within a block. Just around the corner is an Irish pub which served up a pretty decent pint.

Paris Day Off -



It was a rainy, humid day off in Paris but by the time I'd got up, the sun was poking out so armed with the camera I thought I'd wander round and take a few shots. We were staying in a Hyatt Park right off the Place Vendôme just North of the wonderful Tuileries gardens. Place Vendôme was laid out in 1702 as a monument to the glory of the armies of Louis XIV. Napoleon erected the present column which stands in the centre of the square to mark his greatest victory at Austerlitz. Rather fitting considering the subject matter for in my mind, one of Mark's most inspired songs 'Done with Bonaparte'.





A common sight in windows all over Paris, Tarte aux Fraises





The pont de Solférino





For the now almost traditional band dinner this evening we climbed into a few cabs and headed off towards a restaurant called Chez Andre on Rue Marbeuf. The journey time was an estimated 8 minutes but this is Paris and it took nearer 20The Bistro was recommended a few years ago by our long-time French promoter Assaad Debs, and Mark and his wife have been back on many occasions. The food is quite simply excellent and very reasonably priced. The menu is simple but everything on it is a winner. I went for an Endive and Roquefort salad and then veal chops with green beans. Frites accompanied the dishes. As is so often the case in Paris the desserts are spectacular and the profiteroles caught everyone's eye. Mark and I went for a classic cheese selection and Mike had a Creme Brulee, which I had a taste of and can honestly say I'm not sure I've had better. PC was talked into ordering the profiteroles.