It was decided yesterday that we should 'get out more', so today we did. Richard, Danny and myself went for a walk around the town in search of the trad. jazz band that appear in the summer on the famous Charles Bridge (karluv most) which was build in 1357 (Charles IV. was a bit superstitious and chose the date carefully and thanks to that all Czech students now have no problems remembering it - it's all odd numbers in succession). Its predecessor, Judita's Bridge, which isn't standing anymore was built in 1158.



The Original Prague Syncopated Orchestra as seen on the bridge. After the war years it seems that jazz flourished here in the heart of Europe. Jazz now served as an expression of opposition to the "deutsche tanzmusik" and as a yearning for freedom. The bands of Karel Vlach, Gustav Brom, and Emil Ludvík, Karel Slavík's Blue Music, Elit Club, and Rhythm 42, a small ensemble were well known names.



Enough about Prague and in to the show today in Vienna. Another day trip and off to the airport in Prague for a short flight into Austria. we land and Mannfred and his team of drivers collect us and it's about 30 minutes into the centre of town and the venue.

Chris in catering prepared a bowl of chilli for the stir fry.



3 pals ! Left to right me, Robbo and Christian Eigner. Christian, the drummer with 'Depeche Mode, is an old friend of mine and a sweeter person you couldn't wish to meet and as a drummer I think that he's unbelievable. Robbo also works with Christian as his tech with DM and the three of us are pictured here reunited backstage in Vienna. It was great to see Christian who lives in a house in the Austrian countryside outside of Vienna. Lots of love to all DCx



More meet and greet fun...





Pete brings our attention to the Kylie gas. Not quite sure what that's all about. Kylie Minogue has been following us around recently. It actually started in rehearsals when her band were in the adjacent room at Music Bank in London all those weeks ago. Thinking about that makes me wonder where the time has gone, it feels like we've only just started this tour and yet we're on show number 36.



The winner of yesterday's comp was Jop Peters with "A string of green LED-lights lying on the ground (picture is 180 degrees rotated)."

of course.