Checking out of the (not-so) Grand hotel in Oslo this morning not a moment too soon. It's actually a very pleasant place but has over the years become a bit tired and struggles in comparison to the level of service present in other hotels on this tour. We're off on our final 40Km schlep to the airport bound for our second Swedish gig and the beautiful city of Stockholm. Further evidence of the fact that traffic in the world is not getting any lighter; what was normally a 45 minute drive to the venue took just under 2 hours. An overturned lorry meant that the main auto-route through town was closed and with rush-hour looming, everyone was diverted around the city. In a place where there's so much water, there are no short cuts and we sit stationary for ages. Nevertheless we arrive just in time for a quick sound-check and do a brief meet and greet and only delay the show time by half an hour.

We were all expecting to be back in the giant golf ball known as Globen here in Stockholm but as it turns out we were literally next door in the ice arena. Just as well to be quite frank as I recall last time the enormity of the inner ball was seriously detrimental to the sound. The 'Hovet' is an altogether better prospect for a gig and the show was another enjoyable experience for the band. The audiences here in Scandanavia have been wonderful. We often comment on how attentive they seem to be, hanging on every note and going bonkers at the end once they realize there are no more encores. Once again as I cast my eyes across the room during Brothers in Arms I see many faces on the verge of tears. Quite moving really.

A lot of arenas these days demand certain health and safety measures such as the wearing of head protection during load-in and load-outs.

Danny with his beautiful kit.

before you ask, guitar picks

Captain Worf and his MIGHTY wardrobe

FOH. Front of house equipment.

The wee man.

All photographs in today's entry were taken by Mike Humenuik. Mike works on the lights with Simon and his Digital SLR Canon puts my little camera to shame. You'll agree he's also got quite an eye! Cheers Mike.

It's a day off for all today as the crew have an 18 hour ferry trip to get to Helsinki. The good news is the sun is out and they will be able to enjoy what is apparently a beautifully scenic trip. I'm sure Mike will have his camera with him.