Glen’s set list
Friday 26th April

Philadelphia

The song Rudiger was missed out during the show because Glen Saggers (MK’s gtr tech) handed Mark the wrong guitar. Mark realised this genuine error and launched straight into ‘What it is’ causing much head scratching and on-stage skirmishes behind him. It just goes to show how much control Glen has over all of us…..we love you Glen…

The set list for the next day was written up by the crew in honour of Glen’s error.

Chad’s Shirt
A fine piece of merchandise!

Tour Diary : Tower Theater, Philadelphia, USA
Fri 27 April 

The faithful arrive in Nazereth by R. Bennett
It was a pilgrimage to the holy city of Nazareth, home of Martin Guitars, The Speedway and some pretty dog-gone fine mozzarella cheese. 

On the morning of April 27th, Mark, Glenn and Richard boarded a helicopter in Philadelphia for a fantastic ride above the Pennsylvania countryside, landing 30 minutes later at the Nazareth Speedway. We were met by Dick Boak of the Martin Guitar Company and given a short tour of this town of 6000 while en route to the facility where the famous guitars are made. 

Martin Guitars, the oldest instrument manufacturers in America (established in 1833 and made in Nazareth since 1839!) are renowned for having created what we know as the modern acoustic guitar and they’re the best in the business. Mark has been working closely with Dick on the design of a signature model that will soon be in production. A prototype was there for us to see and a number changes and details were settled in regard to structure, finish, and cosmetic appointments. The model name and number is HD-40MK, and will be a beauty to the ear and eye. We met Chris Martin IV, CEO and sixth generation Martin to run the famous family business and had a grand tour of the facility where every guitar is truly made by hand, from wood bending and brace chiselling to sanding and finishing, there are 300 steps per instrument. We talked with several of the crafts people at various stages along the production line and were very impressed by their knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication to detail. A tasty lunch, also hand made, including the wonderful mozzarella was courtesy of Susan Boak and Cheeses of Nazareth.

With our lust for guitars and cheese briefly sated, it was back to the Nazareth Speedway and a quick couple of laps around the track in a Toyota SUV at a dizzying 40 miles per hour. Actually, the asphalt was being repaired in preparation for this weekend’s big race which can draw as many as 40,000 people to watch amazing drivers get around this very short track at speeds averaging 170 mph and up to 190!

With the evening’s show at The Tower Theatre in Philly calling, it was back to our ‘copter for what Glenn described as “a walk in the air”, to the home of American Bandstand, cheese steaks and brotherly love, though not necessarily in that order. A great visit to the Mecca of sound and speed, Nazareth, PA.

Richard Bennett