Hello again from England.
So the tour has ended. It was really a great relief to get to Germany after the vicissitudes of playing three nights for the burgers (yes I did say burgers) of Monaco. The last night there were 900 lawyers in the audience. 'nuff sed. (Sorry to any lawyers reading this!)
The first gig in Germany was in the Grugahalle in Essen a place I played in during the 80's with the Police and Graham Parker for Rockpalast, and it was a blast to be there again. The gig was really good as we were able to play our full set which lasts for about 2 hrs 30 and the audience was very real and very receptive. German crowds are among the best anywhere and it is always fun to play there. The next night was Hamburg, long a favourite city of mine and of course where it really all started for the Beatles. The people there are real rock 'n' roll and although it was rather chilly by
the end it was perhaps musically our best show. Bonn was the next night and we rocked. It was great too to talk again with Kurt Renker who lives nearby. He it was who co-produced Somethin Els, Cities of the Heart and Monkjack while I was with his great and sadly now defunct label, CMP.
Then we returned to England for the last show, Gary Brooker's event at Wintershall, Surrey. This was a lot of fun although the last night of a tour is always tinged with sadness. I had a chance to meet some old friends again, and had a nice chat with Bob Geldof and Mike Rutherford. Mike joined us on stage for a jam at the end of our set, and we all said goodbye with "Rock and Roll Music."
And so it is over at least for the time being. Never say never again.
I would say the tour was a success musically and it was great to be able to visit some new places as well as revisit some old ones. Thanks to all the great people who came to the shows. I look forward to seeing you again either with The All Starrs or my own band.
Keep listening - I'll keep in touch.
Very best wishes
Jack
