Greetings to everyone from England where I am enjoying a quiet day off before leaving very early tomorrow for Russia.
Now where was I? Ah yes.
Portugal was very nice in the end and the concert was fun. It took place at the site of Expo 98 witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of 10,000. I did fulfill my ambition and had a delicious meal of Bacalhau at a simple restaurant al fresco. Al sends his regards.
It was a thrill to at last have a chance to play in the Republic of Ireland a place I have longed to visit as it is the spiritual home of many of my favourite writers of English - Joyce, Wilde, Myles na gCopaleen (Flann O'Brien), Sean O'Casey, and even the Ginger Man himself - no not Baker, but J.P.Donleavy. It was wonderful to be able to walk over the O'Connel Bridge, past St. Stephen's Green and on down Grafton Street, the haunts of the great flatulent himself, Bloom. Why I even bought some Jil Sander clothes in Brown Thomas! "His heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes." The show at The Point was good, but without a doubt the high spot of the tour so far was the Empire, Shepherds Bush in old London Town. It turned out to be a real old-style rock' n'roll gig with hordes of screaming girls both inside and out - just like in the days of Beatlemania! I played an even madder than usual bass solo specially for the kids who had never seen a real bass guitar player, reared as they have been on synth bass!
And so it's on to Moscow. Should be interesting. I'll let you know how it goes. Best wishes to all and special thanks to Kari Keino who said such nice things about the Helsinki Show.
Jack
(Thanks to Mark Rivera for the Dublin photos.)
