Saturday
One of the things I like about Norway is that
there are some journeys that have to be taken by ferry boat. I like it
because it’s a great way to see and appreciate the real beauty of this country.
Of course it’s a little different in the winter when everything is covered in
snow or if a vicious seagull chooses your head as a target/toilet but for now I
was happy sitting on the ferry, enjoying the sights.
Everyone was looking forward to tonight’s gig
in Halden. The event was a Harley Festival and the venue was a 16th
century fort in the hills above the town. Quite spectacular! From
the moment we arrived we were treated very well and the first thing we witnessed
was a “biker wedding”, presided over by a “biker-priest”, which was really cool.
The food was fantastic (some of the best barbecued ribs I have tasted in a long
time) and the weather held out for us so we were already having a good time.
After sound check we went to the hotel in
Fredrikstad. This was a long journey because there were road works
everywhere but when we got there, there was time to have more food before I
glued myself to the television to see qualifying for the US Grand Prix.
This gig was probably the best of all.
The Harley crowd has done a lot to renew their image over the years and you have
to be prepared for an interesting blend of what I call “rebellious
sophistication”.
It’s not your average rock crowd and it takes
some work to get them going but they were a great crowd and we all really
enjoyed this concert. We did "Gypsy" as our encore tonight and then
reluctantly but happily said goodbye.
And then it rained!!!!
I took pictures with a lot of people, signed
a bunch of stuff and then spent a short time in the dressing room, celebrating
with the guys before heading back to the hotel to try and grab a few hours
sleep.
We’ll be back in Norway in August for the
Summer Party in Gresvik but for now I have to head to Hamburg to spend some time
with the record company.
As always I
have to say thanks to Sid, Ken, Erik, Willy, Petter and Magne. They are
great guys and I love working with them all!
