“More than just Swiss Cheese”

November 1, 2007, 2:30 a.m.

Pratteln, Switzerland

Last night was a great turn out, approximately 800 people showed. Unfortunately, I
saw none of the pharmaceutical producing city. Nor was I able to walk around the club. I went from the bus to the backstage and that was all the time we had available. Other than troubleshooting a minor, barely noticeable ground problem (electrical hum) coming from one of Brian’s amps, my job was fairly non-eventful, finally. In fact, I’m starting to get this guitar tech thing down pat. So much so, that during the middle of the set Brian came up to me and jokingly offered me a permanent job for $1500 a week.
I guess he approves of my work. I told him to triple it, and we would have a deal. From the look on his face, I guess I will have to return to the practice of law. Darn! But we both agreed that it would have been a blast. Near the end of the set, Frank asked the crowd to “give it up for the road crew.” It’s nice to be appreciated.

Prior to the show we had a first class home made meal by Barbara, the house cook, which included saffron rissoto, pork chops, and a variety of other dishes.
This was undoubtedly the finest “hospitality” meal so far on the tour.

Throughout the night I was able to Joe (the Jersey guy) in action.
I’m discovering that this guy is “salt of the earth.” Joe has been assisting the band for a short time now. He is about to retire from GM after 30 years of service. With his pension, and a very understanding wife, he is able to develop a second career in the field of tour support. Whether it is Merch (merchandising) or assisting every member of the band and crew, this guy is reliable and a hard worker.

Unfortunately, I have not seen any of Switzerland. My travels in Switzerland were from the tour bus to the backstage and back to the tour bus. I didn’t even cross over to the front area of the club. There was just no time for anything today, other than tech work.

In a few minutes, we will pull out for Madrid, Spain. Even though we are exhausted, some of us are still awake. The trip to Madrid will take 25 hours. We have internet on the bus, so it will pass the time. This has to be one of the longest drives the band will ever make. It could be a shorter trip, but Europe has some very strict rules regarding drivers of tour buses. Each bus has a tachometer log, which is a small paper disc that records driving time and speed to regulate a drivers work hours and driving habits.

By the way, got a great candid shots of Troy during a guitar solo.




















LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, DAVE RUDE ON GUITAR!!!