London, England
Islington Academy
Although we arrive at the Jury Inn around 10:00 yesterday, we were unable to check in until the rooms were cleaned. I wanted to go sightseeing, but there was so much confusion at the front desk regarding our reservations, that the check in process is took a lot of time (which wasn’t such a bad thing considering it was a good excuse to talk to Alexandra, the beautiful green eyed Romanian, behind the counter. Sorry fellas, didn’t get a picture, which I regret.)
By the time the rooms are ready, the whole group spent about 4 hours crashed out in the lobby of the hotel room. I opted to take a shower and a get few hours of sleep first. By the time I woke up it was 6:00 p.m. and everybody was sleeping or gone. I was feeling a bit sick, but realized I had eaten only a pastry that morning. Basically, I hadn’t had anything to eat in 24 hours. I need to find a “proper” English pub and quick. After walking the streets around my hotel for about an hour and came upon the York pub. The menu was much more than expected, with about 20 varieties of savory pies. I ordered a Guinness and a chicken and mushroom pie. The pie took awhile, so I ordered a Blackthorn cider, which is like a cross between an apple cider and champagne, with a nice kick to it. Unfortunately the waitress thought I said Guinness (evidently us American’s pronounce the word “cider” a bit differently??) So, another Guinness was served up. Well, contrary to my last experience in London (circa 1995), where the only flavor to the boiled potatoes and Shepard’s pie came from the 20 to 30 shakes from a lonely salt shaker that was on my table (evidently pepper was not part of the spice trade in England at the time), the food at the York was fantastic. If the evolution of English cuisine was played out on the silver screen, one could quote Rex Harrison’s character, Professor Henry Higgins, in “My Fair Lady,” and say, “By George, I think she’s [finally] got it.” England has taste!!
By the way, leave it to Steve and Honorina (his wife, who has now joined the tour) and a couple of the guys to find a Mexican restaurant in England.
"Tortilla" owner Brandon Stephens and his wife just moved here from the San Jose. And boy, did they get it right. Awesome Mexican food. Try them out if you're in England.
This morning I set a wake up call for 7:00, showered and went to the front desk, where I once again schmoozed with the lovely Alexandra. She directed me to take the nine-two double decker city bus to some stop and switch to the 130 something bus to . . . yah-dah, yah-dah, . . . Frankly, looking into her green eyes, I was barely paying attention to her directions to Abbey Road. But she said the bus would be way cheaper than a taxi. So, I boarded the nine-two and nine stops later departed . . . at the wrong crossing!! (Did I say she had beautiful green eyes?) Now what?
Well, can fate live in the soul of a London cabbie? A quick whistle later, and I found out, as a London city cab pulled over and I stepped in.
Brian, the cabbie, is an old school indie rocker who has been playing bass for 20 or 30 years. He’s had an album mastered at Abbey Road Studios and knows London streets like the fret board of a Fender Precision Bass. After all, it took him three and a half years to study for his taxi license exam (a requirement for a London cabbie.) 
Well, two hours, one coffee break at Starbucks, 75 photos and 80 pounds later (plus 20 pound tip), and Brian has given me a “Magical Mystery Tour” of the best sites of London, complete with a running narrative. Kudos to him for the Royal treatment. So, do me a favor, check out his band, “Just B” at their myspace website: www.myspace.com/wearejustb
I finished the sightseeing just in time for lunch and a quick walk to the venue which was down the street from the hotel. Islington Academy sure doesn’t seem to be an institution of higher learning. Frankly, it appears to be a typical nightclub, so don’t ask where the name comes from. Right before the show, Brian pops a new one on me by handing me a five string bass that a Londoner acquaintance of his has provided. It’s to be used on “Song and Emotion,” which requires a 5-string. I don’t even know if this thing works, but I quickly string it, tune it up and test it. The song was a great addition for the night, since it hadn’t been played on the whole tour. Additionally, “War Pigs” replaced “Rock Bottom” for the night, which was a huge crowd pleaser.
After the show, Static, Robbie and I join a couple of the fans for a few beers back at the hotel, while some of the band go to an industry party sponsored by Brian’s friend, Jimmy Page (yes, THE Jimmy Page.) I guess I really have become a "Road Dog" since I would rather have a beer with the crew than go to an industry party. As Lemmy from Motorhead would say:
"But I just love the life I lead,
Another beer is what I need,
Another gig my ears bleed,
We Are The Road Crew."
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