Day Eight: Portland, OR

My best day so far; great venue, great show, beautiful weather, and i get to see my Andi and my nephews all on the same day. Feels like coming home to be in this city. I’ve spent so much time here with family that it’s almost odd to be here in this capacity. And to think that this time tomorrow I’ll be at the Hollywood Bowl.

My little nephew Wyatt was there at sound-check wearing earmuffs and playing air drums… heart-breakingly cute. He and Mars got along especially well. Spent a few hours with the fam before the show – like stepping through a secret door to my ‘normal’ existence. Lovely.

Back to the venue to see some friends and prepare. As we approach the stage tonight Zarr informed me that my AC30 had just blown up. Not the greatest bit of news to get but within minutes they’d switched it out with another random amp (Crate!) and on we went. No sweat. Great audience energy tonight and judging by their reaction i think we were giving it right back. Nice to know i had a few friends out there tonight too. Got to hang with them a little afterwards, before heading out to collapse at an airport hotel. Hollywood Bowl screams in my head. Probably not the best night’s sleep.

Paul passed his sticks to my brother-in-law to give to little Wyatt after the show tonight. Made his day apparently…