Day 21: Ybor City, Tampa, FL

Cheap thrill, originally uploaded by Rich in Orderly Manor.

Mars made me go jet-skiing. It was probably the funniest thing we’ve done on this tour. Screaming and trying to throw each other off with the wake. Terrible. One day the inner-adult will shine through. Shame we didn’t get the whole band out really; though it may have spelled the end of tour due to injury.

Tonight’s show is at Ybor City; a lot of Cuban history here – it was founded by cigar manufacturers. Still a load of that culture here. Should have got one… always with the benefit of hindsight. Instead, Paul, Mars and I went to the Greek restaurant and had some superb food with some authentic napkin and plate-throwing.

First night with Islands. I already had a heads-up from Pitchfork so i knew this would be somewhat compatible with my taste. I caught the last two songs. Loved it. Great sound, some amazing changes and writing. Cool guys too. Must remember: N-Dog (Nick), J-Dog (Jamie), Evan and Geordie. Check them out if you haven’t. I wanna tour K&Q with these guys.

Loved tonight’s gig; after the cavernous soundcheck it all came together very nicely. Good people too. They always want us to come to these ‘Official After Party’ events down the road; we never have any knowledge and we very rarely go because of bus call. But tonight we met with fans for a good long while before heading out to Fort Lauderdale. There’s an incredible white rhinestone cape on the bus. Islands called and had us pick it up. Its irresistible – sorry Nick.

Trying to sleep. Buzzing. Alligator Alley passes in the night.