Day 32: New York City
I love New York. I realised that once again on this trip. It’s an unbelieveably vibrant place. But its also crazy how you can never escape people. Claustrophobia is always a short pull away. I’ve become a space-aholic living where I live. I need to have peace and quiet and plenty of sky. I was just marveling as Andi and I sat in Central Park, that there is no way to get away in NY. Even in the park there is tons of stuff going on all the time. And everything is man-made. Too much. I need to see some earth that has been there since the dawn of time. Take me to the desert, the mountains, where you can see how time has worn the landscape naturally. And space to make noise. It’s all noise here. So yes, i heart NY but maybe just for a two-night stand. It may just be that I’ve been in a major city every day for the last 5 weeks.
Anyway, a tangent carried me away! We were on the bus at 10.30 today. Pulled away from the herd of tour bus’ and into the city. The Roseland is cavernous and kinda cool/kinda run down. So run down. We catch some breakfast at a diner with Mars and Darren. Much hilarity ensues… I’m not going in it here. The cottage cheese omelette was interesting for a go. Not so much hilarity between management today.
Bit of rehearsal of Friends on the bus. Then we wander with Tim and Mars over to the music store area (48th?) for a look at some fine old instruments and for Mars to find reeds (which he didn’t). Soundcheck – Knox is here! The cello throughout PG makes me grin the entire time! Something new! (hey, its been 5 weeks). Friends didn’t work out again. I just keep wanting So Run Down and Dumb Waiters back in. But i don’t want to cut any either. It’s hard to have a set when the band has too many good songs.
Andi and I wander some of Central Park to get the true Autumn in New York vibe. Its there, though i wish we had more time. Dude playing sax, squirrels, young lovers: check. Couldn’t work out where the Ghostbusters building were though. Also managed a quick run through of the fourth floor of the MOMA. Free friday night! Thanks Target. Always nice to see some Rothko right before a show. Packed it was!
Despite the life on stage being marred by all manner technical trouble (crazy monitors, kick drum pedal breaking in encore, my amps appearing to fade in and out) tonight was a very fine show with a big ole 2000+ NY crowd. They seemed rather taken with all of us. After the show i got to hang with my crew of Andi, Carl, Jo, Rochelle, April and their friend who’s name escapes me. All very sweet and complimentary. Also got a few minutes with Knox who seems taken with the show too… Again, the cello of P-Gas was so much fun to play with. Even Frank F endorsed us tonight… So good to see him after all these years. Looking good man! Must be the GnR diet.
We hung around for a bit on the bus before I had to say bye to Andi and Ro once again… Quick slice of pizza with Mars and we’re out to Boston. Dillman doesn’t sleep.