The European Tour 2002 (part two)

Our first stop would be Berlin, where we were to play a marathon show which would also be filmed.

I love Berlin. I spent a lot of time there in the early 90's working with a couple of different artists, so I knew it would be a treat to return after a six year absence. It was great to hook up with old friends, but sad to see how the West has invaded East Berlin. I remember when the Wall first came down, and how otherworldly the East seemed. Now, it could be a shopping district anywhere in Western Europe (then again, I don't live there - perhaps the folks who do really appreciate all the new development, in which case I'm happy for them).

Berlin was a big show for David, given his history with the city and his seminal albums which were recorded there. After the Area 2 shows (where we were restricted to a 75 minute slot) and the TV promos, we all relished the opportunity to let loose and play ... which we did. Berlin was the first in a series of gigs on this leg where we topped what I thought was possible in a live setting. It reminded me of why I got into music in the first place.

Unfortunately, my gear broke down during the show. Both of my Matchless amps blew and I ended up using a backup of Slick's to get through the gig. For a few minutes there I was not having fun. Still, it was a fab show.

Paris was next, and we did a couple of amazing nights at the Zenith. These shows were probably my favorite in Europe, as we were all so locked together - musically and mentally - that it was almost scary. The audience on Paris was especially wonderful ... and again, a pleasure to see old friends. We seemed to be getting a lot more attention than usual at our hotel - they seem to have a real thing for collecting guitar picks, for starters. A fan even attempted to impersonate a reporter to see Slick. It was in Paris, after one morning of searching for just the right cafe au lait, that I decided to quit drinking coffee entirely.

>>> European Tour Part Three