News From The Road

Joe spent the afternoon the day before the Edmonton show hanging out with Tom Petersson and Rick Nielsen on Wyhte Ave. The guys went to a bunch of record and guitar stores. Joe bought a guitar the name escapes me. After a little fine-tuning by Nanaimo's finest guitar tech Jim Survis, it was ready to go for Jaded the next night.

The guys played a killer set at the house that Wayne Gretzky built. Steven even gave the World's greatest hockey player a tip of the hat before Train.

The next day Steven, Joe and I took the ride to Calgary on Joe's bus. We stopped in Drumheller at the Tyrell Dinosaur Museum. It must have been funny seeing the toxic twins ogle Dinosaur bones while grilling our tour guide Cameron about their origin. The guys had to semi-disguise themselves from the field trippers.

After that we high-tailed it out of there and headed to Calgary where the guys took in game six of the Western Conference finals between San Jose and Calgary. What a game, the place was electric as we watched high above the beautiful Saddledome in a luxury box. The guys who admit they’re not huge hockey fans, couldn't deny the excitement the city exuded and wanted to be a part of that.

Calgary won, and Joe said it was one of the most exciting games he has ever seen. Steven commented about how into the game the fans were, and that the venue had great popcorn too. The Flames gave all the guys shirts with their names on it. Steven swapped his with a fan, but got it back the next night in true Tyler fashion.

The Saddledome was still on fire as their chef and voodoo exorcist, Jamie Larita, led the guys on stage. Jamie has been leading the guys onstage New Orleans funeral style the past few shows and he got the Calgary crowd going, coming out with a huge Flames flag. It was one of the best shows of the tour.

The guys have been getting great crowds in Canada and have been met by several fans that are on their own little travel packages.

Tom has been burning up the Canadian airwaves lately. He has done several interviews and has been keeping DJ's across Canada in stitches with his east coast brand of comedy.

In Portland, Steven and Joe taped a little spot that will air next week for Summer Music Mania. The show is hosted by Jessica Simpson, and includes performers such as Usher, Black Eyed Peas, 3 Doors Down, Nelly and Ashlee Simpson (note to self, Tivo it and skip the deadwood). The guys are appearing via satellite.

Joe and Steven also taped a segment of Behind the Music for one of the biggest bands of the 80's and early 90's. More on that as it develops.

Ah! 8 days off.

Catch you all in one of America's greatest cities. Dallas!

John B.