07 September 2026
It was a warm September morning and I should have skipped the coat….
Head rehearsal happening now and ‘Deja-Vu’ seems like a good place to begin in the event that we play this one on the forthcoming Tear Garden tour.
Yup, Heathrow again…. There are far worse airports so no complaints from me but this will be a long day…
Fellow Pink Dots Randall and Erik are already in the Land of the Free while Joep travels in a few days. And me? Argh 12 hours , seat 38D …’The Same, The Same’… a one more time!
13 September 2026
People often ask what was the factor that brought a band together and sometimes the answer is truly surprising.
In a long chat with cEvin last night , we came to the conclusion that our mutual love of The Beatles’ ‘Revolution 9’ started the mystical connection that ultimately led to the formation of Tear Garden.
For me, it was a sound I’d never heard before, all the more mind blowing as it manifested itself on a Beatles album.
If ever a piece of music drew a long red line across an adoring audience, it’s that one. And it changed my World forever.
Hopefully see you tomorrow at Pacific Electric in Los Angeles!
15 September 2026
The first ever Tear Garden show…
The sense of anticipation was simply overwhelming,the nerves were shredded and my vocal cords were, ummm , ” out of key ( slightly) , just enough to annoy me”.
Succumbing to laryngitis three days before the first show wasn’t the greatest timing.
Still, what a night…
Pacific Electric was the perfect venue to begin such a momentous tour and the audience was simply wonderful, guided me over the hurdles where I feared my voice would crack into a thousand pieces.
Back to reality now. It’s 7am and we’re already on the road to San Francisco and a show at The Independent. As I type, just a handful of tickets remain. Let the adventure continue..The photo features Alice who travelled all the way to Los Angeles for a show which was on her Birthday!
16 September 2026
Such a fine experience at the Independent in San Francisco last night…
Our confidence had grown since Night 1 of the Tear Garden tour, and what I wish for now are some fully functioning vocal cords. You see there are just some lines where my voice could go anywhere and that includes places best not visited.
Still I’m hoping that a day’s rest will help.
It’s a highway day….. 10 hours up the i5 to somewhere in Oregon as tomorrow’s show is at El Corazon in Seattle.
That North Western city has a special place in my heart as (gasp) ,40 years ago, cEvin drove me from Vancouver for a one-off solo show at the Fabulous Rainbow Club. It was my first venture into the USA. Time flies, sometimes in circles…
17 September 2026
America can be so beautiful. Put the phone down, gaze out of the window as California blends into Oregon and the reward can sweep the daily stress away in a heartbeat. The landscape is breathtaking, and it just keeps on going …and going… and going.
The drive from San Francisco to Portland is as long as the flight from London to LA and huge Thank Yous should be afforded to Erik and Joep who managed it between them.
Today it’s just 3 hours up the i5 to Seattle and a show at El Corazon. Hopefully see you tonight!
18 September 2026
Sometimes a show is akin to riding a stallion. Hazards occur at unpredictable moments and it’s vital to hold tight on the reins and clear the fences as a fall will result in disaster.
That’s how it was at El Corazon in Seattle last night. It’s an odd shaped room with a low ceiling and the sound literally bounces everywhere. There were instances where I just couldn’t pitch myself in the sound soup on stage but I just HAD to stay in the saddle, and I think I just about succeeded.
Happily a hugely supportive audience always seemed ready to catch and I cannot thank them enough. The result was the wildest Tear Garden show so far and, well, why not?
Today we head South for a mere 3 hours to Portland and a show at Star Theatre. It’s a wonderful venue and everything will feel very different again!
As for the photo? Well… the new day began right there…
19 September 2026
The Star Theatre in Portland is a shiny celestial body in an otherwise restless and unstable constellation.
It’s a spectacular monument that those edgy surrounding streets surely need especially when darkness falls.
Last night’s Tear Garden show was perhaps my personal favourite of the tour so far.
After a shaky start I slowly began to realise that my voice was almost back, and it meant taking a few risks that I hadn’t dared to in the three previous shows. The sense of freedom was simply overwhelming.
I do hope the ghosts that drift through those knowing walls approved of the sounds they were treated to last night.
The photo was taken as we weaved our way through the enormous traffic jam that this special city succumbed to yesterday afternoon! I’m sure that artifice has a few ghosts of its own.
20 September 2026
After a quartet of exciting shows in packed clubs along the West Coast, yesterday’s road trip offered a chance to wind down and simply enjoy the view through the window of the bus.
Oregon seemed endless as we followed the Columbia River Eastwards, ultimately winding our way through the dry hills into Idaho.
It’s breathtaking in its beauty and now I’m typing this missive in a motel close to the Utah border . It’s early, still dark even, but I had a good sleep and feel regenerated.
Today’s destination is the Urban Lounge in Salt Lake City. A more intimate show for sure, but I always enjoy being in this special corner of the World.
21 September 2026
Today will be intense… After a fine night in Salt Lake City, we’re uncomfortably reminded of the sheer vastness of the continent of North America.
Tonight’s appointment is at The Summit in Denver and Google Maps suggests 3 possible routes….all of them beautiful, all of them, long….
As a result, this missive is being typed in a motel room in an obscure corner of Wyoming. We’re on the fastest route as there’s a deadline to meet but it’s a road we know so well. The landscape is reminiscent of the Wild West, red mountains for miles but no fantasising because the highway is populated by lines of trucks. 400 miles of emptiness but the delights of Denver promise a fitting reward.
22 September 2026
The city of Denver holds a special place in my heart.
Despite having a number of tours in North America in the Pink Dots’ earlier years, we didn’t make it to the Mile High City until 1995 and the Mercury Cafe was literally packed to the rafters.
That experience triggered a number special appearances, sometimes two night celebrations, at the Bluebird Theatre and as a result we made many friends in Colorado.
Fast forward to last night at The Summit and those memories came flooding back.
So many familiar faces in that large audience, some hardy souls had flown in from cities in Georgia, Alabama, Texas… Again, Denver was special, a gathering of the clans and, gasp, on a MONDAY Night. Thank you!!!
The picture below was taken on our long drive through Wyoming to reach the Summit.
23 September 2026
Des Moines 7am. The road felt relentless yesterday. Nebraska starts but merely promises an end as the landscape stubbornly refuses to change and the signs guide you to ‘cities’ no one in the bus has heard of.
We decided to make a brief stop at Gothenburg! It bore little resemblance to the Swedish city The Pink Dots will be playing next February, but it certainly had its charm. Photographic evidence can be observed below.
Ultimately we reached our destination at 11pm and dived into Perkins for a midnight feast which admittedly left me a shade unsatisfied.
And still there’s more road to cover. 4 hours North today for a show at the Green Room, Minneapolis. Hopefully see some of you there!
24 September 2026
EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN 7am. Always a little sad to leave Minneapolis so abruptly after a show but our reality normally means a show in Chicago the day later and a challenging drive to arrive on time.
Nevertheless we had a fine evening at the excellent Green Room venue.
Minneapolis is a city close to my heart and it was life affirming to reconnect with friends we go back with over decades.
I was also relieved I was in shape to perform as well. Earlier in the day I somehow managed to march into a glass door at Starbucks.The accident was akin to being floored by the Invisible Man… literally left moaning on my back with blood everywhere. I’ll be more careful in the future!
A big show awaits us at Bottom Lounge in Chicago tonight- I’ll forget the bruises!
As for the photo, a rare snap of me examining the damage in the green room at The Green Room!
25 September 2026
CHICAGO! We’ve had some spectacular nights in the wonderful Windy City but maybe this was the best of all. The Bottom Lounge was packed to the rafters, the stage was spacious and we were left with a feeling of deep satisfaction.
I’m often asked why we physically punish ourselves with day-long drives, diversions in Denny’s and baths with defective plugs in airport motels.
Well, last night was the reason and I guess we’ll keep doing it until we drop.
Today is a driving day but not a back breaker. The next destination is Cleveland and another sold out show. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been touring, the joy never dampens!
The picture below depicts our colourful Green Room last night!
26 September 2026
CLEVELAND 9.30am. I actually managed a small lay-in this morning which is a rare luxury on an intense tour.
I’m still in the process of landing from our night in Chicago which concluded with a stay at the Air B’n’B attached to the Post Punk and Industrial Music Museum curated by Martin Atkins.
Quite simply Martin treated us wonderfully, by far the best overnight stay of our voyage, and we were treated to a guided tour of a truly fascinating museum yesterday morning. There were far too many images to sum up in this simple diary entry- I just have to encourage everyone to pay a visit to a truly unique and rather wonderful corner of the Windy City.
Back to reality now . In search of laundry and mental preparation for another sold out show!
The photo was taken ( by Dre) at the Museum…cEvin and Martin share an anecdote..
27 September 2026
Cleveland… I love the city. I remember a chilly Monday evening back in 2022 when we were convinced nobody would show up at the earthy (but wonderful!!) Grog Shop – yet they did and contributed to one of the most memorable nights of the tour.
That’s how it was last night but with a lot more people.
There is such a warmth to this place.. and it is why I literally pleaded with our agent to make a show happen in Cleveland. Still buzzing here… and gushing!
The picture depicts the very worn wall of a club that boasts a long history. Meanwhile we head East to the Nation’s capital today…
28 September 2026
Washington DC. 7am.
At last a chance to stop moving for a while. A day off either side of tonight’s show at Union Stage meant that we could book 3 nights in a hotel in the suburbs of the capital. It’s a welcome break and, if you time it properly, you just may catch the Tear Garden indulging in touristic pursuits at various spots in the city in the hours to come . Everything depends upon the weather which was furious on the East Coast over the weekend, but seems mellower now.
Anyhow we’re focusing on tonight’s show – there’s a high bar to clear!
The pic was taken en route through the dramatic and often State of Pennsylvania yesterday.
29 September 2026
Landover Maryland 8.30 am. An intimate and thoroughly enjoyable show at the Union Stage in Washington DC last night.
The venue was delightful but below street level so we depended upon an elevator that clearly despised humanity.
Loading in the equipment involved various forms of persuasion in order to keep the over active doors from attempting to crush us. It would have made for a good horror movie ( in fact I HAVE seen such a movie a few years ago).
Even so we made it past the monster lift and duly delivered to a warm audience from far and near.
Today is a genuine DAY OFF. It shall be treasured…
30 September 2026
Landover Maryland 7.30 am. Real days off, genuine holidays are as rare as sun beds on Saturn in my peculiar Universe.
I only have my restless self to blame, but to actually dedicate a whole day to simply sharing stories with Randall while enjoying a margarita or two and binge watching movies on Netflix ( ‘I don’t feel at home in this World anymore’ , ‘The Nightcrawler’..) felt like sheer indulgence.
Nothing wrong with a decent rest.. I think we earned it!
Still, today The Tear Garden heads North for the Big Apple and a show at Le Poisson Rouge. Just a few tickets left for this one, so it could be a seismic night!
And the pic? That’s my view from the window for the last days.
01 October 2026
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 7.15 am. There’s always a certain sadness attached to leaving New York. Reality declares that staying overnight in the Big Apple is beyond our budget but reflections and experiences remain, whizzing around in my head rent free, as I type this missive.
I used to fear playing in the city. So many words written about ‘New York Cool ‘ and audiences that had witnessed everything.
I’ll contend that with a suggestion of lazy journalism at work.
In my experience, New York is passionate, uplifting and hugely supportive.
So it was last night in the excellent and welcoming Le Poisson Rouge.
The venue was packed and ready to raise the roof. We met with people who flew in from London and Auckland, New Zealand just to see the show. Happily I think we delivered. Thank you New York… parting is the sweetest sorrow.
Today we head North to Cambridge, Massachusetts for a show at Middle East – a venue we know so well. Hope to see you there!
02 October 2026
STURBRIDGE MA. 7am.
However well a tour is planned, it’s a racing certainty that there will always a ‘Day of Chaos.’
The Tear Garden’s appointed day landed yesterday when we took the highway from Stamford, Connecticut to Boston…
We’ve had far longer drives this tour, but yesterday’s haul felt a little doomed when we initially found ourselves heading towards a bridge high enough for skateboarders in our tall vehicle at the very start. After a couple of U-turns, we found ourselves battling the obstacles heading North. There were roadworks, accidents, diversions and the ‘traffic jam from Hell’ when we finally reached the Middle East venue an hour late.
Credit to helpers at the club who piled in to help us carry our equipment down a flight of stairs and set up.
Ultimately our efforts resulted in a rip-roaring show in front of loudly appreciative audience. Glasses were raised in the Green Room at the end of this one!
The picture of the elevator depicts how my personal ‘Day of Chaos’ began when I found myself in a deserted lobby in the disused part of the hotel with only one possibility of escape…. you’re looking at it! Welcome to the Twilight Zone…
03 October 2026
Syracues NY. 8.50 am. The sun beams in through the lace curtains, I’m considering breakfast and how I can reduce my already minimal baggage.
Today’s task is to cross the border into Canada at Niagara Falls for tomorrow’s ( almost) sold out show in Toronto.
It feels hard to believe that in a week’s time I’ll will have been home for 4 days if Lady Fate approves.
Nothing distorts the perception of more than touring.
I feel like I’ve been on the road forever, yet the Los Angeles show was less than 3 weeks ago. It’s an almost thrilling disorientation which sees me often checking out what the day is on the digital calendar.
Meanwhile behold the sites of Syracuse through the motel room window!
04 October 2026
TORONTO. 7.10am. We made it to Canada. It’s one of my favourite countries in the World and I’ll never forget my first visit way back in 1986.
That was when I played 4 solo shows in Vancouver over a fortnight with Kevin handling the sound.
In the weeks leading up to the adventure, he sent me a cassette with the instrumental version of ‘Center Bullet’ ( a tape only bonus on a Skinny Puppy release), enquiring if I could maybe write some words and add vocals.
I dwelled upon the title as the plane glided over Greenland….. the mind can go into some strange places given certain conditions. Days later , ‘Center Bullet became the first song of a new project we decided to christen ‘Tear Garden’
Fast forward 40 years and now Tear Garden is on tour….. Lee’s Palace tonight, it may already be sold out. Life’s a rollercoaster ride…
And the photo? It’s a map in a gas station close to Niagara… look to the right, USA looks almost empty, look left and Canada looks like an urban labyrinth. I had to chuckle…
05 October 2026
PORT HOPE, ONTARIO. 8 am. Last night at Lee’s Palace was a celebration. A wild show, a packed house and, to conclude, a bus full of exhausted but happy voyagers on the journey to this remote outpost an hour or so East of Toronto.
It feels hard to believe that the last show of the tour will be tonight.
Les Foufounes Électriques is a fitting venue for the finale too. Rewind 35 years and The Pink Dots played at this venue on their first ever North American Tour- it was our favourite show, and sparked a bit of a love affair by the band and the city of Montreal. May the romance continue!
We drive in an hour… A bientot..
And the photo? Autumn colours in the Canadian countryside…
06 October 2026
MONTREAL 8am. A noble adventure deserves a happy end. Logistically, geographically and financially, a Tear Garden tour shouldn’t have been possible.
The risks were high and we did have various influential people warning us that audiences would be small because the band had no history of playing live. In that scenario we have to thank our agent, Troy, who fought all the way for the tour which turned out to be a truly memorable voyage!
The final destination was Les Foufounes Electrique in Montreal, where Skinny Puppy cut their live teeth back in 1985 and the Pink Dots played in 1989 and 1991.
Could there have been a more perfect venue to finish this special tour?
A highly emotional and spectacular conclusion to a very special tour.. I wouldn’t change a single word of the script! Thank you to everyone who supported us both physically and in spirit!
The historic welcoming venue is captured in the picture.
