September 23, 2025
They let us in! I’m typing this little missive in rainy Fort Collins trying to think of what ELSE I need to do before we make the first drive of the tour tomorrow. Yesterday was preparing packages to mail out while preparing some handmade delights for the merc table in Salt Lake City ( we excelled ourselves this time around). Today will be counting what we have while rehearsing in our heads despite the jet lag ( and damn, 9 hour flights mess with the mind). Still first show is at Metro Music Hall in Salt Lake City on Thursday ( I always love starting the tour in that unique city). Do forgive me if I’m a little slow to respond to emails/ messages right now – pre tour days can make the actual adventure seem like a rest.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR (NORTH AMERICA) DAY 1
September 24
Sometimes it feels like going out on the road is less stressful than the days and weeks leading up to the adventure. So much to prepare, so many boxes to move, so much not to forget and so much that will be forgotten anyhow.
Only the day before yesterday we found out that our big delivery of ‘So Lonely in Heaven’ vinyl and cd wasn’t part of the huge pile of boxes already in the garage of this lovely house here in Fort Collins.
That truly felt like a crisis .. it is the travelling shop that keeps us afloat.
I’m happy to report that our only problem this morning is squeezing all the boxes into the van. Thankfully the other guys in the band are masters of topography and
it means we can drive to Salt Lake City in a relatively relaxed fashion.
Waiting for the starting pistol as I type this…
A huge THANK YOU to Maria and Gilberto who treated us so well over the last days!
Pictured here is the view from the window.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR (NORTH AMERICA) DAY 2
September 25
An ungodly hour and I’m typing this diary entry on my iPad in a Salt Lake City hotel room . Jet lag is brutal, it always seems to take me an eternity to settle into a new rhythm and, by the time I succeed, I’ll probably be in another time zone.
We took the least picturesque route from Colorado yesterday, mile upon on mile of Wyoming, hallucinating outlaws on horses surrounding a saloon, then being rudely snapped back into reality as an enormous truck thundered past us . Wyoming is Truck Land despite the lack of roads.
Still we made it to Salt Lake and I’ll use the Witching hour to prepare myself for the first show of the tour at Metro Music Hall. SLC is a unique city – I always enjoy my time here. The picture depicts a typical sunset in Wyoming……alas an iPhone can’t hope to fully capture the majestic beauty of the moment.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) DAY 3
September 26
Such an intense day at the Metro Music Hall yesterday. We arrived at 2 pm after being temporarily stunned when we heard the news that Dre, who is handling our travelling shop, missed his plane by two minutes due to over zealous security at LAX airport . Miraculously Dre managed to make it into another flight in less than an hour- but he had to run!
Throughout the afternoon we tested every song in the set and then Randall and Erik prepared the first ever run through of the Orbit Service opener ( don’t miss this !! It’s wonderful!)
Then it was a case of swimming through boxes of shirts, records and CDs together with Dre who arrived at 5.
By the time the doors opened it felt like we’d been on the road for a week but a truly positive, encouraging crowd inspired us to go further. A head spinning day but such a rewarding night. Thank you Salt Lake!
Today we head to Boise for our first ever show in the city at Neurolux- do pass the word on!
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) DAY 4
September 27
Our first ever show in Boise was a small delight. A small crowd for sure, but the warmth of their response lifted us to new heights as we witnessed outbreaks of spontaneous interpretive dancing .Wonderful!
Before last night Boise had always been a stepping stone between Portland or Seattle to Salt Lake. A city where we always arrived too late to appreciate it- Super 8 and mediocre Chinese food in the only restaurant that was open. Boise is actually much better than that.
Onwards to Portland today for a show at Dante’s. Always a strong sense of anticipation for a date in that city- we had many special nights in Oregon over the years.
The picture is the view from the window right now.. and a reason for the late posting. Miles away and the network comes and goes!
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) DAY 5
September 28
I love Portland! It’s the American city I probably know the best and I cherish long
friendships developed there over the years.
And once more Portland was kind to the Pink Dots last night, as it has been so many times before.
The sizeable crowd was right behind us from the first note, laughed with me when I fluffed my words on a song, hung on with us as this rollercoaster of a set swerved through dangerous bends … I love Portland.
And I love Seattle too.. Madame Lou’s tonight- it’s always special in that beautiful city even when it rains ( and it rains a lot!).
The pictures are from our breathtakingly beautiful drive from Boise yesterday. Breakfast in La Grande .. it was grand too..
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) DAY 6
September 29
A damn fine Sunday night in Seattle at the excellent Madame Lou’s..
However the grim gates of reality loomed before us when we stepped back into the bus.
Today’s show is in Vancouver, necessitating the crossing of a border that has frequently been a hugely frustrating obstacle in the past.
Consequently we drove to Bellingham after last night’s show and will ( sadly) unload 95% of our merchandise into a hotel room before driving into Canada. Just how things are…We will have a few things onboard that we’ll simply declare but bad experiences in the past means we’ll play everything by the book.
Despite all that , we do look forward to a fine show at The Pearl tonight!
The rain came today but the pictures depict a glorious Sunny journey from Portland to Seattle yesterday.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 7
September 30
The rain was relentless, the traffic was glue but our date at The Pearl on a forbidding Monday Night just might have been my favourite ever Vancouver show.
For a start, we had the possibility of experimenting with projections which were breathtaking thanks to Randall. Then there was that wonderful listening audience who braved the deluge in some numbers and responded so well . Ah Canada!!
I’m happy to report that the border was fine in both directions too.
Even so today will begin with loading the towers of vinyl ,T-shirts and CDs presently occupying my room back into the van . Then we will DRIVE!
San Francisco is far far away…
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 8
October 1
Day 8 equalled i5 … a long haul down the interstate highway for 9 hours. Majestic trees, cloud piercing mountains, raging rivers, terrifying trucks…
We decided upon dinner at an excellent Mexican Restaurant in Roseburg before resting our weary heads in Medford – California is close. We will see you there!
As for the photo… Welcome to our World right now! ( thanks to Erik for the pic)
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 9
October 2
A different kind of view from the window this morning…Indeed, a little bit ‘Bates Motel’…..
It’s a disappointing reality that a travelling band with a sizeable vehicle normally faces serious issues when it comes to parking themselves overnight in a big city.
Consequently we’ll be crossing the Bay Bridge later this afternoon and heading back after the show. It’s a real shame- I absolutely love San Francisco, but it’s been a long time since I’ve actually had the chance to enjoy it fully.
Enough of the sob story- tonight promises to be the biggest show of the tour and we intend to rise to the occasion.
Hopefully see you at The Chapel!
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 10
October 3
Such an intense night at the Chapel in San Francisco.
No city in the World embraced The Legendary Pink Dots more than that special city with a history that resonates so much with me, and I cannot deny that there’s always always a little extra pressure with a performance there.
Thankfully I think we passed the audition..
A big thank you to Anthony who yet again delivered delicious a vegan feast, and to so so many friends that go back decades. Time is always a harsh master in San Francisco.
Today we’re off down the i5 to Los Angeles and a show at Zebulon.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 11
A real stormer at the wonderful Zebulon club in Los Angeles last night.
It’s always special coming to this city and this show will claim its own place in a long list of memorable celebrations over the years.
It was a delightful end to the night too thanks to a marvellous reunion with cEvin and Reanna. The stories and anecdotes piled up over pizza and late night beverages until I had to sway and ultimately surrender to Doctor Sleep.
A comparatively short run today down the coast to San Diego and a show at the Soda Bar.
The picture depicts a surprising corner of the green room last night… there’s history in those keys.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 12
Early evening . A car park in San Diego. The sky is pink when I look left and yellow when I turn towards the Ocean. It’s shirtsleeves warm, but only just. Pastel lamps hang but stay put when a friendly breeze reminds me that nothing is static. And I just wish I could capture the moment and share it because surely the beauty of it would lift the darkness across the planet.
A value moment. As rare as a butterfly that sings, and can only be shared in a story which cannot hope to adequately reproduce the experience.
And the show? Flying….Spacey…Unpredictable .
We cross the desert to Phoenix today for a manifestation at the Valley Bar. Hopefully see you there…
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 13
Phoenix is a strange city. I’ve visited the sprawling metropolis when it was literally impossible to go out for more than maybe 10 minutes because of the searing heat. I always get a small thrill when I see the first cactus as we drive down into the valley where the city sprawls , only to be overwhelmed as 1000 of them line the highway on both sides within minutes. A good night’s sleep is a challenge in such an environment- the air conditioning can shake the walls, making the room a little cold but it’s a brave soul who turns it off.
I always enjoy going to Phoenix. Maybe the audience is a little smaller than anywhere along the West Coast but the welcome we’re afforded really gets the band flying. Last night felt like a celebration, perhaps my favourite show so far. Thank you Phoenix! ( and Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa…). A 6 hour run to Albuquerque today and then a small rest.
The pictures are a snapshot of what we found backstage in our dressing room last night.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 14
We took the scenic route to Albuquerque. Cactus after cactus, bowing, parading , warning the unwary as the road wound its way up spectacular hills, down into ominous valleys. No gas station for miles, they just didn’t belong out there.I loved every second of that long ride- maybe I was a lizard in a past life ( maybe something worse…).
Even so this morning’s reality is very different. Our motel here in Albuquerque is next to a busy junction; the traffic is insane ,there’s concrete… so much concrete. It makes me appreciate the beauty we encountered yesterday even more.
Tonight we play at the Launchpad – hope to see you there!
Erik took the beautiful pictures below..
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 15
An interesting time to be in Albuquerque…
As we delivered our spacey set at the Launchpad last night, Paul McCartney was also playing in the city – I must declare a huge respect for the great man.
Meanwhile, as I type this in semi darkness, I was told that hundreds of hot air balloons could be rising above Albuquerque right now.
Alas we cannot stay for the spectacle- The Pink Dots’ next show is in Austin, Texas and that’s a 12 hour drive from here. We’ll take another scenic route and cut the journey into two parts.
A big thank you to the warm audience at the Launchpad last night- it felt like almost everyone stayed to say ‘hello’ after the show.
The pictures are from our dressing room last night- ladies and gentlemen, we are floating in space.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 16
I’m writing this missive in a motel at the edge of Sweetwater, Texas. We’re heading for Austin but to make the drive from Albuquerque in one hit seemed unnecessarily exhausting.
What can I say about the drive? To be honest, not so much….I enjoyed the first part on Highway 84 as the road was pretty much empty. Then the grain silos began to appear in numbers, and incredibly cute prairie dogs in even greater numbers. Still we were glad to reach our destination, zoom in on the laundry room and indulge in Taco Bell .
Another 4 hours to go today- see you at the 13th Floor in Austin!
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) DAY BETWEEN 16 & 18
I’m often asked about my favourite cities in the World and Austin, Texas always claims an honorary mention.
For sure it’s one of the most attractive cities I have ever wandered about in and it feels like there is music everywhere. Never is this more apparent than when lights go down and the downtown area explodes into a vibrant celebration.
You’re right…. I loved our show at the wonderfully hospitable 13th Floor last night. Such a warm response from a receptive, supportive audience… Austin is just amazing! Three hours up the I-35 to Dallas and the Three Links venue tonight. Do pass the word on!
The picture depicts the view from the hotel..and an ominous message from a local driver..
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) DAY 18
A curious day for us in Texas as we drove from Austin to Dallas. It started with a visit to the largest Truck Stop I’ve ever seen where enthusiastic sales assistants personally welcomed consumers at the entrance and a presence of people wearing beaver suits. Nothing wrong with the odd culture shock, but I did feel the need to escape.
The show at Three Links was spirited and the audience was warm, but the scene on the street afterwards was borderline apocalyptic.
Flashing blue lights everywhere, cars speeding around corners recklessly – we witnessed one smash into another as the police wearily watched. It felt like a cauldron close to boiling point. We escaped to this Motel 6 where I’m typing this missive.
Off to Houston today and a show at White Oak Music Hall- do pass the word on!
The obscure picture is of the wires outside the club.. someone thankfully warned me that the sound I heard definitely was NOT rain.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) DAY 19
We’ve played in Houston many times but last night at the White Oak Music Hall had to be my favourite.
So often on previous tours the space we played in was either too big or too small ( does anyone out there remember the Urban Art Bar?).
Upstairs at White Oak was perfect, offering an intimacy that’s hard to find in that enormous city. Even so it was the warm, receptive audience that made it an evening to remember. Thank you Houston.
Today we drive 5 hours down the Gulf Coast to New Orleans- one of my favourite cities in the World. Venue is Gasa Gasa – may the night be magical!
The picture depicts Houston from the highway…
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 20
Ah New Orleans, it was much too brief…
The delightful Gasa Gasa venue is not in the centre of that truly special city so a visit to the French Quarter was out of the question yesterday.
It’s a sad reality that the relentless schedule of a touring band and the logistics of finding a place to park a large vehicle mean that the chances of indulging in a little tourism are rare.
Consequently I’m typing this in a hotel room in Slidell, 40 minutes North of where we played last night.
The show itself was a delight – it always is in New Orleans- but today we drive on…
10 hours to Tampa (gasp) … but we can relax a while in Florida. I want to see the manatees!
The picture is from yesterday’s haul down I-10, I’m rather sure some exotic creatures inhabit that watery landscape.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 21
We’re halfway through and enjoying a little bit of luxury on this enormous haul around North America.
For 4 nights we’ll actually be based at the same place close to Orlando. There’s laundry, there’s a pool, the rooms are big enough to walk around in and neither of the shows coming up necessitate more than a 90 minute drive.
How much better can things be? Well… just a bath plug… a humble invention, nothing complicated, just a small device that prevents the water from immediately escaping the tub.
Otherwise? I’m happy.. a good night’s sleep after an ENORMOUS drive that took in 4 states yesterday. Florida is long!
And the picture… it’s the tree outside my room!
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 22
A rare day off. No show, no driving…
Just composing on the iPad by the pool, wandering around the neighbourhood and margaritas at the local bar. Still no bath plug alas…
It’s a short drive to Tampa today for a show at New World Brewery.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 23
Last night’s show at New World Brewery in Tampa was a delirious delight.
A great turnout that just seemed to savour every note that was played and they delivered such an appreciative response. The New World is a friendly venue to play too – everybody seems to be rightly proud of this special monument at the edge of the city. Thank you!
This surely must be my favourite visit to Florida.
Tonight we play at Winter Park , which is fundamentally our Orlando show. The venue is Conduit – do pass on the word.
The pictures depict the band’s dressing room at New World Brewery.. part of it was actually a balcony with a perfect view of the stage, so I was able to watch a fine performance by Orbit Service.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 24
Once in a while it takes time for a show to take off for me. It can be the reaction of the audience, the shape of the room, the lighting….. it’s difficult to explain a phenomenon that I don’t fully understand myself.
Last night at the Conduit in Orlando was like that. For a few songs I was waiting for the blue touch paper to catch fire, despite a warm audience in attendance .
The trigger for me was a couple of people spontaneously breaking into some interpretative dancing right in front of the stage , then everything soared. It all went pretty stratospheric long before the end – that’s where it HAS to go!
I’m typing this at 6 am . An early start for us today as it’s a 6 hour run to Atlanta where we’ll play at Purgatory in the Masquerade. Our intention is turn that space sunset pink with multicoloured Nova bursts at the perimeters . Do encourage the curious to come along..
I kept the phone in my bag for much of yesterday, therefore the picture represents how Purgatory hopefully will look after a visitation by The Legendary Pink Dots..
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 25
I’m ashamed to admit it, but I am a deeply suspicious person.
On the first day of the month I utter the mantra ‘White Rabbits, White Rabbits , White Rabbits’, and bid Alena to join me .
I do not walk under ladders, I try and keep a low profile in the presence of cosmic beings.
My unlucky number lies between 16 and 18. Tonight’s show occurs on the 18th of October, it’s also the 18th show of the tour.
Therefore you can imagine the sheer trepidation about yesterday’s adventure.
The journey was in accordance with the omens. Massive roadworks as we left Florida, an insane traffic jam close to Atlanta – we were late ( that’s rare).
Yet the show was excellent, wild, spacey..It was only afterwards that I realised how many shows we’d played.
You’re right … superstition is absurd. I should get over it. Maybe next week…
Today we head for Asheville- a city I love. Venue is Eulogy – do pass it on!
The picture depicts the sky as we started our journey yesterday- ominous huh?
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 26
For over 20 years we requested our American Tour bookers to find us a show in Asheville.
We suspected it was a perfect place for us after a show in Charlotte when almost everybody we met claimed to have driven down the mountain from there to see us.
Finally we managed in 2022 but I was too ill to fully enjoy the occasion which otherwise lived up to its promise.
Last night at the truly wonderful Eulogy venue, it was different.
We all felt well and ready for a special evening- and the result was deeply satisfying! I love that town up in the mountains.
Today we head East to Carrboro for a date at the delightful Cat’s Cradle- traditionally a much lower key show, but we intend to raise the roof and turn it pink.
The pictures depict the colourful walls encountered in Asheville.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR (NORTH AMERICA) Day 27
Carrboro North Carolina. I’m typing this missive at 7 am after a fine show at Cat’s Cradle last night, but remembering the last occasion when I stayed in this hotel.
It was 3 years ago on our previous tour and I was desperately sick.
It’s the last thing anybody needs on a tour where just one cancellation can spell financial ruin, but it was looking like a real possibility.
My temperature had soared , my voice was a crack in the concrete, a nagging cough had begun to fill in what little silence was left..
Randall insisted upon a Covid test which thankfully proved to be negative, so we opted for an online doctor.
After a brief appointment, the good physician prescribed a serious course of antibiotics and we carried on .
No after-show reward of a margarita until Toronto but very slowly my condition improved.
It felt good to sing in Carrboro again with a full voice! Today is a day off.. I’ll spend it wisely..
The pics depict yesterday’s drive from Asheville ( thanks again to Erik)
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 28
Day 28 was A DAY OFF. Red Roof Inn, Chapel Hill. Breakfast at Bob Evans, an Indian meal in the evening , catching up with stuff, an interview, an early night.
In reality, a REST day.
Today it changes… 6 hour+ up the highway to Baltimore!
And the pics… A small creation in the afternoon plus the view from my window!
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 29
Our few hours in Baltimore yesterday were hugely rewarding. A sizeable crowd showed up on a wet Tuesday evening to really get behind the band, and it felt like we rose to the occasion.
It was the perfect reward for an arduous journey from Chapel Hill.
We’ve made that run many times over the years and the highway becomes perceptibly busier every time we return. The traffic pretty much slows to a halt as soon as there’s the merest hint of Washington DC on the radar, and the torture never lets up. I suspect it will worsen as we go further North too- but at least Philadelphia feels like a stone’s throw away today. We play at Kung Fu Necktie tonight, join us in prayer for a parking spot.
The pics are from a brief stop in the picturesque town of Petersburg where we stopped for breakfast.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 30
It was an explosive show in the intimate Kung Fu Necktie Club last night. Despite a few technical issues, and a stage carpet I did my best to avoid walking on with bare feet, the vociferous audience summoned the fire and I think we passed the audition.
We even managed to secure a parking spot for our van, and I must say a huge THANK YOU to Patrick who obtained a power block for my suffering laptop.
Once again we have a refreshingly short drive to Brooklyn today for a show at the excellent Sultan Room – do pass the word on.
As for the pics…. Downstairs at that little club in Philadelphia, the band’s green room is unlike any other. A little spooky for sure, but so much to capture for posterity.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 31
Like the sticker declares’ I 
New York’….
It was one of the finest nights of the tour in Brooklyn’s Sultan Room . A warm, vociferous crowd lifted us up and the show became a celebration.
As I type this diary entry, I recall The Pink Dots’ history with this wonderful city.
Our first show in the Big Apple was back in 1989 at the Pyramid Club. There was no dressing room – we changed on the stairs. Back then we were assured that Brooklyn was dangerous and had ‘no reason to go there’… fast forward 35 years!
Then there was the Canal Street incident when one of our number ( no names!) purchased a well wrapped video camera which turned out to be a brick.
Many stories and our visits always feel too brief.
We head further North today to Cambridge, Massachusetts for a show at Middle East – a venue we know well! Hopefully we’ll see you there!
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 32
A fine show in Boston last night with a truly warm audience, but such a challenge…
Once in a while we encounter a venue without a dressing room to prepare ourselves in. Some clubs, like in Boise or Austin earlier on this tour, will improvise and even manage to create a space that is genuinely welcoming from nothing.
That was not the case last night. I waited for the show and changed in the van . At one point I accidentally knocked my glasses off the seat in the darkness and found myself on hands and knees searching for the lens which sprang out as a result. Such is the glamour of life on the road.
Today we head North into Canada for a show at Petite Campus in Montreal. We hope to see you!
And the pics? They depict the strange hotel in Stamford, Connecticut where we spent the night before heading for Boston.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 33
Last night at Petite Campus in Montreal was seismic.
It just might have been our favourite show of the tour thanks to a Quebec audience that listens so intently, but responds with uproarious passion.
The celebration began as Orbit Service played the first notes early in the evening.
Randall’s project paints a World that starts subtly, but soars off into the stratosphere night after night – and their set turns a show into an occasion. For the uninitiated, I strongly recommend the latest Orbit Service album, ‘Spirit Guide’.
Still, we head onwards to Toronto today for a show at The Cave.
In conversation with audience members on previous tours we’ve noted a little rivalry between Toronto and Montreal. A high bar was established last night, and we’ll make that five hour run down Highway 401 hungry to raise it even higher!
Pictured below is an image of the Orbit Service set taken by Joep.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 34
Oh Canada, it was much too brief….A thoroughly enjoyable show in the Cave at Lee’s Palace, Toronto last night completed our trio of appointments in that great country. Quite simply, the Pink Dots love Canada and we always head South again feeling a little sad – but we intend to return!
It was a stormer in Toronto despite the three flights of stairs and my unwise decision to eat a delicious curry before the show ( the small ‘Biryani’ vendor next to Lee’s is HIGHLY recommended!).
Now we head for the great city of Chicago. A driving day today…
As for the pic? Dre snapped that one as we entered Toronto- I am not worthy!
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 35
I’m typing this missive in a hotel at the edge of Chicago following a long drive from Toronto yesterday.
The beauty of a driving day is that we have the time to leave the highway and check out the landscape that’s normally reduced to an inviting flash.
We had breakfast in Rodney, Ontario – a tiny settlement with zero traffic and an atmosphere that seemed frozen in time. If we’d pulled up there 40 years ago, I suspect it would have looked no different. It was delightful, a small break from the relentless demands of daily reality.
Even so, it’s back to the big city tonight in what is shaping up to be one of the most intense shows of the tour at the Beat Kitchen in Chicago.Do pass the word on!
The photos are from that small break described earlier.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 36
I love Chicago. The wind can howl, the traffic can be glue, the Skyway can seem like a bouncy rollercoaster but it’s a city that offers the warmest of welcomes for the Legendary Pink Dots.
The Beat Kitchen was packed for last night’s show and, like always, lifted us up.
Even so we’ll gradually leave the traffic behind today as we head for the empty space of Nebraska.
Our next appointment is in Denver on Friday and it’s a massive drive. We’ll be smart and break it into two parts..
The pictures were taken as we entered Chicago yesterday afternoon.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 37
Nothing to see here…Highway I-80 Nebraska, carving through the emptiness.
The space is strangely enticing during the daytime but at night it’s just black. Cold and black.
It’s a long way from Chicago to Denver; we made it to Kearney, Nebraska . Dinner was enjoyed in Aveco, Iowa- another small town that probably remained unchanged for decades but there lies the charm. The pictures from this long journey are below.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 38
Hallowe’en 6am, Colorado. It’s a tradition by now but the great adventure concludes with 2 shows in Denver.
The venue is HQ , a new club for us, and it’ll be an emotional occasion as we’ll meet lots of old friends .
Yesterday marked the last significant drive for 3 of us in the bus… Joep and Erik have the daunting task of returning the vehicle to Chicago. They handled ALL of the driving as well as TWO shows on every date. Heroes!!
Hopefully see you tonight!
As for the pic? Well , it’s the 31st of October….
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 39
Our penultimate show of the tour was a truly exciting event. As it was Hallowe’en, the view from the stage was as stimulating as the one towards it- in fact we felt a little under dressed, faced by the parade of bat people, Victorian ghosts and faceless beings.
Adding to the occasion were fantastic sets by Dead Voices on Air and Orbit Service for one of the most memorable nights of the entire odyssey.
Tonight is (gasp!) the FINAL SHOW OF THE TOUR! We return to HQ and will kick off the night with a small set by yours truly ( aided and abetted by fellow Pink Dots). An emotional evening is guaranteed for all.
And the pic… well it’s a little self evident. Plenty of that in evidence tonight.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 45th ANNIVERSARY TOUR ( NORTH AMERICA) Day 40
The last show of the tour. The last wave from the stage. The last after-show hug.The last load out of the equipment.The last drive to the hotel.
The final chord . The final howl.And to slightly mis-quote a famous British sports commentator, ‘We can’t believe it’s all over…’
Spirits willing, we’ll do it again…
Thank you friends in America, in Canada…it was glorious!
Let the packing commence….
