Its early. Really early. For many of my teenage years, I fantasized about a career in music. I imagined a life where alarm clocks had no place. I would travel carelessly from gig to gig and never have to suffer an early morning rise or the startling blare of the alarm clocks toll. How foolish.
I have slept in more than my share for the average adult male, but as touring musicians who live in Newfoundland, the GBS cast are well used to fisherman’s hours. From St. John’s on Air Canada, you can fly direct non stop to Halifax, Toronto and Montreal (sometimes Ottawa). So, in order to fly just about anywhere else in North America, we need to get to Toronto as early as possible to make connecting flights. We almost always take the first flight out in the morning when we travel as it just makes the most sense to do so.
This morning start was not so drastic as we are only going as far as Halifax and the flight left at 6:30. That means getting to the airport at 5:30, which means up at 5am. The first flight to Toronto leaves at 5:20 which means at the airport by 4:20; awake at 3:50! Now come on. No reasonable Rock Star fantasy starts with a digital alarm clock reading beginning with a 3! Shouldn’t I be selecting which of the six eager Supermodels to take home with me to my Penthouse or Private Jet at 3am?
I am beginning to think that the Def Leppard and White Snake videos of my formative teenage years may have been less than an accurate portrayal of life on the Road.
Anyway, enough whining. Sorry.
We’re off to Saint John for the Canadian Country Music Awards. We’ve not been to this event, so I’m looking forward to the whole deal. We are singing only one accapella tune, “River Driver”, as we thought a true, blue Atlantic Canadian Folk song might be appropriate. Should be fun.
Everyone knows where they were on the morning of the September 11. I was in Halifax and myself and Cory Tetford from Crush had just finished playing nine holes of golf. It was no the best round ever shot by either of us, but it was a pleasant morning strolling through the woods with your buddy. He dropped me off at the hotel at around 9:30 am. I threw my clubs on the hotel room floor and flicked on the TV. About two minutes later the second plane hit the second tower. Life has really not been the same since.
Looking forward to a few shows in Ontario this weekend, as well. First, though, I must venture to not suck on Live National TV.
Cheers
Alan