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Alan's From The Road

Tour Diary - October 11, 2008 - Boise, ID (On The Bus)

Lovely morning in Boise.  There's a definite chill in the Sunny Saturday morning air that exclaims the end of our summer touring. The passersby the bus are covered in thermal wear and woolly hats, and there is not as pair of shorts or t-shirt to be seen. Bring on the Fall.

'Does Summer feel the Winter come'...from Here and Now. That's one of my favourite GBS lyrics; favourite lyrics of all time for that matter. I can brag about it because I did not come up with it. Sean wrote it during our brainstorming sessions for the Fortunes Favour CD. I instantly loved the words and asked Sean what he thought it meant.  He replied something like,

"you know, does Summer feel itself dying, does every flower and plants passing, sting a little. 'Does Summer fell the Winter come'...you know dude, like, does it hurt."

Friggin Cool.

Had a few dandy days treading on new ground in Albuquerque, NM, and Murray, Utah. My wanderlust is still alive and well and I'm thrilled that my job regularly takes me to new destinations. Played golf in both towns with Bob and Murray and Bus Driver JP. Enjoyed the desert and mountain views in the respective towns and met some kind folks by the bus after each show. Many Thanks.

Denver has been one of GBS's biggest US audiences since day one. Amazing that our progress there has been so quick. A couple of nights ago we headlined the Paramount Theatre in Denver. That's the A Room for sure. Next stop after that is the Hockey Rink. Gotta like it. Thanks to all the Denver folks for filling the more than 1400 seats. Hope we can come back to the area in the New Year.

Just getting ready to chase McCann around again. I've been running with, I mean behind, him every other day or so on this tour. Tough to catch him on a normal day, but he looks particularly ready to scoot up and down the River Banks today.

Alan 

Me thinks I’m in for a beating.

Two shows to go.

We'll soon enjoy the charms of our sweethearts and our friends.

Cheers,
Alan

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Published Sunday, October 12, 2008 2:52 PM by Alan
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Comments

 

SpringsFans said:

Thank you all for a wonderful show in Denver.  At some point, I turned to look back and every single person--clear to the back--was on his/her feet and dancing.  In fact, as the last note faded away, Alan just stood at the edge of the stage, looking in awe to the very back seats. Like a big kid who just discovered Santa Claus had come through again!

Might I suggest a re-try at Red Rocks next summer since you couldn't make it a few years ago?  That would be sublime and you guys would be amazed by the sound and inspirational views from the stage.  Maybe even bring along some friends?  Perhaps a reunion of Great Big Carbon Storm?
October 12, 2008 6:58 PM
 

holly locke said:

hey  alan
this is so sweet  i konw you miss your family if i was in  you place i would miss  my family and friends too  so  hope  you  next 2 shows go good  for you  and the guys  but you are so lukey bucause  the job you  get that is  the job  want  when i get older the  do that  stuff myslef
love holly locke from st.jhon's nl -XOXO-holly locke
October 12, 2008 7:15 PM
 

allyvs said:

Alan,
You boys did an UNBELIEVABLE job in Boise! Thanks so much. You give it everything you've got every single performance I've seen. The new music is great. Come back soon. We'll get you into Goldies! Safe travels.
ally
October 12, 2008 8:07 PM
 

SarahRL said:

I was in row 3 in Denver with a pile of girlfriends.  It was my first GBS show and I can say for sure that I'll be back whenever you are.

You are loved in Denver, never doubt it!
October 12, 2008 9:14 PM
 

Sisters said:

Once again a fantastic show in Boise!  I thought maybe you'd forgotten about us here!  So glad to see you back our way.  I've never missed a concert you've done here since the one you did at River Festival, all those years ago.  You just keep getting better with age.  Can't thank you all enough for the joy you bring with you to the stage. Such devotion to your craft is commendable.  Just wanted you to know you're appreciated.  Keep listening to those inspiring voices in your heads.  Your music just keeps reaching new levels of delight.  See you next time!  Take care of each other.  Hey...Lucky You, Lucky Me!    
October 12, 2008 9:16 PM
 

Michelle said:

Hello Alan,Sean, and the rest of the boys! Greetings from Boise! Man o man, your music is still with me from last night! We have missed you so much! Please do not skip us again! My friends and family have caught every one of your shows here in Boise and we continue to recruit new fans each time. What an amazing time to watch fans from the age of under 10 to over 60 dance and sing all night long to your heartfelt and rockin music. You always have such a wonderful connection to your audience. You all deserve the success you have acheived. Thanks again for a great night! And yes, we will get breakfast at Goldies for you :)  Cheers, Michelle
October 12, 2008 9:27 PM
 

Helenwheels said:

Two things:
1) We loved having you here! And we'd love to have you back in Denver again soon! Colorado Springs has a large Canadian element at NORAD, come on down here too!  I'd heard a rumour about some shows in the midwest/west after Chicago...ever hopeful that does include a stop here.

2) I love this lyric too "Does summer feel the winter come?" And, I noticed that you have already answered this question yourself: "Summer doesn't feel the coming Fall..." Tell Sean.

ok, 3 things:
3) With out sounding too greedy, I'm with Springs Fan - we'd love to have that Red Rocks show that never happened - and it's capacity is somewhere in between the Paramount and the Pepsi Center, besides being simply a Legendary Venue of Rock.

Enjoy the time at home...
October 12, 2008 10:59 PM
 

Liz said:

Was great to see you all in Boise and I'm glad you're enjoying the River.  Looking forward to seeing you in Jersey in a couple of weeks as well.  The truck is loaded with our stuff, the CD is loaded with GBS CDs and we're on our way back to rejoin family.

Great show -- next time we'll make sure you get in Goldies!

Liz
October 12, 2008 11:00 PM
 

Drew said:

Guys! Thanks for coming to Utah again. We saw you last time you were in Park City and I had to promise the rest of my little girls that I would bring them along if you came again.

It was great to see you again.....please come back again!
October 12, 2008 11:15 PM
 

Amy said:

I was in Row 8 in Denver...my first GBS show but definitely not my last! You guys were amazing and we would love to have you back! Thanks for a great show- you guys bring so much light and joy to your audience. We can feel your passion in every note!

Cheers! Make sure to come back to Denver!
October 13, 2008 12:10 AM
 

WiccaWomanID said:

I wanted to thank you all for the lovely Boise concert.  It was good to see people laughing and jumping and dancing again.  Boise, as most of our nation's hometown cities, has been hit rather hard economically lately.  There have been many layoffs from what were once the stalwarts of the valley businesses and many folks have lost jobs, homes and small businesses.  

I took away a song or two in my heart and I know others did as well.  Thanks for remembering us!

Goddess Bless you all

October 13, 2008 12:21 PM
 

laureng91081 said:

Hey Alan-went to the Denver show. Well done!

2 row on the left (your right) ;)

We always have a great time when you come to town. You should do it more often! Loads of fun!

Lauren
October 13, 2008 12:23 PM
 

micazon said:

Inspiration from the seventeenth century?

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying:
And this same flower that smiles to-day
To-morrow will be dying.
The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
The higher he's a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
And nearer he's to setting."

"Let us roll all our strength, and all
Our sweetness, up into one ball;
And tear our pleasures with rough strife
Thorough the iron gates of life.
Thus, though we cannot make our sun
Stand still, yet we will make him run."
October 13, 2008 12:30 PM
 

Alpinechick said:

Hey B'ys,

Great show in Denver.  Sorry about the altitude, but at least the weather was decent this time.  I was in the second row on Alan's side, singing all the lyrics and generally being loud and rowdy.  Fun!  I always tell people that you do not go to a GBS show, You DO a GBS show!  Tried to buy you boys each a dram, but the management wouldn't let me.   Ah, well.  Thanks for the great time guys!  I hope you do come to Red Rocks someday.  You'd love it!  (Okay...it's a little higher, but you can handle it.)

DJ
October 13, 2008 12:51 PM
 

Laura said:

Alan,

I was at the Albequerque show, which was absolutely fantastic.  I was in the second row, dead center, with four girlfriends from college.  We all drove appoximately eight hours to see you guys, and we were all talking after the show about how amazing it would be if you guys came to Oklahoma City or Dallas.  You have a lot of fans in those areas that would love to see you boys come our way.
October 13, 2008 1:35 PM
 

Stephy said:

Running and running... keep up the good work! It's certainly paying off and your running certainly shows! :) You'll beat Sean by the time you're home again.
October 13, 2008 2:13 PM
 

ellaminnowpea91 said:

I sat with Laura. Fine show, good sir!
October 13, 2008 2:42 PM
 

Michael said:

I heard your Boise show was a huge hit this last Saturday.  I had to be up in Winnipeg tending to my grandmother's passing, but my wife took our two young kids (age 2 and 6 who are huge fans) and her parents as well.  Everyone was up out of their seats dancing  and my two year-old's favourite song Donkey Riding was performed before he fell asleep in grandma's lap.  A truly special evening they won't soon forget.  I guess I'll have to wait for the next go-round.  Hopefully it'll come sooner rather than later!
Cheers,
October 13, 2008 4:51 PM
 

moondancer said:

So wish I could see you live - please come to England soon?
PLEASSSSSSSSE!
Jayne
October 13, 2008 8:21 PM
 

Dianne said:

Love your new CD! It would be great if you B'ys would come play on Vancouver Island! Hard for some of us folks to get over to Vancouver.
Hope to see you here soon.

Cheers,
D.
October 13, 2008 8:55 PM
 

Binny said:

Thanks guys for another great Boise show. Dont wait another 4 years to return ok? The Egyptian was a great venue.

Wanted to say too, thanks for always being so friendly and nice. My husband and I were the ones who said hi in the middle of the crosswalk that morning near the theatre. I appreciate that you are always willing to smile at a fan. Thanks. :-)

Robin (Binny)
October 13, 2008 10:03 PM
 

debgio said:

I've been to all your shows in the NYC area -- each one fantastic, but this September you outdid yourselves.  Didn't think it was possible, but you were the best ever.  Anyway, why not do a show in Myrtle Beach NC somewhere, ie House of Blues or Alabama Theater?  Selfish reasons really, we go there in Spring and Fall and it would be nice not to have to travel to Raleigh.  So could you do that for me?  Please?  If it tempts you any, my husband and I own a condo in Sunset Beach and we can get you great deals on our three...yes 3! community golf courses.  Say the word!!!
October 13, 2008 10:17 PM
 

ReBar said:

You managed to tread a lot of new ground on this tour. Look for the same kind folks to be right there at the bus waiting for you when you get back. Be sure to pack your wanderlust.
October 14, 2008 1:43 PM
 

Sue Garlick said:

So sounds like I should have followed you on up to Boise!  What a cool buncha folks!  I should know, playing rugby up there years ago was great fun!  Want to thank you Alan and Glenn for having the energy to chat and listen to the garbled babble that seemed to emerge from the vortex which I call my mommy brain!  I don't get out much and then to get out to such an outing, well!  Maybe it was the six hours (similar to your drive that day, eh) but either way, so fun to get to see you all live and in concert!  The gathering we had there was cool- two friends from university who I hadn't seen in 17 years (thanks to facebook), my sister (an extremely passive Canadian rarely seen outside the confines of her small Utah town, long story), my good friend Chaitna, and Teri Ann Tibbetts of Moab, Utah who will spank you very much!  By the way, I dragged my sister, who Imentioned is reserved, and the pictures I have of us are the best EVER!  She is smiling in a truly happy way, I think you may have brought out in her the suppressed Canadian who is a super happy, almost giddy girl!  Anyhow, we are one grateful crew of friends.  Bless you and Happy Thanksgiving and PLEASE come back to either Telluride or Durango in Colorado.  I would run posters allover the 4 corners if you send me pile!  I am a community organizer for the right cause of course!  Better run, the toddler's ripping it up!  Peace  
October 15, 2008 11:14 AM
 

Janice said:

Autumn.  I just did the drive from the Boston area to Ottawa and watched the leaves become more ensonced in the season the further north I went.  I love the smell and the colours, and the still warm air.  So, here in Ottawa, I have just seen a replay on Bravo of your interview on Rehearsal Room from 2005 and thought, "when are these boys playing in Boston again?"  I was hoping to introduce my New England boyfriend with Nova Scotia roots to your live show.  He already knew your music before I came along (I am a transplanted townie), but he's never been privy to seeing you live.  He's missed out.  But alas, he's working on October 24, your Orpheum date.  I will try to be a good girl and pay closer attention so that we can make sure to be off in the future.
October 15, 2008 12:23 PM
 

squeezeboxsarah said:

"Here and Now" on par with "No Kathleen"?
Sounds like McCann has something to be proud of...
October 15, 2008 12:55 PM
 

JB said:

Yet another girlie pack thanking you for a good time out, Alan? Me thinks you might deserve that beating. ;P
October 15, 2008 1:05 PM
 

melonade23 said:

Another of the 2nd row Oklahoma/Texas crew chiming in. The show was phenomenal, and I was really thrilled to hear most of my favorites, both new and old. We really would love for the band to come our way whenever possible. We've got other GBS fans here who have already promised to spread the word and fill the seats.
October 15, 2008 1:29 PM
 

CaptainKid said:

Thanks so much for making the trek to Utah.  We were so grateful to get you all out.  The show was more than what we ever could have expected and hope you'll make it back to Murray again soon...or anywhere in Utah for that matter.  Safe travels!
October 15, 2008 2:26 PM
 

sue flanegan said:

The Boise show was super.  Running into Chris just before the show was so cool!  A true strong Canadian in shorts downtown Boise in the Fall. Is that a Boise State shirt in that bus photo?  Hurry back boys  4 years way to long.
October 15, 2008 11:10 PM
 

Rory said:

I do like Sean's lyric, and am not surprised that he wrote that sentiment.

Maybe you can't brag about this one, but from Company of Fools, you must be pretty pleased with:

"I’d rather live an honest lifetime
With those with nothing to lose
Than waste a night
Knee deep in shite
That’s polished slick
To look just right"

because that is just brilliant.

Rory
October 15, 2008 11:45 PM
 

Shetheocean said:

love the lyrics on 'Does Summer feel the Winter come'
it's so "right" Sean has a talent!
October 16, 2008 12:01 AM
 

Stalwart Bow said:

Our "Fortunes Disfavor Tour" by the numbers

Three shows- Denver, Murray and Boise
2000 Miles pulling a camper
One RV park that turned out not to exist
Five Blizzards (weather variety) when 511 said "dry conditions"
One lost camper part that caused a mystery tour of SLC
One dog eating a blanket while "parents" at GBS show
Twelve keys that need to be replaced (lost somewhere in rural WY)
One unfriendly encounter with a traffic cop
One flat tire in Boise frigging Idaho on a Sunday morning
Three extra travel hours for a road closure
20 min. to spare in getting significant other to airport upon return
One collision with an enormous deer at 60mph while towing a camper

Would we do it again? Hell yes!  The three shows were the best we've seen yet and the lads made it all worthwhile.  Many thanks, especially for doing Gideon Brown!


October 16, 2008 4:58 PM
 

CharlesGBS said:

If i'm not mistaken (I think its Sean) McCann is wearing the 95th   Grey Cup hat, which i also volunteered at. I could be wrong tho.
October 16, 2008 11:54 PM
 

Elissa Felts said:

My husband and I would definately be there for a show in Oklahoma City!!!  I love Denver but the drive there from Wichita is a bit much to do during the school year. Please consider it.  
October 17, 2008 11:10 AM
 

Lou said:

Hey Alan,
Just so ya know, Oklahoma City was mentioned at least 3 times, by someone other than...*ahem*...me.

'If you book it, they will come'...

Enjoy the home time.
October 18, 2008 2:15 AM
 

Brenda said:

Hello Alan ~  Thanks so much for the FTR's !

Happy Autumn! Your favorite time and mine...hope your Beech tree is ablaze with color & you and "H" has made a visit to the pumpkin patch and taken time to enjoy this seasons beauty.  This sunny weekend- went for my favorite fall leaf walk, and a long drive to the country to see the color and stop in to the pumpkin patch - took the drive along the lake on the way back-but,no freighters ug : ( .
Enjoyed it all SO much with my GBS music all they way-
Yes, Lucky ME !!!

Remembering the fun of the summer with my trip to London ON and Ann Arbor, MI  to see you concerts there - What a rich blessing you bring to my life with your wonderful music and joy-Always the absolute BEST! Also, please thank your driver "JP"  for taking such good care of you all in safely delivering you to each stop on the tour. Precious Cargo !

By the way, how was the Seattle show ? As I told your sound man at the Ann Arbor Michigan show, I sent a CD of your best -with manager Louis's blessing- to my cousin in Seattle who is a radio exec for several stations on the West coast.  I hope it was a sell out show!

Details please ~

October 20, 2008 10:54 AM
 

cibjbohjwxj said:

October 24, 2008 5:19 AM
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