Alan's From The Road : Tour Diary - February 7, 2009

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Tour Diary - February 7, 2009 - Fort Lauderdale Airport

Happy New Year.

Just sitting near Gate F6 in the airport awaiting flights to Toronto and St. John’s. Grand fun on the Ships and Dips V. Really enjoyed Butterfly Boucher. She reminds me of early Billy Bragg and Elvis Costello, but her guitar playing seems more influenced by the Celtic dudes like Paul Brady and Folkies like Richard Thomson. She was my favourite musical discovery of the trip, for sure.

Saw the BNL Snacktime show and hummed along to just about every tune. Snacktime is the most played CD at my house lately as the Prince loves many of the tracks and has invented dances and wee pieces of theatre to go along with the music. The BNL should be proud of the career they’ve amassed so far. They have earned the trust and support of legions of fans that gladly follow them from one genre to another, one journey to the next. I am very grateful to the lads for including us on the way.

I had not really seen Sean, Bob, since Christmas Day and the rest of the GBS cast and crew since early December. Since the end of the last Fortunate Tour Leg, all hands dispersed to their own corners. All hands really looking forward to the March date in the US and with Spirit of the West in Canada. The Ottawa date should be the official last show of the Fortunate Tour, which leaves us to ponder what lies ahead.

I don’t know about you, but I’m diggin’ Sean’s new ‘do.

Sean's New Do

Keep you posted.

Cheers,
Alan

Published Monday, February 09, 2009 4:58 PM by nicopop
Filed Under: ftr2009

Comments

	Benjamin Reed said: We had a great time on Ships and Dip. Thanks for all the rockin'! February 9, 2009 5:19 PM
	L said: "Snacktime is the most played CD at my house lately as the Prince loves many of the tracks and has invented dances and wee pieces of theatre to go along with the music." The little acorn doesn't fall far from the mighty oak tree, does it? You were great on the cruise, all of you. Where I Belong was utterly splendid, and the Fan Club Show was a most generous gift to all your fans. That WIAK lead solo at the sailaway show answered the "Who's your Daddy" question with final authority. Butterfly is on our "must see/hear more" list too, along with The Mountain Goats. And Sloan - finally seeing them live for the first time and they were a blast. BNL are endlessly intriguing, and it's really easy to wish all good things for them, certainly to wish them a 2009 that is light-years better than 2008 was. Looking forward to the March dates too. And then to whatever lies ahead - whatever the genre, whatever the journey. As for Sean's new 'do... all I can say is he married a gem of a gal. Either that, or he's sleeping on the sofa. February 9, 2009 5:31 PM
	L said: Damn, forgot to say one more thing in regard to pondering whatever lies beyond Ottawa.... You might not know where you're going, but you know where you belong. That, and be sure to hold the tartar sauce. February 9, 2009 5:44 PM
	Liza said: OMG SEAN HAIR.....ITS SOOOOO AWESOME!!!!!! THATS WICKED I LOVE IT but i still miss his other hair do February 9, 2009 5:49 PM
	marikochurst said: Hi Alan!! I hope what lies ahead for you after this tour is a NEW ALBUM & another Canadian tour!! You guys put on a WONDERFUL show everytime & each year it's gets better. I hope you'll be in southern Ontario with a new tour very soon!! Good luck to you b'ys at the Juno Awards!! You deserve Group of the Year more than anyone out there!! Thanks for wonderful shows & albums (as always)! Looking forward to more new things from you. February 9, 2009 6:14 PM
	CharlesGBS said: LOL hey Alan what inspired sean to get his hair cut like a Marine? February 9, 2009 6:20 PM
	MariaB said: Nice do I'd just take the top off too.Makes me think Brazil. What has changed about the color? hmmmmmm? Glad you had a bon voyage. Can't wait for you to come south to NYC. It can't happen soon enough. check out the Guggenheim Grotto you might like them. Best wishes. Welcome home. February 9, 2009 7:33 PM
	clownfish said: A) Thanks for the close up of Sean..uh even if it is with THAT hair cut. B)I hope you'll all be pondering another album with a dvd-those are fantastic surprises--so you have a reason to come back to Winnipeg. Maybe THIS time I will get better seats or will bring binoculars. C)If you'll all be pondering a holiday from EACH other I hope there will still be some reports from all of you. February 9, 2009 9:05 PM
	nova said: Thanks for a grand bunch of shows on the ship -- the accoustic one and the rawkin sail-away show were absolute perfect bookends! I was lucky enough to see Butterfly Boucher tour the US this year as part of a Ten out of Tenn troupe of musicians (including Griffin House) --their Christmas show was phenomenal. I love that she doesn't fit in any genre -- part bluesy, part rawker chic, part troubadour...take a listen to Cinnamon and Chocolate...wow! Not sure how the hell she, or you guys for that matter, kept your balance performing when that ship was surfing..yikes, I downed a few Gravol to get me thru...still have sea legs damnit Glad the masses are coming around to your bud's new "do" since you spurred him on! It's hair and should be changed when the spirit moves ya or did he lose one too many rounds of poker and that's all he had left. February 9, 2009 9:49 PM
	DoyleLover said: hi alan i missed you guys on the cruise this year maybe next year:), thanks again for all the things you guys do. Can't wait for guelph on the 18th, oh and sean's hair is cool though i do miss his older hair better:) sorry sean. Anyways see yah guys soon!! take care and stay safe! Paige February 9, 2009 9:54 PM
	seaworthy said: Alan just two quick things... 1. what should you do after the Ottawa show ? Play New York City !!! 2. next time Sean's hair is a bit amiss....let it go man , just let it go lol ! February 9, 2009 10:31 PM
	saxygirlnyc said: Why?? Why Sean!? Your hair was so pretty. ::shakes head:: I will never understand men. I agree whole-heartedly with seaworthy. You should play New York City. A lot... it would save me tons of money in airfare. :-D Looking forward to seeing you guys in Chicago! Cheers! February 9, 2009 11:19 PM
	Kara said: That explains a lot. Wish I was there. February 9, 2009 11:39 PM
	annathepiper said: opens mouth closes it You put him up to this, didn't you? ;) February 10, 2009 12:27 AM
	DarrylBdot said: Ha ha Ha. I'm going to be honest here. I know that Sean has a new 'do for every tour, and each one shows off his personality, but I'm not to sure of this one. Through the years, we've seen him with his clean cut, his coloured, and long hair. This one makes me think that he's part of the Pogues (which really isnt a bad thing).If Great Big Sea was more punk, sure! My choice of hair? Clean cut with long sideburns. I do give him credit for trying it though, but only this one time. Cheers! February 10, 2009 2:31 AM
	maurgarita said: Gotta say, I love all things orange, and since the colour in this shot is close to orange - I like it... ducks to avoid the objects hurled by the shanty fans We'd love to hear the full story about how this came to pass.... Hope to see you back in Kingston soon - there has been a low spot in our music scene since you all left :( The Grand Theatre is open and would be a beautiful place for the next video ;) be safe, February 10, 2009 5:39 AM
	filleduroi said: The Grand Theatre is open and would be a beautiful place for the next video ;) I agree!!! and you could get the Lamoureux brothers who produced the last DVD, now Grammy winners (how cool is that?), to shoot it again! I wish I was on the cruise...thanks everyone for posting all the videos and pictures! Got to love the internet! I agree, Where I Belong is beautiful! Hope you record it soon so that I may blast it in my car. February 10, 2009 6:53 AM
	art4m said: Thanks for the fantastic trip..haven't gotten the land legs back yet! Truly a trip of a lifetime.. It was great seeing new acts and hearing new sounds. Butterfly Boucher was great, Sarah Mclachlan singing with Butterfly was awesome! Gaelic Storm were a blast! Like GBS, if they don't get your feet moving, seek medical attention! My favorite however was the GBS fan show, hearing really obscure songs and some that just meant something to you was magic! I love BNL, but GBS is the sound that brings me back from dark places or 'sets my heart awhirl'. You never let me down. In the last show I had balcony left over the stage and got the whole section rockin to 'Company of Fools'..so wished the band just never ended. I was also the 'fish&chips' girl at the sail away show. Too fun! Sean's hair evolution was a thing to behold, love the new do. One question remains however.. where was Bob? Saw Both Alan & Sean at a few spots..Bob has become the mystery man..Anyone seen Bob?! Thank you for the music, thank god for ipod so I can listen anywhere.. Can't wait for next time!.. February 10, 2009 8:34 AM
	Shoughrue said: The Ships and Dip experience was amazing it was my introduction to GBS and I am blown away by the music. The energy of that first concert in the Stardust Theatre set the tone for the whole cruise!!! Can we get recordings of the Ships and Dip concerts anywhere? February 10, 2009 9:12 AM
	alan-rocks said: Happy New Year to you guys too...hope your holidays were great. "Snacktime is the most played CD at my house lately as the Prince loves many of the tracks and has invented dances and wee pieces of theatre to go along with the music." Looks the the music bug has bitten the Prince. You had to know that it would happen though, especially with you, a Dad who is a musician. It would seem that the lad definitely has your energy! Perhaps he'll end up with a career in music too? ;) And as for Séan's hairdo...all I can say is wow! Not really sure what to think of it. It's an interesting change for sure, but then again, Séan has always been restless when it comes to his hair. Maybe it's his Gemini personality coming through. :P Can't wait to see you guys in March! February 10, 2009 12:14 PM
	Vonya said: I just showed the picture to my soon-to-be 12 year old daughter and she said, "He must have done it on a dare, hey Mom?" Oh Sean, oh Sean. Good thing is...hair grows back! February 10, 2009 2:59 PM
	Stephanie said: Hey Alan, Could you very politely ask Sean a question for me? What did he do to his head?!? He had such nice hair before. Oh well, as far as I know, hairstyles don’t affect musical ability. (By the way, I love your expression in that picture, Alan.) And, Alan, please don’t follow Sean’s lead. You wouldn’t be Alan Doyle if you had short hair. After all, rock stars are supposed to have long hair and you’re about the sweetest Newfie rock star I’ve ever seen. I wasn’t on the cruise, but I’m sure you guys were great. You always are. What lies ahead? First, some time at home with your wife and son. Second, more music. Don’t ever stop playing music, guys. If you were to stop playing, the world would be at a great loss. There is no place in the world like Newfoundland and there’s no band that captures the Newfoundland spirit and so seamlessly blends it with modern sounds like GBS! February 10, 2009 3:29 PM
	saratonin22 said: So glad that I saw you guys on Ships and Dip V - I'm a new fan! Thanks for putting on such great shows - really liked songwriters panel with Ed! Hope to see you guys again soon when you visit the midwestern states :) February 10, 2009 3:51 PM
	JamesinWindsor said: Alan..I've been to 5 GBS shows. But NONE is going to be better then St Patricks Day in my home town of Windsor, Ontario. We'll be right up front for that one. Look for a place called Mick's Irish Pub during the day if you're pondering what to do with your day before the big gig! If you want to see someone faint.. PLEASE play Wave Over Wave for my beautiful bride to be! She almost got us removed from the show in Ann Arbor, MI with trying to dance on the chairs!! CHEERS.. counting down the minutes until March 17, 2009! February 10, 2009 5:26 PM
	TinaMack said: The GBS fan show was the cruise highlight. Whoever suggested a rotating solo format is brilliant! BOB HALLETT = this year's favourite musical discovery. (Well, plus the quirky awesome Weakerthans) But WHOLE E. CRAPBALLS. Who knew Bob could make noise like that? Bernie was a surprise too, wonderful. And, MURRAY! ...doing Johnny Cash! Not a hair shy of titillating. It was a mighty show. Tell Sean that, as a barber, Kris makes a great drummer. February 10, 2009 6:01 PM
	Anne said: I had soooo much fun on ships and dips. Truth be tols I went on the cruise to see GBS. Every show was more fun than the last. I've been a fan a long time before Chris and Murray joined. This past year and on the cruise the five of you have gelled so well as a band. You all look like you enjoy what you do and who you play with. You were all super friendly when I acted like a silly teenager unable to speak when running into you on the ship. Thanks for always having time for a fan! February 10, 2009 6:02 PM
	Jana said: Oh Sean. Gotta love your willingness to try anything once! Really looking forward to March 5th in Cedar Falls Iowa. I'm celebrating my birthday at your concert. PLEASE wish me a happy birthday! Please. If you do I'll cut my hair to match Sean's! Ok -- I'm lying! Can't wait! February 10, 2009 6:09 PM
	Mike V said: Hey Alan... I figured that I would check out the GBS site. You guys put on some wonderful shows on the cruise. I look forward to seeing the group again during your next tour.. Oh one quick question... "Can I borrow 30 seconds of your time?" LOL..Classic.... February 10, 2009 10:27 PM
	shmoo said: Hey guys...thanks for a fabulous time..."I had the time of my life...in the company of fools." In response to inquiring minds, Bob was out and about the ship and shore with his lovely wife much of the trip...the person I never saw (other than on stage was Sean!). I have but one big regret from Ships & Dip V...that I was too shy to ask you for a photo Alan...other than that it was really the most fun I've ever had...how many people can say that they got to see GBS four straight nights in a row...every show as good if not better than the last! If BNL decides to take a break in 2010 for Ships & Dip I think you should explore hosting your own cruise, based on the love that is there from your fans and from all those lucky enough to discover you guys this past and upcoming tour...I'd say it would be a great success. Love to you all...and thanks again for being so generous with your time, affection and song! February 10, 2009 10:38 PM
	Susanne said: hey alan, all the best for what lies ahead! i'm sure it's gonna be very huebsch ;-) take care and see you around, greetings from the german consulate officials... February 11, 2009 1:52 AM
	Kelly said: BNL rawk almost as much as GBS. I wish I could afford those cruises but that's years away if ever. I'm glad you got to have a good time Alan. Sean's hair looks hawt to me but what's with the crack about Kris being a barber? Did Sean or somebody else say Kris cut Sean's hair that way? Enjoy your home time guys! February 11, 2009 3:04 AM
	estellefm said: Thanks for all the great time, Alan!!!! I had a blast on Ships and Dip V. And frankly having my two favorite bands on board (BNL & GBS) makes this trip amazing every time. Thanks for playing my request "Sea of No Care" and thanks for playing it the way I most love it. I'm forever thankful!!! February 11, 2009 10:44 AM
	Collared said: Hi Alan. Couldn't agree more about Butterfly Boucher. We've been on the last 2 cruises and both times, your sets have been a revelation. Shoughrue asked whether any of the S&D recording would be available and I'd second that. Also, any plans to come back to England. You sang it on the track so how about doing it for real as I'd be able to see you without having to pass through Miami Immigration! February 11, 2009 4:10 PM
	holly said: i hope that is not sean !!!!!!!!!!!1 can't wate to see you guys in march 14 the2009 love ya holly -XOXOXO- February 11, 2009 5:05 PM
	YourFriendKuz said: hahaha! Holy smokes that is a glorious head of red (and whats left of it) hair! I must say, I am VERY excited to see you fellas in Quebec when my sister and I fly up from rinky dink Kentucky for the show March 20th (ish, right? haha). Hopefully we'll be able to also fly up around St.Johns place and see what all this hubbub is about :) I'm very excited and I know you fellows won't disappoint! To a safe flight, on both our ends! Cheers! February 11, 2009 11:22 PM
	ChainedBear said: Oh goodie, a new FTR means a chance to say "thank you!" for the fan show! That was SUCH a nice thing for you to do, and it was the most memorable of the (!!!) TEN shows I've seen now. I, too, was a giggling fangirl whenever I ran into you, and thanks for being nice about it :) Bernie and Brendan are great friendly fun guys too! I LOVE Sean's hair. I have been thinking about getting a mohawk myself for a couple years, only I want a screaming blue one and can't find anyone who can get me the right color. So that awesome running gag made me awful jealous--but it wouldn't work the same for me (I'm a girl). Sean, it's great, it'll grow back, good on ya! Thanks for everything. My life has changed since I discovered your music, because you've changed the way I look at the world. I can't think of a better thing to do for a living. Hope you're all still doing great. P.S. Pickle hoodie. February 12, 2009 12:33 PM
	nutmeg said: We had a grand time -- thank you so much for contributing to the week's events!!! The mohawk actually looks better "red" than it did natural-colour. Here, I didn't think of it as an "orange mohawk"... pro'ly coz that would be reminiscent of my ex-husband, circa 1986. Of course, Séan's horizontal stripes the 2nd day were fun. haha! :) Alan, you buzzing and bouncing on espresso the first night was fun!! Great way to break the drought since Vancouver 2 months ago!! My cruise-mate wasn't acquainted with any of the bands on the ship, and I'm pleased to report that she had a wonderful time. She came with me last-minute after my other friend couldn't make it. She said she could see why I was so enamoured with GBS -- she fell right in love with you guys, too! :) Looking forward to seeing you again in St. John's! :) February 12, 2009 2:25 PM
	serena said: had an awesome time on ships and dip v. thanks for the birthday wish during your last show on feb 4th..... and somehow...i've been dying for a decent plate of fish and chips!! February 12, 2009 2:44 PM
	LisaDrew said: Ships and Dip V was amazing. I wish I had run into you! I saw you once but didn't want to disturb you. I was at all of your concerts on the ship. I don't know if I can ever look at fish and chips the same. Your music is the only music that really moves me. I can't just stay still when you guys play. Listening to your songs just doesn't compare to live. You guys really know how to put on a show. Sean's hair? Different, but still cool. Must be cooler for him! I remember seeing you guys at the Molson Theatre in Toronto when Sean had longer hair, and he got quite warm by the time Mary Mac came around. I look forward to seeing you guys the next time you are in Toronto! February 12, 2009 6:20 PM
	Mal said: Looks like Sean has learned from the Ed Robertson School of Hairstyling ;) Keep it up bro! lookin' good. And I'm totally jealous you guys got to see Snacktime live. I'm 18 and I think that album rocks... February 13, 2009 10:54 AM
	sstevens99 said: Hey Sean.. Cool haircut, mate..!! Perhaps Sean's time post-Fortunate Tour is joining the Marines... He he he..!! February 13, 2009 6:57 PM
	Helenwheels said: Gate F6, really? I left FLL out of F5. I was so exhausted! Thanks for all the good times on the boat and ashore. What a week of great music, good friends and plenty of all manner of rockin' and rollin'! The Spinnaker Lounge show was a real treat - much appreciated for everything it was, and was not. :) The Sail Away from Cozumel was pure joy. The theater shows each were full of their own surprises. Good times. And if I could hardly hold myself up at City Limits after all that, then I appologize! It was a trip of a life-time.... ....I hope you guys do another one of these next year. February 15, 2009 7:20 PM
	Lisa said: Please Please Please come back to Winnipeg... we miss you guys here! February 16, 2009 12:35 PM
	Mike321 said: Great Big Hairdo Change??? I think I likie it. Take care guys. See ya in Windsor and London next month. February 17, 2009 8:14 PM
	JD said: 2009 in GBS history will be known as the year of the Sean-Hawk. February 18, 2009 12:03 PM
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	Momma Bear said: Seans hair???....Oh now lets see Alan do that..since shorn hair is 'in' right now... February 20, 2009 9:22 AM
	BranVan said: come back to edmonton!! we love you out here! can't wait for another show out here!! p.s. sean's still hot with that crazy hair do! February 20, 2009 1:09 PM
	GowWorm said: I'm diggin' Sean's new hair style! February 21, 2009 1:20 PM
	Richard McSundy said: Oh God Sean You're great buddy xD, Rockin' hair! I Love you Guys. Keep Rockin'. February 22, 2009 7:34 PM
	Lia Moore said: I hope there was plenty of Pints and some bet that Sean lost to do that to his head.....Hope it grows back by the Chicago double night of Heaven :0) See ya there boys...Snow storms and Ice storms stay away. February 22, 2009 9:51 PM
	Suebee said: Thanks SO much for coming on S&D again (triple dipper here), and for the Fan Show! Wow! When we were waiting for Ships & Dip I to come around, my husband and I agreed that the addition of GBS would be perfection... and we got our wish for III and V. :D The evolution of Sean's hair on the boat was... erm... entertaining, to say the least. Heh. Thank Gord hair grows back is all I can say! ;) I agree on Butterfly! We saw her open for BNL in 2004 and I liked her then, but she's really come a long way in the last five years... she was AMAZING! :D Whenever S&D VII comes around, we hope you're on board once again. At this point, it would not be the same without you. ;) (and... come back to Rochester! Preferably the German House. :D) February 23, 2009 11:55 AM