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Alan's From The Road

Tour Diary - March 30, 2009 - AC Flight 868 (Toronto-London Heathrow)

0-10 at the Junos.  Oh well, could be worse I suppose.  Could be 0-11. Or worse again, 0-0.

Truth be told, I heard a while back that the Group of the Year Award was based on CD sales, but I could not get anyone to confirm that this was the case.  This was probably intentional as knowing this in advance would confirm the winner instantly.  Fortunes Favour has sold very well, approaching Platinum Status, but still nowhere near Nickleback or Simple Plan numbers.  Congrats to the Nickel Boys.  They work like dogs, and I’ve heard their single in taxi cabs in five countries on four continents in the past few weeks.  Their Juno is well deserved.

GBS’s triumphant dance on the Juno podium will have to wait for another year at least.

Thought our performance went well, as Sean’s pipe ripping lead vocal lead us through the show’s finale.  Not bad for a fella with a lung infection.  Really enjoyed playing with Hawk, who is quite a guitar shredder, especially considering he is a drummer by trade.  Bastard.  The Ecco dudes are real gents and would love to get them on a CD soon.  If you missed the show, you can see it on the CTV website and keep an eye on www.greatbigsea.com for details about how to purchase last nights song online, with all the $$$ going to charity.

Had some serious pangs of reservation and loneliness as I bid a quick ‘Cheers’ to the GBS Cast and Crew last evening.  I had to dash to the airport right off stage to catch a red-eye to Toronto to connect with this flight to make it to London in time for the film.  All hands sad to acknowledge that we won’t be together for a few months and last night could be our last tune together till August.  Four months is far less than most bands breaks, but this feels like a lifetime for GBS.  I am not certain, but strongly suspect that this will be the longest gap between performances since the band’s debut in 1993.  

That said, our Agent, Jack Ross, informed me that our August date in Toronto is off to a roaring start, selling several thousand tickets in the first few hours since going on sale.  Many thanks for those of you who have planned to attend that weekend.  There should be more August and Fall dates announced in the coming weeks.  
Back to my moonlighting as a 13th Century Troubadour, with a sword in one hand and a Lute in the other.  Equally ready to flay you open with steel or song.

Stay tuned.

Cheers,
Alan

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Published Tuesday, March 31, 2009 11:06 AM by nicopop
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Comments

 

ChiTownKim said:

Alan, you slay me...  always have and always will.  (OK, admittedly that was weak)

Best wishes as you begin this exciting new adventure.  Looking forward to any "From the Set"s that you have the time and inclination to share.

See you in August!
March 31, 2009 12:35 PM
 

Fran said:

Wish I had known about the sales going to charity before I bought it off of iTunes this morning. Guess I'll have to get a second copy :)

Sounds to me like you'll be missing your GBS family as much as your family (if they're not joining you). Have fun and I hope to see you in August. You'll have to play some pubs around London to keep from getting rusty.
March 31, 2009 1:24 PM
 

Paddy said:

It's too bad that you guys didn't bring home a Juno.  Oh, well.  Next year.  And next year the Junos will be in St. John's!  It would be awesome if the year GBS finally won one was the year the Junos were on The Rock.

Always remember, though, that if GBS isn't as well-known or appreciated as Nickleback, you guys are extremely highly appreciated by those of us who appreciate you.  And, for those who don't, it's their loss.

Four months is a long time to be away from people who are close to you, whether they're family or close friends - like your GBS bandmates.  But I guess it goes back to the old adage that every opportunity comes with sacrafice.  You'll see Bob and Sean again soon!

And maybe this feeling that four months is a long time to be away from Sean and Bob is a hint that GBS has many more years of playing ahead.  Not time to break up yet!
March 31, 2009 1:40 PM
 

Fran said:

Even though I bought it before it was announced, the money still went to charity. Yay!
March 31, 2009 1:58 PM
 

Mysticshadowlady said:

Next year wlll be the year for GBS to win at home!  What a party that would be.  I am sure GBS will miss you as much as you will miss them.  Now starts the fun......I mean more fun!  :)
You guys were awesome at the Junos.  I told my hubby who watched that Sean was performing with a lung infection and he couldn't believe it.  All Hail Sean!!  Outstanding performance by all.
Looking forward to hearing about your movie experiences
tc
ssd
March 31, 2009 2:35 PM
 

L said:


You all did great with Gallows Pole, especially Sean, and your collaborative effort said something very intelligent and important about the growth and evolution of music as a living tradition. Not sure how many watching the Juno broadcast understood that intelligent and important message, but that doesn't diminish the message's value. Hawksley is indeed a grand guitar shredder, and so are you. You two need to do some shredding together.

What I keep hearing (and have been persistent in enquiring about) is that the nominations for Group Of The Year are indeed sales-based but the actual award does go through a committee determination, mostly (implied/inferred) to make sure someone "unaccaptable to the Junos" who managed to sell a boatload does not wind up with the award. I agree that, based on sales (leaving "unacceptable" to the realm of subjectivity in which it dwells), Nickelback deserved that particular Juno.

Did not keep me from hoping for a different outcome, though. I'm also still hoping you'll gather up all that great footage from shows and all the really honest FF recording-studio outtakes that didn't make the FF DVD and then add in some new solo numbers and put out the Greatest and Biggest DVD, Collector's Edition...right in time to qualify for submission for the 2010 Junos at home. Then maybe you'll get your much-deserved dance on the podium.

GBS has been on a longer break than the upcoming one, or at least one nearly as long - at least in terms of public performances. After the rescheduled GBS Mile One show in early December of 2004, there was the "Long Break" of 2005. Recall that quite clearly. The next show after Mile One was in Yellowknife sometime in mid-May or a bit later, right before Russell's press run for Cinderella Man. So that makes that break a bit over 5 months and this one looks to be a bit shy of the same amount of time.

Have the time of your life as the Troubadour of Song and Steel. You will be the most spectacular of Flayers. See you at Wolf Trap and Molson, where you will also be spectacular, and still the Flayer.  
March 31, 2009 3:11 PM
 

Amy Elvidge said:

Good luck playing with swords for the next few months! I know you're gonna be great on-screen. Enjoy your stay in England...seeya when you are back on the West Coast!
-Amy
March 31, 2009 3:18 PM
 

Momma Bear said:

aye..lad ..if absence makes the heart grow fonder then anticipate a joyous reunion..but hey..its not just all about fame..its about cupcakes..:)
March 31, 2009 4:02 PM
 

Wishn4CA said:

Sad about the Juno...
Impressed with the finally and can't wait to get home to download...
More Impressed with Sean for pulling the song off with a lung infection -- he is the best!!
Excited that you are headed to England to flay with sword and song. I know how hard it is to be away from friends and family (having been there/done that for 15 years); but I'm sure that you will have the time of your life with Russell and the rest of the "Merry Men".  I can't wait to see the final product in theatres.

Take care and have fun!!
March 31, 2009 4:06 PM
 

heysomewhere said:

Hi Alan,

Best wishes on your new adventure and look forward to the movie, as well as, with Kim on this one, looking forward to any "From the Set"s that you have the time and inclination to share.

See you in August!

Stacey
March 31, 2009 4:26 PM
 

squeezeboxsarah said:

Dates for Fall will be announced in the coming weeks?!?!?!
*squeeeeeeee!!!!*
*bounces in anticipation*
March 31, 2009 5:30 PM
 

Liza said:

*squeal* I am so going to be at the concert on august to bad u guys are coming on my b-day the concert is 12 days after my b-day *sigh* anyways I gonna see u guy here in toronto its gonna be awesome!!! *squeal*
March 31, 2009 5:56 PM
 

saxygirlnyc said:

"There should be more August and Fall dates announced in the coming weeks."

C'mon NYC!!! ::fingers crossed::



OK, anywhere in the tri-state area will do. :-D



Who am I kidding?!?  I'll go anywhere on the Eastern seaboard!

Amy
March 31, 2009 6:35 PM
 

shmoo said:

Alan, a Juno would have been nice, but what matters most is that you continue to sell out at your shows and you have the most dedicated fan base around. Nickelback likely has a large fan base as well, but I bet nothing like GBS!

We love you and can't wait to see you again...enjoy your travels and the job of a lifetime.  Can't wait to see that clean-shaven boyish face again.  August won't come soon enough!
March 31, 2009 8:01 PM
 

wyldefyre1982 said:

Can't wait to see the movie...probably have to make a special trip "to town" to see it, but I don't care!  

Have fun, take care, and we'll catch you on the next round!
March 31, 2009 9:02 PM
 

rock on said:

Amazing, amazing, amzaing!!!! Love the other bands, but does anything today compare with the incredible combination put out there on FF?
March 31, 2009 9:21 PM
 

only1girlinhouse said:

Hey - GREAT show in victoria... you guys really know how to put on a show. Thanks for the autographs too! All the best with the movie.
cheers
March 31, 2009 10:01 PM
 

katfairy said:

Wow.  That was intense.

Love the beard, although I realize that puts me in a minority.  The fact that Sean could perform at all, let alone kick ass, is amazing- been there, done that, except for the ass-kicking part.  (Never try to sing Mozart hopped up on allergy meds.  Just...don't.  Same with dancing pseudo-ballet while recovering from a broken leg.)

While it's a shame there won't be any concerts to attend for a while, I think the fans will have a net gain from this: you playing a part that was made for you.  And perhaps the break will just make you all that much more eager to play again.

And for the record, your songs can already flay us open.  Now you just have a sword to make it easier.
April 1, 2009 12:59 AM
 

Angie said:

Just a little note to thank you for what was likely a very common moment in your "book" but certainly made a little boy's night (not to mention his aunt's for being able to click a picture of his beaming smile (and urs too ;-).  We stayed at the Bayshore ... and you were on your way into the Gala Saturday night ... you turned back ... and it was as if you read my mind ... you bent down ... and said "hey buddy wanna snap?" (smile) thank you again!
April 1, 2009 2:12 AM
 

AngieMtl said:

Just a little note to thank you for what was likely a very common moment in your "book" but certainly made a little boy's night (not to mention his aunt's for being able to click a picture of his beaming smile (and urs too ;-).  We stayed at the Bayshore ... and you were on your way into the Gala Saturday night ... you turned back ... and it was as if you read my mind ... you bent down ... and said "hey buddy wanna snap?" (smile) thank you again!
April 1, 2009 2:20 AM
 

busdriver said:

The end has arrived for a fantastic tour.  Seen you guys in St. John's, moving performance as an opener.  Thanks for the dedication.  Will miss reading about your antics while on tour.  They keep me in stitches.  Your performance at the Junos was nothing but outstanding.  Good luck in your new adventure.  I'm sure you will be missed by your family, (especially your better half and the Prince) your bandmates, friends and your fans.  Hope to hear of upcoming appearances by GBS after the production is over.  Good luck while over the pond.  Thanks for the great music you guys have done over the years.  Keep it going.
April 1, 2009 5:39 AM
 

Chiarascura said:

No offense to anyone, but I've never put very much stock in the high-profile industry awards. You guys were phenomenal when you played at the Junos, though. I'm never surprised to see a good performance from you anymore, but I'm always amazed at HOW good it can get. Very cool collaboration, too - when I heard Eccodek would be involved, I wasn't sure how it would mesh, but the end result was quite powerful.

Have fun filming the movie and being generally brilliant. I'm looking forward to seeing you guys again in a few months' time.

PS - Love the beard. But when you're finally rid of it, the headline can be: Jesus Shaves!
April 1, 2009 3:24 PM
 

Bob said:

Great Juno peformance guys. You were the class act of a tired show. BA and KE were pretty good too.

No offense to anyone, but isn't what the guys themselves think about high-profile industry awards more to the point? Bring it home next year guys!
April 1, 2009 4:05 PM
 

LisaSears said:

Sorry about the Juno Guys!!!It will soon be your turn!!!
Good luck Alan,you'll be am awesome troubadour!!!The film industry will never be the same!!!!The show in Halifax was amazing,you all have an amazing gift,the gift of making people dance and sing.Long Live GBS!!!!!!!!
April 1, 2009 5:38 PM
 

Urusla said:

Awesome performance at the Junos.  Although GBS did not win, you guys are still winners in our eyes!

One suggestion, start handing out discs to those cab drivers that you are riding with, so you hear your music in them instead, lol.

Enjoy your "...........walk on the Moon" Mr. Doyle :)  You will be back with the boys before you know it.
April 1, 2009 6:11 PM
 

SawyerFinn said:

Stellar performance at the Junos!  After showing it to my students via youtube, it was proof positive to them that folk singers can shred the guitars and rock out every bit as much as the headbangers they tend to gravitate towards.  Bummed we U.S. folks can't buy the I-tunes copy, but bummed even more that you all didn't win...again!:( But wouldn't it be 'something beautiful' to take home the win at home next year? Here's to 1-10 in 2010! :)
April 2, 2009 12:56 PM
 

Tessa said:

Killing me softly with his song takes on new meaning.
April 2, 2009 7:17 PM
 

Polgara63 said:

Caught your shows twice last year, and had an awesome time!!!  Your CDs are in heavy rotation in my car's CD player, especially on the 45 minute drive to and from work.

Have a blast filming - I am sooo looking foward to the movie now!!!
April 4, 2009 10:00 PM
 

Amers said:

Hi Alan! Can't wait to see you in Toronto in August, to say the show sold tickets fast is an understatement.  I signed on at 10 of 11 and got our tickets at 11:15 and could only get into the 200s!  The show is going to be stellar.  Take care filming, you'll do great.  See you this summer :)
April 5, 2009 7:33 PM
 

Michele said:

It's difficult to leave family and firends but a chance of a lifetime is awaiting...........How exciting! Enjoy the ride!
April 6, 2009 9:58 AM
 

menglor said:

*subliminal message*

You want to come to Ottawa to perform!

You want to come to Ottawa to perform!

*subliminal message*
April 6, 2009 2:19 PM
 

DarwinsMama said:

Hey Alan!
Hope you are having some fun with your lute and sword!  Darwin is super excited about a movie with the "Joker Song" singer!  He loves Robinhood!  If you are in Nottingham, which is what I assume, make sure to check out the costume museum, fun stuff!
Peace,
Sue
April 8, 2009 1:47 PM
 

Derek said:

Alan & the Boys, Ive seey you all in Toronto, Thorold, StCatharines
and my home Niagara Falls twice and now here at my new home of Victoria BC, and it doesnt matter what part of Canada you perform in
You guys do a great job and always make the crowd smile and sing.  Your truely the Spirit of Canada and all Canadians should be proud of the work you do.  I hope to someday travel to St Johns to see you live in your home, You guys dont need a Juno to say your the best just know from your fans that you are, although it wouldnt hurt to have one, EH!  Dont worry Im sure the Juno award will be yours for the next year at your home,  Im not from Newfoundland, but hearing you boys and seeing your shows makes me wish I was.  Alan, Good luck with the Film and I cant wait to see it, and boys take good care and enjoy your summer off, Sean, take care of that lung problem, Ya still sounded terrific in Victoria and at the Juno's,
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER BOYS, Derek (Deckhand, BCFerries)
April 9, 2009 12:22 PM
 

holly said:

hey  all
i was so so happy  you  guy where at the  junos, i can't wait for the junos to come home next year  i can't wait. it is going to be so much  fun to have it here in  St.Jhon's  nl.  time  for  a party.  lest show eveone  how much fun we can have here in St.Jhon's.i was  not happy  when you guys did not  win the juno  for gurop of the year . but i am stell happy for you guys.  i had so muche  fun  at the show you  guys had  St.Jhon's on march 14  it was so muche fun.Alan  have fun in the movie that you are doing  with your best friend . i can't wait to see it when it comes out .

                              Holly-XOXOXO-
                                       .....Love Ya all !!!!!
April 13, 2009 7:27 PM
 

holly said:

hey  all
i was so so happy  you  guy where at the  junos, i can't wait for the junos to come home next year  i can't wait. it is going to be so much  fun to have it here in  St.Jhon's  nl.  time  for  a party.  lest show eveone  how much fun we can have here in St.Jhon's.i was  not happy  when you guys did not  win the juno  for gurop of the year . but i am stell happy for you guys.  i had so muche  fun  at the show you  guys had  St.Jhon's on march 14  it was so muche fun.Alan  have fun in the movie that you are doing  with your best friend . i can't wait to see it when it comes out .

                              Holly-XOXOXO-
                                       .....Love Ya all !!!!!
April 13, 2009 7:28 PM
 

holly said:

hey  all
i was so so happy  you  guy where at the  junos, i can't wait for the junos to come home next year  i can't wait. it is going to be so much  fun to have it here in  St.Jhon's  nl.  time  for  a party.  lest show eveone  how much fun we can have here in St.Jhon's.i was  not happy  when you guys did not  win the juno  for gurop of the year . but i am stell happy for you guys.  i had so muche  fun  at the show you  guys had  St.Jhon's on march 14  it was so muche fun.Alan  have fun in the movie that you are doing  with your best friend . i can't wait to see it when it comes out .

                              Holly-XOXOXO-
                                       .....Love Ya all !!!!!
April 13, 2009 7:28 PM
 

holly said:

sorry  for the 3 times
    holly -xoxoxo-
April 13, 2009 7:32 PM
 

holly said:

sorry for the 3 times
                       holly -xoxoxo-
April 13, 2009 7:33 PM
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