We are back Home now from a 28 show in 25 day tour of Belgium and the Netherlands. It was a fantastic experience for the band. We played small towns and large cities and everywhere in between. One of the more notable shows was at a maximum security prison in Beveren, Belgium just outside of Antwerp. Here is a post from facebook that I wrote about the experience.
-Yesterday we played a maximum security prison outside of Antwerp, Belgium. It was one of the most unique shows I/we have ever played. After a long security check, we entered into the prison with a guard through many hallways and large public areas. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous. The Warden had a chat with us before the show and mentioned that in attendance at the show will be some serial murderers and other heavy duty criminals.
The inmates entered in the area where we were about to play and one man came to us and shook all of our hands. I thought to myself that this would never happen in the States. The show started and the audience was thrilled! It took a few songs for me to relax into my role as the entertainer, but when I saw the excitement and levity the show provided, it was business as usual. Johnny Cash played in prisons. He mentions his viewpoint in the song, “Man in Black.” “I wear the black for poor and beaten down, for the prisoner who’s long payed for his crime, for those who never read.” These words are what went through my head as the show went on.
When the show concluded, I shook many of the inmates hands and they were very nice to me. In the end I was very greatful to play this show.
Below is a poster that an inmate created for the show. I would have taken some pictures, but our phones were confiscated for security reasons. –
Another notable show was at the Hell’s Angels clubhouse in Gent. It was our first show on the tour. They treated us quite nicely. In fact they wouldn’t let us off stage! The bought us beer after beer and we played and extra hour. While taking pictures with the fellas after the show, I asked one of the members to turn around so we can get the Hell’s Angels cut in the picture. He promptly told me to “not push it.” Ok.
We made many friends and played many great shows. Thank you to Surfing Airlines booking agency and their crew for taking care of us.