Great article, Charlton--a really enjoyable read! Looking forward to seeing you all in concert again next time you're on the East Coast!
"Oh, poor you." Olivia Soprano.
1
This is why I pay for The Times
3
I haven’t enjoyed a newspaper article this much in ages. Fascinating glimpse into the realities of life on the road and lovely gentle humour.
1
Fun adventure easy through Europe!
Sometimes you read something that causes you to pause and reflect on the beauty of words and thought. Your writing about the innuendos we all experience in life, as through the lens of your tour, did that for me. Thank you. Super!
3
Mr. Pettus, I hope there's a book in you somewhere, 'cause this was some pretty darn good writing!
1
@Gary He's written a great suspense novel Exit Strategy!
Our rock group from 1965 reunited after 50 years apart to play a gig at a winery in Texas (it helped that the winery owner was our lead singer). We (and our audience) survived to play again the following year, practicing together, over the internet on JamKazam, a wonder of music technology. Next spring we play again, but this time at three different venues. This article was a great insight. Should I rebel against traveling in a van? I'm going to demand a bottle of Jack and two bottles, each, of our sponsor's wine on the catering table. Don't care if I'm group A or C, with that setup...well, maybe some deviled eggs with green M&Ms.
1
Hilarious romp. Reminded me of a European jazz tour I did in the 80s where we boarded a prop plane which many of the guys were terrified by. The hum of the plane was equal to the low constant hum of the Buddhist chant Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō coming from band members. Not sure how artists do the touring slog if they are wasted and high. It's an exhausting grind.
1
There's a famous episode of Judge Judy featuring Johnny Rotten. (It's on YouTube still.) One of the hired hands on a PiL tour was miffed that his accommodations weren't as nice as John's. She totally dismissed him with "He's the star!" It could apply here.
1
Wonderful read, and not one mention of Trump.
10
This was a fun read. And yes, the haters are missing the point. Anyone who has had breakfast overlooking the Vieux Port in Marseille from the spiffy hotel like the Sofitel, has nothing to complain about.
It's called "irony" people.
7
This was a great read. But if the author and I had by chance met face-to-face, and had he dared complain about how he was treated while touring with TEARS FOR FEARS, I simply would have given him a hug and said, “Shout. Shout. Get it all out.”
18
Please, please, NY Times Editors, ask Charlton Pettus to keep writing for you. Not just about travel, but about anything he wants. And Charlton, please put your travel stories into a book. It's clear that you write like you talk, and you are very funny indeed. More, please!
15
Please do more of these.
Pretty please.
15
To all the haters: you missed the point. This whole ride is tongue n cheek.
Great read, and fun look at what it’s like to be on the B bus.
To anyone talking about carbon footprint: A small group of entertainers bringing their show to foreign lands is hardly the problem. It’s a fair use of carbon, in my opinion, to fill venues across the world with art.
So please understand the gravity of the climate crisis and take your ill will to the real issues.
See y’all in Lyon,
🤘🏽
10
Fun read. Although the transportation options and logistics change over time, the experience of a traveling band of performers remains fundamentally unchanged.
8
This was greatly entertaining and informative about tour life as well as country info.
7
In short, a wonderful read, an iconic band, beautiful band, and Double (Dark) Chocolate PF Milanos are the BOMB.
6
Love the band and all the lads who have played in TFF at various times. It's extraordinary, however, that there is still stratification in touring based on A "Artists" and B "Band." Mssrs. Smith and Orzabal haven't created anything new in almost 20 years. I wouldn't guess there was this kind of division for traveling in what is basically a nostalgia act at this point, but maybe it all goes back to who created the nostalgia, so to speak.
Don't rest on your laurels, gents. Give us some new material!
7
I enjoyed the story, but I have loved the stories my Punk Rock friends tell from their all in one van tours.
No motels, find a local's floor to sleep on, there even was a printed book/zine of where to flop at one time.
I have always enjoyed travelling alone, nobody to take care of and nobody to complain.
I can sleep anywhere...
3
This is wonderful.
8
A few years ago, I was between addresses, with a monthly stay in a low budget, independent hotel favored by emerging bands. As in traveling from gig to gig in one six passenger van towing an equipment trailer. Sleeping all in one room, hawking their own CDs at the door of the venue, doing their best not to be discouraged. Despite their talent and musical skills, most would find another line of work in a few years. Bet they'd love to have had touring conditions as "bad" as those described.
P.S. If the band doesn't like the food and beverage in the dressing rooms, complain to the manager who created the Rider and negotiated its contents with the promoter or venue.
1
As a touring musician who is employed at basically the same level, I can say that this beautifully written piece 100% captures life within the touring bubble. The outside world shrinks away, time is elastic, and your priorities become assessing how many pairs of clean socks you have left (and keeping a lookout for laundry facilities), finding healthy food, getting adequate sleep, and of course maintaining connection to some kind of home life via Skype or any means possible. The piece doesn't get much into intra band/crew dynamics, which can become petty and overamplified. That's another interesting part of touring life, hopefully for another installment.
8
My first concert, Hartford, '85 was it? Concert sold out before the Songs from the Big Chair album was released, room was packed with Real Fans. So Much Fun. Seen a thousand bands since, literally. Huge live music freak, here. Loved them on the last tour, 30th or what not, at Bonnaroo, was right up front. I'm all too familiar with the music industry, having lived in Nashville the past 20 years. Yes, the key musicians should have been idealistically in the same hotels as Mr Orzabel and Mr Smith. But, this is the music industry - it is a business - and they did not contribute as much 'artistically' as the original creators of said business. Yes, it is a shame, but it is not a travesty. It is the nature of the industry, almost universally. As Chris Rock said, I understand, but don't condone it.
1
These musicians who aren't officially members of a band, any band, work hard, are very accomplished, and the bands would be no-where without them. They should be treated better.
1
Would love to read a tour diary from the 1980's, Tears For Fears heyday. Everyone in the band and crew young, full of energy. At the peak of fame.
How has ageing and maturity changed life on the road? How did they handle the excesses and temptations of fame then, versus now? Is it better this time? What do you miss about the old days?
That's the hidden story within this story.
6
Dude, if you’re gonna whine find another gig. Or write your own songs, instead of playing other people’s music. Then, maybe, you’ll be A. And I’m sure C worked longer hours.
Don’t forget the hummus....
4
It is my guess that, back in the day, Mick would make Keith and Charlie sleep in the hallway while he hooked up with one model or another. Relatively speaking, you didn't have it so bad, lol.
1
Awesome! Cheers!
1
I'm sorry, this is a Facebook post. All that's missing are photos of the scrambled eggs.
8
Not to be picky, but there is no such thing as Le Vieux Porte de Marseille. Of course, there is no Sofitel Vieux Porte either. Porte means door in French. Port means harbor. It should have read Vieux-Port! I guess when one is in such a hurry, it's understable why you might have taken a harbor for a door! (Couldn't help it)
Was funny and well written. A guitarist, who would have thought?
3
Very interesting viewpoint, unfortunately lacking in perspective about why "artists" do what they do in the first place - to express, to create and to live in the experience of the live performance. But maybe that's the point - when you get older it's about the little things and the perceived discomforts that stick with you. The goal was set and achieved long ago, and now you're just going through the motions.
3
Cool article. I’ll keep the “newbie tip” about liquid containers in mind, should I ever get lucky enough to be invited on board a private jet.
Newbie tip: Tears For Fears is a terrific band.
11
Interesting range of reactions to this piece.
The "what about the carbon footprint" whine.
The "why are you complaining" whine.
My reaction: fantastic. The "tensions" between the Band protagonist and the Artist antagonist enabled some great writing. Very witty.
11
First of all, I am laughing at those who question the popularity of Tears for Fears. Did you see the pictures in the article of the sold out venues?
Charlton Pettus, Doug Petty, Carina Round, and Jamie Wollam are contracted musicians who have recreated the magical sound of this bands early years like no other lineup has in a live setting. I saw this lineup three times over the past three years and these people were the difference makers. Curt Smith, Pettus, and Petty worked together in the 90's (Mayfield).
Pettus writes much better than he golfs. The wording in this short piece is phenomenal, descriptive, and lucid. He paints a mental image of so many of these locations with such vivid imagery and observation. There is an A Team and a B Team, which comparatively was hilariously weighed. The contracted refreshments at each stop part had me laughing.
Hang in there folks, see you in the front row when you come back to Cleveland or Pittsburgh.
21
Beautifully written! Thanks for the break from politics, and for the travel tips.
6
Great article and really clever writing. I will pick up your book. Being a huge TFF fan and never seeing them live, a little disappointed that Curt & Roland separate from the rest of he band in between shows. Maybe next time you do the States, you can enjoy the finer things in life at a luxurious Hampton Inn 😉
7
Thank you, Charlton Pettus, for the engaging, tongue-in-cheek essay. If you ever decide to put down your guitar and pen I'll sign up for your custom tour.
Tears for Fears remains one of my all-time favorite bands, and I'm grateful that they continue to tour. The current lineup on the "B" side is tops. Cheers!
10
I play guitar and lived in Lyon for 15-years, threw cushions at Fourviere, ate at all the Bouchons...still this article makes me want to go back and visit!
Thanks
5
Thank you for the article. I am always interested in the inner workings of things.
However, I imagine if I was, essentially, a session guitarist touring with a C-level band, I'd be a bit more grateful for being paid to work on my craft in front of a live audience. Heck, for just being employed.
You want better accommodations? Write some hit songs.
2
@Chris D Not all literature professors are creative writers. Everyone has a gift. Not everyone can be a songwriters. You have to really be on another planet to be a triple threat in music: singer/songwriter/instrumentalist. (Pettus should have given credit to Nicks for being one of those, instead of just "swooning" over her.)
5
@PrairieFlax I’m sure he’s sad that he couldn’t fulfill all of your requisites.
2
@PrairieFlax I’m sure he’s sad that he couldn’t fulfill all of your requisites.
1
I guess everybody wants to rule the world...
15
Thoughts and prayers.
Good writing. Good travel tips. Thanks
3
So fun!!!!! Thank you!
3
Wonder if he'll still have the gig after this is read by the principals. Awful lot of bellyaching for someone who gets to live the dream.
9
Tears for Fears? Couldn’t you come up with a more relevant band?
1
I’m reading this from the back of a cramped splitter van, rolling down the autobahn with my band mates in The Dream Syndicate. 14 shows in 15 days, spanning 9 countries. Up at dawn today for an 8 hour drive to Holland where we’ll pile out of the van and onto a stage for sound check. And we wouldn’t trade it for anything. Great article but, hey, any time you guys get tired of your tour bus let us know. We’ll gladly trade travel accommodations with you.
61
@Steve Wynn
Dream Syndicate!! Come to Canada, please please please. The hubs is a huge fan and I never got to see you guys back in the day.
2
@Steve Wynn hang in there. Glad the Dream Syndicate is still living the dream, cramped though the accommodations may be.
2
@Steve Wynn Exactly. Try 20 shows in 21 days with 1 rehearsal and all the band and gear in a 15-passenger Ford. Perspective is everything!
3
Oh please.
Write a book. I beg you, Charlton.
I just finished unloading the dishwasher. I balanced the checkbook and it looks miserable. My cat is old and I have to hand feed her. I have an irritating brother in law. I have to go to work tomorrow. I am too fat. I am middle aged. I can't be wild because people are depending on me to be responsible.
Let me live vicariously through you as a rocker.
Write, write, write.
Dedicate your rocker book to Katie, from Portland, Who Needs A Little Excitement In Her Life. Here ya go, Katie!
32
@Katie He has written a book. "Exit Strategy" - I'm reading it now on Kindle
Tears for Fears? Seriously? They're still a thing? I think not.
1
What is the point of a comment like this? Clearly they’re ‘a thing’. They still play big venues all around the world.
10
@APH Leave America once in a while and you'll see the stadium-filling monsters known as Air Supply, Alan Parsons and other long-since thought dead acts who are enjoying live careers as hot as they were in 1985.
3
@APH Never liked them, but yes, they are very much a thing. They are doing something right - including hiring Mr. Pettus.
1
My son is a struggling percussionist, keyboardist and composer who frequently pays his own way on gigs simply for the joy of playing. Stale Ritz crackers? Second tier hotel accommodations? He'd gladly trade places with you. Unlike you, he'd be cognizant of his tremendous good fortune to be given the opportunity you seem unappreciative of.
So..if you're tired of "the road", feel free to pass his name along to Fears. I promise he won't complain about the crackers.
3
Touring#101... Great read!
2
As someone who works roughly 50 shows a year at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, I can unequivocally say that no venue anywhere in the world is as spectacular and special as ours is. To even suggest it borders on blasphemy! I work right at the stage and stare up at the crowds nightly and sometimes, steal glances backward at the stage to watch the Artists (you are ALL Artists!) marvelling at their surroundings. There comes a moment in every show where the band will stop, sometimes just momentarily slow down, and say the magic words I have heard a 100's of times or more: "We have waited the entire tour for THIS date". It makes me smile with pride every single time. Regardless of the weather or any other condition, there is NEVER a bad show at Red Rocks!
18
Very well written and, as a musician, very interesting. Thank you.
2
Loved every single word of this. Maybe because it's about being my age, only much, much cooler.
9
I guess your complaints are because your expectations were different than how you were treated? Seems to me the real stars of the show deserve better accommodations but you feel like a second class citizen because of it. You acknowledge most bands work that way, but you thought you would be treated as special too, just because they were kind enough to do it on a previous tour.
As a similar aged fan I volunteer to play tambourine on tour next summer. I know it’s the author’s “job” but for me it sounds like a great adventure. And even with the indignities of middle aged maladies (hello arthritis) I can power through for 50 days.
What a wonderfully written essay. Informative and entertaining.
8
Fun and honest article. I agree about Red Rocks! Saw TFF there in 1985 or so. Keep touring, guys.
1
Utterly enjoyed this piece. Like having coffee (or a beer) with a good friend back from a long trip. Great writer.
6
One of the best pieces I've read in a long time. Fun, uplifting, etc. Has it all. Thanks Charlton!
7
Let’s do 52 places with this dude.
39
@Diana Biederman
I'd read that!
1
straight up rock and roll - cheers
3
who are the Artists?
1
A last minute Summer tour in Europe sounds awesome. Being paid to do something you love is fantastic too. Malbec waiting in the room too ? Life is rough, really tough sledding.
Not sure who booked the logistics but Brittany to Costa Del Sol is not an ideal trip even on a sleeper, epiphany indeed.
Noted about Lyon, so I'll add Parma to the list.
3
Ha, sounds familiar from some of my experiences......it's a class system after all.
2
Made it half way and asked myself... when is this story going to take off and become interesting... Maybe I checked out too soon but man... Seriously, check out and come home. Who cares.
23
Really, dudes? With all the inequality in the world today, you're gonna complain about this? Tell me you're being ironic. I want to keep loving you as musicians.
26
@Barbara
you know you could donate the 30 bucks a month it costs for a subscription to some poor family in Africa.
or Appalachia.
or read it as these guys are in the band entertaining the fans, but don't get the same perks as the two guys who I presume founded the band. ala workers of the world unite.
do they unite to pull everyone up, or drag everyone down?
you must sit in the cheap seats, or not attend rock concerts at all then. enjoy the cheap beer.
What an unexpected distraction from every other headline today. Thank you!
42
this was fun to read. thank you
17
This is some of the best travel writing I've ever read.
More, please.
33
Here's to the boys back in room 628
5
Bit of a hoot this one. Nice wind up at the end...
4
It is the Vieux Port.
6
how does team A feel about the piece?
9
Bob Seger's "Turn the Page," Euro-trash version...
Amusing, and very well written.
16
Tears for Fears?
Really?
At this juncture they must have some publicist.
1
@RR Publicist? Probably, but they've had hits--many of them.
3
@RR was thinking same thing...would rather hear this story from another band. Like foo fighters or garbage or, I don't know...anyone else?
Famous!
Felt guilty for enjoying this in regards to contemporary carbon footprint awareness. Reminded me of a time in my 30’s shooting a 40 location doc in 60 days covering the US from coast to coast twice. I foolishly announced to my crew how I scored a package of new underwear at a convenience store in some rural stop that was behind us a few hours. Surprised by their lethal glances, the sound guy’s words still bite my ears “Dude. Freshies for one means freshies for all.”
30
Vieux Port (old port) of Marseille, not Vieux Porte (old door), s’il vous plaît!
9
Well, you’re not panicking over your carbon footprint.
13
Really interesting read. I've been a TFF fan since 1982, their live shows are religious experiences. Hope sharing the stage with these legendary artists makes up for not staying at the 5 star hotels. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of the tour.
12
What a lovely travel tale! Thank for sharing it and for bringing us fans live music.
3
Loved this story. And yes, The Hague is a great place to live!
5
Really fun article. Lyon is on my list now. I'm a gigging musician but only do local gigs. I dream of doing a real tour, just once. In my mind all of the deprivations would seem very cool. But I can see how doing it multiple times would cause the sheen to wear off. Plenty of hard-working side man musicians out there wondering why they didn't spend their 10,000 hours becoming a surgeon or a really good computer scientist instead.
13
Ha. 26 shows in 41 days is considered hard work? It is, but most musicians I know - the ones without old hits, private planes, 5-star hotels, celebs and tour buses - might often work closer to 35 shows or more in that period and be lucky to come home with enough money to cover expenses.
But as the guys say, everybody has a right to complain.
6
I've been a Tears for Fears fan since 1985, although I didn't manage to see them until 2017...then I saw them twice in less than a month (Cleveland & Niagara Falls). I hope you come back to the northeastern US, Charlton...I've already told my husband we're going again if it's geographically doable!
1
I disagree with their assessment of St Martins Lane Hotel- I’ve had some wonderful stays there. Granted it’s been 6 years since I stayed there, but I have nothing but great memories.
1
Huge fan of Tears for Fears. Huge fan of the article. So interesting and witty! Thank you for sharing.
5
Great pictures and stories.
Reminds me of the Overseas flying I did as a pilot, with a major airline.
Land in Geneva, heavy fog, with a fox running across a taxiway, nearly hit it. Next leg to Zurich, on to hotel, trying to sleep in with the cattle outside; cowbells ringing at noon . Arghh Go out for beers, dinner later with crew. On overseas flights front and backend crew mix more; we go out and eat dinner together. A few beers; don't forget the number of the trolley to get back to Zurich hotel. U26??
Next rest day, but early in afternoon, message light flashing on phone..probably crew sked drafting. Plan is, one pilot returns call, but other crew members are "out of hotel". That's our story. They can't draft just one pilot, need full crew. I call Sked back and write down the plan. Then we meet up and decide if we want the "draft". It gets us home earlier, so , surprise, suddenly missing crew members arrive back at hotel. Call crew sked back, on to Paris CDG.
Deadhead Zurich to Paris, but get to ZRH airport and no arrangements to have tickets ready. Nothing set up as irregular ops. Each crew member has to pay for his own airline ticket with a credit card.
Out for dinner in Paris, hear story how crew sked deadhead a B-767 crew over to operate an L-1011 flight. That's why we were drafted out of Zurich? We operate the L-1011 out of Paris on day 4.
True stories, I miss it.
4
That was insightful, enjoyable, and well written. I'd like to read more. I'll have to look into Exit Strategy.
3
It should be noted that Charlton is not just a guy who plays in Tears for Fears. He's also their record producer and co-songwriter.
Regardless, it should all for one, one for all on tour.
8
I loved this I'm-with-the-band synopsis almost as much as I love Tears for Fears. Yes, when the hotel is your home for 50 days, of course you want the 'A' hotel. A class system, indeed. Quite enlightening. Thank you, Charlton.
1
Interesting! I love getting a peek into others lives. I wish I could have tagged along.
1
Really enjoyed the story. I was expecting something different, but this was a pleasant surprise!
1
Okay, I get this is a take on the world that most of us will never experience. Good on you. Have fun. While a CD in my car player (for which I get relentlessly teased by 20-somethings) includes "Break it Down Again", this article relieves me of the bother of hearing it played live.
4
Thank you for this personal, insightful, mash up between rock stardom on the road, and travel log. It is the perfect tonic, a vacation from rest of the dreadful news of the day. I think it is kind of funny, and a kind of sad story of how the seeds of love are sown.
4
This is just lovely! Exotic travels perhaps, but quite accurate.
2
Would have enjoyed reading this more if the author had given even five words to the consideration of carbon footprint. Hard to feel any sympathy for a guy whose personal fatigue weighs more heavily than the environmental price of flying in a private jet--or any jet. Perhaps he and the others could follow the example of Greta Thunberg's mother, a well-regarded opera singer who has given up flying to her gigs. Would love to see some of these famous bands similarly lead by example--or don't they also care about their collective carbon footprint? Enough to sacrifice a little more personal comfort in order to do the right thing for our planet's sake?
13
@The Anchorite yes perhaps, but not realistic. Comparing an opera singer’s touring schedule (opera singers don’t perform 26 shows in 41 days because it will ruin their voices, plus they rarely do one nighters) to that of a pop band shows a lack of understanding of how the business works. Also there are are plenty of people in other professions leaving carbon footprints as well. Don’t blame the musicians.
6
@Chris Martin
I agree with everything you wrote.. In addition I think it should also be mentioned that the actual tour routing is not done by the band but the booking agent and sometimes the logistics of these routings seem to forget to factor in even just a little bit of time to sleep and still make it to the next show. I've been touring for over 12 years and I've had plenty of routings that are just impossible to do without getting really run down.. And in comparison to some bigger bands who fly home on private jets after every show (while still preaching environmental issues), a one off private yet really doesn't seem like that big a deal. That aside, I thought this was really funny and well written..as for the usual + somewhat silly tour whining..it's pretty normal and I don't think it's meant to be taken all that serious... the only thing I find a bit problematic is the hierarchy thing. A budget can be worked so that everyone is equally comfortable on days off.. The reality (in my opinion anyways) is that the crew guys always work the hardest, they're first ones in the venue and last ones outside + physically rough. Every band does things differently but I would not really be on board with a tour manager + "artist" spending such a large amount of money on their upscale hotels at the expense of the crew.. There's a place in the middle where everyone will be comfortable and feel appreciated
3
@The Anchorite Totally agree! It's deeply offensive to publish anything about traveling anywhere without kowtowing to liberal pieties. I was also disturbed to see no mention of the gender imbalance in the band and the lack of attention to migration policy or the carceral state anywhere in this article. Cancel my subscription!
5
Did this affect the band's performance? Meaning, did they run hot and cold? Definitely not an egalitarian model and bound to create resentment as it obviously did. Wouldn't want this on my stage with people I was creating joy with.
2
The lads’ last hit was in 1986. Amazing that, thirty years later, they continue to tour.
7
You are a terrific writer. Super engaging and I was able to visualize it all. And funny!
3
Try 60 cities over 90 days, bus and truck tour, With the New York City Opera National Company, circa late 90's.
1
Great article. Thanks for the change of pace.
2
I think the author had fun writing this. A fun read for sure.
3
I've stayed in a lot of cheap motels, in nowhere places, while working in the middle of nowhere on technical stuff. Never bothered me a bit, because the pay rates were high, high, high. I guess capitalism salves envious wounds for some.
5
On my tour of Europa capitals, I did not mind staying in cheapo hotels. Love 2 travel !
1
What about carbon footprint, more tears for our fears?
8
:) I love a good tour story. It's just doubly good that it's a TFF tour. :)
1
wouldn't this have been much better if it was a real band? a band that didn't have private jets and free dinners in paris?
2
@michael
Dude, they had a one-off trip on a private jet so they could make it to the next gig..they're not on a private yet during the entire tour.. This band has been touring since the early 80ies so maybe just a little respect for a hard working group of people.. Free dinners in Paris? I doubt it.. It's rare that things like that don't end up being something that you will reimburse your label etc for.. If the tour covers it well then it's just the artist paying for it since it will be deducted from tour income.. Nothing is free and the world of touring is not this glitz and glamour lifestyle that it can perhaps appear to be from the outside.. Not saying that it's not an amazing job to have but it is hard work, especially when you're not 20 years old anymore..
5
Great article. Sounds like a blast.
1
I'm just "head over heels" for this article by Tears for Fears. It's really something to "shout" about.
I could do this all day...
5
This certainly punctures the commonly held view that bands are "all for one and one for all." I don't know how they get on stage and make happy with this tension in the background, but I suppose it's just a job.
This is one of the best travel stories I've read in a long time. I urge Mr. Pettus to put down the guitar and pick up the pen more often.
See you in Lyon!
13
It's easy to get from Marseille to Les Baux-de-Provence. Just write a few multi-million selling global hit songs.
2
Really great piece. Hire him again, please.
9
Effortlessly entertaining writing. Give him a job!
9
Nice read. Funny. Thanks.
2
I thought the 1980s were over.
1
This was a perfect little expose'. thanks.
1
Entertaining account from a really unique perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
2
You're touring Europe as a musician in a pretty well known rock band and you're complaining about it?
12
write some hit songs and you too can stay at the Cap d’Antibes.
In fact just reading the article I can't get the chorus for "Sowing the Seeds of Love" out of my head
3
Not your usual travel story. I loved it.
116
@Dan
Every job has it's good points and bad points, but who would have known that the guitarist for Tears for Fears would be such a good writer and observer. I need to check out his other writings.
3
@Dan Me too !
Delightful story. One question: how did they pay for the private jet?
44
Larry, "they" paid with money: cash, credit card, Bitcoin, but whatever it worked. Just like the Larry Bennettoz of the world do!
3
@larry bennett This band has been around since the dinosaurs. One member or another of it probably invested well.
3
@larry bennett I think Roland paid for it.
2
A standard joke is, "How do you make a musician complain?" Answer: "Give him a gig." That said, as a musician who has spent some years on the road under far less luxurious conditions, I can attest that Mr. Pettus gives an accurate description of how it can as easily become a sidemen against artist situation as an us against the world one.
84
@Michael Ross
Sidemen, even talented ones, are replaceable. The guys who wrote the hits that sell the tickets aren't.
7
@Pat Exactly. See the scene in the Sting movie where his manager asks how many people would ask for their money back if they are booked at MSG and Sting canceled, versus if the band cancelled.
2
@Michael Ross What Sting movie?