Photo Credit: Piper Ferguson

Inspired by the Minutemen song, Evil Monito’s “Tour Spiel” highlights the musician’s life on the road. Each week, we’ll check in with some of our favorite artists touring stateside or abroad. We’ll provide an intimate look into what it’s like to be packed in a van or waiting for a flight with the same people for hours on end. It takes a certain state of mind to survive any lengthy tour. Yet it’s the memorable experiences that makes touring ultimately rewarding, if not interesting. This week we highlight romantic troubadours, The 88, who had their share of ups and downs.  Whether it be experiencing a spiritual moment with Pink Floyd or a rowdy bar brawl during their set, life on the road for these guys is anything but predictable.

EM: What is your favorite song to play live? And why?
The 88 – “This Must Be Love”

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One of my personal favorite songs to play live is “This Must Be Love” which is on our last
record.  I like that one because it’s different every time we play it.  It’s always very loose, it has
great harmonies, and the choruses are very dynamic.

EM: What city did you most enjoy playing on tour? And why was it memorable?

One of the most memorable shows we played was at The Opera House in Toronto with Matt
Costa.  It was our first time playing in Toronto, but the crowd was incredibly responsive and
everyone was just having a great time. That show was a lot of fun.

EM: What was the strangest experience, while playing on the road?

We were in the middle of playing “Coming Home” and a bar fight broke out.  People were
getting pushed up against the stage and punches were being thrown.  It was very surreal,
especially during that song.

The 88 & Kate Pierson of The B52’s (11/16/08 at Club Nokia – LA, CA)

EM: What kind of vehicle do you tour in?

We have a 15 passenger Dodge Van.  We make sure it gets all its tune-ups and oil changes when
needed, and so far it’s been great!  We’ve seen a lot of beautiful places and had many laughs in
that vehicle.

EM: Who was your favorite band to play on tour with?

We’ve been lucky to play with a lot of great bands.  One of my favorite memories was when we
were asked to open for Elliott Smith at the Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa, CA.  At the end of his set,
he invited us on stage with him to play, “Can’t Make A Sound” which was a dream come true.
He had a big smile on his face when we were playing that I will always remember.

EM: What obscure band did you recently “discover” while on tour?

In September, we played a Tuesday night residency at Spaceland in Silverlake, CA.  A friend
recommended that we invite Daniel Brummel to play on one of the nights.  His set was one of
the best live performances I have ever seen.  He is an incredible guitar player, and I highly
recommend everyone to check him out.

EM: What is your favorite venue to play in? And why was it a great experience?

Last Spring, we toured with the B-52s, and all the venues that we played were amazing.  One
that stood out in particular was the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NY.  The way that the
theatre was designed and decorated was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.  Every inch of that place
is so beautiful.

EM: While on tour, what is the band’s consensus as the favorite spot to eat?

We definitely have a few favorites, but one of them is called Adrift which is in Anacortes,
Washington.  I’m the only vegetarian in the band, and they have a great selection there for me,
but the other guys in the band say that this place has one of the best burgers they’ve ever had.

EM: On nights off in-between shows, how do you like to occupy your time?

When we have free time, we like to visit the local record and book stores.  It’s always fun to
walk around, explore the town, and find good places to eat.

EM: If you or the band had to agree on one “must-read” book for the long trip, what would
it be? And why?

Curious George, because he’s everyone’s favorite monkey.

EM: What is the most interesting thing you’ve found or bought while on tour?

It’s not easy to find a toy squirrel on the road, but one day while walking around in Lawrence
Kansas, I had a feeling that this one store I was standing outside of would have one.  Sure
enough, they did.  I purchased it, and for four years Anthony the Squirrel has been velcro’d to
our dashboard ever since.

EM: What are some of the best records to listen to on the road?

I’ll never forget driving through Texas listening to Dark Side Of The Moon at night during a
crazy lighting and rain storm.  Before sunset, the world turned a dark yellow, light orange tint.  It
was like driving on a different planet with lightning every few seconds.  It was definitely the
right moment to put on that record.

EM: What’s the most unique piece of equipment on your tour?

We have a handheld recorder made by Edirol that is one of the best things we have ever
purchased.  We record all of our rehearsals and some shows with it.  It captures a great sound and
the songs are extremely easy to import onto your computer.

EM: What comfort items are a “must” when embarking on a long tour?

I can’t imagine leaving home without our iPods.  The music we listen to really makes traveling a
lot of fun.  I always take my video camera and document as much as I can.

EM: What is the hardest thing about being on the road?

The nights when we get to bed really late, but then have to wake up early the next morning are
always a little difficult.  But once everyone has had their coffee, everything is fine.

EM: What’s one amazing location that you fantasize about playing live?

There’s so many places I’d like to see.  I’d love to go to Japan or Australia.  I’m looking forward
to going to the UK this Spring.  This will be our first time there, and I’m excited about that.

***
http://www.the88.net/

via Sylvia Adams, 29 January 2010 12:43pm | |