The Shatner Tour Diary: Day 4 (Edmonton, Part 2)
When I’ve been invited backstage to interview a band, I’ve often seen big notices posted throughout the venue. They ususally go something like this:
Today is [DAY]
You are in [NAME OF CITY]
Load-in: 9am
Soundcheck: 3pm
Dinner: 5pm
Doors: 6:30pm
Opener: 8pm
[NAME OF HEADLINER]: 9pm
CURFEW IS 11pm
BUS LEAVES 1am
Next stop: [Name of next city on the tour/Distance]
I’d always thought that this was a little over the top. I mean, you don’t know what day it is?
I wish to beg forgiveness for all those nasty thoughts. I’ve only been on the road with the Shatner crew for a week and I’ve completely lost track of time. I don’t know what day it is, what city I’m in or what meal is supposed to come next.
It’s one big blur: bus-venue-show-bus-next city. It’s only the barest inkling, but I’m beginning to understand why the road makes bands go batshit. And we’re travelling by tour bus. I can’t even imagine what it must be like in a van. So to all touring bands, you have my undying and everlasting respect.
Last night’s show was the biggest yet: 2500 or so at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton. Again, the gig went well with The Shat getting a big standing ovation at the end. No even seemed to mind when a (shall we say) well-fed man invaded the stage mid-performance. All he wanted to do was say “hi,” apparently. He’s been banned from the venue for life I’m told.
We’re now in Winnipeg and the Shat Machine is in full effect: press today and tomorrow, rehearsal/soundcheck and then a show at the Centennial Concert Hall. After this, he and his wife fly to a conference in Witchita and then on to LA before ending up in Toronto for the next gig.
Next time, I’ll have some stories from the road. And we’ll talk about what it’s like to be reviewed in the paper the next day. (Question: Why does that writer from the Edmonton Sun hate me?)
because Edmonton is Canada's largest trailer park! Name somebody who wanted to stick around there?