Got up, took a shower and went back to the fair. All the time photos were
taken and autographs were signed while strolling around. I am always amazed
how far ahead Japan is compared to us in sophisticated new technology: many
of the kids had tiny, tiny cell phones with cameras built in, color display
and everything.
At the booth I shook hands with Mr. Bob Weil, an inventive man from Florida who has is own
guitar effects-company. I tried some of his groovy-looking pedals out and in seconds the
place was filled to the max with interested people. I had to yell "This is not a pedal
demonstration! This is not a pedal demonstration!" Although I am very minimalistic in my
approach to effects I have to admit they sounded real good. Bob seemed pleased after my
"This is not a pedal demonstration"-demonstration.
Did some more signing before teaming up with Lyndon, Alan, Itaru and my new friend,
translator/interpreter/tour manager/lightning engineer/guitar tech, e t c, Mr. Tom Tao.
Tom was hired for the horrible job of translating my fast-spoken mumbo jumbo into Japanese.
We sat down and discussed the Laney Sound Clinic. Tom asked Lyndon if there was anything
particular he should know about before we begun, his musical background, and so on. With
a humble voice Lyndon started talking about when he played bass in the 60's with a drummer
called John Bonham, a singer called Robert Plant. Alan filled in and names of great caliber
like Tony Iommi and others were mentioned as close friends. I got dizzy and wondered what
the hell I was doing sitting next to these men. Respect. Did my best to ignore the fact that
this were actually The Real Guys or I would completely loose my concentration.
Lyndon taking it away
When I adjusted the amps, from out of nowhere Shin Nishiuchi (our fine record company man and
freak-dude in Japan) popped up to my great surprise. He was on tour with the Doobie Brothers
but took some time off for a "freak visit" (to promoter Mr. Udo's great dispair since he had
to take care of the Doobie Brothers + their families, all going in different directions, himself).
Good to see you again, Shin!
While waiting to get escorted into the clinic room by gifted musician (and Caparison staff member)
Roy Kamimura, Rie "Beer Drinker" Takehashi of Player magazine walked by and we said a quick hello.
(You disappeared so fast afterwards, I didn't get the chance to talk to you!).
The Laney clinic went down okidoki. Alan spoke about the specifications of the various amps,
how they are put together, characteristics, while Lyndon talked about how he got started in
the business, endorsees, Ozzfest and more. Then I came in and started to make noise in my home
brewed cheesy way.
Alan and Lyndon's presence made me a bit nervous and I had to get my shit together to remain
focused. (I have no problem playing, singing and fooling around with everything from 20 to 20
000 people. It's my job and I love it! But every once in a while my fingers turn into jelly.
I remember back in the Fate-days when we performed in Tallinn, Estonia. There were thousands
and thousands of crazy people in the audience. I know I was very calm and relaxed, happily
torturing my guitar until Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull all of a sudden stood next to my speakers
listening carefully. From that second I played like crap… just couldn't help it).
Alan talking Laney
Did some more signing and photo-stuff before heading back to the hotel again.
Splashed some H2O in my swollen jetlag face and put a clean shirt on before meeting with Lyndon,
Alan, Itaru, Tom and company in the lobby. Dinner time.
Read More:
A Thousand Poodles Under the Sea
