Last issue’s cover star gives an account of life on the road on his Come And Love Me tour.
7 years is quite a long time For example, seven years of being a missing person, makes you officially dead. I make this point for more than one reason. Firstly, it had been seven years since my previous “proper” tour, and to be honest, I felt like a completely different person, to that young enthusiastic boy who actually thought he could take over the world. My goals were very different this time, although, the preparation was still as bad.
Seven years ago, on tour, I spent my days sleeping, recovering from hangovers/comedowns from the buzz the night before (although I must mention, I had no idea what a “proper” hangover was until I hit 25, and I promise you, they are
getting worse). This time around, I would drink a few, for sure, I was after all, on tour, but this time, it was local beverages, and drunk with enthusiasm for the place, savouring the moment. I spent the days this time visiting local breweries, and their flagship haunts (pubs). The hedonism was almost completely gone, replaced by a buzz for sentiment, and a hope to understand by tasting.
My second point, was a completely different choice of venue. Last time round, I had hit the cities, this time, as big as it got, was an acoustic night in Plymouth (a really bad choice of venues too, as it goes). Seven years ago, the thought of touring rural boozers in the South West would have made me laugh, but this time, this IS what I wanted, and booked. I couldn‟t wait to get back to Falmouth (where I am the “Lunge King”, but that‟s another story) and see the wonderful and friendly faces that welcomed last time, and this time, and had spurred me on. The first thing I did on arrival, was head to “The Front” and ask for a pint of “Grandma‟s weapons grade Ginger ale”, which was greeted with a massive hug. From now on, I‟ll stick to four day tours, (at most) because even this country pub ramble left me in tatters.
As for the shows themselves, they weren‟t bad. The tour (rather like this article) had very little to do with the shows. Sorry, I‟ve gone slightly off topic, but my point remains the same, seven years is a long time, there was nothing at all in common with myself then and now (apart from having a tour survival box, only this time it was filled with mints, flapjacks and chai). I once heard someone say that a conversation lasts seven minutes, not sure if that‟s true, but, I understand exactly what they mean.
Tour High: Square & Compass pub (also visited by Square editor – amazing place! Ed), Purbeck peninsular, Dorset, 5pm, watching the light turn to dark, with my jug of home made scrumpy, pasty and pipe.
Tour Low: Same show, 9pm, breaking d-strings (on guitar + reserve) within two minutes of each other.
DAVID CHARLIE DUKE Dave’s excellent album “Be There To Love You” is available now from
www.dukeofcardiff.com
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