Tobe Blog - July 27th 2011

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Published on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 13:40

I'm sat, once again in Scarborough having returned last night from Chapel studio's in Lincolnshire. I was there with Eddie Clarke and Matt E completing work on an 'extra' track for the forthcoming Fastway record 'Ear Dog, Eat' which should (all being well) be released this side of Christmas.

Funny how time slips and slides through the ether; it was only a few weeks ago that Dio's Disciples were taking to the stages of Europe bringing celebration and reflection through the music of Ronnie James Dio. It seems almost impossible to believe that I, a life long fan of Ronnie's, should be chosen to help that celebration, but never the less, there I was. Its been an amazing couple of years to say the least, and I thank you all for sticking by me and helping keep the energy high and focused.

So I can bring everyone up to speed, let me just give you one or two tales from the road.

The Dio tour was like I remembered the touring back in the day; well organised, professional, tiring, highs and lows etc but with the added expectation of essaying one of the greatest singers this world has ever experienced. Funny really, because no matter what level tours happen at the same insecurities, physical and demands apply; its just a matter of scale. And this felt pretty big!

From rehearsals in LA to the first shows in Russia the pace was pretty fast and stressful what with visa issues (resulting in half the personnel having to spend almost a whole day sat in New York awaiting the correct documents) and the basic fact that we were crossing several time zones and travelling non stop for almost 24 hours...

Like i reported last time, the first half of the tour went very well indeed, especially the Download show which was a big thing for us all especially the band as the last time Ronnie's music was heard there, the band were at the height of there powers and arguably stole the show (as they had a tendency to do)

Once we had settled into a rhythm the shows became very enjoyable and the band bonded. Its always tough being thrown together, but this bunch were as cool as can be and I know i have formed some friendships for life.

The last few shows were interesting for a couple of reasons. For a start we were having a continued problem with the tour bus; the air-con was on the blink which resulted in it either being 'on' or 'off' with a clear choice of being boiled alive in our bunks or frozen to death! Europe at that time was experiencing some very hot weather and so it tended to be the later. This was a problem for me and Ripper as it is imperative that we don't dry out or get a cold etc for obvious reasons and it became very uncomfortable and indeed after a while various members of the travelling party started to get ill. Fortunately we managed to avoid any real major vocal problems; more luck than judgement though it has top be said.

For the final shows in Spain we waved goodbye to Ripper, whose daughter was getting married,  and welcomed Doro into the ranks. Its a tall order to come in to someone else's gig and take over, but I have to say she did an amazing job and brought a whole new story to the proceedings. The Spanish audiences were vocal in their approval, and coupled with the fact we had the mighty Anvil with us, it was a fitting end to a very cool tour.

Europe and Russia, we thank you!

What next? Well there is talk of US dates for Sept/Oct and possibly some South American dates towards the end of the year so I sincerely hope the feeling can continue across the globe as Ronnie's music is too good, too important to leave to chance.

As for everything else, well...the Chrome Molly record is progressing very well with a potential end of the year finish and we have just begun work on the next stage recording with the Virginmary's so plenty going on to occupy myself with until the next thing...whatever that may be...and that could be surprising...but that's for another time.

Till then, I'll catch you on the flip flop, don't go changing,and for gawd sake do whatever it is you are doing with a smile on your face and rock in your hearts...(thank you Mr Black)


Scarborough July 2011