shit it's been a while since I've done one of these.. havnt really had a decent enough chance to go on the internet since ages ago. so here we go.. cant even upload any pics either mwow wow.. ive just woken up so dont hate on me if it's not funny cos no ones funny at 9 in the morning.
We're in Auckland at the moment as you'll know been spending our time at The Aio Wira Centre where Oscar spent a whole bunch of his childhood. you'd think you were on the West Cost of the South island, such an amazing place (it's also a meat, cigarette and alcohol free place.. so staying there is like being on a detox. which was actually really good. we were allowed to smoke durries though.. let's not be silly) We arrived at Aio Wira on Sunday evening i think after spending the night in Theames where we sort of celebrated Pauls 23rd Birthday. (that night is a complete blur) we played to maybe 10 people through the whole night? but Mama Gins was a wicked venue. smallest place ive ever played. so small we couldnt fit 1/2 our backline. but it was a rad gig. Mama Gin treated us amazingly and got everyone hammered. a few things happened after that but im not really sure as i pretty much put myself to bed in some room while the other guys went next door to some old peoples house where they were smackin back home brewed whiskey and bourbon till the late hours. i think bugs mentioned that he went back to some guys house after that an then shit started getting "Real" so he gapped it. ..you'll have to ask him about that though..haha..
on Monday night we put on a gig at Aio Wira where a few kids an locals came out. was just a donation entry. Rackets played an A.A set, then we got up then Rackets played a bit more of a solid set for everyone else
that was a few days ago, we've since at one point abducted Tono for a night an took him out to one of the Rackets friends house/ farm which was out by the Airport. shit was awesome out there..got drunk an had a laugh.. bit of a fire outside all that sortve stuff. there was a 24 hour Driving Range about 2 mins walk from this place where we went afterwards. that shit was hilarious. we broke a lot of rules at that place haha.. paul even managed to break a club.. buttah..
We played The Kings Arms a couple of nights ago, that was a sweet gig. some dude from Dunedin jokingly punched me in the head whilst yelling " YOU SON OF A BITCH " . i think he thought i remembered who he was from about 3 years ago.. except i didnt. to me he was just some weird 1/2 cast "Punk" who was smackin me in the head while i was trying to get a beer out of the van.
it was all good though, he sheepishly came up to me before Alizarin came on an started talking properly to me. turns out he was Gaz from Dunedin an his band The Cheez Stix challenged Biff Merchants to a drink off (an old band i was in) once at The Backstage
so that was fuckin odd from Gaz.. but sweet
The Kings arms was a sweet gig. we had 5 acts on that night. Tono opened up the gig with a solo set which i really enjoyed followed by the Porpoise. SHERPA (a local Ak band) played after the Porp. i missed their set but everyones been saying that their set was awesome. they're supposed to be coming down to Dunedin in Feburary. Alizarin after that and finished by Rackets who played a beefy set to the local folk.
Mark from Straight Jacket Fits was the soundman too that night which i thought was pretty cool.
Yesturday after packing outta the Kings Arms we met up with some of Oscar and Vinnie's friends who they are starting a new project with.. So we went up to their apartment which was up there with the skyscrapers an shit. too high for me anyway.. we all had a jam and practiced some songs. it was real cool. bugs' took some sweet videos which il upload in Dunedin.
afterwards we went to Don Mcglashans Studio on K Rd an hung out up there for a wee bit, there was some weird kinda gig thing happening there.. some guy called Tommy Ill was rapping an as awkward as it was i had a good time. i even met Dons Daughter who stars on Shortland Street apparently. dunno..
Tim Finn was walking around outside the studio too..i had to hold lahgun back from getting a photo op with the guy haha.. he did have this sweet swagger though
after that we all split up a bit more.. Rackets, Bugs and Paul went back to the appartment and Lahgn Callum an I went to Eddie from An Emerald City's place to stay the night. Eddies a wonderful guy an we spent a few hours last night catching up over a few drinks. Eddie has a house full of Records and CD's. a jaw dropping collection.
an here I am.doin this blog whilst watching a Bob Marley DVD for breakfast..
We're playing Leigh tonight at the Sawmill Cafe. we get accom, munchies an pish tonight too which im looking forward too. might have a steak.
3 shows to go. tough times. though i get the feeling the last gig of the tour is going to be bananas.. Sol (the Beer company) have jumped on board for it so im sure we'll be chuggin that all night. also the ZM radio station are going to be out there giving out free drinks or some shit.. i dunno
cool. see you soon Dunedin i hope you're behaving. lets party when we get back
Tour Poster
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
This is the shit that we're supposed to do when we have some spare time
Today we have three days off in Rotorua, which will be spent by half of us at the lovely house of Covell, half of us at the auntie of Hampton, and Jeremy and Madi incommunicado in Napier with another Jeremy relative. A sweet sweet glorious sleep-in at the Covell house was followed by a magnificently cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, hashbrowns, and tomato (made by Jess), followed by cigarretes (for all the lame people who smoke) in the sun, and then a coffee and beers at Essence (you should totally go there-Croucher beer kicks ass) in Ngongataha. Dr Suess has done some fine work in creating "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and "Hortron Hears a Who" which we watched on DVD in the original cartoon format, followed by some Cirque Du Soleil, which blew all of our minds. Several drinks and a dinner fit for kings later, we played 'Trouble' (surely you remember that game from your days of youth) although in addition to the usual rules there were several drinking rules added. All in all Bugs was 1st, Jess was 2nd, Paul was 3rd, and Ben was 4th, but teamwork was the winner at the end of the day as everyone got conveniently drunk.
Coincidentally Hamptons 1 and 2, Vince, and Oscar went busking, made some money, and probably did exactly the same thing (probably minus the trouble).
So! this is a brief round up of what's been happening..
Paekakariki: Jackie and Jay came and rocked out the gig with us alongside Daile(?) she was awesome, put 6 of us up for the night on the floor of her house, the smallest house in Paekak, the gig was fuckin' awesome! Followed by some casual passes.
Wellington: A renegade gig by Rackets outside Cosmic Corner was disliked by the French dude next door.
Mighty Mighty is one of the most fun places to play, fantastic hospitality, it was almost like a flashback to the great times we had on the West coast back in the South Island (shit that seems like a long time ago!) The gig was fucking sweet
Anthony Lander, what a guy, he partied with us, came to the gig, let us stay at his pad, plays in a few awesome bands (The Tweeks, The Blue Onesies, Fulangchangandi), and was just generally awesome at accommodating us, and is an all round good dude. Thanks man!
Palmerston North: The Royal Hotel; what a place! It's set up for some epic gigs, which would have been equally as epic if anyone had come to the gig. Soss, was so helpful, and partied with us until the early hours of the morning in Dil's apartment. They have some good people involved with the game there. We were feeling the pinch from the $61 worth of parking tickets we achieved in Wellington, so a quick game of paper/scissors/rock sorted out who was to wake up in the morning and put money in the meter. Here a video of the grand championship final.
Gisborne: The North Island is looking promising so far (as far as pubs and characters go), there is an actual plane going through the side of Smash Palace, if that doesn't impress you then stop watching TV so much and be a real person. We met up with my cousin Aaron at the gig, and he showed us some awesome hospitality, even though we were being looked after and accommodated by the good folks at The Lolly Stockman Hotel. A short stopover at Wairoa (we're totally playing there next tour) and we were on our way.
Napier: The shops were all shut by the time we arrived so printing flyers was not viable, however we managed to burn some more copies of the split EP, and some cricket was had. Cabana was another awesome venue, well setup and poised on the edge of something awesome about to happen… Something awesome did happen that night, the best performances so far by all the bands, sadly only witnessed by a small amount of punters.
The next day was full of rain, this is not a good thing because our van and trailer both suffer from leaks, and due to the nature of our profession, our equipment doesn't enjoy getting wet. Hopefully none of the gear that was left in the trailer during this nature spasm was injured, but we probably won't find out until next time we try and use it, which is Raglan on Wednesday. The rain Had subsided by the time we reached Tarawera and we stopped off at the Tarawera Tavern for some (fucking expensive) ice-creams, and cricket. The test match of Paul, Oscar, and myself, versus Ben, Callum, and Vince, with Logan as the super sub was tied at two all, and so had to be decided by a good old fashioned bowl-off (commentated by Logan)
Sorry, we'll get the rest of the vids up soon as.
Bugs
Coincidentally Hamptons 1 and 2, Vince, and Oscar went busking, made some money, and probably did exactly the same thing (probably minus the trouble).
So! this is a brief round up of what's been happening..
Paekakariki: Jackie and Jay came and rocked out the gig with us alongside Daile(?) she was awesome, put 6 of us up for the night on the floor of her house, the smallest house in Paekak, the gig was fuckin' awesome! Followed by some casual passes.
Wellington: A renegade gig by Rackets outside Cosmic Corner was disliked by the French dude next door.
Mighty Mighty is one of the most fun places to play, fantastic hospitality, it was almost like a flashback to the great times we had on the West coast back in the South Island (shit that seems like a long time ago!) The gig was fucking sweet
Anthony Lander, what a guy, he partied with us, came to the gig, let us stay at his pad, plays in a few awesome bands (The Tweeks, The Blue Onesies, Fulangchangandi), and was just generally awesome at accommodating us, and is an all round good dude. Thanks man!
Palmerston North: The Royal Hotel; what a place! It's set up for some epic gigs, which would have been equally as epic if anyone had come to the gig. Soss, was so helpful, and partied with us until the early hours of the morning in Dil's apartment. They have some good people involved with the game there. We were feeling the pinch from the $61 worth of parking tickets we achieved in Wellington, so a quick game of paper/scissors/rock sorted out who was to wake up in the morning and put money in the meter. Here a video of the grand championship final.
Gisborne: The North Island is looking promising so far (as far as pubs and characters go), there is an actual plane going through the side of Smash Palace, if that doesn't impress you then stop watching TV so much and be a real person. We met up with my cousin Aaron at the gig, and he showed us some awesome hospitality, even though we were being looked after and accommodated by the good folks at The Lolly Stockman Hotel. A short stopover at Wairoa (we're totally playing there next tour) and we were on our way.
Napier: The shops were all shut by the time we arrived so printing flyers was not viable, however we managed to burn some more copies of the split EP, and some cricket was had. Cabana was another awesome venue, well setup and poised on the edge of something awesome about to happen… Something awesome did happen that night, the best performances so far by all the bands, sadly only witnessed by a small amount of punters.
The next day was full of rain, this is not a good thing because our van and trailer both suffer from leaks, and due to the nature of our profession, our equipment doesn't enjoy getting wet. Hopefully none of the gear that was left in the trailer during this nature spasm was injured, but we probably won't find out until next time we try and use it, which is Raglan on Wednesday. The rain Had subsided by the time we reached Tarawera and we stopped off at the Tarawera Tavern for some (fucking expensive) ice-creams, and cricket. The test match of Paul, Oscar, and myself, versus Ben, Callum, and Vince, with Logan as the super sub was tied at two all, and so had to be decided by a good old fashioned bowl-off (commentated by Logan)
Sorry, we'll get the rest of the vids up soon as.
Bugs
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Dunedin, Lyttleton, Timaru, Picton, and The Interislander
Here's some videos from the Cook
Chicks Hotel, Thursday 11 November. Somehow everyone managed to come back to life from the night before. Thanks to everyone who came out, especially those who came two nights in a row. Thanks Hector for having us. Another great night. Ben lost his jacket (and wallet) at Chicks, if anyone has seen it
Chicks Hotel, Thursday 11 November. Somehow everyone managed to come back to life from the night before. Thanks to everyone who came out, especially those who came two nights in a row. Thanks Hector for having us. Another great night. Ben lost his jacket (and wallet) at Chicks, if anyone has seen it
Lyttleton was awesome. El Santo is somewhere that everyone should go to at some point in time. It was a very much like an alternate realm of sing star, but for some strange reason I had a great time. The world doesn't really seem to be a real place and the fumes in the back seat of the van almost dissolved Paul. We arrived at 8.05pm and were set up and ready by 9:15, I think that's a record so far. Here's a video of Rackets.
Timaru sucked, apart from my whanau, they're still rocking strong.
uh off to Picton tomorrow it's going to be a mammoth drive but the vans where we lay our eggs and then it gives birth to to eight randy gentleman, so we owe it.
Paul
mathew ridge, clarke gayford, suzanne paul, cocksy, the singer from autozamm, john key, paul holmes, the feelers(james reid), midnight youth, frankie stevens, erin simpson, paul reid from rubicon, all the guys from 48 may, goodnight nurse.
Logan
Shit.
It's three fifteen am and we're supposed to be employed tomorrow. Picton is next on the bill and it's an good few minutes away from Timaru...
A new van-packing record was achieved today, 16 minutes to load the entire van and trailer with all the gear and all the people. If you've seen how much shit we have then you should be impressed. After a cooked breakfast made Malcolm Miller style, and coffees (thanks!) we departed for Lyttleton to pick up the microphone we left behind on Friday. Picton is a long drive. We made it right on 8pm, just in time to not play. The gig had been double booked, and because of our late arrival, the decision was made to have the night off and let the other dude bask in the limelight. Our night consisted of a little cricket on the waterfront (if the ball goes in the water you get minus 4 runs) until it became too dark to see, which has become a recurring factor on this tour, followed by chess, and an introduction to Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job in Peters bach. Oscar and I awoke to a beautiful view, looking out down the harbour at the boats and shit. Great stuff.
We made on time to the ferry check in only to find out that the date on the ticket was for Saturday. Smooth-talker Logan had the mission sussed within minutes and everything was gravy again, there was even another band supposed to be playing so we don't have to do anything. The band turned out to be the one-man ska band from last night in Picton, so Paul is going to borrow his acoustic and do a set as well. I'll try video it or something.
No dice on the video but here's a new song paul made in the van today.
Bugs
Bugs
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Captain Cook
Bugs.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
300 + Tour photos.
Good Morning, if you're not familiar with the world of Facebook, then ive linked the photos here..
It took forever to get these guys up last night but anyway, this is sort of what its been like.
First Leg of the Tour # 1
First Leg of the Tour # 2
we're playing Dunedin tonight. looking forward to it.
Chicks tomorrow, then we're back on the road for another month or so. all this sleep in Dunedin and i swear im more tired now then i was when i arrived.
cya tonight
It took forever to get these guys up last night but anyway, this is sort of what its been like.
First Leg of the Tour # 1
First Leg of the Tour # 2
we're playing Dunedin tonight. looking forward to it.
Chicks tomorrow, then we're back on the road for another month or so. all this sleep in Dunedin and i swear im more tired now then i was when i arrived.
cya tonight
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dunedin
yes! after leaving Tikaka at a generous 2pm we arrived in Dunedin at a sleepy 4am.
I've taken all the photos and videos off my phone an will upload them tonight hopefully..could've/shoud've done it last night but i accidentally got drunk whilst catching up with a few hombres.
I've got another Dongle now so il be able to upload photos on the road again.
..dongle..
We have our gig on Wednesday night at The Cook, so i've been working on these special "tickets" (we'll call em) that allow people into both gigs + a Split Tour E.P for $15.
that's half price of everything if you do the math. if you dont do the math then thats fine.. but it's still 1/2 price..
there are only 30 tickets that have been made, so you'll have to be in quick to get the special deal.
otherwise entry on Wednesday night is $10 and like wise for the Chicks Hotel gig on Thursday night.
It's nice being back in Dunedin but i almost seem to miss things like packing the gear up whilst laughing about the night before ..or getting a coffee and forgetting to ask for sugar then dreading the durry because it'll only make the sugarless coffee worse.. just that sorta early morning haziness shit that you get used to. It's only the 2nd day back Ben keep it together. i guess we've been floating around city's so much lately, being back in Dunedin hasn't sunk in. wonder how we'll feel at the end of all this? HARDER BETTER FASTER STRONGER aye kanye. yea keep up all that good work bro.
this blog just got real Dear Diary.. il pull it back.. holdup
...
we're back in buisness with a cricket bat now though and this means we can play cricket on the road again. how exciting is that?
Im pretty much done here. Alizarin were supposed to have a practice today but everyone's busy doing stuff. Bugs' is smackin the back out of a stack of posters, Logans probably slaying some dragons, I've got to print T-shirts today, upload stacks of photos an suss out the drum kit so it doesn't break.
Paul is Paul, when hes not writing songs he's probably writing songs
we're planing on having two different set lists for each gig so you're not paying to see the same show twice.
THIS IS OSCAR DOING A ONE TAKE VIDEO OF GREY SKIES AT THE MONKEY WIZARD BREWERY IN RIWAKA.
THANKS
I've taken all the photos and videos off my phone an will upload them tonight hopefully..could've/shoud've done it last night but i accidentally got drunk whilst catching up with a few hombres.
I've got another Dongle now so il be able to upload photos on the road again.
..dongle..
that's half price of everything if you do the math. if you dont do the math then thats fine.. but it's still 1/2 price..
there are only 30 tickets that have been made, so you'll have to be in quick to get the special deal.otherwise entry on Wednesday night is $10 and like wise for the Chicks Hotel gig on Thursday night.
It's nice being back in Dunedin but i almost seem to miss things like packing the gear up whilst laughing about the night before ..or getting a coffee and forgetting to ask for sugar then dreading the durry because it'll only make the sugarless coffee worse.. just that sorta early morning haziness shit that you get used to. It's only the 2nd day back Ben keep it together. i guess we've been floating around city's so much lately, being back in Dunedin hasn't sunk in. wonder how we'll feel at the end of all this? HARDER BETTER FASTER STRONGER aye kanye. yea keep up all that good work bro.
this blog just got real Dear Diary.. il pull it back.. holdup
...
we're back in buisness with a cricket bat now though and this means we can play cricket on the road again. how exciting is that?
 | |
| this exciting |
 |
| this exciting |
 | |
| and this exciting |
Paul is Paul, when hes not writing songs he's probably writing songs
we're planing on having two different set lists for each gig so you're not paying to see the same show twice.
THIS IS OSCAR DOING A ONE TAKE VIDEO OF GREY SKIES AT THE MONKEY WIZARD BREWERY IN RIWAKA.
THANKS
Friday, November 5, 2010
i had something awesome for breakfast today
The night before in Nelson was pretty sweet, we played the Phat Club. I've only heard about the Phat Club an thought it was all about the D&B (that Phat festival?) but it turns out to be a sweet venue which gives off a "Dunedin Venue" vibe. Paul thinks so as well.. im not making this up. The place is sweet though with an awesome heated outside smoking area.
during the night Oscar and Vinnie were in the van checking something out when they bumped into a couple of Americans who are in NZ for the next month or so.. they seemed to be keen on the idea of following the band around for a show, couple of shows? im not really sure. they've each given me two different names. hopefully they stick around for a bit longer it's certainly a nice change from seeing the same 7 other dudes for the past couple of weeks.
we're playing The Mussell Inn tonight, real keen on the idea. i remember my folks taking me when i was 7 or so. i hear we get to stay in a log cabin as well. fun
we hope to leave for Dunedin on Monday. or Sunday. isn't today Saturday?
come to the gig
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Hawea Photos
Hawea. good times
photos taken by Alex Lovell Smith. nice one bro
- Billy Ray has made it to #1 on the r1 top 11.
to keep us in the loop vote here - http://www.r1.co.nz/top11.php
thanks guys!
my mouth tastes like of whiskey but i wasnt drinking whiskey
hey andy
it's been ages since Greymouth.. that gig was sweet, we got hooked up with really really good food. the chef was/is from Tibet an he makes dumplings. They have 5$ big bots at the bar which we were greeted with apon arrival. Rackets made the old folk shake their money maker, they loved it but theres always something weird about watching old folk grind up against each other. that shits mental.
after getting 16 double cheeseburgers from Mc D's we travelled back to Barrytown for acom. the Barrytown Bar looked like it was going off so the rest of the guys went in there to check it out while i went an tried to find a place to stay in the hall..i open the door an the place was a mess. The kids "Sports day" thing actually turned out to be a Halloween party, which threw my shit into a spin. broken polystyrine (sp?) gravestones an shit was everywhere. freaked me out so i got outta there an went back to the pub to tell the guys about it.
we all went down an had a look an it was alll good, i guess thats just kids going awol on soft drinks.
uhmm.. Granity? i need to consult the flyer. you'd be suprised how often we consult the flyer just to figure out what day it is an shit.
Granity was great, the Lyric theatre is a massive hall where the locals go to watch blockbuster films on the big screen. the set up was awesome, big enough stage to just wheel stuff in an set stuff up. the gig itself was amazing, i think 29? people came out.. enough to make a party. we had a gig fall through in Karamea.sad stuff. but yeah, the Granity Council or some shit wernt too keen on letting us crash at the Lyric theatre for more then one night..fair enough. this is where Vorn and Tania come in.
Vorn had seen Alizarin Lizard play last time we came to Granity an he tried getting us to go up to see this "Millerton radio station" that he runs with the town folk of Millerton.
this is Millerton this is a picture of Millerton
he told us that we could just come up to his an crash for a few days, maybe even put on a gig for the locals at the hall that they have up there.
We packed up out an got outta the Lyric an went to find Vorns house. Millerton is sort of like a ghost town, theres only a handfull of locals who live there. We found Vorns house an he took us down to see his radio station, we played an extreamly baked indoor cricket in the hall. Millerton's soo cool man. my battery ran out on the phone so i couldnt get many pics.
9 of us pack into Vorns car an we drive back to his house, back of the car was bottoming out over every bump in the gravel road. fucking hilarious
Vorn put us up for the night an got us wasted. it was awesome, left the cricket bat in his car though..shit sucks, we're down to using a plank of wood which Oscar showed up with one day.
we drove through to Motueka that evening trying to figure out where we were gonna stay for the night an just by chance met up with Logan an Callums friend Doug, he put us up at his pad. i think we watched Iron Man 2? whats with that shit?
the next day we played the Monkey Wizard Brewery. which was awesome, we showed up around 1 an we were playing by 3. because they dont have a license to serve alch or get people drunk (they can only do tastings) we had to keep drinking on the D low, i was getting knocked around by the cider..7 percent cider. real good too..we played to 3 school children on bikes, 2 tourists and a mum with 3 little kids. it was super awesome. Oscar took a great 1 take video of Grey Skies which i cant wait to put up. he nailed it man.
everything went well, we ended up taking four or five 2 litre bottles of beer/cider. good shit.
running outta things to do we went to the Hot Mamas Quiz night, bumped into a guy called Sporatics. he also kindly put us up for the night at his house. dude broke his shoulder an is crashing at his folks because they have skytv. haha.
he's a dj up in these parts, not sure if any of you know who he is. nice guy though, you have to remember when someone puts us up for the night thats putting up 8 people. who probably really fuckn reak. ive given up noticing
great, good shit. im supprised ive gotten this far, im starting to sober up so i should smack the back outta this end part real quick
played Hot Mama's last night, the hospitality is really amazing there.try the mushroom/fungi pizza it'll blow your shit
the gig was sweet, dudes bought two 24 packs an put them behind the bar, i had a goon put behind the bar it was all gravey.
everyones enjoyed themselfs. the bands are getting tight now, its becoming second nature which i thought would happen.
but years.. make sure you come to the Dunedin show, it's gonna be awesome
the A.A show at Records Records has been cancelled. they closed down or something while we were away. but The Cook gig will be sweet. Chicks Hotel will be awesome too
we've locked in The Something Quartet to open for us at Chicks. super excited about that.
i think we're gonna cut a deal, or sort something out
Entry to The Cook gig and Chicks plus a split Rackets Alizarin Lizard cd for $15
something like that
anyway this shit has taken ages and im starting to sober up. excuse the spelling mistakes.
We're playing Phat Club in Nelson tonight
Mapua tomorrow and The Mussle Inn on Saturday. heading back to Dunedin after that .come to the Cook and Chicks. it'll be epic
gotta go pack down some gear now at Hot Mamas
cool.
ben
it's been ages since Greymouth.. that gig was sweet, we got hooked up with really really good food. the chef was/is from Tibet an he makes dumplings. They have 5$ big bots at the bar which we were greeted with apon arrival. Rackets made the old folk shake their money maker, they loved it but theres always something weird about watching old folk grind up against each other. that shits mental.
after getting 16 double cheeseburgers from Mc D's we travelled back to Barrytown for acom. the Barrytown Bar looked like it was going off so the rest of the guys went in there to check it out while i went an tried to find a place to stay in the hall..i open the door an the place was a mess. The kids "Sports day" thing actually turned out to be a Halloween party, which threw my shit into a spin. broken polystyrine (sp?) gravestones an shit was everywhere. freaked me out so i got outta there an went back to the pub to tell the guys about it.
we all went down an had a look an it was alll good, i guess thats just kids going awol on soft drinks.
uhmm.. Granity? i need to consult the flyer. you'd be suprised how often we consult the flyer just to figure out what day it is an shit.
Granity was great, the Lyric theatre is a massive hall where the locals go to watch blockbuster films on the big screen. the set up was awesome, big enough stage to just wheel stuff in an set stuff up. the gig itself was amazing, i think 29? people came out.. enough to make a party. we had a gig fall through in Karamea.sad stuff. but yeah, the Granity Council or some shit wernt too keen on letting us crash at the Lyric theatre for more then one night..fair enough. this is where Vorn and Tania come in.
Vorn had seen Alizarin Lizard play last time we came to Granity an he tried getting us to go up to see this "Millerton radio station" that he runs with the town folk of Millerton.
this is Millerton this is a picture of Millerton
he told us that we could just come up to his an crash for a few days, maybe even put on a gig for the locals at the hall that they have up there.
We packed up out an got outta the Lyric an went to find Vorns house. Millerton is sort of like a ghost town, theres only a handfull of locals who live there. We found Vorns house an he took us down to see his radio station, we played an extreamly baked indoor cricket in the hall. Millerton's soo cool man. my battery ran out on the phone so i couldnt get many pics.
9 of us pack into Vorns car an we drive back to his house, back of the car was bottoming out over every bump in the gravel road. fucking hilarious
Vorn put us up for the night an got us wasted. it was awesome, left the cricket bat in his car though..shit sucks, we're down to using a plank of wood which Oscar showed up with one day.
we drove through to Motueka that evening trying to figure out where we were gonna stay for the night an just by chance met up with Logan an Callums friend Doug, he put us up at his pad. i think we watched Iron Man 2? whats with that shit?
the next day we played the Monkey Wizard Brewery. which was awesome, we showed up around 1 an we were playing by 3. because they dont have a license to serve alch or get people drunk (they can only do tastings) we had to keep drinking on the D low, i was getting knocked around by the cider..7 percent cider. real good too..we played to 3 school children on bikes, 2 tourists and a mum with 3 little kids. it was super awesome. Oscar took a great 1 take video of Grey Skies which i cant wait to put up. he nailed it man.
everything went well, we ended up taking four or five 2 litre bottles of beer/cider. good shit.
running outta things to do we went to the Hot Mamas Quiz night, bumped into a guy called Sporatics. he also kindly put us up for the night at his house. dude broke his shoulder an is crashing at his folks because they have skytv. haha.
he's a dj up in these parts, not sure if any of you know who he is. nice guy though, you have to remember when someone puts us up for the night thats putting up 8 people. who probably really fuckn reak. ive given up noticing
great, good shit. im supprised ive gotten this far, im starting to sober up so i should smack the back outta this end part real quick
played Hot Mama's last night, the hospitality is really amazing there.try the mushroom/fungi pizza it'll blow your shit
the gig was sweet, dudes bought two 24 packs an put them behind the bar, i had a goon put behind the bar it was all gravey.
everyones enjoyed themselfs. the bands are getting tight now, its becoming second nature which i thought would happen.
but years.. make sure you come to the Dunedin show, it's gonna be awesome
the A.A show at Records Records has been cancelled. they closed down or something while we were away. but The Cook gig will be sweet. Chicks Hotel will be awesome too
we've locked in The Something Quartet to open for us at Chicks. super excited about that.
i think we're gonna cut a deal, or sort something out
Entry to The Cook gig and Chicks plus a split Rackets Alizarin Lizard cd for $15
something like that
anyway this shit has taken ages and im starting to sober up. excuse the spelling mistakes.
We're playing Phat Club in Nelson tonight
Mapua tomorrow and The Mussle Inn on Saturday. heading back to Dunedin after that .come to the Cook and Chicks. it'll be epic
gotta go pack down some gear now at Hot Mamas
cool.
ben
Thursday, October 28, 2010
bugs that's rancid
We're hanging out at the Greymouth Video Ezy burning more EP's to sell. it's almost too ezy.. im almost worried. bugs dropped his guts and im sure if that doesnt clear the room then the smell of mine will.
We played Barrytown last night, it's so fun there.. the locals who come out are great. We got 13 through the door at 10 a head plus selling a bunch of CD's means we live to see another day.
The locals left an we were left to hang out, jam an drink a bit more.. actually woa i just remembered someone left the tap running in the bathroom with the plug in it.. it was a bit suss.. got in there though an sorted it out. who would do such a thing?
Osc Paul an I went for a early morning hike to the West Coast Beach an hung out there for a bit. made it back to the Hall an went to sleep
Woke up around 10:30 to some overly loud lady knocking on the door telling us that we had to get outta there by 12 because of some kids wanting to play there..or some shit.. not sure..
Packed down in an hour an outta there just before 12
shit she was loud though.
Playing Greymouth tonight, should be pretty sweet. Callum says their gig went off here last time so fingers crossed. heading back to crash at the Barrytown Hall tonight an then heading to Granity.
After Granity we have two days off, some gig fell through in Karamea so that'll be nice
the cricket is fuckin excellent. 8 people- two teams of 4. it's exciting
keep it real
We played Barrytown last night, it's so fun there.. the locals who come out are great. We got 13 through the door at 10 a head plus selling a bunch of CD's means we live to see another day.
The locals left an we were left to hang out, jam an drink a bit more.. actually woa i just remembered someone left the tap running in the bathroom with the plug in it.. it was a bit suss.. got in there though an sorted it out. who would do such a thing?
Osc Paul an I went for a early morning hike to the West Coast Beach an hung out there for a bit. made it back to the Hall an went to sleep
Woke up around 10:30 to some overly loud lady knocking on the door telling us that we had to get outta there by 12 because of some kids wanting to play there..or some shit.. not sure..
Packed down in an hour an outta there just before 12
shit she was loud though.
Playing Greymouth tonight, should be pretty sweet. Callum says their gig went off here last time so fingers crossed. heading back to crash at the Barrytown Hall tonight an then heading to Granity.
After Granity we have two days off, some gig fell through in Karamea so that'll be nice
the cricket is fuckin excellent. 8 people- two teams of 4. it's exciting
keep it real
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
RACKETS
this is what we were talking about
(probably not safe for children)
Fucking Christians live in Fox Glacier
(probably not safe for children)
Fucking Christians live in Fox Glacier
BISHOPS GULLY
yeyor
made it to Hokitika last night after the gig in Franz. we arrived in Franz only to find out we didnt have Accommodation. They were gonna suss us out a bed each at 20$ a head but that shit got too expensive. We gave Colin from The Woodstock Hotel a late call to see if he could help us out an he ever so kindly gave us the back of The Woodstock to crash in.
The gig in Franz was kinda a bung gig, a group of Australian folk were celebrating a honeymoon an they all got into it so it was kinda cool in that sense. The packdown was funny, i went up to the bar to get a cheeky shot of vodka an the guy ended up giving me two vodka lay backs. brutal. made the pack down fun as hell though.
We got out of Franz by 1 am or so an arrived in Hokitika by 3? i dunno, it was late. bugs is a hero for staying sober and driving. dreamboat.
we go through a pouch a day, not because we smoke heaps but because we're fuckin awesome.
Barrytown tomorrow night thats gonna be fun.. if you're thinking about doing the mission it'll be well worth it
Hokitika tonight, rackets are uploading a clip from Fox. it's fuckin awesome. il sort out a link later
hope you're well.
ben
opp!
High Rollers - Cromwell 23/10/10
made it to Hokitika last night after the gig in Franz. we arrived in Franz only to find out we didnt have Accommodation. They were gonna suss us out a bed each at 20$ a head but that shit got too expensive. We gave Colin from The Woodstock Hotel a late call to see if he could help us out an he ever so kindly gave us the back of The Woodstock to crash in.
The gig in Franz was kinda a bung gig, a group of Australian folk were celebrating a honeymoon an they all got into it so it was kinda cool in that sense. The packdown was funny, i went up to the bar to get a cheeky shot of vodka an the guy ended up giving me two vodka lay backs. brutal. made the pack down fun as hell though.
We got out of Franz by 1 am or so an arrived in Hokitika by 3? i dunno, it was late. bugs is a hero for staying sober and driving. dreamboat.
we go through a pouch a day, not because we smoke heaps but because we're fuckin awesome.
Barrytown tomorrow night thats gonna be fun.. if you're thinking about doing the mission it'll be well worth it
Hokitika tonight, rackets are uploading a clip from Fox. it's fuckin awesome. il sort out a link later
hope you're well.
ben
opp!
High Rollers - Cromwell 23/10/10
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wow we found the Internet
Sorry guys, it's been a mish trying to find time to get to an internet cafe, Ben lost his Dongle an the internet doesnt exist in most the places we've been to...
Here's a summary:
Bluff - Bayview Hotel
Great start to the tour, the locals came out we gave people tee-shirts 'cos nobody wanted to buy them.
Invercargill - The Dutch Club
pretty much the best Tuesday night of the whole week. Hall parties kick ass. The vocals for the dirty garage session were recorded after the show. Post game sausage rolls and garlic bread were provided by Seedy and Alby. Thanks to all the crew for the support.
Waikaka - Royal Hotel
Wow lamb shanks! Great southern hospitality from Lu. We lost the rugby ball. Rain sucks, at least half the town was at the gig though.
Te Anau - Redcliff
Shit got loose...in the best way possible though. Finally some sun! What a great show though, four shows down, and Oscar has a 50% naked rate. We slept on Muzzas floor. Paul and Bugs had a race in the morning on the rugby field, Paul took the championship with his amazing stamina.
Queenstown - The Dux De Lux
Sux. Matt Barton is an absolute legend, putting 8 people up at last minute notice. Great scenery. The mountains looked good as well. We didn't get a parking ticket.
Cromwell - Golden Gate Lodge
A short stop off in Arrowtown for some frisbee was epic. The weather just keeps getting hotter. Cromwell is awesome, we ate and slept times 2.
Hawea - Motor Inn
A flyer run in Wanaka on the way turns sour when Jeremy enters a pie eating competition and burns the roof of his mouth in the process of achieving runner up. You will be pleased to know he has since recovered. Wow the set up is getting faster. Thanks to all our friends for making the mission there, especially Jess, Amanda, Erin, Caileen, Alex and Angela. We partied into the early hours of the morning. Bunks are wicked. Great hospitality once again.
Fox Glacier - The Cook Saddle
wild night. Oscar got naked and rode the saddle for an encore. Cider and contreau is the feel good hit of the summer.
We are all still alive...Same shit different day, bring on Franz Josef tonight...
Make sure you come to the Dunedin Gigs. you need to see this
Here's a summary:
Bluff - Bayview Hotel
Great start to the tour, the locals came out we gave people tee-shirts 'cos nobody wanted to buy them.
Invercargill - The Dutch Club
pretty much the best Tuesday night of the whole week. Hall parties kick ass. The vocals for the dirty garage session were recorded after the show. Post game sausage rolls and garlic bread were provided by Seedy and Alby. Thanks to all the crew for the support.
Waikaka - Royal Hotel
Wow lamb shanks! Great southern hospitality from Lu. We lost the rugby ball. Rain sucks, at least half the town was at the gig though.
Te Anau - Redcliff
Shit got loose...in the best way possible though. Finally some sun! What a great show though, four shows down, and Oscar has a 50% naked rate. We slept on Muzzas floor. Paul and Bugs had a race in the morning on the rugby field, Paul took the championship with his amazing stamina.
Queenstown - The Dux De Lux
Sux. Matt Barton is an absolute legend, putting 8 people up at last minute notice. Great scenery. The mountains looked good as well. We didn't get a parking ticket.
Cromwell - Golden Gate Lodge
A short stop off in Arrowtown for some frisbee was epic. The weather just keeps getting hotter. Cromwell is awesome, we ate and slept times 2.
Hawea - Motor Inn
A flyer run in Wanaka on the way turns sour when Jeremy enters a pie eating competition and burns the roof of his mouth in the process of achieving runner up. You will be pleased to know he has since recovered. Wow the set up is getting faster. Thanks to all our friends for making the mission there, especially Jess, Amanda, Erin, Caileen, Alex and Angela. We partied into the early hours of the morning. Bunks are wicked. Great hospitality once again.
Fox Glacier - The Cook Saddle
wild night. Oscar got naked and rode the saddle for an encore. Cider and contreau is the feel good hit of the summer.
We are all still alive...Same shit different day, bring on Franz Josef tonight...
Make sure you come to the Dunedin Gigs. you need to see this
Sunday, October 17, 2010
you can never have too much coffee
Rackets arrived last night, we all went to the school an played four on four soccer in the dark. fuckin funny.
Woke up this morning toWeeji setting up recording gear, Alizarin nutted out 5 new songs:
High Rollers
Nimble Boy
Keiran
some new song
Edams Apple Tree
Hopefully upload some vids of the rec. another day.. ran outta time today.. Rackets are recording at the moment. its been a full on couple of days but everythings starting to take shape.
We play Bluff tonight at the Bayview Hotel. looking forward togetting Seedy an seeing hammered.. Playing Invers tomorrow at The Dutch Club, we've organised it so its BYO. im not so sure thats a good idea in Invercargill haha but sweet
you guys should all come to a gig somewhere
 |
| Rackets sorting out the split tour E.P |
Woke up this morning toWeeji setting up recording gear, Alizarin nutted out 5 new songs:
High Rollers
Nimble Boy
Keiran
some new song
Edams Apple Tree
 |
| Rackets |
 |
| check out the trailer |
We play Bluff tonight at the Bayview Hotel. looking forward togetting Seedy an seeing hammered.. Playing Invers tomorrow at The Dutch Club, we've organised it so its BYO. im not so sure thats a good idea in Invercargill haha but sweet
you guys should all come to a gig somewhere
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Kierans Contradiction
came up with this song today, Bugs recorded it on his H4
Recorded in Logans garage
it's rough as guts but hey howsit goin
Keirans Contradiction
Recorded in Logans garage
it's rough as guts but hey howsit goin
Keirans Contradiction
fan art
We ended up going to a party last night. Someone had some sort of imatation
Hammond Organ which we eventually got onto.. then the noise control came over. we werent even being that loud so maybe the music was just shit? didnt matter.. had a few more drinks an got back to Logans.
I always feel on edge in Invers but i think thats starting to change..
aye Paul
Shadbolt's stoked
So today we're hoping to practice more..just gotta be considerate of the neighbours. Weeji is recording us in the garage tomorrow morning. We recorded 11 tracks at the S.I.T building earlier in the year but the direction has slightly changed again so.. we figure it could be a good idea to record a whole bunch of new stuff. just for shits anyway
yep
Hammond Organ which we eventually got onto.. then the noise control came over. we werent even being that loud so maybe the music was just shit? didnt matter.. had a few more drinks an got back to Logans.
I always feel on edge in Invers but i think thats starting to change..
aye Paul
So today we're hoping to practice more..just gotta be considerate of the neighbours. Weeji is recording us in the garage tomorrow morning. We recorded 11 tracks at the S.I.T building earlier in the year but the direction has slightly changed again so.. we figure it could be a good idea to record a whole bunch of new stuff. just for shits anyway
Friday, October 15, 2010
Paul broke a string
Bit of a practice. Rackets arrive tomorrow
The "Dragon" of Komodo in Indonesia is the worlds largest lizard.
I think we're off to a BBQ tonight
we need to take before and after photos?
We made it down to Invers last night, left about 6 hours later then expected as ya do but we all caught some rays while Logan and Callum were packing the van. Logan's folks house is massive, plan for today is to set up an dry run the gig in their garage. Maybe learn some new songs i guess too..
< Paul and Logan went down to the D floor an tried it on. Paul got staunched out
Thursday, October 14, 2010
lahgun makes it on the radio
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/entertainment/southern-arts/4235050/Hamptons-mega-tour-set-to-hit-road
good wee write up in the Southern Times this morning. I'm sure as the party continues there will be more publicity. always the way innit
oi an someone tell the blackcaps how to play cricket, whats with that shit?
ta ta f 'now
good wee write up in the Southern Times this morning. I'm sure as the party continues there will be more publicity. always the way innit
oi an someone tell the blackcaps how to play cricket, whats with that shit?
ta ta f 'now
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
yea g'day have you got any uhh
Took me way too long to figure out what to do to get this thing going.. but i think it'll work. take a second an look at those big fuckin lights though. muean
hopefully we'll update this thing as much as possible, soundchecks are boring so maybe that's a good incentive to get shit done around here..
Logan has just sorted out a van which is bonus round shit, we probably had a plan B but it's good to know we now have a van. We leave tomorrow for Invercargill where we'll set up shop at Logan an Callums folks home. apparently we're recording in Invers as well?
see how we go
first gig's on Monday night in Bluff
talk soon
hopefully we'll update this thing as much as possible, soundchecks are boring so maybe that's a good incentive to get shit done around here..
Logan has just sorted out a van which is bonus round shit, we probably had a plan B but it's good to know we now have a van. We leave tomorrow for Invercargill where we'll set up shop at Logan an Callums folks home. apparently we're recording in Invers as well?
see how we go
first gig's on Monday night in Bluff
talk soon
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