22 Comments
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Alexx Dimeler's avatar

Honestly the best written document on traveling with a rock band I ever read and I've read thousands of rock magazines going back to the late 80's. That's not even hyperbole, Shannon.

Shannon Hemmett's avatar

Thank you so much Alexx. Means the world!

Sean Hodgson's avatar

Aww Finky is an absolute gentleman and that’s such a heart warming story ❤️

Shannon Hemmett's avatar

He's a gem. Yes, some people call him Finky haha.

Johnmichael Fountain's avatar

I just returned from backpacking in Europe and reading this is making me nostalgic for noisy, messy, exhausting travel in beautiful places. Very enjoyable read.

Page Bradham's avatar

Love the details…I used to travel a lot for work (just in US) and can certainly relate to a lot of this. Just know that your fans greatly appreciate your sacrifices…that’s why we do our best to attend as many of your shows as possible (at least everything in/around Baltimore & DC for me). Thanks for the “Tales from the Road” 🖤🤘

Shannon Hemmett's avatar

Thanks for reading Page, lots more stories to come.

Wes Regan's avatar

Most accurate description of touring I have ever read. Lester Bangs move over!

Shannon Hemmett's avatar

Wow, thanks Wes! 💙

Toby Joyce's avatar

Very insightful piece. Always felt from afar that touring looks like a whirlwind that can test you. I'm so glad you came all the way to the UK and i got to speak to you, music really is the drug.

Shannon Hemmett's avatar

Definitely. It's the best, but occasionally, the worst. The shows are always life-affirming, and we never take it for granted. We'll be back to the UK one day soon.

Sean Hodgson's avatar

When I was 17, my Boy Scout group did a driving/camping trip to a jamboree in Thunder Bay and then back through the black hills and Yellowstone.

I can confirm that everything said about living on the road in a vehicle for a month is true.

Also, you’d be amazed how easy it is to blow a tire on a heavily loaded van. We went through like 4-5 that trip, no joke.

Dirk Stoll's avatar

thanks for sharing 🙏🎼 it is lovely to read and probably hard to imagine to go on Tour 🎼 big compliments for that story 🌹🙌

Sunil K's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Shannon! Can’t wait to see you and the gang in Lisbon!!! Message me if you need me to bring anything to the show for you!

Shannon Hemmett's avatar

You're so sweet! Thanks Sunil, looking forward to seeing you soon.

Dean's avatar

Really interesting, thank you!! And your writing is evoking Ginsberg poetry for me!

Shannon Hemmett's avatar

Wow, really?! Thanks Dean 🤩

Todd Gallentine's avatar

♥️

Sean Hodgson's avatar

Also I dunno if anyone else calls him “Finky”, but if not I’m starting a thing ;p

Josue's avatar

Great read! Awesome Adam is the beatkeeper during and post shows 🥁 Germany's TP softness 🤣