From Leeds with Love

Yesterday was a fun day in Amsterdam. Will and Dempsey had gone to park the van in a secure parking spot. So me and rest of the boys went for breakfast and a little walk through the city. It was pretty damp and threatened further downpours so we didn’t venture too far. We ate pizza at a little take out place near Liedesplein. Whilst eating Will called to say he’d abandoned Dempsey on his shopping trip and could we meet him. We finish our pizzas and head to the ‘I Amsterdam’ sign. Along the way we pass through the Rijks museum. I love that building. I love to walk through the tunnel as there is often someone busking. The acoustics are delightful. Yesterday there was someone playing some classical music on a cello. We meet Will at the agreed place and decide to go for some coffee. Joel went to buy some cheese. On our way back to Jacks I show Will a little record store. 


The show was at Checkpoint Charlie. We arrive at the venue via tram about 7pm. I advise the boys on how to get a free tram journey back. I have a soft spot for Checkpoint Charlie. It’s my third time here. They have a soft spot for Leeds music. Other Leeds artists like Tim Loud, Troy Faid, and Miranda Arieh are also playing there this week. Jaro discusses with me about maybe a Leeds Festival in Amsterdam sometime. That would be amazing! Because of difficulties with the music license we have to play the show acoustically and without percussion. I take vocals and guitar, Will is on Banjo, and Vince is on accordion. Joel has to sit out. Dempsey left us in the afternoon to fly home. Before the music kicks off Myself, Vince, Joel, and David have a pinball competition. Which I won.


David plays possibly his best show of the tour. Vince Cayo was great also. He adjusted his set because he had left his harmonicas on the tour bus and were locked away. There is no gap between sets so myself and Will join Vince as soon as his last song finished. It was nice to play Death Shoes and to play alternative versions of Yallas songs after two nights of blistering punk rock. We are asked for more songs at the end. Will and Vince sit down whilst I play solo versions of Bitter End and Burned. I’m particularly pleased with Burned. Will and Vince rejoin me to finish on Retaliation. We’re well received by the people in the room. 

After the show we take the tram back to Jacks. David is knackered I reckon he only had two hours sleep the previous night. He sleeps most of this journey. We order food from a takeaway and we buy a cheap case of 8.5% beer from the night shop. I eat my Kaassouffle and fries and manage a bottle of beer before heading off to bed.


Tonight’s show is in Bajesdorp which is an old squatted prison complex. I’ve never been here before and I’m excited to play another new venue on the tour. We will also play this show acoustically. I can hear Will in the next room practising on his banjo.


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