EUROPE - DRESDEN, CLUB NOVITATIS

First time for me in Dresden rock city and couldn’t go to the bombing monument cos it’s closed at this time of year, neo-nazis periodically protest around it. Funny how bombing the everliving shit out of people doesn’t de-radicalise them, only makes them double down. 

Club tonite is tiny, packed, deafening. Crowd very into it, demanded more and more. No room to move, pedals knocked out. Also knocked out some frequencies from my ears that’ll never return. Rather green sound tech working the gig, he had a baptism of fire but that’s how we learn. Having a much better time than hangover hell the other day. Simon finds me standing side of stage. ‘You’re always giggling, what are you giggling about? What a change from yesterday. You’re either always giggling or in the depths of depression. There’s no middle ground with you.’ That’s showbiz, baby. Laugh/cry. 

Strange battle jacket guy hanging around backstage, obviously been turned down by promoter when he asked for more beers. He stood wordlessly staring at us, until we asked for more beer. Then when more beer arrived he helped himself. He stared at Ben and Mack as they sat on green room couch, both covered in sweat, panting and smoking. ‘So, ah...what are you two doing? Are you merch guys?’ Ben and Mack stared back at him. ‘We just played, mate,’ perspiration dripping from their faces. 

Really like this city. Lot of metal/punk pubs in our area but by the time we played, loaded out and got to accommodation it was 2am, so it was vegan doner and weed time. Streets were full of action, dodgy clubs, howling-drunk lunatics. You know, there’s a lot of EU countries with nicer weather, nicer cuisine, nicer looking people, but I fucking love Germany. The streets vibrate with an energy unlike anywhere else. Brno next. Love Czech Republic too. Salivating at the beer rider already.