I've tried to stay level-headed about the things that happen while I'm traveling with the Killers. It's a mixture of wanting to hide my age, appear more cool than I am, and not let any of it go to my head.
But, seriously, last night was pretty freakin' rad.
After the Brit Awards, the War Child Benefit was held at Shepherd's Bush Empire in West London. The Killers and Coldplay were scheduled to play mini-sets and it seems they brought the best out of each other. The Killers played like I've never seen them play before, so full of energy, like fighters trying to knock their opponent out in the first round. Watching Coldplay was exciting for me, as it seemed to be playing in the background all through my high school and college years. Chris Martin's spastic energy was in full effect, every gyration impeccably timed, every witticism perfectly executed to encourage maximum rapport with the crowd.
At the end of the night, the two bands merged to play "All These Things That I've Done" with the king himself, Bono, gracing us with his voice as well as Gary Barlow from Take That (Britain's Backstreet Boys). I hurried to take over the keyboard part from Brandon on Chris Martin's piano, seconds after thinking that I was going to be looking like quite the asshole standing around onstage with these megastars. I can't wait to see the YouTube footage, the whole night being such a welcome thrill.
Coldplay
Backstage Rehearsing
Afterwards, all of U2 was hanging around, Ian McCulloch from Echo & the Bunnymen, Natalie Imbruglia, and a very, very tall, very, very beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow. I still don't know what to do in those situations, besides drink, but I toasted to Dublin with Bono and that's one step enough away from typical social awkwardness for one night.
Dublin today, about to go for a walk around town. Guinness Brewery? Jameson Distillery? MAGNER'S DISTILLERY?
So very awesome. It's like you won the rock and roll lottery Ray.
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ReplyDeleteIt's not "Killers filler". Ray, a San Diegan, happens to be on the road playing with a band that, despite the times and the music snobs, happens to be doing pretty well for themselves. He will continue to report from the road, with or without your bookmark. I'm sorry to see you go.
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ReplyDeleteloved this post. it's nice to see a local guy doing well. the stories are almost imaginary as i'll never raise a glass with Bono, or tickle the ivory on Chris Martin's piano.
ReplyDeletethanks ray!
Frickin Rock Star.
ReplyDeleteCome on people, Ray is a super cool guy, and it's rad that he's playing with the killers. How cool is it that he lets us into that world as well. I think he's really talented as well, have you not noticed? And I don't think I would ever describe him as being a rock star in a negative way. Also, he is from San Diego, from our little scene. Cheers to Rosie and Ray!
ReplyDeleteOMG Ray awesome pictures! And what an amazing night!
ReplyDeleteAnd I met you yesterday! I was the girl in the arab neck scarf and blue coat that asked you for a picture by the loading door! Thank you for stopping and taking a pic with me!!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2222/82/125/525735606/n525735606_5912356_3272.jpg
And I got to meet Brandon too! So can you pleaseeeee thank him for being just so lovely and humble to me!! :D
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2222/82/125/525735606/n525735606_5912367_6837.jpg
Seeing The Killers at London O2 on the second night, 24th! Can't wait!!!
I wasn't saying Rock Star is a negative tone at all. He is doing it. Which is awesome. Frickin Rock Star (in the best way possible)
ReplyDeleteFreaking amazing :>
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting all of this! Touring has to be such a ridiculously amazing experience.
the sound is awful, but it's a good shot of Ray taking charge on the piano.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UypiKjFkC_U
Stay tuned to the blog for more updates, as Shaun Cornell agreed to post from the road with Louis XIV, who will be opening for The Killers in Europe.
ReplyDeleteNishy-
Is it ok if we post your pics on the site?
if it pisses people off, stick with it. fuck...the...haters.
ReplyDeleteDamn, I don't feel so bad for what I originally said now. *sigh* to live with a conscience ....
ReplyDeleteRosemary, that's perfectly fine by me! I'm just really happy that I got to meet Ray and Brandon!
ReplyDeleteSaw you (Ray) walking around a lot with a coffee/tea (no idea what you were drinking!) outside the venue!
Also could you link me wherever you post them :D Cheers!
ReplyDeleterosie, you can use my picture of a rhino pooping anytime you need to.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/jonnyups/3211537129/
seriously, we need to beer it up sometime.
(This comment was posted by (cargooch) but somehow I rejected it. Fortunately I was able to save the text. Apologies for the error)
ReplyDeleteAll The Killers fans love Ray's blogs. I just past... All The Killers fans love Ray's blogs. I just pasted his latest one (the March one) to the fansite and immediately got people posting about how much they loved it...and the Jenga. I must say hi to Ray sometime. I've seen him walk by when I've been queuing at gigs a few times now and been too chicken to say hello. We appreciate Ray's marvellous music talent as well as his writing. I went to the O2 with a friend who's a serious musician (cello and piano) who only narrowly missed a Royal Academy piano place. She was really impressed with Ray. Such talent. Also very amused by the thought of Ray tucking into a donner kebab and Magners cider. Bloody brilliant!