As Danny and I arrive at Heathrow terminal 4 for our flight to Toronto, we hear the sad news that Paul Crockford's medical condition has worsened and he won't be coming to the States with us. Paul was diagnosed with kidney disease just before the tour started and is currently in hospital in preparation for dialysis.

"Our thoughts are with you Paul, it's not the same without you".

The days off -
Flying out to Canada 3 days before a show to acclimatize and minimize the jet lag we find ourselves in a very familiar hotel the good old Four Seasons Toronto. This time my balcony room is on the 29th floor and flying conditions are good for most of our stay. This is probably the best hotel in the world for day off /paper aeroplane fun. My first task is to set in motion the promised ukulele charity auction. 

One thing we all notice and comment upon is the fact that nothing in the hotel has changed at all in the fifteen years we've been staying here and consequently it's looking a little tired. What used to be fabulous eggs benedict for brekky is now just ok and the caesar salad used to always be sublime, now it's downright poor, especially when you consider the prices. The staff are as pleasant as ever but unfortunately it's all a bit shabby and I doubt if we'll be staying here again. I don't like to whinge but when you're splashing out that kind of dosh, it just doesn't cut it. In delightful contrast to all this Mark, Danny and myself dined across the street at Morton's steak house on Saturday evening. Two excellent bottles of waiter-recommended Cab-Sauv. and a 48oz porterhouse later we stagger back across the road for nightcaps. The mission for Sunday was to book a tennis court and get back for the Australia v Brazil match. Success. Mark, Danny myself and Pete Mackay took a cab to a concierge-recommended club which seemed miles away from the hotel. Indoors on a hard court but it was great to get back into it again. Unimaginable quantities of PG Tips, in the new teapot, a father's day present from Laurie-Ann and the kids and Caesar salads on room service whilst we enjoy the 2-0 Brazilian victory.

Just round the corner from our hotel, Hemingway's bar and Yamoto Japanese restaurant are also in danger of becoming regular haunts. Last night's uni was the best I've had in years as MK DC and myself were entertained at the Teppan-Yaki tables. Once again we wander back to my room for sonic indulgence. As my NHT speakers are 240v. with me are the Yamaha MSP3's I bought in New York last time out, previously thought to be great upon hooking them up I was astonished as to how my ears have been spoilt. They are truly inferior and thanks to the guys at NHT, we will be united with a pair of 110v NHT M00's in a few days.
The usual Bombay bliss and just as I feel the evening is rounding off nicely I call Richard's room. Richard and the rest of the Americans arrived in Toronto late Sunday evening and sure enough Richard had quite literally just walked into his room and was in need of our refined refreshments. He did well to catch up and soon Stuart is knocking on the door and we feel like the US leg of the tour is underway. The long and winding playlist this evening consists amongst others of Jimmie Rivers And The Cherokees, Bob Marley, Muddy Waters, various Deep Ska classics and the Israelites by Desmond Dekker who sadly passed away on the 25th May. Also, courtesy of Mk, a new discovery for me I Jahman and 'are we a warrior'. A proper night's sleep and show day is upon us.

taking no chances after my teapot was removed from the room in Jo'berg last tour