AOTNZ tour Whakatane

Sparkling Hawkes Bay weather when we set off; Taupo a bit foggy and the lake

very still and eerie. Rained off & on till Whakatane. Motel a bit cramped - my

room little more than a cupboard. Set up at the Baptist Church - scene of

triumphant gig two years ago. Had a meal that was only just satisfactory in a

dodgy sports bar. James had to ask them to turn the TV down. Smuggled a bottle

of Pinot Noir into the back of the church for half time sustenance. Huge crowd

of about 250 - even some youngsters; one of whom sent a lovely email this

morning. We'll crack the hip-hop market yet. Watched the All Blacks demolish

Australia afterwards. Gig at Mills Reef in Tauranga tonight organised by our

friend Derek Jacombs of Kokomo and Self-Righteous brothers fame. Venue looks

fantastic and there are oysters. Yippee. Sold out at around 120 apparently.

Andrew