Hi guys,
James here. Sorry it's been a while, but as you can see below I've been up to quite a bit...
Detroit – October 19th
Today went to play football with Starsailor and the rest of my band at the Soccerdome in Detroit against some expat soccer coaches we had played earlier in the year. We whipped them. The Fox is a beautiful old theatre that was restored some twenty years ago. The dome in the roof is amazing and it is a special place to play. The concert, however, was s**t. Just goes to show, you can’t rely on the venue. I blame my band.
Indianapolis - October 20th
This is our first time in Indianapolis, and we’re playing another baseball arena. Foolishly they left the arena golf carts unguarded at the end of the night, and we discovered they were capable of outrunning the overweight security guards, who were probably dependent on them. We were asked to leave.
Champaign – October 21st
A concert on campus at the University of Illinois where their rules meant we had to do a dry show. No alcohol on the premises. Ben struggled to get through the show, and we left rapidly for a pool hall.
Chicago – October 23rd
The Aragon ballroom is untypical of our American venues in that it was a general admission standing show. A bitterly cold day was enlivened by a great crowd. Here’s a description of the concert from Malcolm’s perspective:“So, there I was, onstage with James Blunt and his lovely band at the Chicago Aragon Ballroom in front of approximately 3000 people. We were playing our new, especially-for-the-Yanks, cover of 'Breakfast in America' by Supertramp. It's six songs into the set, and in the middle of the song, the 'la-la-la-la' bit, we break down to just kick drum and audience-participation hand claps. James always gets up from the piano and roams the stage, whipping the crowd into a frothing mess, and sometimes he jumps off the stage, runs into the audience and randomly hugs people before coming back for the final chorus. You can imagine the reaction this generates. Last night, the audience was all standing, and there was a photographers pit closed off in front of the stage, which by this point in the gig was patrolled by security men. James jumped the 8 feet or so into the pit in order that he could run along the front row and high-five the drooling teenagers, but as he hit the floor, one of the security guys, who was facing the audience, sensed an alien presence behind him. Quick as a flash, he turned round, saw that a long-haired guy had crossed the barrier and hit James with the hardest rugby tackle I've ever seen, knocking him clean off his feet onto his back. The guy, who was about 15 stone and 6ft tall (James is 5'8'' and about 10 stone, I'd say), then lay on top of James, pinning him to the ground while waiting for reinforcements. The other security, who knew what had happened were stood, open-mouthed, watching, paralysed with confusion and shock. The front few rows, similarly, were dumbstruck. The band played on, trying not to piss themselves. The crew just pissed themselves. James, through his own laughter, said to the lump on top of him "Excuse me, I'm James Blunt". The lump looked at him, looked at the stage, saw that James wasn't on it and realised that there was just a chance that the poor guy underneath him might be telling the truth, and let him get up. James rose like a phoenix, arms aloft, soaking up the moment, celebrating his freedom, climbed a barrier to whip the audience up and then continued his run along the front row, eventually returning to the safety of the stage. Which, by then, was full of people openly, uncontrollably and joyfully wetting themselves with laughter.”
The embarrassed and apologetic security man came and had a drink with us after the show. We adjourned to an old bar nearby that used to be “frequented by Al Capone”.
Milwaukee – October 24th
The Eagles Ballroom has a reputation for being haunted and the blood flowed early early as my tour manager slashed his figures whilst cutting a lemon… I’m not allowed to cut lemons for that exact reason. Another standing venue, it was good with the crowd so close to the stage.
Afterwards, we toured the dark, disused, empty swimming pool downstairs where the ghosts of two small girls apparently roamed. I swear I caught them watching me in the shower. Its bitterly cold again as we head south.
St. Louis – October 25th
The Baseball World Series was taking place tonight in St. Louis with the Cardinals versus the Tigers. Unsurprisingly, we came off second best in this competition for attention in town, even though the non-stop rain saw the match eventually washed out. It was dry in the venue though and we had a good time and so did both the people in the audience.
Kansas – October 26th
Not the nicest of neighbourhoods. The burnt out tree surround by cooked apples was a bizarre sight, but matched the burnt houses nearby. The little care packages of cookies and condoms from some of our boardies were much appreciated, and the cold and rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd.
Denver – October 28th
Entering into the spirit of the Halloween weekend, the crew wore costumes through the show. The Grim Reaper waving his scythe as Al Gore warned the audience of the impending end of the world in the clip from An Inconvenient Truth was perfect. A lot of the crowd were also dressed up and the Wizard of Oz dancing away along with Snow White and some other fairy tale characters made for a great view from the stage. The band gave me a huge neon sign to liven up backstage reading “Blunty’s Nightclub – where everybody’s beautiful.”
Omaha – October 29th
More costumes appearing as Halloween grows closer, the Qwest Center. The aftershow party was like taking candy from a child. What on earth does that mean? Who writes this stuff?
Minneapolis – October 30th
A great old theatre venue, the backstage was classically decrepit and we huddled together in the warmth of a single room. Mrs Rhino sent gifts which were much appreciated by the band and crew on of those days where the catering failed to excite. By the time we left the building it was down to around – 15 Celsius with the wind-chill factor and snow was on the way. I asked various groupies to sleep with me so that I might not die of cold in my bunk. Without this service, many band members around the world might not be with us today. We owe you.
Winnipeg – October 31st
We were woken up by the Canadian customs and immigration at about 6am as we crossed the border. It had snowed heavily in the night, meaning all three buses and four trucks were running late. We trooped into the immigration waiting room in our pyjamas and were processed without too much fuss. Ben was in a foul mood and refused to give autographs. We saw our trucks still there at customs and knew it would be an all hands to the pumps situation when we got to the venue. Big up the crew. Finally, it really was Halloween and the Canadian crowd really went for it with many people in costumes. Our soundman, Dan, wore a huge, winged dragon costume, and could obviously not hear anything. It was a powerful emotional show tonight and proved to be a cathartic experience for the whole band.
Edmonton – November 2nd
We visited this venue yesterday to watch the ice hockey - the Edmonton Oilers vs. Nashville. Sadly, the home team lost 4-3. We have big crowds here in Canada, and it’s always an amazing sight to see all the mobile phones being held up in the darkness in the encore.
Calgary - November 3rd
You guessed it – it’s still cold and snowy. An anticipated 10,000+ crowd made everyone very excited as we got ready for this show in cowboy country. The old posters for the Calgary Stampede in the surrounding buildings were fascinating to look at. Last time I was here I was arrested.
Vancouver - November 5th
The last Canadian show of the tour, and the local branch of MSF sent down some volunteers to leaflet people and spread awareness. This effort was made doubly rewarding by the large sum raised tonight. I have been consistently amazed by people’s generosity for this cause. It was also great to meet people who had been out working for MSF abroad and who could reaffirm how urgently the money we were raising was needed. Even with this large crowd, there was a sense of intimacy in the ice hockey arena and it was a good way to end our run of Canadian shows.
Everett - November 6th
After some lively times in Canada, tonight was a more sedate affair and none the band felt they all played well. A rare occasion - we failed to party the night away and instead ordered some Chinese food and retired to the bus to watch The Princess Bride. Beardy’s choice.
Portland - November 7th
We woke early for breakfast radio in Portland. I had a bizarre conversation live on air with a confused woman who had thought “You’re Beautiful” was about our relationship together in the 1970’s, prior in fact to my birth. Off to the next station where Paul and I played a spirited version of “Wise Men” in a broom closet studio before we descended upon the Apple Store to quench our tour manager’s Mac addiction.
Sacramento - November 9th
California, baby. Whilst dining outside for the first time in weeks, the tour manager, along with other diners, was subjected to an unexplained verbal assault from a street person. The lady concerned then dug deep into her velour tracksuit, pulled out a poo, and threaten the assembled diners. The threat quickly became an effective missile, which emptied the restaurant. No one was seriously injured in the incident.
San Jose - November 10th
A big events hall on campus at the State University, tonight saw the return of our regular soundman, Mike, from paternity leave. He’s very old and practically deaf, so the fact that he’s just had a child and is our soundman is amazing. The auction was won by some very generous people and it was nice to meet with them before slowly slipping off into the night.
Oakland - November 11th and 12th
This part of the beautiful Bay Area that is sadly very run down, and although we were playing in the beautiful Paramount Theatre, which is a fine art deco building, the rest of the neighbourhood was sadly not in the same condition. We did another soundcheck session for the Grammys school initiative and it was a pleasure to meet people so enthusiastic about music. The gong fulfilled its Spinal Tap potential as it only just made it down from the ceiling to a height where I could hit it. The luxury of two nights in one venue meant that we could party with the road crew as they didn't have to load all the equipment out. Its fair to say they gave us some lessons in drinking and the second show day passed to the quiet fizz of alka seltzer and the rustle of Tylenol packets as we recovered en masse in time for show number two.
Los Angeles - November 13th
A promo day today, spent mainly at NBC where I played on the Ellen Degeneres show. She was great fun. I had to record “My Triangle” for Sesame Street before the all important In and Out Burger on the way to San Diego.
San Diego - November 14th
Hometown to several of our American touring crew, it was raining heavily as we set off for more breakfast radio and television. This caused chaos on the roads as it such a rare event in Southern California, and lead to many accidents and traffic jams. At the NBC studios, we met another James H Blunt who was one of their security team. He proved to be a charming man who had suffered much teasing over his name, and we closed the show being interviewed together and swapping his name badge for my tour pass. Off to soundcheck at the I Pay One Arena, which is a rather decrepit place that had been one of the first arenas in America.
Los Angeles - November 15th
A crucial day. My band and Starsailor had a game of soccer arranged against Robbie Williams and his team. We had revenge in mind after the kicking we received on our last encounter. It was a great game, and in the end, although the result still went against us, it was a much closer than before and everyone returned to the venue sweaty, bruised, and bleeding but happy.
As for the show, the Gibson amphitheatre is a wonderful space to both perform in and to watch a concert. This was really our first proper concert in Los Angeles as previously we had missed it out to play the Coachella festival instead. It was a great evening, and one of the stand-out nights of the tour as the whole band really clicked and the crowd reaction was great.
Los Angeles again - November 16th
The show today was a special benefit concert for Doctors Without Borders/MSF, at the much smaller House of Blues on Sunset Strip. Thanks to the hard work of my publicist, this show had gained many column inches in the local and national press to help spread awareness of the charity and its work around the world, which in many ways justified the event on its own.
We insisted every single penny we would have been paid by the club (over $26,000) went directly to the charity, and played a set without any of our usual trimmings to a fantastic crowd of many long-term fans from all over the world who had come out for the end of the tour. The charity auction is well on the way to raising a large sum too…
Phoenix - November 17th
The penultimate night of the world tour. This was a strange day, as everyone suddenly started gathering up all their possessions and tried to fit them back into bulging suitcases ready for the journey home. More and more familiar faces appearing in the front of the crowds as the message board contingent swelled before we hit Las Vegas. Phoenix was a nice old style theatre and it was good to finish the tour in full production mode to a sell out crowd in a city we had never played in before.
Las Vegas - November 18th
If you have never been to Las Vegas then it truly is a sight to behold, and one I’m not even going to attempt to describe here. We were playing a small 2,000-capacity club in the Hard Rock Casino, that meant we could fit very little of our normal show in, despite tickets being twice as expensive as any of our other shows - true Vegas style. We were sold out, but on in town the same night were Streisand, Toni Braxton, Jay Z amongst many others. It's the Blackpool of America… except its summer all the time. Tonight also saw supporters from all round the world come to see the Last Show of the World Tour. Many of them are active on the message board and there was a great deal of anticipation in the air. From the moment Starsailor walked out, the crowd erupted and never seemed to go quiet again, by the time we hit the stage it was like the Cup Final. As we came to the moment when the gong would normally appear from the heavens, I looked around to see it being carried on by the two tallest men on the tour and being guarded by two midget policemen waving truncheons. If this was a shock for the crowd, it was even more so for the band who were doubled up with laughter at the bizarre sight. We walked back for the encore, started “1973” and 5 dancing girls appeared from the wings. The tour manager had been out trawling the streets again… As they departed, I had wondered what else could be inflicted on the stage, but in the end it was left for the songs to speak for themselves as we bowed out on a fantastic eighteen months of full band touring, two years since myself and Beardy took the duo show out for the first time. As the hall emptied, myself and the band went out for a mass photo with the 120 or so uber-fans from the message board to say thank you for their incredible support around the world.
Then we got very, very drunk…………….
Over the Fall Tour, people donated over $150,000 from the auction for the charity. Combined with what we raised in Los Angeles, and the other tours, between us all we have easily cleared the $200,000 mark. Doctors Without Borders were really touched. Thank you to everyone who got involved. Go to http://www.msf.org/ if you want to check out what they are all about.
James.
x
James here. Sorry it's been a while, but as you can see below I've been up to quite a bit...
Detroit – October 19th
Today went to play football with Starsailor and the rest of my band at the Soccerdome in Detroit against some expat soccer coaches we had played earlier in the year. We whipped them. The Fox is a beautiful old theatre that was restored some twenty years ago. The dome in the roof is amazing and it is a special place to play. The concert, however, was s**t. Just goes to show, you can’t rely on the venue. I blame my band.
Indianapolis - October 20th
This is our first time in Indianapolis, and we’re playing another baseball arena. Foolishly they left the arena golf carts unguarded at the end of the night, and we discovered they were capable of outrunning the overweight security guards, who were probably dependent on them. We were asked to leave.
Champaign – October 21st
A concert on campus at the University of Illinois where their rules meant we had to do a dry show. No alcohol on the premises. Ben struggled to get through the show, and we left rapidly for a pool hall.
Chicago – October 23rd
The Aragon ballroom is untypical of our American venues in that it was a general admission standing show. A bitterly cold day was enlivened by a great crowd. Here’s a description of the concert from Malcolm’s perspective:“So, there I was, onstage with James Blunt and his lovely band at the Chicago Aragon Ballroom in front of approximately 3000 people. We were playing our new, especially-for-the-Yanks, cover of 'Breakfast in America' by Supertramp. It's six songs into the set, and in the middle of the song, the 'la-la-la-la' bit, we break down to just kick drum and audience-participation hand claps. James always gets up from the piano and roams the stage, whipping the crowd into a frothing mess, and sometimes he jumps off the stage, runs into the audience and randomly hugs people before coming back for the final chorus. You can imagine the reaction this generates. Last night, the audience was all standing, and there was a photographers pit closed off in front of the stage, which by this point in the gig was patrolled by security men. James jumped the 8 feet or so into the pit in order that he could run along the front row and high-five the drooling teenagers, but as he hit the floor, one of the security guys, who was facing the audience, sensed an alien presence behind him. Quick as a flash, he turned round, saw that a long-haired guy had crossed the barrier and hit James with the hardest rugby tackle I've ever seen, knocking him clean off his feet onto his back. The guy, who was about 15 stone and 6ft tall (James is 5'8'' and about 10 stone, I'd say), then lay on top of James, pinning him to the ground while waiting for reinforcements. The other security, who knew what had happened were stood, open-mouthed, watching, paralysed with confusion and shock. The front few rows, similarly, were dumbstruck. The band played on, trying not to piss themselves. The crew just pissed themselves. James, through his own laughter, said to the lump on top of him "Excuse me, I'm James Blunt". The lump looked at him, looked at the stage, saw that James wasn't on it and realised that there was just a chance that the poor guy underneath him might be telling the truth, and let him get up. James rose like a phoenix, arms aloft, soaking up the moment, celebrating his freedom, climbed a barrier to whip the audience up and then continued his run along the front row, eventually returning to the safety of the stage. Which, by then, was full of people openly, uncontrollably and joyfully wetting themselves with laughter.”
The embarrassed and apologetic security man came and had a drink with us after the show. We adjourned to an old bar nearby that used to be “frequented by Al Capone”.
Milwaukee – October 24th
The Eagles Ballroom has a reputation for being haunted and the blood flowed early early as my tour manager slashed his figures whilst cutting a lemon… I’m not allowed to cut lemons for that exact reason. Another standing venue, it was good with the crowd so close to the stage.
Afterwards, we toured the dark, disused, empty swimming pool downstairs where the ghosts of two small girls apparently roamed. I swear I caught them watching me in the shower. Its bitterly cold again as we head south.
St. Louis – October 25th
The Baseball World Series was taking place tonight in St. Louis with the Cardinals versus the Tigers. Unsurprisingly, we came off second best in this competition for attention in town, even though the non-stop rain saw the match eventually washed out. It was dry in the venue though and we had a good time and so did both the people in the audience.
Kansas – October 26th
Not the nicest of neighbourhoods. The burnt out tree surround by cooked apples was a bizarre sight, but matched the burnt houses nearby. The little care packages of cookies and condoms from some of our boardies were much appreciated, and the cold and rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd.
Denver – October 28th
Entering into the spirit of the Halloween weekend, the crew wore costumes through the show. The Grim Reaper waving his scythe as Al Gore warned the audience of the impending end of the world in the clip from An Inconvenient Truth was perfect. A lot of the crowd were also dressed up and the Wizard of Oz dancing away along with Snow White and some other fairy tale characters made for a great view from the stage. The band gave me a huge neon sign to liven up backstage reading “Blunty’s Nightclub – where everybody’s beautiful.”
Omaha – October 29th
More costumes appearing as Halloween grows closer, the Qwest Center. The aftershow party was like taking candy from a child. What on earth does that mean? Who writes this stuff?
Minneapolis – October 30th
A great old theatre venue, the backstage was classically decrepit and we huddled together in the warmth of a single room. Mrs Rhino sent gifts which were much appreciated by the band and crew on of those days where the catering failed to excite. By the time we left the building it was down to around – 15 Celsius with the wind-chill factor and snow was on the way. I asked various groupies to sleep with me so that I might not die of cold in my bunk. Without this service, many band members around the world might not be with us today. We owe you.
Winnipeg – October 31st
We were woken up by the Canadian customs and immigration at about 6am as we crossed the border. It had snowed heavily in the night, meaning all three buses and four trucks were running late. We trooped into the immigration waiting room in our pyjamas and were processed without too much fuss. Ben was in a foul mood and refused to give autographs. We saw our trucks still there at customs and knew it would be an all hands to the pumps situation when we got to the venue. Big up the crew. Finally, it really was Halloween and the Canadian crowd really went for it with many people in costumes. Our soundman, Dan, wore a huge, winged dragon costume, and could obviously not hear anything. It was a powerful emotional show tonight and proved to be a cathartic experience for the whole band.
Edmonton – November 2nd
We visited this venue yesterday to watch the ice hockey - the Edmonton Oilers vs. Nashville. Sadly, the home team lost 4-3. We have big crowds here in Canada, and it’s always an amazing sight to see all the mobile phones being held up in the darkness in the encore.
Calgary - November 3rd
You guessed it – it’s still cold and snowy. An anticipated 10,000+ crowd made everyone very excited as we got ready for this show in cowboy country. The old posters for the Calgary Stampede in the surrounding buildings were fascinating to look at. Last time I was here I was arrested.
Vancouver - November 5th
The last Canadian show of the tour, and the local branch of MSF sent down some volunteers to leaflet people and spread awareness. This effort was made doubly rewarding by the large sum raised tonight. I have been consistently amazed by people’s generosity for this cause. It was also great to meet people who had been out working for MSF abroad and who could reaffirm how urgently the money we were raising was needed. Even with this large crowd, there was a sense of intimacy in the ice hockey arena and it was a good way to end our run of Canadian shows.
Everett - November 6th
After some lively times in Canada, tonight was a more sedate affair and none the band felt they all played well. A rare occasion - we failed to party the night away and instead ordered some Chinese food and retired to the bus to watch The Princess Bride. Beardy’s choice.
Portland - November 7th
We woke early for breakfast radio in Portland. I had a bizarre conversation live on air with a confused woman who had thought “You’re Beautiful” was about our relationship together in the 1970’s, prior in fact to my birth. Off to the next station where Paul and I played a spirited version of “Wise Men” in a broom closet studio before we descended upon the Apple Store to quench our tour manager’s Mac addiction.
Sacramento - November 9th
California, baby. Whilst dining outside for the first time in weeks, the tour manager, along with other diners, was subjected to an unexplained verbal assault from a street person. The lady concerned then dug deep into her velour tracksuit, pulled out a poo, and threaten the assembled diners. The threat quickly became an effective missile, which emptied the restaurant. No one was seriously injured in the incident.
San Jose - November 10th
A big events hall on campus at the State University, tonight saw the return of our regular soundman, Mike, from paternity leave. He’s very old and practically deaf, so the fact that he’s just had a child and is our soundman is amazing. The auction was won by some very generous people and it was nice to meet with them before slowly slipping off into the night.
Oakland - November 11th and 12th
This part of the beautiful Bay Area that is sadly very run down, and although we were playing in the beautiful Paramount Theatre, which is a fine art deco building, the rest of the neighbourhood was sadly not in the same condition. We did another soundcheck session for the Grammys school initiative and it was a pleasure to meet people so enthusiastic about music. The gong fulfilled its Spinal Tap potential as it only just made it down from the ceiling to a height where I could hit it. The luxury of two nights in one venue meant that we could party with the road crew as they didn't have to load all the equipment out. Its fair to say they gave us some lessons in drinking and the second show day passed to the quiet fizz of alka seltzer and the rustle of Tylenol packets as we recovered en masse in time for show number two.
Los Angeles - November 13th
A promo day today, spent mainly at NBC where I played on the Ellen Degeneres show. She was great fun. I had to record “My Triangle” for Sesame Street before the all important In and Out Burger on the way to San Diego.
San Diego - November 14th
Hometown to several of our American touring crew, it was raining heavily as we set off for more breakfast radio and television. This caused chaos on the roads as it such a rare event in Southern California, and lead to many accidents and traffic jams. At the NBC studios, we met another James H Blunt who was one of their security team. He proved to be a charming man who had suffered much teasing over his name, and we closed the show being interviewed together and swapping his name badge for my tour pass. Off to soundcheck at the I Pay One Arena, which is a rather decrepit place that had been one of the first arenas in America.
Los Angeles - November 15th
A crucial day. My band and Starsailor had a game of soccer arranged against Robbie Williams and his team. We had revenge in mind after the kicking we received on our last encounter. It was a great game, and in the end, although the result still went against us, it was a much closer than before and everyone returned to the venue sweaty, bruised, and bleeding but happy.
As for the show, the Gibson amphitheatre is a wonderful space to both perform in and to watch a concert. This was really our first proper concert in Los Angeles as previously we had missed it out to play the Coachella festival instead. It was a great evening, and one of the stand-out nights of the tour as the whole band really clicked and the crowd reaction was great.
Los Angeles again - November 16th
The show today was a special benefit concert for Doctors Without Borders/MSF, at the much smaller House of Blues on Sunset Strip. Thanks to the hard work of my publicist, this show had gained many column inches in the local and national press to help spread awareness of the charity and its work around the world, which in many ways justified the event on its own.
We insisted every single penny we would have been paid by the club (over $26,000) went directly to the charity, and played a set without any of our usual trimmings to a fantastic crowd of many long-term fans from all over the world who had come out for the end of the tour. The charity auction is well on the way to raising a large sum too…
Phoenix - November 17th
The penultimate night of the world tour. This was a strange day, as everyone suddenly started gathering up all their possessions and tried to fit them back into bulging suitcases ready for the journey home. More and more familiar faces appearing in the front of the crowds as the message board contingent swelled before we hit Las Vegas. Phoenix was a nice old style theatre and it was good to finish the tour in full production mode to a sell out crowd in a city we had never played in before.
Las Vegas - November 18th
If you have never been to Las Vegas then it truly is a sight to behold, and one I’m not even going to attempt to describe here. We were playing a small 2,000-capacity club in the Hard Rock Casino, that meant we could fit very little of our normal show in, despite tickets being twice as expensive as any of our other shows - true Vegas style. We were sold out, but on in town the same night were Streisand, Toni Braxton, Jay Z amongst many others. It's the Blackpool of America… except its summer all the time. Tonight also saw supporters from all round the world come to see the Last Show of the World Tour. Many of them are active on the message board and there was a great deal of anticipation in the air. From the moment Starsailor walked out, the crowd erupted and never seemed to go quiet again, by the time we hit the stage it was like the Cup Final. As we came to the moment when the gong would normally appear from the heavens, I looked around to see it being carried on by the two tallest men on the tour and being guarded by two midget policemen waving truncheons. If this was a shock for the crowd, it was even more so for the band who were doubled up with laughter at the bizarre sight. We walked back for the encore, started “1973” and 5 dancing girls appeared from the wings. The tour manager had been out trawling the streets again… As they departed, I had wondered what else could be inflicted on the stage, but in the end it was left for the songs to speak for themselves as we bowed out on a fantastic eighteen months of full band touring, two years since myself and Beardy took the duo show out for the first time. As the hall emptied, myself and the band went out for a mass photo with the 120 or so uber-fans from the message board to say thank you for their incredible support around the world.
Then we got very, very drunk…………….
Over the Fall Tour, people donated over $150,000 from the auction for the charity. Combined with what we raised in Los Angeles, and the other tours, between us all we have easily cleared the $200,000 mark. Doctors Without Borders were really touched. Thank you to everyone who got involved. Go to http://www.msf.org/ if you want to check out what they are all about.
James.
x
posted by jamesblunt at 11:52 AM
59 Comments:
Thanks for the update! I can't say I agree about the Detroit show, if that was s**t I can't imagine how great an "On" night would be!
I know I was totally blown away by it.
And it was great to meet you as well. God bless
Hello James....
Thanks for the update
Take a good break if you do.
Hope to see you soon at a gig.
Didi
ooooh not had chance to read all this yet but thank you James! you're good to us ;0)
Hey James
That was a great update! I hope you have a good break now but i hope you do some more gigs in the north of scotland again for example Aberdeen or even Shetland! Fun fun
Lydia
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
hey when are you coming to Colombia!! i will love it
www.myspace.com/maria_tobar
Thanks for taking the time to update, James. Ben, Paul, Malcolm and Karl and of course you, James, are awesome. Looking forward to what's in store!
bonita
Mr. Blunt, you didn't mention how much you loved Austin City Limits.
Bonsoir James!
I came back home and had this wonderful surprise!A million thanks for that!
It's great to read what have happened in The US and Canada.
Your words make me feel even more sad because I wasn't enough lucky to be there.We can see that you and the band have had an unforgettable last tour,I'm glad for you.
I saw some recent pics where you were skiing:It was amazing and quite funny:I'd like to be next to you...
Where you in France??If yes,I take my car and join you now wherever you are!Just give a rendez-vous!
No seriously James,I hope you are fine as well as the rest of the band:enjoy this quick break and come back very soon in France;you can't imagine how we miss you!
Prends soin de toi,je t'envoie des milliers de baisers de Paris...
Sandra
http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h198/kitinia/?action=view¤t=Jamesbluntlisbonne035.jpg
thanks for the update james!!!
sounds like you managed to have a little fun on tour.
now....GO GET SOME REST!!!! if nothing else, give you liver a day off!
take care.
deb
thanks for the update james!!!
sounds like you managed to have a little fun on tour.
now....GO GET SOME REST!!!! if nothing else, give you liver a day off!
take care.
deb
Hey James how are you doing?
Thank you so much for spending yout time with the update. It was great fun to read your stories, loved the one with the security guy. I was able to listen to Goodbye My Lover and You're beautiful performed in Vegas although I was on a school trip by that time. Fortunately you have the most amazing and supportive boardies I have ever seen and I had my mobile phone with my :) Thanks for those great moments...
And good luck for the Grammys tonight, I'm sure you'll make it. You're my winner anyway ;)
love& hugs,
Marlina
How lovely of you to take the time to put this little note togeather.
Man I am tired just reading it.
I hope you had the time of your life. I know it was fun and crazy and a dream come true.
You have blessed us. Thanks so much for sharing your gift.
Now I need ot see you soon, maybe Dallas? This uber fan...needs more. (I do appreciate a little break so that I can afford to eat ;) )
Your great to your fans!
x,
Rebecca
ps the meet and greets were lovely
Hey James.......
Thanks for the updat!! Take a good break if you need to!!! I love your music it inspires me!!! I hope to see you in consert someday!! Maybe you can come out to New Mexico for a concert sometime??? Well Take care of your self and the band!!!
Lots of love to you!!!!
Hi James,
Just realised I wrote today's comment on the last blog you did.
I've just had a bit more time to read it in peace and found myself chuckling away. You really have me in stitches sometimes.
A really honest blog, alot of yourself put into it -okay, in realitythere might have been alot more swearwords.
Like "poo"?! Still haven't stopped laughing at that one. You all probably had no end of poo-jokes after that episode.
Awwh, it mustn't have been so funny for Robert at the time -shit happens!
It has warmed up this chilly Swiss night just to hear your side of the story. Things we didn't know,like I that that was all your doing the dancing girls and midgets. The tackle is a classic, bet the security guy will never live that down.
Look forward to the autobiography one day-if you can fit it in between tours!
By the way- 5 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS -"absolutely mad" -there's one to tell the grandchildren about.
Be in Touch,
Shanthi x
James, great to see this blog. I saw you in Nashville and Atlanta this year. You and the band were nothing short of brilliant. Looking forward to next year and the next album. All the best.
Congratulations on the tour & the amount you raised for MSF, very noble!
I have seen both Chicago shows(YES, I saw you get tackled:) I cannot wait for another! They were amazing!
Hello James..
Thanks for catching us uber fans up with thoughts from your uber tour.. I think I posted on the boards that "you get what you give with the volume turned up." This very much applies to you, your life & success of the past 2 yrs. The amount of $$ raised for Drs. without borders, what you give to us as fans is not measurable in words.. As well, FIVE Grammy nominations, how awesome for you! See? All of us uber fans can't be wrong! We love you and continue to support you, your great band and music! PS, love and hugs to our sweet Billy..
nena
Hey James!
Thanks for the update! It's always great to hear what you're up to. Loved the tackle story too! haha
xoxo
Kristen
Hello, James.
It's very nice of you to share with all of us your thoughts and feelings in your daily life.
Thank you.
I can see from the blog that you are such an athlete and at the same time fine poet!
I wonder how you could strike a balance between them...
There's a Japanese saying "Heaven doesn't hand out double servings of talent", but it seems it isn't the case for you. You're so talented!
Please take care.
Mika
hey James! It was great to read this update--you guys sure were busy ! I am hoping you are able to relax and enjoy life for the next few months...at least until the next tour ...which will be summer 2007 I hope??!!! I know, probably too soon but a girl can hope right? :) I was one of the lucky ones to receive a call the night of the Vegas concert-it was truly a special moment---even though I couldn't be there it felt like I was still a part of it. It is so wonderful how much has been raised for Doctors without Borders--truly spectacular! I also wanted to tell you how excited I am that you have been nominated for 5 Grammy's--this is so awesome--I don't usually watch the award shows but I will be tuning in for this one:) Take care of yourself and I look forward to the next update !
xoxoxo
Donna
Hey James,
Thanks so much for taking the time to tell us all about the last leg of the tour! It was really great to hear about every show from your point of veiw. I would have really liked to have been at the Vegas show but unforunately, I'm too young. It sounded great! I was at the Vancouver show and it was awesome! Thanks again!
Heather
xx
You said you would keep in touch. Thanks so much for that, and don't be a stranger. I am SO happy you guys took in a hockey game. I hope you liked it. There is nothing like LIVE hockey! Thanks for the laughs, and the best year of my life!
You said you would keep in touch. Thanks so much for that, and don't be a stranger. I am SO happy you guys took in a hockey game. I hope you liked it. There is nothing like LIVE hockey! Thanks for the laughs, and the best year of my life!
Great, something else to keep me up nights, cause of you, I now have a blog!
hey hellow mr blunt, tnks welcome back to you blog... was a great update that... cool....
be care...
Hi James, I am lover for you and her songs.
I am Brazilian and created until a community in orkut: "I go to the show of James Blunt"
It is because of this that I am here...I love their musics and are sure that when it comes to Brazil
I will be the first of the line to give prestige you with much fondness, but I want to know which your
show forecast here in Brazil??? I hope that it is soon... here many love you
kisses, and very too much, even success!
from whom loves you and is your fan
Shirlene Lima Martins
Hi, Your right the Fox theater is beatiful and a wonderful place for a show.
sence I have moved from MI. to KY. I wasn't able to come to your show.
Hopefully you will be close to my new place one day.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
James!
Hahaha! The blog was hella long an halarious. you got tackled by a security guard during your show?? lol. Now that's a classic moment.
I enjoyed reading your blog and congrats on the Grammy nomination.
I still can't get over the fact that I met you! Take care.
Hana
hey James,
wow words cant express how much of and impact u have had on me and my life...even f they did this lil box wudnt b big enough to express it.ur music is the most phenominal thing that i have ever heard....dear i say u stand up ther with the Beatles in my book....the lyrics sooo appealing so soulfull so realtable so spectacular.....i have never felt so pasionatly towards music in my life......the first time i saw u i knew u were sumthing gr8 i dont kno wat life wud b liek with out u and ur music....i ahve listened to atleast 200 hours worth of ur music colectively ..these past months...i remember crying wen i saw on my fvourite talk show:(:(...i could se the passion in ur eyes....wow i have honestly never felt htis way before...ur music has made me cry has made me smile it has made me contemplate eerything and doubt sumthings .....everytime i hear goodbye my lover i cry..this seems to be the only time i am not ..i listen to Back to Bedlam everynight....i kno u may never ead this but if by sum stretch of Gods grace u do thank u for making music and for blessing the world with it...i live on the small island of trinidad its in the caribbean u shud cum and play sumtime..that ud make my ever after...
love and kisses
=]
Dear James,
I hope you're fine as I am.
Did you come back home now?I hope so because you deserve some holidays.
I write you tonight especially to thank you for your coming in "Star Academy" Friday.
Even though I don't like very much this programme,seeing you there was a real pleasure.
It was 15h p.m when my boyfriend and I arrived there...a watch told us that you had arrived 10 min before us!
I was very disapointed to have missed you!So we waited 2 hours outside....nothing...
I managed to enter into the broadcast because I work there but no one is allowed to see the repetition except for the production....My heart was beating very quickly because there were many people but I knew that I would regret if I missed this occasion!
So I came and talked to you...I was a little bit afraid because I knew that I was not the most welcome:everybody was looking at me so I felt uncomfortable.
You were very friendly,thank you for that moment...I know you must be fed up to see always fans but it was important for me.
I hope you read my letter:my boyfriend said that as you were about to repeat your song,you might gave my little gift to someone and then you did not care about it....
After having meeting you,a watch and a production' woman came and I got bawled out by them because no one has the autorisation to talk to you without asking!!!
If you share this opinion,I'm sorry to have disturbed you.
Then I assist to the show...my boyfriend was in the pit!
You are exceptional as usual but the others spoiled both songs.
I can't wait to see you performing on stage James....You are unique.
Once again thank you for having come in France,take care of you and say hello to the band.
Come back very soon with the second album...
"You're beautiful it's true James"
Much love from Paris,
Sandra,
In memory of us:
http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h198/kitinia/
hello james!!
congratulations for the tour!!!
I really hope you'll come in italy...I'm waiting for you!!! I wanna see you performing live!!!
Bye!!
Hidee from the ATL,
I enjoy your music and was lucky to attend a couple of your concerts!! WOW what a wonderful time I had!! GREAT PERFORMANCE!!
Nice to know we both brought in the New Year in the same fashion... :)
Can't wait for the next album!!
Go @ Gods speed.
"Karen"
Hello from Ukraine. Well, I just want to tell "hi", because that's not in my caracter to be somebodies fan. However, I'd like to admit that you are a good singer, and I appreciate your creativity :)
Hi James,
Thank you for a fantastic musical year. I managed to get to Bleinham, Leeds Castle and SECC Glasgow. Hope you have had a good Christmas and New Year and not suffering too much today! Can't wait for the new album, and the next lot of tours.
Keep it real.
Michelle
Thankyou to you, your band and the fellows who helped you cart around, plug in, set up your stuff and shuffle you around from place to place
I met you, very briefly, at the San Jose Event Center, before the show. KISS rocks live and I found out that night that you all do too. (minus the spitting blood and fireworks, of course)
Although...it would be interesting to see you face painted, in metal, leather and platform boots.
much respect,
debmo
Oh...
And it was a wonderful show in Oakland. It was a crack up while watch you guys, watch the gong slooooooooowly make its way to your reach. Karl looked like his arms were getting tired and you all kept looking at each other and then at the gong... like, I can't believe this is happening...but it added to the suspense!
Too bad the ding a lings kept making us sit down :( I got to meet boardies: Gena/ jeronncase, Emily/ emcann, Jill/ alphjill, Heidi/ heidigirl and Gena's friend. Also Mike the merchant.
I'm waiting for the next tour!
debmo
debmo
James, howdy? I'm wondering if you ever received a tee-shirt at radio city on Oct. 10th from one of your fans that read "my monkey made me do it". If so, that was from me. I gave it to a security guard to give to Brian Murry to give to you. Did you get it. I'm curious and if so did you like it. Can't wait til your next album
James
I did a page on the web especially for you...
it would like that it knew ..
I am lover for you, by your talent, by the professional who are.
kiss of your number fan 1 here in Brazil.
There is, I wish you much success, a success still larger, it would not stand if you stopped singing and to enchant us!
your page is:
http://jamesbluntforever.blogspot.com/
Shirlene Martins
I again, declaring me for you:
I have so much to talk you, but with words do not know how to tell
As it is great my love for you.
And there is not anything to compare to can explain:
As it is great my love for you!
not even the sky, neither the stars, not even the sea and the infinite
It is not greater than my love, neither more beautiful
Me despair to search some form of talk you
As it is great my love for you!
Never we forget about no second
which I have love, larger of the world.
As it is great my love for you.
There is as it is great my love for you!!!
It felt the drama??? I love you same!!!
martinsshirlene@gamil.com
sounds like you having a blast out there and Thank You for taking time out of your life to share your beautiful music with us
Congratualtions on the Grammy Nominations. Your talent is amazing and I want to thank you for sharing your music with the world. Best Wishes and Take Care of yourself. ~pam
Congratulations on the Grammy Nominations James. Your artistic talent as a singer, songwriter and poet is amazing. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world. Your music does make a difference.
Hi James,
I'm blown away by your performance at the Grammy's.
Moved me to see you and Beardy, so simple on the teeniest platform, to the largest audience, with the shortest spot and the crappiest audio.
Chapeau!
I would love to sit and chat with you about your feelings surround that event.
Your face showed apprehension, which is understandable, but I picked up on some Frust (as they say here)I'm sure they weren't the best terms and conditions for playing.
But all work and no applause?
I don't think so, I heard a silence and then a healthy,hearty applause of appreciation.
God/Life moves in mysterious ways.
All is syncronized - even that which 'seems' to be chaos.
Please share with us in your blog again, it is always nice to hear your perspective.
Take Care James,
Shanthi X
You seem to have really enjoyed your tour...I wish I could have made it to your Milwaukee show.
Your music is wonderful to listen to and the lyrics are very meaningful.
I'm in the U.S. Marine Corps. and your song No Bravery really hits home for me.
Thanks for the great music you write, play and sing.
Sincerely,
Elysa
Hello James,
I guess you could say that I just "met" you today. You have moved me to reach out to you to thank you for your beautiful music and your generous heart. You are truly worthy of your fame and success.
Hey, its good to read you here... My onlky question is when you´ll come to Brasil?! And please, dont come to Rio, its dangerous (and far...) :). Kiss!
hey James..im not a fan...but i had to say caught your video..for your beautifull, by accident. Wow amazing, love the song to. might just check you out! :D. any way ermmm this was weird but hey when you get the urge go with it, i say. take care m8
James
Looks for me!
I simply love you!!!
http://www.myspace.com/shirlenemartins
Shirlene
More Than Words(Extreme)
Saying 'I Love you' is not the words
I want to hear from you
It's not that I want you
Not to say But if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words
Is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say
That you love me cause I'd already know
What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you
La la ri la la ri la ri la la la , more than words
la la ri la la ri la... uuuuuuuu uuuuuh...
Now that I've tried to
Talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is
Close your eyes and just reach out your hands
And touch me hold me close
Don't ever let me go
More than words
Is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn't have to say
That you love me cause I'd already know
What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words
To show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi James!
How are you? I hope that you're well!
I read your article, and visibly they're agressives in America! (Chicago...!) the scenario where the guy responsible of the security lay on top on you.. taht was to be memorable! lol!
(Excuse me if I do mistakes, but I'm french and I don't speak english very well!)
I wanted to say you, that I think you're a very very (...VERY!!! :) ) good artist, full of sensitivity, someone who have many things to tell... and I love to listen to you, your stories, your songs and the messages transmitted through them. Please, continue... continue to take pleasure to do that, and continue to give us pleasure, to make us dream... :)
I hope I didn't do too much mistakes and than what I'm saying is comprehensible. lol
Oh, I wanted to ask you, will you come in France in a beautiful day??
it would be so great!
Good luck and thank you. ;)
Lucie
hey james ,Im hoping you stil hook into this site so you can help me out.My son is soon to be deployed to active service,and being a visual artist my imagination is running amok.Im just wanting some insight into where his head will be at during this time and you,being so soulful and in tune with your emotions may be able to open that door up for me.what will be happening in his being,what will be happening in his head?My heart screams for him not to be there and yet my mouth says "keeep your head low"we all choose our paths in life .Id just like some insight into where my sons path will take him.?.Thanks for your time and thanx for your music although it makes me cry and I wont be listening to it till my boys home safe.I need to save those tears.
Hallo James,
my name's Simona. Thank you for your new song whit my name.
Now I have a song for me!
But... who is Simona for you?
Whit love,
Simona
Hello James! i LOVE YOUR SONG...MAYBE YOU COME IN ROMANIA.
"1973" ITS THE BEST!!!
I DONT THINK YOU'LL READ ALL THIS &ANSWER ME BUT...
JUST WANTED TO SAY "HI"
PS. I WISH A PHOTO OF YOU WITH YOUR SIGNATURE. DREEEAMIIIING :P
TAKE CARE OF YOU
CLAUDIA, ROMANIA
Hey stranger, how's life been treating ya lately? :) Crazy fans waiting for kinky news:P So do write down a few more lines :)
Wow! Too long no post! Write about your tour in Canada ;) How did you like it? How did you like your shows? I loved your performance in Edmonton .... Awesome!
:)
Good luck ;)
Lena
Hello. I love your music. Cheers! I'm brazilian! In Rio de Janeiro...
I wanted to say well done on the private jet hire for breaking the record to perform the highest live gig. Did your voice sound different at altitude?
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