Sam Roberts Day 4, Windsor

We were surprised the sun was up, let alone visible, when we piled into the van at 6:30am to go to Windsor. It’s an afternoon show, so we have to be there around 11am and the drive takes about 5 hrs. It was a very sleepy morning and a quiet ride.

 

We actually got to the venue a little ahead of schedule and had time to soundcheck. We were worried that our travel schedule wouldn’t give us the time, but things came together quite nicely. Nothing too wild happened during the day. Everyone was tired from the early drive so there was lots of sleeping going on, which in itself was a surprise because our FOH guy, Charlie, provided us with extra large double capps from Starbucks. Eventually the show happened and we got out asap.

 

We had to drive back to Toronto after the show. The guys had a flight to Vancouver and I had to drive gear back to Montreal the next day. On the way back, me and Charlie had to go to Pearson to drop half the gear at Air Canada cargo for the flight. Easier said than done. After 2 trips around the airport perimeter and careful navigation of the runways, we finally found ourselves deep in the heart of the airfield. It only took 45 mins. It doesn’t sound that bad, but when you’ve already been driving for 10 hours, did a show and have either a flight or a 7 hour drive the next day, it’s not very fun. We finally drop the cargo, sort things out, I drive Charlie home and head to the hotel.

 

When I got to the hotel a few people were still up, so we set up HQ in the hotel bar with the lads from The Stills, who opened the last couple shows for us, and who I might do some work with this fall, Sam’s schedule permitting. Great beer, great food and great people make for a great time. We agreed that the wings at the Airport Travelodge are some of the best we’ve ever had. After a couple hours of hanging out, talking and goodbyes, everyone gradually went their separate ways.

 

And so ends another trek through the wilds of Ontario. The next morning I have a trip to the management office, then to Montreal, then to Ottawa…