When my off time in Amsterdam was over I met up with the crew and shuttled off to Tilburg to play the 013. We've played there twice before but the town looked much different from what I remembered. Apparently it wasn't just me - there is a new area right around the club full of bars and restaurants. Its a cool spot to grab some dinner, go see a show, and continue the party afterward. We were all rejuvenated after the break and glad to be playing again. I tend to like the club shows better. Each one is different but there is just something about the energy a crowd brings when they are crammed inside to see you. So that day I woke up, took in a run, saw some familiar faces at our meet-n-greet, had a blast playing the show, then hung with the guys and friends for one of the last party nights of the tour. All in all, a great day!
After Tilburg there was just one more stop - Bloodstock in the UK. The day before the show was ours to spend in Birmingham. I'd never been there before so you know I was eager to check it out. I stopped in Brew Dog Brewery's bar - I've seen a couple of their beers in Philly and I am a fan of their graphic design. *Design nerd alert!* What can I say? I've seen their IPAs in my home town, but I that's too much hops for me. In this case it's the label I love! I did enjoy trying the "Fake Lager" tho :)
Matt suggested we leave there and go around the corner to a "proper pub". We stepped into The Crown. It did indeed have the feel of a true English pub. Nothing special - a few locals, a friendly bartender, and decent priced pints… That is, until Matt struck up conversation with the barmaid who assumed we were there because we heard it was were Ozzy played his first show.
WHAT??!! We had no idea! The GM took us upstairs to see where it all happened (only after promising to be careful and not sue if anything happened, we are American after all). The old room was completely run down. Nothing had happened up there for years, except some duct work installation for the heat on the lower lever. A thick layer of dust covered the broken floor boards and tables strewn about. It was pretty much the coolest thing ever. Old gig posters are still on the walls, and the small stage intact. The manager was ashamed that nothing had been done to preserve the place. Matt kept telling him they should fix it up as a tribute and collect the tourist dollars. They probably should - but I am so grateful I got to see it before that ever happens. What a totally random, incredible treat!
Back at the hotel we were joined by Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records and all around nice guy. We excitedly talked about future plans for the band and bussed away from Birmingham amped up for the last show of the tour.
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Not the craziest building in Birmingham,
but pretty unique indeed.
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| View of the stage, now obstructed by some pesky ducts. |
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We were officially on an Ozzy kick -
had to go find the star next.
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