Magic mountains, Mediterranean marvels - April 2017

Sacré Coeur, Paris

Barcelona show

Steve in Barcelona

The European leg of the tour began one day before The Night Siren release. We were thrilled to discover that it reached the top 30 in both UK and German charts, whilst playing to sell-out crowds... The team's hard work seems to be finding its mark!

We lit the torch in beautiful Barcelona, which never fails to deliver on all levels. Then on through the rugged Pyrenees foothills to San Sebastián, capital of the Basque Country, where we were met with an equally fantastic crowd. It was my first time back there since The Lamb tour.

Next stop, exquisite Paris... From the moment we sped passed the Arc de Triumph, we felt that quickening of the spirit. On arrival, Jo and I dived into the narrow streets of Montmartre. We once again marvelled at the splendid Sacré Couer, with guitarists playing in the bright sunshine on the steps, reminding us of the vibe of the 60s and 70s.

The following morning we explored the Pere Lachaise and found Jim Morrison's grave covered with a riot of flowers and Oscar Wilde's extraordinary tomb, in the shape of an anthropomorphic bird-man. That intriguing structure looked almost Egyptian.

The gig that night at the Trianon had a tremendous feel... Always great to play Paris!

A quick flight followed to Switzerland to play in the picturesque old town of Solothurn. A fabulous crowd greeted us there with a warm enthusiastic welcome...

The next day we enjoyed a breathtaking journey over the Alps into Italy, and on to Turin, where we were greeted by our special friend from the promotion team, Vania Santi. Staying in a hotel which is part of the old Fiat building, we had the chance to get on to the roof to see the impressive race track, used in the movie The Italian Job...

Following the enjoyable Turin show, we went on to Legnano near Milan, where the crowd went wild! Lovely Alpine Schio hosted a fabulously strong show too.

The long drive to Rome was worth it for the beautiful poplar dotted hills of Tuscany and the verdant tree covered mountains, replete with magical old towns and villages clinging to craggy cliff tops...

As always, fantastic to absorb ourselves in the pungent atmosphere of Rome, where ghosts of the past slip through gaping doorways of ancient buildings, whilst marble statues stand sentinel and majestic fountains dance in celebration of the Eternal City. Lovely to see so many friends there, including pals from UK, Nick and Peter. The Rome show possessed terrific excitement, and the roar of the crowd was for us an incredible climax for the end of the Italian part of the tour.

My thanks to Solo agency, promotors and especially Vania Santi, Sergio Fornasari and all at Musical Box 2.0 Promotion.

Now on to Würzburg, Germany...