Europe Tour blog 3 - From Medieval Ramparts to Magnificent Mountains - July 2023

Following just two days of catch up after the Djabe tour, Jo and I joined everyone in Spain for the Southern European Genesis Revisited Foxtrot at Fifty Hackett Highlights tour.

First stop Madrid... Drenched in the heat of summer sunshine, the old town beckoned. We enjoyed walking to the square where battles at one time took place between Medieval knights and the huge cathedral was impressive. The show that night took my breath away with an amazing crowd, which virtually brought the roof down!

San Sebastián Donastia had a different feel. It's a lovely seaside town overlooking a gorgeous bay. Although the weather was cloudy for pretty much the whole time, we still enjoyed exploring its picturesque streets and welcoming cafes. The gig where we played in the fab theatre there was great fun too.

And so on to beautiful Barcelona... Jo and I enjoyed visiting Güell Park, replete with all those strange Gaudi buildings and follies. The gig that night had a totally fantastic audience with the band on fire!

Leaving Spain for France, we headed for the Medieval walled city of Carcassonne with its magnificent castle. What a place! Walking along the cobbled streets between those ramparts and turrets took us directly back in time. The gig there took off magnificently! The cathedral bells suddenly tolled along with the bells of Supper's Ready... and I'm sure the ghosts were smiling within the massive, ecstatic crowd! Carcassonne was a hugely special experience.

Following a long drive to Freiburg, Germany, we had a good night's sleep... Jo and I then joined pals Volker and Michaela to explore the picturesque city and to take the funicular train up the hillside into the edge of the Black Forest. From the hilltop was a scenic vista...

The show that evening took off like a rocket with another wonderful audience, and Rob enjoyed his birthday complete with flying cake on stage!

The gig in Pratteln, Switzerland the following night was a fun outdoor show with a fabulous vibe and again a wonderful response.

The next day it felt great to drive through the spectacular Alps. Those extraordinary mountains with their gorgeous green pastures and wild and lofty peaks in the clouds always take our breath away. And from there we travelled on down into the heat of wonderful Italy for the next leg of the tour...

My thanks to Brian, Adrian and our whole team as well as John and his Solo team plus all the promotors. As always, I look forward to returning to all those wonderful countries.