And So It Ends

Tonight was the last night of my stint following Dead Can Dance around California.

We had time to kill during the day, so we went to San Diego Zoo in the afternoon. Some of the highlights were the reptile house, the various apes, some big cats and a lot of tortoises.

When we got back to the venue, the band were in the middle of the soundcheck. Those who think of Lisa as otherworldly would have been shocked to witness her singing in plain black clothing, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap: not very ethereal. Brendan was wearing a sleeveless T-shirt.

Geoff and I had dinner and then settled down for the show. The sound was great and the crowd was a good one, spirited but respectful. Brendan was in a particularly good mood tonight, joking with the audience at regular intervals throughout the concert. He seems to get more jovial with each passing day. Saffron stood out as especially vivacious and energetic, with Brendan really giving it his all tonight.

After the show, I attempted to go backstage with my VIP pass, but was stopped by one of the security guards, who informed me that my pass didn’t entitle me to enter the backstage area. At that moment, Lisa very conveniently emerged and told the bloke that I was a friend of hers, so I was allowed through.

Inside the backstage area, we hung out with Niall, Simeon, John and Michael. Lisa left quickly, but Brendan was there with some of his family.

Around midnight, we shook hands and parted company. The band are driving back to L.A. tonight and flying to Mexico tomorrow morning for the next date of their North American tour.

For me, however, the tour has come to an end. Tomorrow, we drive back to L.A., where Geoff will drop me off for my flight to Amsterdam, before continuing alone back to Mountain View. I should have arrived back home by around 13:00 local time on Thursday.

I’ve had a fantastic time. Not only was each of the concerts a special and memorable occasion, having backstage passes for each gig made for a truly unique and personal experience. I shan’t forget these four evenings in a hurry and I’m indebted to Niall for putting us on the guest list each night.

As much as I’d like to stay and catch more shows, I can’t. All good things, as they say. Besides, I’m missing my daughter and can’t wait to hold her in my arms again and watch her giggle with glee.