Are you kidding?

This really takes the cake doesn't it?

To award the Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian honour in the US) to Australia's ex Prime-Minister, John Howard, is a farce is it not?

Stephen Kenny who was David Hick's lawyer summed it up by saying Howard was the only world leader outside the US who supported the imprisonment of people at Guantanamo Bay and failed in ensuring David Hicks received a fair trial.

"I think in view of what's happened at Guantanamo Bay and John Howard's involvement in it, I think that it is extremely regrettable and clearly devalues the Medal of Freedom," he said.

Washington Post article

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B K

Tour Diary - Deus Tour Nov/Dev '08

Goodbye Berlin - hello to the autobahn. After not more than two weeks of putting down roots in Berlin we were bounding out the door of our apartment and into the van. Our first foray into the venues of Europe was beginning under the guise of support act to Belgium band, Deus. Five records in and they have a devoted fan-base throughout this part of the world and, in particular, the cities we visited.

Our mode of transport was a 'splitter-van'. Nothing new to the already touring musician of Europe, no doubt, but a world away from the unrivaled shite of the Australian Tarago. Allow me to indulge. Driver and navigator up front, band animals in the middle compartment and the instruments packed into the rear. Sounds simple - well it is. You're saying 'yeah so what'. I'm saying 'no...you really don't understand - trust me!' A thin mattress was even there to be slept on, though, the fact I mentioned Cliff Burton (Metallica's first bassist) was killed whilst sleeping in their tour bus, when it hit another car, sort of turned people off using it.

First up was two nights in Luxembourg. A drop-zone for the world's lucre, its inhabitants are bankers par for the course and really friendly bankers at that. But it must be said, Luxembourg dangles like a charm on the bracelet of cities that is central Europe - dressed for winter in yellow lights and Christmas delights, all tucked under a blanket of cloud and cold air.

One never ever knows what to expect from the first night of a tour - but that's point really. You just pray all those not-stepping-on-all-the-cracks-in-the-pavement moments are about to pay off. Luckily, we were indulged a lengthy sound-check which fought the nerves and actually led to a first night that left us in a celebratory mood. In fact, we celebrated with wine and sandwiches post-show. So rock n roll. If you think that's bad, our pre show dressing room tends to resemble a LAN party these days; coffee and laptops abound. The second night was another sound accomplishment and so we all went off to a bar next door to the venue to drink after the show. The crowd response over-all was some of the best of the tour so we sincerely thank Luxembourg and we'll back your way soon hopefully.

Two shows down and three to go - back to back in Amsterdam. A mere two hour drive in the 'Highway Tiger' and the land of Holland rolled into our eyes. I did take this time to think further about the upcoming shows. Any time (especially a singer) spots five shows in a row on a tour itinerary you imagine having to move around that week in a cage. In fact, not unlike the one you see on TV when a lone diver swims with the white pointer sharks in a cold southern ocean. So much to keep out until you can come up for air after the last performance. At least thats how I see it - the croak in the throat brings a level of paranoia to my experience of touring. And, like I just said, we were on our way to Amsterdamage.

Damian, in fact, came up with the word Amsterdamage. And, by the time we finished the third show certain things were falling apart. Humans first then a machine or two. Man overboard. It's all The Paradisos' fault - the venue for the shows and an amazing institution. After the band finishes of a night, it turns in on itself and puts on a three-level party, each room a pilgrimage to a world of sweat and dance. The building itself is a converted church and some three-hundred years of age. It has a colossal presence in the history of live acts and European venues. No religious veneration going on here though - that IS for sure.

We had a day off in Amsterdam after our gigs and attempted to find some peace and quite - that rare space on tour. Bunkered in our tiny hotel rooms we drew ourselves back into the world outside by watching BBC and CNN. Learning that Bangkok airport had become an occupied territory and the world was ending, beginning with Mumbai, was I must say, nothing short of captivating.

It was hard to leave Amsterdam though - very hard. To start with, the beautiful girls on their bikes, traveling toward unknown destinations and leaving fairy-trails of perfume everywhere. The Van Gough museum and his oeuvre of terrifying talent and beauty was unbelievable. The bar at the American Hotel with its leather seats and chandeliers. The offer of a spliff from the five-am taxi driver taking us back to the hotel - as he's driving.

The time did come to move on and onwards we went to Tilburg, still in Holland and a couple of hours east. The smallest city on the tour but one of the best venues (013) and crowd reactions for us. We actually sold some merchandise and had people asking to buy our record. Alas, the latter isn't for sale...just yet.

Brussels was the last stop of the tour - sadly, as we didn't want it to end. A sprawling city with marvelous night-lighting of its old churches, steeples.. and.. well, other old buildings that look beautiful with great lighting at night. Two nights in a big arena - 16,000 tickets all up. There you go. Over and out. Much love. Glass of wine please.

B K