What We Did On Our Holidays
Note: These are all photo captions.
Justin, clearly under the influence of a very bad beard appears to be levitating in his bedroom. Either that or he is standing on a box.
May 1991, the terrifying sight that greeted us early on a Saturday morning in the Virgin Megastore in Argyle Street, Glasgow. Very flattering for us, but perhaps you were all sheltering from the miserable weather outside!
The totally unheard of Rome 90 Club in Oaklahoma where there was no sign of an audience probably due to the dyslexia of the signwriter. Would you go to see a band billed as El Amit? Justin seems to be suggesting a sharp exit.
On 17th January 1990, we appeared on ‘This Morning!’ For those who haven’t seen it, a weatherman leaps about his polystryene map every day, providing a species of tense thrill for those of us who hope he may one day end up in the drink. Brian, no stranger to the drink himself, is seen here in a complex series of stretching exercises designed to alleviate the nervous constipation brought on by live T.V.
It was widely concluded during the trek ’round the States that American beer was crap. Oh how we longed for a pint of Tennents (not!). Iain, however, seems to have been the exception. Have you ever known a bag of crisps to be so funny?
I hestitated before including this photo because I know how many people long to visit ‘Radio Clyde’. Well, we’ve been there, so tough. It was all too much for Andy, who had to have a ten pound note waved under his nose to bring him round.
The world famous Stone Pony in Ashbury Park, New Jersey during the summer of 1991. Brucie spotting was the days main pastime but no sighting was made. What Justin and Brian are doing is unclear. Justin claims to be affecting a Springsteen impersonation but I can’t see it.
Touring America for four months can do strange things to people. It’s a mixture of sensory overload and mindless boredom. And so you end up with a ‘Bizzare Facial Hair’ competition. The rules? No shaving for two months, then just before the last gig, get the razor out. Here we have a ‘before’ photo. I didn’t take part as I felt one member of the band should ratain a modicum of dignity. Brian (also pictured) was the winner, easily attracting the most abuse from a clearly nauseated crowd at the gig.
Some say he’s the King of Rock and Roll. Some think he’s a fat git with silly side-burns. Whatever you think of Justin, here he is visiting Elvis’ home ‘Gracelands’ in Memphis. (18-8-90)
In The Studio Gil Norton, Brian and Andy attempt to operate drum machine. After weeks of fruitless efforts it was decided that Brian should just say ‘1-2-3-4’ and we would, well to be musical, all come in.
David and Andy standing in front of large yellow pencils. Stating the bleeding obvious I hear you say to yourself. What these giant yelow pencils were doing in a hotel garden is less obvious. Any complaints about Andy’s tailor should be directed straight at him.
Andy, again, this time in Australia (surprise surprise) befriending the natives. Seconds after this picture was taken he was attacked by an over amorous emu attracted by those dashing good looks, or the bag of nuts.
Pitiful Attempt To Be In Mail On Sunday. Brian catches Justin Papparazzi style in flagrante with A&M promo person after debut Wogan appearance, Jan. 1990.
The Joys Of American Truck Stops Here life on the road is captured in all its splendour. The general glumness here of course betrays the pure hell of life on the road. Free beer, free food not to mention thousands of adoring fans clamouring for our lithe young bodies.
The Bungee Jump Some people would consider leaping from a platform 150 feet high in the air over the Pacific Ocean with only an elastic band tied to one’s ankle a little foolhardy. But Del Amitri – they’re fucking hard.
Iain Descends Into Stadium Rock Often in the dizzy world of showbiz it becomes quite clear that one has sunk into seld-parody. This has never happened to Del Amitri.
State Fright For the entirety of the November December UK Tour ’91 David performed with his eyes shut for fear of seeing the face of a woman in the crowd. A woman whom he had been hunted by for several years. A woman, part hallucination, part nightmare, part reality who has been a mysterious presence in David’s dreams and lonely moments for all of this life. And the woman? The Queen of England.
Justin and Iain outside one of those “huge” gigs in USA. (The 18 up is how many people we hope to attract!)
There was never enough room on stage for Andy our keyboard player…until we had his surgically shortened!
Captain B McD. Upon arriving in Perth, Australia Brian became obsessed with all things naval and nautical. And alcoholic.
Always Watch For Snakes. When playing golf.
The Joy Of Video-Making. Trona, California desert summer ’91. Brian looks as enigmatic as possible during Jimmy Blue.
In Australia we had a, “let’s see who can catch a fish that looks like one of the band” competition. Here’s the winner…a huge guppy/Iain creature!
Our Tour Manager On the road, Quinner is the man in charge. Ian St. John has a cricket hat. Quinner is more up to date. Here he is seen with a curious 9-year old fan who asked the forbidden question, “Is there any chance of getting on the guestlist?”
Around this time on tour David and Iain became convinced they were being followed by a 30ft sheep!
Learning the strange customs of the natives is one of the demands of touring the world…but if you can’t learn any just hang a spoon off yer hooter!
hang a spoon off yer hooter!
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