February 5, 2003 - Bozeman, Montana

Bus call was 9:00AM in Missoula, Montana. I woke up later than I wanted to, at about 8:15 and had to scramble to pack everything that I had and it was sprawled out ALL OVER the hotel room. Joseph always laughs at me because he thinks I always pack too much stuff when I'm on the road. He always tells people the story of when we were on tour once and he came to my room so we could watch a fight together and I answered the door in my robe and slippers. He said the only thing that was missing was a Sherlock Holmes pipe. I just like hotel living and I like to be comfortable in a hotel room. But anyway, because of that I was running late this morning. But running late for me is still early for most people.

When we started our 200 mile trip to Bozeman I sat up on the front of the bus to take in the view because I heard it was a beautiful ride. Plus I heard that there might be a chance we would see some buffalo along the way. I was extremely tired so I went to go lie down with intentions of getting back up before we got to Bozeman. I went to the back lounge where I sleep and Derico was back there listening to music on the CD player. So I actually had to sleep in my bunk. That's something I don't really enjoy doing. We stopped at a truck stop so I got up and went inside to get an egg and cheese sandwich. After I ate I got back on the bus and we continued on to Bozeman, and I slept for a while.

When I woke up we were at the venue - The Montana Ale Works. It was a very small stage there, so we didn't set up our full system. It was cool because it made load in and set up go very fast. There was a music store next door and Victor was going to do a bass clinic. After I finished setting up, I dropped in on his clinic. It was very good and a lot of people later told me that they had gotten a lot out of it. After the clinic we went back to the venue and did a very quick sound check. Then Renee from the production staff was kind enough to give me a tour of downtown and then drive me to a book store. I picked up the latest Don Miguel Ruiz book, "Beyond Fear - a Toltec Guide to Freedom and Joy". He's also the author of "The Four Agreements", a must read for people who are trying to better themselves.

When I got back to the venue/restaurant, I ordered dinner. This couple recognized me from the clinic so they came and sat down with me. His name was Mark "Duck" Mallard and her name was Pat "Wonk" Garcia. They were from Butte, Montana. We talked for a long time and took some pictures together. They agreed to take pictures for me and Derico during the show. Before the gig I went into the venue's office to check my email. Toné and I have been very diligent about responding to email the whole time I've been on tour - and there's been a WHOLE lot. The show was incredible as usual. We sang happy birthday to Divinity during the show. And I actually started my bass solo after playing Happy Birthday for her.

After the show, the load out went quickly because we had a lot of good help. When we left I went straight to the back of the bus and set up my bed in the back lounge. I talked to my wife on the phone until I no longer had cell phone service. We lost service somewhere in Yellowstone National Park. The ride to Wyoming was a very bumpy one. Even in my sleep I could tell that we were going up and down and up and down… That's all for now!

peace & blessings,

anthony