Whitesnake Tour - Japan & Europe 2006

Good to be Bad! The new Whitesnake Album

2007-08-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

Awww yeah- I recorded it. It rocks. Should be out in the fall '07. 11 new tracks

I'm in a video!

2006-12-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

Here is the new Whitesnake video for the song "Ready to Rock", recorded live at the Wacken Open Air festival in Northern Germany, in front of some 100,000 fans! Summer 2006. Enjoy.

New European Adventure!

2006-10-02T00:02:00.000-07:00

OK- So I've been super slackin... on the blogging...

but check this shit.... Weird shit happens for a reason- there's just too many coincedences in my life these days!

Went to London to pick up my dream bass. Yes, the one from a previous post in Newcastle. The one I've drooled over and felt a connection with like no other. The orig. owner Mark Palmer is still cool with me- but his buddy (who was now selling the bass) really let me down. We had negotiated the sale of that bass over the course of a few weeks... Lost lots of sleep over it. He even had it on EBAY and cancelled the auction so I could be sure to get the thing. After I bought a plane ticket to London to pick it up and give him the dough, he backed out. Bummer, to say the least.

But the glass is always half full in my world. I was already looking for an opportunity to go see my son in Denmark for a bit. I jumped on the London flight and continued on to Denmark to hang with Shilo. It was so great to see and hang out with him again, although the visit was short. He did however, make me forget about the bass- which no one else could do.

I went to with him to the local music store in Viborg, Dk, where my friend Kenneth was working. He informed me that there was a "Drum Day" event happening in nearby Arhus, with a performance by none other than ex-Whitesnake Bassist MARCO MENDOZA! So crazy to be in the same far off land at the same time for different reasons. He and I were frineds before this whole Whitesnake thing, and have tried to get together to play in the past. Anyways, I thought I'd surprise him by just showing up at the show, as he had no idea my son lived in DK, let alone near Arhus. Instead I called ahead of time and we chatted for a bit- which resulted in us performing together: closing the days events with both recent Whitesnake bassists sharing the stage together, backed by the LA drummer Zoro. It was very fun to play with Marco, as he's a very well rounded musician with very diverse influences not unlike my own. We tore it up! He can sing his ass off too, as most of you know. We got to solo, trade, slap, tap etc. What a rush! The Yamaha guys were stoked, as Marco was there for them, and I was also using a Yamaha bass. The crowd loved it.

Then the hardest part of the trip hit me out of no where.... the point when Shilo and I went our separate ways to get home. Outside the venue I actually broke down a bit (like I usually do when leaving him). As Shilo got a ride back to Viborg, Marco and I talked for a while about our kids and working away from home. It was comforting, but still tough. It is what it is.

MORE PICS HERE >>>
...and now HERE >>>

Now I sit in Heathrow airport trying to decide what my next move should be. Should I stay the original alotted 2 days here in the city I love to hate? I've got no where to go, but I'm looking up hostels here on the computer. Or should I just pack it up and get the next flight home since I'm already at the airport? Two days in London aint exactly cheap when your employer isn't paying for accomodations! So far I've spent one night in public places. I'm gypsy like that. We'll see whats next...
-U (Spun on Cappucino)

Almost Done!

2006-08-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

James Brown- Front Row
Me and my date Fergie (Black Eyed Peas)
Waikiki Beach
Check back here for a tour wrap-up, countries I haven't covered, and a few more adventures since the end of the tour. Once that posting happens, I'll move back to my normal (non-Whitesnake) blog. Cheers!

Home Safe!

2006-08-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

Current mood: Gleaning!

Smiling to myself in North Beach, San Francisco! The day is SOOO gorgeous and sunny. North Beach is the Italian part of town, with plenty of top-notch restaurants to choose from. It's 2pm- I made it home safely (after a LOOOONG day) and drove my car here today. I'm in the trattoria having chilled white wine with a Mista salad and the Rigatoni Bolognese is on it's way! Next to me is the laptop, and no less than 4 cell phones- don't ask. I'm setting up one of them, the Treo 700p, to replace my trashed Treo 650. Anyways... I'm soooo happy to be back. I've already been to the bank, and I'll go to the car wash next to wash my little reliable racer. It's an '88, but whoops butt! And it's mine. The tarmac at London Heathrow seems so long ago. Somehow they let my Bushmills through in my luggage. Sweet.
My heart is definatly here in San Francisco.

-U

Flyin in 2 days to Honolulu! awwww yeah.

SHHHHEEEEEEET! Tryin' to get home!

2006-08-10T03:17:00.000-07:00

I'm at the airport at an internet terminal. Crazy flight stuff today, as 9 flights to the US were targeted for bombing. Mass confusion at the airport, but they are being as accomodating as possible. ABSOLUTLY NO CARRY ON LUGGAGE! No water- no glasses cases- no cell phones- NOTHING! just your documents and a rigid checkthrough. My Basses are under the plane in the SOFT case, originally intended for carrying on. I'm finally in the terminal, but we don't have a gate, and my SF flight is delayed. Can't find anyone from our party either. The guys on the LA flight are delayed as well. ALL european flight are straight-out CANCELLED. I've got a splitting hangover from my last drinks with The Answer- such brilliant lads- I wish them much success. I'm still drunk I think, which makes it not as bad. Wandering Heathrow some more until the flight, if it ever gets off the ground. I'd just assume flying tomorrow. We'll see....
Slightly aggrivated (but still smiling)
-Uriah

Letter to Arti. RE: Burning Man

2006-08-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks man!!! I'm in Budapest!!!

Waiting in the hotel room before the show. We might get rained out, as it's pissing cats and hounds here- thunder and lightning as well.
B-day was WICKED Italian food last night!
Apparantly Matt and Christina are here in Budapest, but I can't find 'em!
I also got thrown in a pool at the club- camera, phone and all....
I'll have pics soon- just not any from my camera (RIP).

So yeah- For Burning man...I'm with you, and would like to include my tight homies. I'm gonna give you a list- you'll know most of 'em. email's are in case you're doing any kind of organization for this new camp. I can't wait to be a part of it! It's hard for me to organize from here, so maybe a mass email would be great.

Me
Jesse
Craig
arti
yes (might not due to school)
trance
Ben (roommate, if he can)
Dorian (My brother in Detroit- maybe)
Ryan (doubt it, but we may kidnap him)

That's all I can think of for now. I know I'm there for sure, even If I drive and sleep in the Acura. Might pitch in and do the truck thing like in the past, unless I roll solo.
Things I (we) might need to know- when are you going up? where will you be? theme for the camp (Red Light, I'm assuming).

Cheers mate!
-UD

LISBON PORTUGAL

GREECE

NORWAY

BARCELONA

BAND JACKET FROM A FAN

PRIVATE JET

ISTANBUL TURKEY

Istanbul girls. What did I draw?

BELGRADE SERBIA

BUDAPEST HUNGARY
(this is where I eventually got thrown in the pool, b-day style)

Miss Y'all, Man

-Uriah
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Jul 31, 2006, at 10:46 PM, Arturo Everitt wrote:

Que pasa Chico,

Happy Birthday!!!!

What part of the world you celebrating in?

Are you going to Burningman? and are you camping with my New camp or with Declan, Dougie & the rest of the old clan?

The new camp is called, (drum roll please) The Red Light District (R.L.D.)

Here are pix from the debut of the R.L.D. at an event called Elysium. Needless to say there was complete debauchery in effect.

http://web.mac.com/turois/iWeb/2006/Elysium%20P.1.html

Happy Birthday
; )
Turo

Arturo Everitt Photography ... www.thephotographymachine.com

How long WERE we in Greece?

2006-07-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

These pics are all out of order- I just wanted to get up some of Greece for now...
-U

Go EAST, Young man

2006-07-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

I'm writing you this BLOG from... hold on ... let me check.... 18,100 ft. above Macedonia! I'm in a backwards facing seat and can literally reach around and touch the pilot from here in this small jet. Our second flight now on this 8 passenger craft- a cigar tube. So far we've flown in and out of Macedonia. There have been some great surprises on this run in the form of unexpectedly great people from places I've only heard of but knew nothing about. I'll separate this long (make-up) entry into 2 postings: Czech & Slovenia, and Greece & Macedonia. Find these 2 postings below. (Greece might take a while- What a trip!)

Czech Rep.
This was another festival over 20,000 fans stayin up late to rock out. I kinda wish we were in Prague, and this was a small town in the middle of nowhere. This crowd was there for a more metal billing overall, but showed us love none the less. They either didn't know the words or know how to pronounce the words, as the sing-alongs were a little challenged. We got out quickly for the drive to....

Slovenia!
Slovenia rocked! It was our own show and the folks there were very ready to see this band. Everything was cheap and the hotel was the most technologically advanced I've ever been in. Everything from videos, internet, movies, even the door unlock was on either the small, intuitive remote control or the matching mini keyboard. Wireless access of course.
Many of you who know me know that I need to get out and be with the locals to really get the best vibe of a country, as opposed to being a hotel room recluse. So I met a great bunch of folks who invited me to a home cooked meal and drinks into the wee hours. Very San Franciscan experience overall if I must say! One girl was about 6ft 3in and is a cop. On the way to dinner I got to experience her highway driving skills firsthand- not that I think I had a choice! A bit scary, but I embrace adventure!
The crowd kicked MAJOR ARSE! We were very close to them with a very minimal pit area, so there was lots of contact and reciprocation. They cheered and cheered and sang. Afterwards I checked out a local scene (The Skeleton Bar) before retiring back to the internet ranch. I ran out of batteries, so no pics here :-(

2 up in Norway, 1 in Finland

2006-07-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

I thought London was expensive-- I obviously hadn't been to Norway before. My god! $14 beers and $100 dinners for 1! For some regular shit! But enough about that... Norway was perhaps one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Click the pics for the bigger versions- So nice!

From when we landed in Haugesund (sp?) to when we played in Skanovik (at the local yearly blues festival), the landscape and fjords and such were breathtaking. Got a few pics. Although there were people puking on the street in Cardiff, Wales, Norway takes the cake so far for the most drunks per capita. And many rude ones too. They did however love the band and filled the tent when we arrived. Apparantly, they love blues and not rock, with Whitesnake being their 1 exception. I do think we could've played jazz flute on stage and they wouldn't have known the difference though. I however wish I had taped the show, as I played my butt off! It was my best show playing-wise- going out on limbs and landing everything I intended to do. I love that and strive to make it so each time I play. Anyways, we did what we call a runner (again) where we run straight off stage to the vehicle- usually to beat festival traffic and get to a long drive ahead. I fucked around and was late to the van. Tommy tore my head off. I shouldn't have been late, but it was really 30 seconds. I'm just not that stressed on time like everyone- never have been. Everyone will survive! But out of respect for others I'm sure I can tighten it up a bit. I'm way more on my game than last tour, for sure! On a side note- I haven't laughed so hard in as long as I can remember.... Afrter going out for a few drinks, our driver, Solvi, piloted a bicycle we found that had flat tires, head first into an indoor pool at 3:30 am. Priceless! He's an Icelandic wonder. We also played in Oslo before flying to...

Helsinki, Finland... 3 days there. It turns out that my bassist friend I met at the Germany festival (Lauri Porra, from Stratavarious) lives a few blocks from our hotel and was in town for a day. We checked out his new apartment and played some bass ideas together. We're way similar in many aspects of our playing and careers. (check out his profile at http://www.myspace.com/lauriporra). We're both young bass whores with a main gig in older established bands. He gave me a lot of music, so I returned the favor with a dvd chock full of MY influences. The funk and rnb goodness, with some of my own stuff in there as well. One CD he gave me was Whitesnake Live: The Early Years. I had never heard the original "Here I Go Again" or "Fool For Your Lovin" before. Amazing playing! Melodic bass and Allman Bros. style guitars. "Like a Hobo" cracked me up! Thanks for the schoolin'!

We had dinner with his girlfriend- I had the RIBS- which were actually quite respectable (I got high standards comin' from the Baaaaay Errrrrria, CA) The show was huge- over 6,000 people, and it was our own show- not a festival. The opening band had 3 accordions and played old metal tunes. I love accordions, and am planning on getting one this year when I get home. One of our fans, Anya who had been emailing me for a while made the trip from Russia with two friends to see the show- what a great hang! They brought us as a gift, some fine Russian Vodka- I can't wait to crack it open! I'm waiting in an Airport right now, so maybe now's the time, no? Thanks Anya, Anastasia and my new St. Petersburg Tour Guide! And thanks to all the beautiful Finnish people who were so kind and welcoming.

Off to Czeck Rep.- Not Prague, but Brno.

Currently listening to: Joe Pass: Virtuoso

3 days off in London!

2006-07-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Great times. Timothy's b-day was on the 5th- excellent Indian food at Tamarind with the band and wives. Did some solo touring on the tube and the bus. Made a visit to the London Bass Centre. Hard to find in the heat and on foot. Great bass selection, and par for the course for UK customer service... Non existent. It was late- they probably wanted to go home. I didn't even bother mentioning that I was in a band. We all stayed at the Royal Garden again, but this time had the cool Princess Diana Kensington garden view rooms, which were nice. It also put the band close together so I could usurp the internet signal and spread it out to adjacent rooms via Airport Express, and share the ridiculous charge that we all love. WS Stickin' it to the man!
I didn't get to Camden again, but Covent garden shopping was all good. Lots o people and power cafe patio vibes. Fun times, but it was still London. Off to Norway!

Sheffield, Glasgow, Cardiff & Liverpool.

2006-07-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

My strap broke. When I do that silly "Spin the bass" trick (In "Still Of The Night"), the leather just snapped, sending my Jazz bass flying at a high-velocity into Tommy's Drums and drum riser. The Priceless moment had TD in STICHES- he couldn't even finish singing the tune! I had no clue what had happened until Reb pointed out that my bass was in the drums! I switched basses and carried on, thankful that it didn't go into the audience and take anyone out.

Glasgow: The stab-wound capitol of Europe. I somehow managed to leave that place without either giving or receiving a proper puncture wound! Glasgow was perhaps the best UK audience (no offense to anyone else!). Everyone was loud and into it and the WS choir was in full force. They really gave a lot back. It also may have been the Hottest, Sweatiest, humid show next to Toulusse France. Hung with some really cool fans back at the hotel after. Annemika, Helga and Lorraine from Doug's board were there too. We gotta do it again sometime Lorraine- that was too fun!

Cardiff: Loved it. Met great people here in my first Welsh visit. Through lunchtime friendliness, myself and TD made friends with 2 beautiful ladys. One managed the biggest club in Cardiff, and we became her invited guests. What a great time- food and drinks and dancing! Her friend is a former reality show star in the UK, now with her own talk show and a life of papparazzi stalkers. Very sweet. Thank you girls for kick-starting our stay in Cardiff! And Mark and Jo and Louise- such great people in Cardiff to hang with.
I am glad I didn't see the guy Tomy ran into- who was walking down the street vomiting on himself though every facial orifice without even bending over to stop.

Liverpool: Big outdoor tent. Huge arena inside. Awesome backstage outdoor area. The power to the lights went out a few times- but the PA system and spots still worked. I hung out with the opening band (The Answer, whom I adore) on every break, shooting Whisky and talking shit. They're from Ireland, and definatly bring out some of my Irish blood. This was the last time I'll see them until we hit the UK again (yes, AGAIN) in a month or so.

Up next: London Baby! (The place I love to hate!)

Wow- What a bass!

2006-06-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

So my new friend Mark Palmer from the Newcastle shows in England tells me about his new Fodera Bass. I don't think much of it until the next day when he emails pics... and it's the exact bass I've always wanted- Victor Wooten Classic in Spaulted Maple. It's 1/2 hour before showtime and everythings a bit rushed... So with the little time I have, I borrow Reb's lil Vox battery amp and go on our tour bus to check the bass out. It was heavenly! I could have played it for 24 hours straight. Thanks Mark for letting me try your new axe. Too bad the thing is a bit out of my price range! I'm from the school that you don't have to spend a lot to get the job done professionally. (We also took my $125 Fender Jazz on the bus). So I almost hate that this luxury bass sounds, feels and plays soooo well. It's perfect! This bass is worth the plunge- if there was nothing else going on in my life! My son needs to go to college! One day... it'll be justified. Sigh. Drool. [current mood: happy]

Powering through SE Europe.

2006-06-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

From Belgium to Germany...
In the front of the bus is a huge windshield. I sat and watched the sun rising while conversing with Patrick before hittin the bed. This was to be the last drive with our driver Patrick. He's taking the bus to grab the Deftones on tour. He's a great guy and a great driver but the bus was shite. So many problems. We called the loo "The Bubble Drome" (among other things)! Our new bus is f'n great! Double decker with power lounges and 12 bunks (for 6 people).

Stepping back...
It seems as if we powered through Spain hardly stopping at all, except in Zaragosa for some great building pics and a medieval street faire, and Barcelona where we had a day to walk the Ramblas walking street. That day, Reb and I were very glutinous and American- eating fast food at both McDonald's AND KFC while drinking large beers from McDonald's (they were actually great!). It was hard to keep up with Reb although I did alright. My tolerance was way down from my prior dry spell. We met mostly tourists, but what do you expect hangin out where we did? I wanted to Jet ski, but for 130 Euro per hour??? No way.

We had a day off in Brussels which was very gorgeous for walking around and snapping more pics of buildings. Show day was another headlining spot at an open air festival called Grasspop. The Belgians really know how to throw a festival! Everything was organized and neat, with nice structures, signage and stage(s). I watched Lacuna Coil from the stage level. Our show went great, and everyone felt good about getting back to playing such a big stage. There was even a huge ego ramp up front.

The next gig was also headlining, in Germany. Things didn't go as smoothly this time- like the power going out 5 min before we hit. Some of our Crew (Imy, Chris, Joya and Mick) enjoyed the Inflatable pool in the public backstage area. I got to meet a great young bass talent Louri Porra from the band Stratavarious, among others. Great guy- I hope we get to hang and talk bass and stuff again.

..And all caught up...
Last night was my first Newcastle show. This is the closest thing to a home town gig for David. Everyone welcomed him "home", including the hotel where we are staying (The Vermont). Right outside my window is a castle- literally right in the parking lot! It's very old, and is apparently THE Newcastle that the town is named for. I think I'll go take a walk down by the river now. And perhaps have another Newcastle. Cheers.

ps. I think we'll be playing the new song tonight! Finally.

pps: other misc. stuff:
Madrid: We changed venues to a small oasis cantina place- very hot- 2 encores! They wouldn't let us go! We were gonna do the usual, but I told David when we went back on stage that we were ready for "Bad Boys". What an ENCORE! The place went nuts. First time we've played it on this tour.
Tolousse France- The hottest gig ever! DRIPPING with sweat in a tiny Club. Surprised no one passed out. HUGE full city party was happening til 5am. Crazy!

3 days off... past pics.

2006-06-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

I know- It's been a while since the last post! And pics too! It just takes too long, but I swear more are coming! Just not now- I gotta maximise my time here and see the sights- tourist style! Goin to the beach. Ciao for now...
-U

Here's some pics for now...

Oberhausen, Germany

Duomo in Milano

Shilo, Sebatian, Timothy

Shilo and dad in Kensington Gardens

UD and DA in Holland

In Germany with Eddie Jackson (Queensryche), Ross Valory (Journey), UD

Whitesnake power tablet array usurping bandwidth

Hangin' loose

Adrian Joined us for a tune

Milano

Milano

UD kicks it with Rudy Sarzo and Reb Beach in Holland

Milano...

2006-06-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

It was too short of a stay there- just over 24 hours. Very beautiful architechture, and the food....? The best Italian anywhere (duh!). In the morning, I went to the venue early to catch some of the other bands, like Helloween. It IS after all the GODS OF METAL festival. But the young guy who worked for the festival and picked me up got a BIG NAIL stuck in his tire. He had no idea what to do. So there I am- new Italian jeans and a nice white button down shirt, in the middle of Milano, emptying his trunk, jackin' up his car (actually his fathers), and gettin' down to business! I didn't mind though- we've all been in this situation before and needed someone to show us the way. Besides, it was better than chancing it and getting a blow-out on the freeway! Dude was thankful and cool. I hope he sends me the pic he took- pretty funny.

I managed to hear the end of Helloween. After dinner, I went out front amoung the 20,000 or so fans to see Mötor Head. What a trip! Next was Def Leppard. Before I ever played bass, they were my favorite band on MTV. I was a big fan, and now here I stood watching them live at a big festival where I was in the Headlining spot! You never know how life will go sometimes. The band was cool though, and I think we'll be working together again at another gig. I got a picture with Joe Elliot.

Our show was great! Huge stage- and I absolutly LOVE playing outdoors. Great crowd too!

Now I'm sittin here on my Swiss day off nursing a head cold from the allergies of the air and severe dust at the Milano show. Hope it gets better by tomorrow. Lots of water- also no alcohol for a bit- just to cleanse the system. Is that possible on tour? Of course... Anythings possible!

-U

UK part 2

2006-06-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

so we only missed 1 & a half shows due to DC's illness. But we're back on track now. I was however really bummed for my son and his friend to have come all the way from Denmark only to have a cancellation. But when I found out that the show would go on in Portsmouth, I let them skip their flight home and put 'em on the tour bus instead! What a blast! Shilo and Sebatian can now go home with a true rock-and-roll experience under their belts! They loved the bus, the venue, the hangin' out with the opening band, The Answer. Fun times!

Then the rescheduled London show at the Hammersmith Apollo. I spent all morning getting the boys safely on the train to Gatwick airport. Got back just in time to get to soundcheck. The show rocked! The venue looks much bigger on the DVD- they did a really great job filming it.

Bass geek corner: Special thanks to John East who came out and delivered me a J-Retro pre-amp for my Jazz bass. I can't wait to experience this well reviewed unit in my Franken Jazz ('Franken', for super modded).

The only thing about being in London for so long was the cost of everything. $40/day internet? Fuck That! I'm boycotting the KENSINGTON ROYAL GARDEN at all times in the future, and you should too. The rooms are overpriced and outdated, and they charge premiums for everyday things that they consider "Luxuries". Customer service is at a minimum as well (but that's London in general). The people and fans we met were great though.

UK... So far...

2006-05-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

London Cancelled.

Manchester Rocked!

Birmingham- we had to stop the show half way through. DC tried but couldn't do it- vomiting all day- food poisoning. We ended Snake Dance right before Cryin in the rain (instead of going right into it), and David addressed the crowd. Once they realised it wasn't a part of the act, they applauded. It was a lil emotional, even for me. He's NEVER done this.

So now I woke up in my room 2 days later- figuring everything will be fine for the show tonight... My son and his friend are here- still sleepin. My Mom and Michelle in the other room. Losts of guests and fans anticipating the show. But the Day sheet schedule under my door has a big 'CANCELLED' accross it. I know David would never cancel if he didn't have to. It's a little dissapointing though. Shyte happens! I know we all wish David a full recovery soon.

Playing is the greatest payoff for me that makes all this worth while, you know? I'm not here to be on vacation. So instead I'm spending as much time with my family here as possible. I Can't wait to do the rescheduled shows for our great fans.

bummed.

-Uriah

ps. just got back from X-Men 3... It Rocked! (I'm a big Famke Janssen fan!)

On the Plane... Inbetween

2006-05-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

FUCK THIS SHOW!!!
Let me explain...
Alright... Here's an in-between post, on the plane from Japan to the UK. I have to admit that over the course of the past 2-weeks, I've become a JUNKIE. I'll preface by letting you know that I don't watch much TV. But when you're in the business of touring, there's so much down time you'll go mad without finding SOMETHING to keep you occupied. Laptops have been our personal sidekicks and main company (for most of us, band and crew). Combine that with the fact that the iTunes music store has recently started selling various TV episodes... even full seasons of many popular shows- shows I would never watch otherwise. So now I'm a junkie.

This whole tour I've been hooked on the showtime series "Sleeper Cell', about an undercover FBI agent (a black Muslim) whom after being released from prison, penetrates a hidden terrorist cell in Los Angeles. Along side this show, I started downloading and watching episodes of "Lost". Now I'm hooked like a junkie. When I should be falling asleep at night, I put on an episode. But the show is chock-full of interesting character development, heavily thickening plots, and (especially) cliffhangers that keep me up WAY past my bedtime. At the end of every episode I can't help but yell "Fuck this show!", because it makes me fiend for another fix right away! Sleep has been compromised on many occasion, including right now on the plane! I just finished Sleeper Cell's two-hour finale, only to continue with Lost- 2 episodes in a row. I'm about to watch a third. I need help!

On a more serious note, I've also noticed that I am always looking for a fix... always occupying my free time with back to back activities, without tending to anything that's going on in my life. Not just with the TV downloads, but with everything. I must realize that life hasn't stopped because I'm not home. I shouldn't let whatever disease I have of letting important things in my life fall through the cracks, and then chalk it up to "Rock Stardom". I need to stay in better touch with loved ones. I need to do business with people- get back to them. I need music to be a part of my life (not just an hour every other day or so). I'm actively and at no one's fault other than my own, missing out on precious LIFE. These are some of the things that I'm going through right now. Who knows- maybe I'll call YOU next- if even to say 'Hi'.
It's not that I'm terrible- I just am not currently living to my potential and am beginning to see mega room for improvement. Perhaps as we get older, we are able to handle more things simultaneously, and should.
So I'll work more on rest, exercise and general participation in my life, others lives, and in music, etc... as soon as I get off the plane! (I've got another episode to watch right now!!! (Its the one where Boon and Lock look for the dog in the jungle, then find Clair returning instead!). F*&# this show!!!
-U

a few days later...
*** Update! I actually picked up my bass for fun and it felt so great! This is something I rarely ever do when I'm not workin. I don't really listen to music anymore either, but I purchased the Coheed and Cambria CD and have been playing it non-stop! I'm ready to participate in life again, I think! Hiatus over!

even a few days more later...
*** Update 2! Almost done with LOST, then I found out there's a Season 2! Sheeeet! So today I'm waking up before my first gig in the UK with Whitesnake by downloading samples of American Idol winnner Taylor Hicks. I've never seen the show, but was curious after hearing about this underdog winner. He has a great song selection and sings his ass off! But while I wait for the stuff to download, who am I playing in the background? KING DIAMOND- YEAH!!!! David and I share this dichotomy of a love and feeling for soulful music, but perform succesfully in a Rock band. Like when he joined Deep Purple. Like when I left the Family Stone for WS. (listening to Chimaira now).

Japan pt. 2 - KOBE. SUMO. ROCK!

2006-05-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

This writing comes as we near the end of quite an awesome trip to Nippon! Just about every day we've had KILLER FOOD! Every city was known for something special, weather it be Unagi (eel), chicken wings, or ramen. Timothy and I even went out to a Robata restaurant in the Roppongi area on our first stay in Tokyo. I call it the most expensive date I've ever been on, but I gotta say- the food was fabulous. You point to any uncooked food you want, and 1 of 2 chefs grills it up for you. Live seafood and Kobe beef stood out to me. ESPECIALLY THE KOBE BEEF! I've never tasted anything like it... It really is ridiculously good. We've met many cool folks along the way. Our Japanese promotion team has really done well in taking care of us, which includes coordination of nocturnal activities (thanks Toshi)! Local bars and late night food.

The memorial museum in Hiroshima moved me to tears. Unfathomable that we (humans; americans) were capable of such atrocities so recently in our history. There's a pic of the park and Atomic dome in my previous post.

Yesterday's show in Sendai will go down in history for Whitesnake. Why? Dare I say it? We performed one of the new songs! Finally Whitesnake has debuted new material for the first time in how many years? 17? The crowd was paralyzed at first, but a few bars into it they lost control. It went over fabulously! I can't wait to do it tomorrow in Tokyo. The fans deserve this!

Today, on the eve of our final show here, I feel my Japanese experience was really topped off. I woke up and went to a touristy shopping area, but found cool side streets and little shops and food places (food REALLY is the running theme for me here!). It was 90 degrees and sunny! I even found some more blue hair dye (it's been fading to green after every wash- no more!) After a few hours of walking I made it back to the hotel at about 3:30. I met with our man-about-town Toshi, drummer Tommy Aldridge and 2 crew members to go to see LIVE SUMO! It's the finals right now and the place was packed! We've been watching the matches on TV, but this was something else. What an experience! I'll put up pics of all this stuff. Back at the hotel, I had a massage and accupuncture treatment (for my lower back disc-issue). What an amazing day. Someone told me there was even an earthquake around 2pm.

So now it's Saturday night and I think I'll keep it mellow. It's been such a full day!
But then again, maybe I'll get dressed and go for a quick solo Udon hunt- I AM getting hungry again!

Packin' on the pounds in Nippon!
-Uriah

Japan!

2006-05-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

It's been such a great trip here! The fans are wonderful. Until I have time to write more, I'll upload some pics I took. Kampai!

Get Ready... Get Set!

2006-05-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Just finished a week of rehearsals in LA with the band. There will be some older Whitesnake songs in this years set- but I wont tell which ones! You'll have to come out to a show to see for yourself. Also lookout for a new release in the fall. Will it be live? Will it have new tracks? Will it have Uriah on bass? I know you want to hear "YES" to all of these questions! Stay tuned for more on this.

Gotta go pack. My basses and cabs are already on their way. Waking up for the early flight tomorrow will be a bitch. Last night I met with a bunch o' friends in San Rafael for some g'bye drinks & hangin out. David is very concious of the sadness of leaving loved ones in order to tour. In his own words to our family members, "I humbly thank you for once again allowing me to take these gentlemen from you". Touring has definately put a strain on my relationships with loved ones. But now is the time in my life to exert energy doing what (I think) I've always wanted to do. At least for a while.

As usual, I'll be bringin a studio on the road with me for doing work in the off time. If you know anyone that would like bass lines on their stuff, feel free to contact me. I can walk anyone through the technical details too.

Ciao for now. See you in Nippon!

Dates are comin' in!

2006-02-26T23:43:00.000-08:00

I'm excited about the upcoming Whitesnake world tour! We'll be playing some very large festivals in Europe, as well as big venues in Japan. This BLOG is where I'll attempt to keep you all updated on our travels! Check back soon (Tour begins in May).
Here's the dates so far:

WHITESNAKE JAPAN TOUR 2006
May 09 - Zepp Fukuoka - Fukuoka, JPN
May 10 - Mielparque Hiroshima - Hiroshima, JPN
May 12 - Nagoya Civic Hall - Aichi, JPN
May 14 - Pacifico Yokohama - Kanagawa, JPN
May 15 - Actcity Hamamatsu - Shizuoka, JPN
May 16 - Convention Center - Osaka, JPN
May 18 - Terrsa Niigata - Niigata, JPN
May 19 - Zepp Sendai - Miyagi, JPN
May 21 - Forum Hall - Tokyo, JPN
May 27 - Manchester Apollo - Manchester, UK
May 28 - NIA - Birmingham, UK
May 30 - Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
May 31 - Guildhall - Portsmouth, UK

Jun. 03 - TBA - Milan, ITA
Jun. 05 - Volkshaus, Zurich, SWI
Jun. 06 - Big Box - Kempten, GER
Jun. 07 - Westfalenhalle - Dortmund, GER
Jun. 09 - Arrow Rock Festival - Lichtenvoorde, NETH
Jun. 8-10 - Sweden Rock Festival - Solvesborg, SWE
Jun. 23 - Graspop - Dessel, BEL
Jun. 24 - Bang Your Head - Balingen, GER
Jun. 26 - Newcastle City Hall - Newcastle, UK
Jun. 29 - Sheffield City Hall - Sheffield, UK
Jun. 30 - Carling Academy, Glasgow, SCO

Jul. 02 - NIA - Cardiff, UK
Jul. 2 NIA Cardiff, UK
Jul. 3 Liverpool, UK Big Top Arena
Jul. 8 Skanevik, Norway Bluesteltet
Jul. 9 Oslo, Norway Rockefeller
Jul. 11 Helsinki, Finland Icehall
Jul. 14 Vizovice , Cz. Rep. Masters of Rock
Jul. 15 Feldkirchen, Austria Feldkirchen Rock
Jul. 16 Ljubljana, Slovenia Krizanka
Jul. 19 Athens, Greece Karaiskaki Arena
Jul. 21 Thessaloniki, Greece Kaftanzanglio Stadium
Jul. 24 Skopje, Macedonia Skopje Ice Hocky
Jul. 25 Sofia, Bulgaria (TBA)
Jul. 27 Istanbul, Turkey Park Orman
Jul. 30 Belgrade, (F)Yugoslavia Tasmajdan

Aug. 1 Budapest, Hungary Petofi Csarnok
Aug. 3 Split, Croatia Gripe Old Castle
Aug. 5 Wacken, Germany Wacken Festival

-Uriah