TOUR DIARY: Shearwater

Following a band on tour isn’t easy. You have to brace yourself for the inevitable snafus because things will always go wrong. You’ll forget stuff or lose it, run late, get lost, get caught in inclement weather, spend more than you intended to, drink too much, and you will never ever get enough sleep. But when the band you’re following is Shearwater, all of that is inconsequential. Because what’s a bit of discomfort compared to getting to hear songs like “Insolence” and “The Snow Leopard” every night? Or singing along with their spectacular cover of Xiu Xiu‘s “I Luv The Valley OH!” until you’re hoarse? I’ll trade sleep for Shearwater any day.

2/7: Los Angeles – I first caught up with Shearwater on the second night of their tour at the Echo. They have a slightly different lineup compared to the Animal Joy tour, but it didn’t hinder them from putting on an amazing performance.

Shearwater @ The Echo 2/7/14

2/8: San Francisco – I spent a sleepless night/morning taking the Amtrak up north and arrived in SF exhausted and not altogether prepared for the rain. But that was only a temporary damper for my enthusiasm because once they started playing to a packed room, I forgot all about my wet shoes and lack of sleep and just soaked in the sounds.

Shearwater @ Bottom of the Hill 2/8/14

2/13: Portland – I always love visiting Portland, but since I was in town to see Shearwater, I was ecstatic. Mississippi Studios is a great venue and once again the band put on a fantastic show. I mean, they always do, which is one of the reasons I’m willing to travel like this just to see them.

Shearwater @ Mississippi Studios 2/13/14

2/14: Vancouver – A catnap and an all-day trip on the Amtrak later and I was in Vancouver. The sleepless night tried to catch up with me during the show, but I shook it off because I wasn’t about to let anything cloud my enjoyment of the penultimate gig.

Shearwater @ Mississippi Studios 2/14/14

2/15: Seattle – My last night was at the Crocodile and what a farewell! After a run of scintillating shows, this one managed to surpass them all. I left out my earplugs, sang along because I felt like my chest would burst if I didn’t, and clapped until my hands were stinging.

Shearwater @ The Crocodile 2/15/14

Shearwater will be touring through the South and Midwest of the United States through March and heading out to some European gigs in April and May.

See a full gallery of road life photographs from this tour HERE!

TOUR DIARY: On The Road With Shearwater

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