Dazed Out

Well, its now a full week since Exit and I still have not recovered.  After packing and cleaning, we left mainstage backstage last Monday morning at 4:30am, slept briefly in the hotel and some how managed to be at work in Beo Land around 11am.  & since then, putting in full daze at work.  I'm sure I'm still a good 20 hours off on my sleeping.  However, taking the family to Malta tomorrow which should allow some "rest" time I'm sure. 

So, highlights as seen by backstage:

I have to say, the guys from Franz Ferdinand are classy top notch guys.  Their comments backstage regarding our food, service and overall hosting was; "Best in Europe"!  I can partially qualify this with their comments in Kurir http://www.kurir-info.co.yu/Arhiva/2006/jul/11/ST-02-11072006.shtml.  Scroll down the page to "Franc Ferdinand: Živela Srbija!"

Basically, they are quoted as saying the food in Serbia is the best in Europe.  I know for fact they spent most of their time in Serbia either on stage or backstage with us...  Gloating Here;)

Any way, proof is in the pudding, or at least the picture in this case.  Here I am Phat & Grinning with Nick McCarthy.  Safe to say, the Franz crew were our biggest fans.  The picture comes after my comment to the guys; "How are four lads from Scotland so thin when you enjoy food so much?"...  As I mentioned earlier, they burn it all off on stage...  Maybe I should become a rock star!?! 

As for Billy Idol, he indeed rock.  As did we:)  He's management asked us to go on tour with the band.  They were so impressed with the quality of service and food, we were told we put to shame Western Europe backstages.  Any way, pic below is on your Phat Phidelak stage right, where the 20 odd, "Lovely Ladies of Dance" as prescribed in Billy's rider, were partially "hanging out".  The whitesque blur near my lips is indeed Billy.

So, the last day.  Have to say, was pretty impressed with the Pet Shop Boys performance.  I'm not such a big fan but the fact they were able to "fake" a stadium style rock concert with a bit of flashy material, assorted custom changes and various discoesque stage props made out of simple pieces of wood and cloth, was truly impressive.  The band's wardrobe manager was first on site with the crew in the morning.  He set about cleaning all costumes from the last show, fixing any rips and helping build various stage articles like the giant cowboy hat featured in "Go West".

The Pet Shop performing crew showed up around 9pm to catch the final of the World Cup.  Again, well impressed with the food, they set on stage during half time.  Like I said, not the biggest fan but a decent gig to say the least.  Below is my fav picture from the Boys.  It was after the wardrobe manager washed everything and set it in the sun to dry.  Pictured below are the Pricilla of the Dessert, I'm sure, inspired Cowboy hats, drying in the early afternoon Balkan sun.

Scissors Sisters rocked and recommend to check them out if you have a chance to see them live again.  I'd best describe them as Late 80's Glam Rock meets, very early 90's Kitsch with a dose of post Electro Rock and just a sprinkling of American Country Music...  Um, so 2006:)  Any way, no pics as we were busy wrapping up backstage.  Did have a couple good conversations with the lead singer and the drummer.  The spent the night before, Saturday, backstgae as well and partied rather hard on and off Exit site prior to their gig.

So, that's about it.  Many other stories to be had but as time distances us from Exit 2006, they all seem to get mixed up with Exit 2005 and 2004.  Had a great time, worked extremely well and proved that a bit of a Ma & Pop touch to something usually sterile and corporate like backstage, is the way to go.

Special shout outs to our crew from helping make this one of the best backstages any where & yes Milos, "You Da Majstor"!.

Finally, my last picture of Exit 2006 taken from mainstage at about 4:30am Monday morning.  See you next year...