September | 2013 | Stuart O'Connor

0 The Griffin – Frome – England

Milk St, Frome, Somerset BA11 3DB

Phone: 01373 467766

http://www.milkstreetbrewery.co.uk

0 Beach & Barnicott – Bridport – England

Address: 6 South St, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3NQ

Phone:01308 455688

9pm – Free Entry

0 Prog rock project My Pet Junkie to play again in 2013!!

Yes that’s right folks. For anybody who has been following my musical activities as far back as 1998. This is a real rare chance to catch prog rock mother project in action.

: My Pet Junkie (L to R) – Leon, Julia, Stuart.

Musikal Sin Presents:

My Pet Junkie – Long-time favourites of Herts’ gig goers, proggy alt-rockers MPJ grace Club 85 for a rare live performance. With frontman Stuart O’Connor touring the world solo, and drummer Leon Camfield involved in many other projects (including comedy duo Spandex Ballet), appearances have become a rarity – catch them while you can!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Pet-Junkie/6828345908

My Pet Junkie /Billy Skins 5th /Alone With Wolves /Sunsets The Day , Fri 25th Oct, Club 85

74 Whinbush Rd Hitchin SG5 1PZ
01462 434801

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/events/512733772148902/

0 Apple & Parrot – Taunton – England

Address: Corporation St, Town Centre, Taunton TA1 4AJ

Phone:01823 350197

9pm

0 Rio Taylor

When touring in New Zealand I had the chance to spend a few days surfing and chilling with good friends Rob & Rio.

They are a lovely couple and Rio is a extremely talented artist.

Here’s a sketch she did in my diary in 5 mins.

She is surviving off her artwork and illustrations and I urge all to go and check out here work here 🙂

http://www.riotaylor.com/?og=1

0 Boho Bar – Weymouth – England

59 St Thomas St Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8EQ
01305 7599409pm Start

0 New Zealand Tour Blog – Part 1 – Getting Settled

So off the boat (plane) I arrive fresh from Tokyo. Ecstatic but exhausted from the flight and bewildered by the time and location shift.

I am met at Auckland airport by one of my closest friends Geoff, who has been a pillar of support and inspiration for many years. I would possibly not even be a touring musician had Geoff not opened my eyes to the ways of travel. He is an infectious enthusiast for living life.

Suddenly I`m out of the airport and sharing a barbecue. Lovely times ensue.

My first port of call is to gather all my stuff together that I have shipped to NZ from the UK. Guitar amps and CD`s and Vinyl. Then I must work out what it is that I need. Various stands and leads. These I hope to beg for from other local folks who are willing to help.

My schedule is immediatly hectic and within 48 hours of landing I have my 1st show in Auckland.

A bar called Tabac owned by Crowded House frontman Neil Finn. The show is a chance to get comfy in my new surroundings and despite the venue doing no promo I`m cool to get the ball rolling to the few of my friends who`ve turned out for it.

From there things busy up as I have a hectic stint of shows in the city over the next fortnight.

This also includes a trip across to Waiheke Island for a one off show in the community Theatre space.

The Ferry Route From Auckland city to Waiheke Island

I also have the envious task of finding a tour Van. I have decided to buy one this time around as hiring and borrowing in the past has always resulted in a costly outcome.

Geoff takes time out of his busy schedule to help me look as we jaunt around test driving different wheels. Some of them are ok and some are just a pure joke. One has a flat tire, won`t start and was clearly once involved in a crash concealed by a bad paint job.

Geoff`s partner Orla is pillar of support also as they allow me to invade their front room and Orla give me free use of her Car whilst short of my own wheels.

Eventually I am successful. A Toyota 96 Hi-Ace imported from Japan. She`s rugged but stirdy. I decide to take the plunge. My hope is she survives the tour and I can sell her at the end.

931429_10152967094955413_66241151_n — Me and My Toyota 🙂

With myself set up for the long journey ahead (nearly 5 months on the road) I am lucky enough to have Geoff and Orla`s place to myself for a couple of days while they travel to Australia.

With this rare opportunity of space I cram the house with Dutch prostitutes and Colombian Cocaine.

Or I just stay alone and rehearse this song.

Now I`m ready for the long road ahead.

First stop is the Prana Festival in Coromandel over New Years.

0 Back in Blighty….THANK YOU EUROPE!!!!

MASSIVE THANKS to all the people in France, Holland, Germany and Poland who supported me over the last 3 weeks of shows.

It was a scary crazy exhilarating ride. My biggest fear was the tour van breaking down…..And then the tour van broke down……But thanks to wonderful German Mechanics it was fixed in a couple of days.

A Coffee on the Ferry at 1am last night.

I played my final show in Tiel – Netherlands and last night crossed back from Calais to Dover. I then drove 4 hours to Bournemouth where I will play tonight.

From Here it’s a UK tour until Mid November where I hope to return to Italy.

Amazing transient times.