We approched the show in Stuttgart with an easy going flavor, one more night before day off, whatever. Again, surprise! An ultra motivated crowd, and us so comfortable on stage. I didn’t push my voice at all, maybe because it sounded so warm and clear to me, the team said it was vocally my best performance. Funny, after all these shows in a row, my voice was supposed to be as tired as me. It has to do with letting go, again.
After the show everybody hanged around backstage, enjoying that little privacy a lot, that’s why we asked strangers to go. We worked a lot, took on ourselves to hold on, only starting now to adjust and digest the whole thing. Some of our technicians just begin to be familiar with our music, discovering a whole new world, new connections, new fans. Last night was for them a step forward, realising being part of the family, a family so important to us, and for the future. They drunk a lot, teasing each other, releasing tension. It was so sweet to see.

The day off yesterday was really necessary, eventhough we would have needed it before, not 2 days before going home. Eastern’s fault! Stuttgart on public holiday isn’t exactly Miami, even on a hot sunny weather… Around our hotel, nothing but Mercedes car dealers. Fair enough, that’s where they are made. Look on the motorway: no speed limit around! We spent the day doing nothing, a luxury. We even came back to the delicious Italian place for a treat. And back again to hotel for a good night sleep.

This morning we drove to Wiesbaden. I wonder if this is Sven Väth’s hometown I heard so much about. Sun was again high in the sky. We ran away from the depressing parking lot behind the venue to explore this strange city. A hostile train station, a big park with beautiful blooming trees, a busy main shopping street. We walked for more than 3h while the boys had to load in, just back for soundcheck. The venue is dodgy, punk style, no space for our light system again, so why bother, we’ll be punks too, no costume tonight, no glitter, like back in the days.

Last night was a gift show, big surprise. These days when you know why you’re doing all this. Even if the sun was shining, I felt blue, far away from everything, lost. We were afraid to play in front of nobody, on a tuesday evening. But the location was so nice, we thought we will offer a good performance and have a good time anyway, like a private concert, something cosy and intimate after the last 2 festivals.
And it wasn’t empty, just incredibly sweet and comfortable, I just digged into the songs, smiling, like I wanted to thank them all to have come to see us. I wanted them to go home and say they got something special, unexpected, the same way we did. We were really touched, because it’s rare and lovely, magic can happen at every corner only when you don’t expect it.
I woke up on the highway to Munich, we did the usual 45mn stop at a petrol station. The bumpy road makes it difficult to sleep. I finished my book and didn’t know what to do, endless trip. Munich has this typical architecture, a bit cold and arrogant sometimes. Strange place. I never really liked it even if it’s full of great memories from the old days, where everything started for Michel and I. Tonight is a big night, dear friends will see what we became after all these years. Sadly we can’t install the lights onstage, the show won’t be the same and I am so upset we can’t perform at our best in this town. And it’s not even surprising, it was always like this. All the performance will be on us, naked, punks in glitter. I hate this pressure, I am not on stage to be important, but to share a moment, as a vector. Because we don’ t have the lights, I will have to dig inside myself to find the inspiration not to care. Maybe I’ll be wilder, maybe I can kick someone in the face if he misbehaves.
I went to the supermarket to fill up the fridge and cleaned the bus, some habits to feel home. I am not going for dinner, I stay alone in the bus to write the blog and check emails or reply to interviews. Again, thanks Mannheim!
Munich, can you top this???

After the first 2 hard dates in French festivals and 1 short day off at home, here we are in Mannheim. After the rain in Paris, a beautiful sun welcomed us. Back into the bus rhythm that the day off actually broke more than anything. But we filled up the fridge! I know, you’ll say she’s talking about food again but believe me, it’s high priority to feel good and make a good show. Caterings in French festivals was too much of a disaster. Now waiting for the 3rd show to go, so far we all can be proud of the evolution. “Fitter, happier, more productive…” said Radiohead, it’s only the beginning… But before hitting the road again, I will check if business is all right. Someone has to do the job! See you in Munich!