Oxfam Europe Tour Blog: 23 September 2008
From WikiColdplay
Praha, (Prague) Czech Republic, 22/09/08.
A note from Prague.
Coldplay have just come off stage in the O2 Arena, Prague. I am sitting in the crew office, hearing the scurry of feet and the sounds of a thousand cases being loaded and wheeled off to the trucks (which still sit breathing heavily after their mammoth trip from Oslo over the weekend). Even on a day off, the tour does not stand still, as buses, trucks and crew make their way to the next city.
Prague is a beautiful city. A sight for sore (sleep deprived) eyes. Such a great place to recharge batteries, catch a breath and take stock, as the tour rolls on past the half way mark. I checked out the famous Ruduta jazz club, which was a change of scenery, but a real treat for any drummer out there..
A quick word on Oslo. Oxfam had a great time throughout Scandinavia. Almost record numbers of people signing up and getting involved. Oxfam worked with a Norwegian organisation called Changemaker in Oslo. The organisation works for similar causes as Oxfam, and their volunteers needed little encouragement to get started on campaigning. Part of the motivation might have been to challenge the great success we had in Stockholm the night before..
Tonight, the buses will roll on to Budapest, Hungary. It’s time for me to leave.
http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=59
Budapest.
Late arrival today. Some of the trucks got held up en route from Prague last night. Everyone is here safe now, so the show can get back on track. One thing is that it will make it a shorter day.
The arena is on the outskirts of Budapest. We are here for less than 24 hours, and won’t get to explore. I hope I will get another chance to follow the Oxfam volunteers advice, and check out this amazing city.. It’s strange to think we were in Oslo a few days ago, and will be in Vienna tomorrow. Touring is a unique experience.
It is a unique opportunity for Oxfam too. When else would the organisation get the chance to take a campaign on the road in this way, and talk to such a range of people. It’s very exciting. I need to head out and set up. Speak to you soon.
http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=60
Off to Vienna.
Motors are reversing. Lorries are bleeping backwards. Latches are fastening. Cases are rolling. Crew are running about shouting instructions at each other. It’s load-out time. The day is nearly done. Coldplay have left the stage and the Oxfam volunteers have gone home.
My road case is packed and waiting in line for it’s truck. Time to reflect on another day (even though we are here less than 24 hours..)
1085 more Coldplay fans have pledged support for quality Health and Education, clean water and sanitation to be available to all people, everywhere. They have also joined in the chorus of ’Viva La Vida’.. Fans came from far and wide tonight. The volunteers meeting Romanian, Croatian, Slovak, French, German, English, Scottish.. and many many more.. Oxfam volunteers were mostly local to Budapest, some having previously worked with Amnesty International, some, just big fans of Coldplay. It’s been another successful day.
Marguerite, the production assistant is busily packing up the wireless and the radio cases.. I had better wind this up and go and get on my bus. Next stop. Vienna.
http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=61
