Reflections on my batshit crazy road trips: INXS Switched On Tour, Leg Two

The road was long, and the party is over.

Wow. Another amazing series of road trips to see INXS has come to an end. I can't believe it went by so quickly. And this time around, with ten gigs in fifteen days, it was a real whirlwind adventure. I was rushing from gig to gig, and barely got the chance to appreciate where I was. By the time I was leaving Cleveland, I was emotionally and physically exhausted, my bronchial asthma had flared up again and I was feeling taxed. I don't know how the band does it, because I could barely keep up, and I didn't have to perform to a paying audience when I got to where I was going. I have a renewed respect for what they do. Remind me when they play North America next time to schedule some down time in amongst all the gigs.

I also realized how foolish it was to think I could do these last road trips all alone, and on such a tight budget. Batshit is powerful man. It makes you do the craziest things. Thanks to everyone who helped me out along the way. You know who you are, and I truly appreciate all you did.

Combining the two legs of the tour, this year I have seen eighteen INXS gigs, spent five weeks on the road, and travelled through/to fourteen American States and four Canadian Provinces. I don't think I could ever express in words how monumental this has been for me. It’s been like a thrill ride that has woken me up. I know I could never express to INXS just how much these gigs have meant. All the times they took to chat with me have touched my life very deeply. They are an amazing band, a fabulous group of men, and their crew is the best ever. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

And to all my forum friends, who I met along the way, please let me express how much you enriched the whole adventure. It would not have been the same without you all. I love every single one of your batshit crazy asses!

I'm finding it much harder to rank the gigs this time around. I'm not going to add them to my rankings from February, because I think these were very different shows. In February, it was a test run for INXS on the road. JD was getting comfortable with his position, and they were getting into the swing of touring again. Now, JD has grown into his role as front man, and INXS is a well-oiled machine. Anyone would be hard pressed to guess that JD has only been a member of the band since September 2005. They've come so far. In February the gigs were great. In May, the gigs were sweeter and slicker, and JD's performances were even more raw and intense. As an aside, the Detroit show in February is still a standout for me. It was one of those gigs that only comes along every now and then. I'm fortunate that I was able to experience the magic of that night.

I decided to separate out the theatre shows from the arena ones for ranking, since the experience was so very different. I love how close we can get to the band in theatres, but there is a freedom I see when they are on stage in arenas that is quite lovely to witness.

Theatre Shows:

Cleveland, OH: my last gig of the tour, and an amazing performance to have witnessed.

New York City, NY: my first gig of the second leg, and a high energy show from start to finish, complete with lots of attention from the band.

Arena Shows:

Montreal, QC: Such spectacular sound. The best I heard on both legs of the Switched On Tour.

London, ON: The most emotional performance I have seen this year.

Kitchener, ON: An amazing front row experience. Thanks guys.

Fredericton, NB: My first front row ticket ever, and the first gig on the Canadian tour!

Ottawa, ON: INXS played my hometown again!

Toronto, ON: High energy, and a playfulness that was a joy to watch.

Moncton, NB: An appreciative crowd, and a high energy show.

Halifax, NS: An emotional performance in JD's home Province, great intensity, but marred by some sound problems.


Favourite live INXS Songs on the second leg of the Switched On Tour: ‘Never Tear Us Apart,’ ‘Hot Girls,’ and ‘Perfect Strangers’

Favourite warm up act: Stabilo. By a long shot.

Least favourite warm up act: Scott Stapp. He was trying far too hard to connect with the audience, and all the grinding he was doing was revolting. JD has more sex in the tip of his little finger than Stapp has in his whole body.

Place I most want to go back and explore more: Halifax. When it’s not cold and raining.

Dirtiest bus stations: New York, NY and Toronto, ON.

Cleanest bus stations: Moncton, NB and Halifax, NS.