Hand of Latham

We arrived a day early, this was good news to us as it gave us the opportunity to see ‘Chicken Foot’ a new band featuring Michael Anthony (bass), Sammy Hagar (vocals), Joe Satriani (guitar), Chad Smith (drums). Phil was especially excited at the possibility of meeting his hero Chad Smith.

Once we were checked in at the hotel Phil made enquiries as to how we would be getting to the festival as it was a good 15 miles away. The festival crew ensured us that they would do their best to accommodate us. As events unfolded it was apparent that we were going to have to get to the festival under out own steam if we were going to get there at all, as all the festival crew were tied up with other duties and could not come and get us. We managed to find the train station and decipher the timetable. We were in luck, there was a train that would get us to the festival with minutes to spare. We hopped on the train and managed to dodge the fare by hiding on the top deck of the carriage.

Chicken Foot

The Main stage was set in the main square in the town of Pistoia its self, we arrived and explained to security who we were in out best Italian. Once we made our way to the production office we were admitted to the festival but it was explained to us that under no circumstances were we to venture backstage as Chicken Foot had expressed that no one was to be backstage, not even production staff were permitted. So we decided to join a steadily growing crowd and waited for the show to begin. Chicken Foot eventually made their way to the stage 30 minutes late to find a large crowd eagerly awaiting their heros. I have to say that Chicken Foots music did not really hit my musical spot but I still found the show very entertaining. after the show we were due to meet a driver by the stage door to take us back to the hotel. The stage door was fenced off and heavily guarded, we would have to wait for our driver to escort us through security. We watched Chicken Foots encore from here and saw them leave the stage and enter the backstage area through the stage door. Phil was beside himself, as he could not quite believe that he was so close to his idle yet a couple of muscular Italians stood between him and his childhood hero Chad Smith. Our driver soon appeared and waved us through, the muscle bound Italians parted and let us pass. The driver gestured for us to follow him toward his parked car, Phil however had other ideas. He darted through the throng of production staff that were starting to gather by the stage door and disappeared from view, it wasn’t until we reached the car that the driver realized we were one missing. Shaking his head he started back towards the stage door when he was greeted by a member of the production staff marching a sheepish looking drummer in front of her.

Once reunited Phil regaled us with tales of a lord of the rings style backstage area with countless corridors and vast open courtyards. His wild description affirmed the impossible task of tracking down the band let alone one particular member. Phil’s account of his trespass made the fifteen miles back to the hotel fly by and before we knew it we were boarding the lift to take us to our rooms.

Statue of Aragon

The following day as the production assistant led us through the grand hall, into the court yard and up the vast stone steps toward another production office. I couldn’t help feeling that we had perhaps been a little unfair to phil. His description of a ‘Lord of the Rings’ backstage area was not far from the mark. With further exploration we discovered this was the mayors office and was to be the venue of a wedding due to take place before the first act on the main stage!

Lucky for us we were on the bill with the likes of Derek Trucks and Joss Stone. I had not met either of them and was looking forward to the show. Derek and his band were nice guys and sat with us for while in the courtyard after their show. Joss stone was also very nice and watched the wedding that took place (An unexpected guest, but im sure the Bride and Groom did not mind that Joss Stone attending their wedding!).

The Leaning Tower

The next morning we were driven to Pisa to catch a plane home, but thanks to a speedy driver (110mph!) we had just enough time to take a look at the famous leaning tower before heading back to London. I have never really been bothered about seeing the leaning tower of Pisa, but I have to say there is something about it that captivates a person. Its one of those things you can quite put your finger on. but its pretty amazing all the same.