We started our journey early in the Wednesday morning (even it was more like night...) from our rehearsal joint where our Russian shuttledriver arrived to pick us up. Due to lack of space in the car we had to leave couple of objects (our guitar/bass cabinets) and trust that the house backline would work for us. The drive went smoothly and it was possible to get some sleep in the car ´cause it was dark outside till we got to the border. There we had to fill up some forms which had too many questions for simple-minded rockers and there was only one pen... Luckily the whole border bustle only took under an hour and we continued to the other side. The traffic culture was so different in Russia compared to Finland... It took some time to get used to it! Luckily our driver was experienced and took us alive at the destination.
The club itself was gorgeous! I think we´ve never seen a place like this in Finland. Everything was so well put together and designed. The audio and lighting systems were placed nicely and the stage was big enough. The backstage was equipped well and there were enough space for two bands. We were served a great and tasty dinner including four courses. Our promoter took really good care of us! And of course we enjoyed pints of delicious local beer brewed there in the club. And it didn´t take so long before we had a chance to took shots of local Vodka!
When the house technician arrived we set up our stuff on the stage and did a nice, long soundcheck. The stage sound was good (at least I was very happy with it) and the local tech was awesome guy and it was a pleasure to work with him. There was a local band supporting us that night and they did soundcheck after us while we got our chance to visit a local supermarket. And everyone can imagine why we went there... Of course for cheap Vodka! Finnish musicians used to high prices in their home country were astonished in front of the Vodka shelfs. Money wasn´t the problem, only problem was to choose among huge selection of that liquid yummy.
Later in the evening, after the local support having their blast of metal music on stage, we started our rock show. Four musicians (Vodka in their veins), great audience, awesome atmosphere and succesful show! We played something like 1,5 hours and had also encore after audience demanding it strongly. It was hell of fun! After the show we were having a good time with our local colleagues from the other band and of course involved some Vodka and other liquids. We were so happy to get even some supper the organizer offered us! They truly took care of us.
The drive home was so unclear to me that I don´t remember much. But I remember we had to show our passports like 5 times or something on the border... But most important: we got home alive! (even I got some flu including high fever, sniffle, sore throat, cough...)
Great gig, great people, great experience! The local promoter was excited about us so who knows if we´re gonna visit Russia again sooner or later.
-Sammye
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