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KIDS AT RISK say farewell USA

August 10th, 2011 | Lee Devaney

Jim Morrisson sang about it. The Black Eyed Peas named their 5th album after it. And someone enlightened in the muddled ways of the world once said that all good things must eventually come to it.
Yes, today is a sad day, for this is ‘THE END’ !

Without appearing too melodramatic it does almost feel like I’m writing an eulogy. Self indulgent I know.
As fast as the whirlwind began, it ended, sweeping us east to west and back again. I’d only just got over the jetlag before it was time to pick up some more.
Sep and Kai left yesterday, Sep heading back to Aus, Kai to England, while Mon and Riss fly out to Europe this afternoon, leaving me to begin my long lonely schlepp back to Australia tonight.

Unfortunately Sep found the arsenal of open condoms I had artfully placed in his luggage (I’d been stockpiling them from venues for days for this sole purpose) and placed anything of mine that wasn’t locked down in their own individually wrapped lubricated rubber container. Keys, sunglasses, passport, toothbrush etc.. Adolescent childishness? Yes. Also amusing? Yes.
I’m still happy in the knowlege that two nights ago he enthusiastically slurped an icy margarita to the bottom of the glass before he realised there was a rubbery treat awaiting him at the end.
I’m also happy to report that the tequila-fight-induced scab on Sep’s head has vanished without leaving a scar. Probably due to the hot weather. (I’m just praying that I don’t find that in my luggage too when I get home).

The tight timeframe definitely made New York the recipient of some heavy duty cramming. Following the car prison that was LA, we more than made up for the previous lack of leg work by walking almost every single street in Manhattan.
Tribecca, Lower East, Upper East, Williamsburgh, Soho, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Central Park – you name it, we were there at some point. I was the one attempting to calf stretch my shin splints out every ten steps.

This is the only real problem with anything resembling a tour. When you’re only in a city for a week you try to make a concerted effort to be up and out at the crack of dawn and return as late as possible, in a desperate attempt to inhale as much local culture possible. My only real regret is not catching the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the MET. The lines were hours long, so fingers crossed it comes to Aus.

Our final gig in New York was with fellow expats The Cassette Kids, at Pianos in the Lower East side. You can almost see the world famous Katz deli from the stage. I confess I dashed out to slip in a cheeky Reuben sandwich between soundcheck and performance. I’m sure its meaty pastrami goodness was what buoyed me into my giddy musical high that night. It was unanimous – Pianos was our favourite of all the US gigs. Great room. Great crowd. Great sound. And without seeming too narcissistic, our best performance. It’s true what they say. The more you practise the better you get. Who’d have thought it?!
There’s a strong chance I may have even headbanged on stage (I’m presuming this, as my neck hurts like hell today) but I’ll have to see the video footage to know for sure. Here are a couple of photos from our Pianos gig, thanks to photographer Adela Loconte.

A quick sum up of the trip in 500 words or less, though I obviously can’t speak for everyone.

Favourite celeb moment?
Hermoine from Harry Potter at The Viper Room. Hilary Swank came close second but she just lacked the indefinable magic that Hermoine has (yes bad pun). I admit I was a little excited about seeing the girl from Falling Skies in Amoeba Music as well but I know that’s just sad.

Favourite gig?
Pianos.

Favourite city?
New York, without a doubt.

Favourite superhero costume? Dunno but I’m sure it involved latex. I do think the superhero boxers I bought especially for comic-con were impressive, although I’m alone on that count. I tried to casually wear them around the house a few times but nobody would even make eye contact. Rejected!

Favourite meal?
A tough one. So many goodies. A tie between The Everleigh and Greenblatts diner in LA.

Favourite flight?
Los Angeles to New York on American Airlines. Now that was an experience.
Electronic devices off. Tray tables in the upright position. And in the case of our 7 foot tall frontman, Septimus, strap ankles firmly around neck. He resembles a sardine at the best of times on airplanes. That time it was like squeezing a whale into an anchovy tin.

Favourite argument?
Also a tough one. It probably involved someone taking too long to get ready or being just plain late (no names but you know who you are).

Favourite album of the trip?
Cults – self titled debut (60s influenced indie pop from Manhattan – get it if you haven’t already)

Favourite comment? The one that someone blogged about Larissa needing to take her helmet off. She got an immediate trim within hours of hitting New York after that one.

Favourite bar?
Palihouse in West Hollywood.

Favourite Manager?
MONIQUE ROTHSTEIN !!!!!

Anyway, time to go. The girls and I have already decided we’re having Mexican as our last meal. Some may argue jalapenos before a long flight are a bad idea (ie fellow passengers) but I beg to differ. Wish us luck.
Once again, thanks for everything America, you’ve been awesome!! We’ll see you soon.
Of course the biggest thanks goes to Art Council of NSW for making the whole trip possible. WE LOVE YOU!
Bye! xx