This year we leave on December 26 and head for Germany. We'll be doing shows in Ramstein, Germany, Ansbach, Germany, Warsaw, Poland, Rotterdam Netherlands and a New Year's Eve show at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Bosnia.
My duties are similar to what I did before - monitor the sound (altho we have a sound guy traveling with us this time), keep a good archive of the trip via photos and videos, a lot of grunt work and finally sing a couple/three songs with the band.
Speaking of the band, there have been some changes in personnel since the Djibouti trip. So without further adieu, let's meet them:
First and foremost, of course is our leaning post, mainstay and leader of the band, Thom Shepherd:
Bob Regan was on the Mid East AFE tour and has done an AFE Europe tour with Thom in the past. This year Bob is on bass:
By the way, Bob has just been recently nominated for a Grammy for his Randy Travis cut "Dig Two Graves"!
On keyboard, mandolin and guitar (not all at the same time) is hit (and also award winning) songwriter Todd Cerney. Todd had played a couple of AFE tours with Thom in the past:
On electric and lead guitar is award winning songwriter Wade Kirby. Wade has also toured AFE with Thom and is ALSO nominated for a Grammy for his George Strait hit "I Saw God Today":
Back on drums is John Root (soon to be award winning songwriter if "Djibouti" gets cut!). John, of course was the drummer on the Mid East tour and we're all very happy that he's back on this one:
And finally, a new and very welcome addition (and one we are certain the soldiers will particularly enjoy) is an awesome fiddle player, Renae Truex (pronounce "true-ay"). We have a feeling her smile will be a blessing on some long travel days:
All are extremely talented and great musicians. Everyone is fun and inspiring to be around and I am honored to be traveling and making a little music with them as well.
The above pics were taken at our most recent rehearsal at Todd's place last Sunday, December 7. An appropriate date to rehearse for an Armed Forces tour.
Thom has put together a great 2 sets of songs complete with originals from the band (many recognizable from hit radio airplay) and some crowd/soldier pleasing numbers that I am certain will round out a great show.
It looks to be yet another trip of a lifetime and one we'll always remember.
Thanks for letting me take you along. We not only welcome your comments after each post but look forward to hearing from you. It definitely has a positive effect on all of us while we're travelling, so please post below and stay in touch.
More later.
Jerry
5 comments:
Hi Jerry,
Kudos to you and the other band members for your efforts! I can remember feeling very good with the entertainment that came our way when I spent 1970-71 in Korea.
You all have a good and safe trip.
See ya in the Canoe Country.
Randy
Have a great trip! I hope you guys aren't planning on lip-synching all your songs like you did last time!!
Hey Jerry, Hope all of you have a great time and I know the troops will enjoy it. See you when you get back.
God Bless,
Craig Wiser
Writer
Prentice here. Blessings upon you all for your mission, and safe
travels.
But Regan on bass, what the hell is that? Like there aren't already
enough of us. See if you can talk him into selling or gifting his axe after the last date and before you return home.
Hi Jerry, it looks like you're having a great time. I want to wish you a Happy, Healthy New Year filled with Peace and Love. If anyone needs to get some recovery have them go to In The Rooms.com we'll be here to support them. Be safe,
RT
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