It’s 8.29am and we’re back in the van again, The navy seals of Rock’n’Roll completed yet another mission last night in Avesta and are already moving to our next target. It was lights out at zero one hundred hours this morning following a military exit strategy from the venue. This elite unit displayed unparalleled discipline and restraint by failing to be persuaded by the enticing soft Swedish voice calling from the corridor outside our rooms five minutes later… “Hey guys, are you all asleep? You want to come and party?”
We were staying at hotel Bjurfors, owned by a charismatic Swede named Leif. A man who’s policy on life is that it should be lived to its fullest at all times and has built his own resort in Avesta dedicated to his great love of good wine, food, music, family, friends and fun. The last time we were here, we performed in his giant tipi before an after-show party in his own private little pub. Leif was partying till the small hours despite suffering a mild heart attack three days previously – the guy is as strong as a ox. It was this pub that he had sent one of his staff to lure us to but with an early start, a long drive and a fourth consecutive show tonight, we steadfastly refused to succumb to the Scandinavian temptress outside our door.