David Byrne Journal:2004-03-18

David Byrne's journal entry for March 18, 2004 was titled Tour 2004. This was the first entry on David Byrne's journal.

Body

Another tour begins. I feel like it's a roller coaster that I've stepped on. It will go almost non-stop till mid-September, then possibly continue in South America and Asia after that. All likelihood of personal relationships during this time will vanish. My private life will be just that: private, interior, singular. There will be no time for lovers, friendships and that whole side of living, aside from the social life with the band and friends I visit in the towns and countries we pass through.

However, the music and show holds the promise of heartfelt expression, beauty, pleasure, and fun.

We managed to get enough rehearsals in for our showcase shows at Joe's Pub before leaving NY. Just barely. The first show was just OK and the second one felt great. Loose and heartfelt. Started with all the strings on stage with the opera tune and ended with a version of the Talking Heads songs "I Zimbra" and "Blind", also with strings. I was relaxed enough at the second show that I got chills and had fun, so that was really good, eh?

We wore the jumpsuits I had made — blue for the strings, brown for the band, and a gray one for me. The idea is sort of slightly elegant but they're still uniforms. They definitely work for the girls, but Ford says the guys don't look very sexy as the legs are floppy and the waists are kinda high. Uh-oh.

Mauro's Forro in the Dark record is supposed to be done today but the manufacturer is late. They're celebrating at Nublu anyway, so I head over briefly after our shows. Outside Nublu is the beautiful Brazilian waitress from Joe's and myself — both of us stuck outside, as the joint is packed and they're not letting anyone else in.

We get in, she disappears. Mauro is playing and insists I join them. I am handed a triangle, but not knowing how to play any of the Forro instruments correctly I hold it upside down and do the best I can. The other percussionist eventually reaches over and takes it away from me, and begins playing it loudly and correctly. I slink away.