AFE Tour Blog Day 12: Camp Casey

Today the bus came at 3 pm. We arrived at Camp Casey around 4:30......loaded in, soundchecked, and headed to the PX. We bought more airborne, cough drops, vitamins, energy bars, etc..... they are definitely working. Everybody is feeling better but we are trying to take all the precautions we can.

We went back to the venue, played to another great crowd, hung out, signed some stuff, took pictures, and loaded out. We drove back to Seoul and CRASHED.

After 6 days and 6 shows in Korea we have all had a BLAST!!! The shows and days have all kind of run together but we're fine with that because they have all been amazing. Tomorrow is our first day off here and while our bodies probably need it, we are all going to miss playing a show. They have just been too much fun.

BIG blog tomorrow........lots of plans for our day off.

AFE Tour Blog Day 11: Camp Red Cloud

Today we got up, ate lunch, and wandered around Seoul for a few hours before the bus picked us up at 3:30. The trip was pretty short and we arrived at Camp Red Cloud around 4:30. We quickly loaded in, soundchecked, and ate some dinner.

Show time was at 7 pm and at 6:55 we were the only people in the venue. People gradually started coming in and by about 7:30 we had a GREAT crowd. Seriously, this crowd was one of the funnest crowds we have ever played for. They were rowdy and ready to rock. We can't describe the feeling we get when an entire room of people sing acapella in unison, and do it well. This show was awesome!

After the show we hung out for an hour or so, met lots of great guys, took some pictures, and reluctlantly had to load out and head home.

Here is what happens when you send a sleep deprived band to a nightclub in Seoul.

AFE Tour Blog Day 10: Camp Humphreys

The bus came and picked us up from the hotel around 10 am. Another 4 hours later we arrived at Camp Humphreys. The venue was a pretty large nightclub that was perfect for us. We loaded in, soundchecked, and then went to dinner. One thing is for sure about this trip.... the food has been amazing. We have been eating lots of great food and tonights meal was no exception. After dinner we all headed over to the PX (the base mall).

The bands receipt looked something like this:
airborne
vitamins
knee brace
cough drops
energy bars
more airborne
more vitamins
vicks vaporrub
more airborne and
more vitamins.


Several members are slightly under the weather. No one is really sick...everyone is just on the verge and we are taking all the precautions we can.

The show went great!!! The crowd was LOUD!!! They were having an awesome time which helps us to have an awesome time too. Camp Humphreys knows how to get it done! We were impressed. After the show we hung out, signed some cds/pictures, and loaded out. Midway through our load-out we were approached about playing another show at the same place a few hours later for more troops. We were all for it and would have been more than happy to do it but after some confusion and analysis we realized it would not be possible. Camp Humphrey's we hope to see you again!

We headed back to Seoul where we checked back into our hotel from a few nights ago and met up with some friends. We also received the poster for our July 4th show in Okinawa today. We will be playing directly before Eve 6.


























real mature guys......real mature.

Freebird!!!!


We are still a little worried about mike!

g-money in flight school

AFE Tour Blog Day 9: Chinhae Navy Base

Today the bus came and picked us up at 9 am. We ate breakfast and messed around until we left for Chinhae Navy Base. We spent another 4 hours in a bus wasting time before we arrived. When we arrived, we immediately went in and checked out the venue. It was just like a live music club you would find in the states. We loaded in, soundchecked, and hung out with some troops that we are pretty sure were supposed to be doing something at that time. We had a blast and hoped we helped them get out of some work.

After soundcheck we went to the hotel. And Wow!!!! The hotel was amazing; flat screen tv's, oddly shaped beds, computers, mood lighting in the ceiling, 8 head showers that could also turn the shower into a steam room, blacklight lit hallways, and much more. It was a trip for sure.

When we finished playing with all the buttons and gadgets in the rooms we headed back to the base for dinner. We devoured mongolian bbq and decided to walk to the club in order to lose some of the 12 pounds we had just gained.

The show was lots of fun with a great crowd that knew how to have a good time for sure. We made lots of new friends, loaded out, and headed back to the hotel.





























sometimes we worry about mike


Frey Being Frey

AFE Tour Blog Day 8: Kunsan Air Base

Today we woke up and hopped on the bus around 10:30 am, spent 4 hours watching movies, reading, and sleeping before arriving at Kunsan Air Base around 3 p.m. We checked into our rooms, took showers, checked email, ate, walked around and then headed to the venue. The show was in a huge room with a big stage. We got everything loaded in and set up before meeting several people who were nice enough to show us around and tell us where everything was.

The show went very well. We have started throwing in several of the new songs regularly which is exciting for us. It is always interesting to get raw, real, reviews of the new songs and the ones so far have been received very, very, well.

After the show we headed over to the bowling alley and hung out until it closed at 11. Then we watched softball for a while where we met our first Iowa serviceman, Levi, from Algona came strolling along with a Hawkeyes shirt on. We stopped him, realized how small the world was, and then proceeded back to the rooms to call it a night.

AFE Tour Blog Day 7: Camp Bonifas

The bus came and picked us up at 8:45 this morning. We drove a few blocks to a USO facility where we got our Military ID’s and then headed over to pick up our equipment for this leg of the tour. After that we went back to the hotel, grabbed some lunch, and spent the afternoon taking naps, doing paperwork, trying to learn Korean, etc....Around 2 p.m. the bus came back and picked us up. We drove north to Camp Bonifas which is located about a mile and a half from the North Korea/South Korea border and the DMZ. We had to go through all kinds of security checkpoints and roadblocks to get there but we arrived safely. One of the first “eerie” moments of the trip happened as we all exited the bus to the sound of gunfire in the distance. We never did find out anything about it but we are assuming it was just practice.

We loaded in to the venue, set up, sound-checked, ate dinner, and then were informed that there was a scheduling conflict on base and the show was going to be moved back awhile so more people could come. That allowed us about an hour and a half to hang out. This hour and a half proved to be the most informative hour and a half this band has ever experienced. Sgt. Shattuck and Staff Sgt. Mitchley gave us a presentation on the history of the area, the conflicts between North and South Korea, Camp Bonifas, KPA Bob, and much, much, more. This was the first time I have ever seen this group of guys dead silent and focused on one thing. It really was amazing.

We played the show to one of the most attentive and enthusiastic groups of people we could ever ask for. After the show we took pictures, signed some autographs, and just hung out with really great people. They all had to be up at 3:30 a.m. and still hung out til we were forced to leave. We loaded out, drove back to Seoul, and got ready for day two in Korea.

Quote of the Day:
"You smell like Rock!!!" (after John apologized for being sweaty and smelly after the show)

AFE Tour Blog Day 6: Travel day to Korea (part 1)

Today we headed to Korea. The bus came and picked us up from the hotel at 7:15 am. We loaded up the bus and departed for the Tokyo Airport. We arrived, waived at bus loads of Japanese girls (apparently they see Americans holding musical instruments and assume we are famous......we of course are more than happy to play that role), looked around, found our airline counter, and checked in. Everybody is so nice in Japan. We had no idea what we were doing but people kept coming up to us asking if we needed help. We got through all the security and customs without a problem and then had a few hours to kill in the airport. We hit up the duty free shops and then got some food. Half the band ate sushi, the other half ate McDonalds. At McDonalds a few members feasted on a "double big mac with eggs and bacon".....this is the biggest burger we've ever seen. We hear its really good for you too!

The flight to Korea was quick and easy. The entertainment on the plane was amazing. It had movies, tv shows, video games, music, etc.... just about anything we could ask for to kill a few hours. When we arrived in Korea we were met by Mr. Hwang. He helped us get loaded onto the bus, and gave us all hats, bags, and a packet of information. This packet contained all kinds of information on Korea such as history, little known facts, helpful hints, the itenerary, basic words, etc.... The entire bus ride to the hotel was silent. We checked into the hotel and then set out to experience downtown Seoul.

AFE Tour Blog Day 5: Day off in Atsugi

Today is a day off in Atsugi. We did some laundry, went to the mall, and mainly just relaxed. It has rained hard everyday since we have been here and today is no exception. It is just a constant hard rain, apparently this is why they call it "the rainy season." We've had a blast in Japan and are sorry we have to leave but tomorrow morning we head to Korea, which should be an equally new experience.

Because there isn't a whole lot of excitement today here are a few random videos from the trip thus far.

1. Mike explains the layover in Chicago


2. John and AJ deliver pizza in a shopping cart


3. Cards and good times in Chicago

AFE Tour Blog Day 4: Atsugi

This morning’s 8 a.m. bus trip to Atsugi came earlier than any of us wanted but we woke up and quickly loaded onto the bus for the hour drive. The ride mostly consisted of each member telling their crazy story from the night before and everybody laughing at them. Kelly clearly wins "The Chaddy" for the night. (we will explain this award later)

When we arrived, once again our hotel wasn’t ready for us so we got to hang out in the lobby for an hour and a half. The show was supposed to be outside at the Atsugi Friendship Festival. It was raining again so they moved the show indoors. At 11 am we went and loaded in to the venue and soundchecked. We ate some amazing Jamaican food, and then went back to the hotel to rest, which we all needed. We played from 3-4:30, had a wonderful time, the crowd seemed to enjoy the show, we loaded out, and went back to the hotel to shower. Once we all showered our friend "Mike" showed us around the base and helped us find some food. After dinner we stopped over to the on-base bar for a drink before most of us went home and went to bed. A few members stayed out and ventured off base for some authentic Japanese fun.

AFE Tour Blog Day 3: Roppongi

We finally got some sleep last night!

When we woke up we went and loaded out our equipment from the first show, ate some tacos, and loaded up the bus for Yokosuka. After about an hour and a half bus ride we arrived at our hotel. Our rooms weren’t ready yet but while we were waiting we discovered the most amazing massage chairs in the world. Seriously, these chairs were incredible. We checked in about an hour later and met up with Brent Williams. Brent informed us that since it was raining and we were scheduled to play outside, we get a night off. He then showed us around the base, helped us get some yen, and gave us a map to get to Roppongi.


Roppongi is Tokyo’s equivalent of Times Square. We took cabs to a train station, got on the train, argued about whether or not we were going the right way, transferred to another train, argued some more, realized how stupid we all were for not even thinking about buying a Japanese travel book, transferred to another train, and finally arrived at the Roppongi station about an hour later. We walked up and down the streets for a while before settling down for dinner at a “real” sushi place. The food was wonderful and the sake topped it all off. We finished our dinner and walked around some more just trying to take all the sights and sounds in before getting back on the train.


Somehow, we made it back to the base and headed to the on-base club. There were about 8 people in the first club so we quickly went to an area called “The Haunch” which is a small strip of clubs just off the base. There we met lots of great troops, sang some karaoke, and once again just tried to take it all in.

Kelly tried to fight a wet road.......He lost.

AFE Tour Blog Day 2: It's Business Tiiiime

We woke up bright and early, checked out of our hotel and took the shuttle to O'Hare. We said goodbye to AJ and Ben-E-Ben and proceeded through security without a hitch. We ate a free lunch at Chili's and hung out in the airport for a few minutes before we boarded the plane for Tokyo.

Because we had been bumped from our flight the day before they had upgraded us to "Business Class". We boarded the plane and discovered our good fortune. Along with "business class" came EVERYTHING one could ever want on a 14 hour flight including:
clean socks (which we all needed since our luggage was in tokyo)
slippers
toothbrush and toothpaste
pillow
blankets
lotion
earplugs
3 feet of leg room
completely reclining seats with leg extensions
hot nuts
hot towels
endless drinks
courvasier
wine
liquour
chivas
filet mignon
the zen feast (had every kind of seafood you could ever imagine)
movies
radar of where we were
hot pastrami and turkey sandwhiches
vegetables and fruit
and anything else we asked for.....which was a lot.

Thank you to the flight attendants for keeping us comfortable during the 14 hour flight. We also received a shout out from the pilot when we landed.

We departed the plane, walked through the airport to the baggage claim where ALL of our luggage was waiting for us. We breezed through customs, met our guide Tawn and loaded the bus for Camp Zama. Two hours later we arrived, set-up, soundchecked, grabbed some wonderful food, and played a show from 8:30 to 10. The show was great and the crowd was very grateful. We received a plaque and graciously headed to the hotel where we all showered for the first time in days, put on our ceremonial yukatas and obi's (komonos), had a quick band meeting, and CRASHED!

Quote of the day:
Jet lag? I just dont get it......I get on the plane, I fly for 14 hours, I get off the plane, I look at the clock, I look at the day.........what's the f****ing problem?! -chris holz

AFE Tour Blog Day 1: Controlled Chaos

We arrived at the Des Moines airport at approximately 7:45 a.m., checked in, got all our instruments and equipment on the plane, sang happy birthday to brando’s mom, said our goodbye’s, went through security… (only 3 of us got searched), gave several phone interviews to newspapers and news stations, met some very nice people, dealt with flight changes, and finally departed for Chicago at around 11:15 a.m.

We landed in Chicago and ran down to our connecting flight to Tokyo. When we arrived we were told they had already given our seats away because they overbooked the flight by more than 30 people; we must spend the night in Chicago and catch the same flight tomorrow. However, they did confirm that all of our luggage and equipment was on the plane and would be arriving in Japan on the originally scheduled flight. So…. now we are in Chicago with no clothes, toiletries, or any of our luggage. The airline did give us all hotel rooms, food vouchers, and bumped us up in class.

We grabbed some food and headed to the Wyndham O’Hare Hotel. What does a band do during an overnight layover in Chicago? We call friends!!! And luckily, we have some great ones. Our good friend, A.J., took the train and met us out at the hotel where we had befriended a few more people that had been bumped from the same flight (more about Brittany, Gary, and Chad later). After a cocktail or two at the hotel bar we all headed to A.J. and the infamous Ben-E-Ben’s place in Wrigleyville via the subway. We stayed at their apartment most of the evening; played card games, drank PBR, learned some japanese from Brittany, ate gyros, and discussed philosophy and fine-wine before their landlord decided we were having too much fun around 10pm. We then decided we should retreat back to the hotel and two hours later we arrived safe and sound were we spent the remainder of the night.

Originally, we were scheduled to arrive in Tokyo and then have a day to rest and recuperate from the flight. Now, we will arrive in Tokyo and play our first show 3 hours later.

It is sure to be an interesting day 2.

TONIGHTS SHOW IS AT THE HUB!!!!

In the past twenty four hours we have heard tonights show will be at 4 different places.....

OFFICIALLY

WE ARE PLAYING AT THE HUB TONIGHT!!!!!!
9PM

Sorry for the confusion.

FLOODS OF '08

Instead of spending the days writing and practicing this week we have been trying to stay dry. Tuesday morning we woke up to several phone calls telling us to get over to the warehouse and get all our equipment out of it. We got all the expensive stuff out approximately 3 hours before half of a railroad bridge directly infront of the warehouse washed away. So far everything inside is dry but time will tell. We then went and helped fill and transport sandbags for about 6/7 hours yesterday. It was pretty amazing to see the thousands of people out helping.

We are all safe and are lucky that we know lots of people in the area. Thank you to everyone who has already offered us places to stay and food to eat. Right now we are fine but we'll let you know if anything changes. There are lots of people who have "really" been affected by these floods and could use your help more than we could.

We are scheduled to play The Hub on Saturday night but right now the Hub is surrounded by sandbags and they cleared everything they could out of it. We'll let you know what the status of the show is when we learn.

stay dry.

3 shows in 24 hours

We ventured out again into the world of $4 gas for 3 shows in 24 hours this past weekend. We took our good friend Eli Kilburg out with us to open up all the shows. You probably know him, but if not keep an eye open for his band, Barefoot Compadres.

Friday Night 6/6/08
Charlie's - Coralville, IA
This is a brand new live music venue in Coralville, Iowa. Eli opened up and played a great set. We caught his performance and had a great time.....probably too much fun according to our tab. I'm not sure what Charlie's secret is but 3 of the most beautiful women in the world worked as waitress there. Charlie, we salute you! After Eli, BIT took the stage and played two LONG sets... It was fun for us to get some jamming in. Most of our shows are very planned out and kept to one two hour set but this one was just an open jam with long solos and trading fours, we even pulled out a couple of brand new songs. It was a blast and we even had one of Charlie's waitresses, Regina, join us on stage for some great blues. After the show we loaded out, took a cab to Hardees, ordered lots of food, pissed off everybody there (apparently Hardee's employees don't appreciate the humor of Tenacious D quotes at 3 am), ate the most delicious spit burgers we've ever had and headed to bed. Thanks to Kaylyn for putting us up at her place. We greatly appreciate it!!!

Saturday Afternoon 6/7/08
Bandshell - Independence, Ia
After filling up on Breugger's Bagels we traveled an hour north to Independence to play an antique car/motorcycle cruise. We arrived, loaded out, played about an hour set in scorching hot weather, met some new faces, loaded up, took showers with bottled water and headed to Dubuque. It looked like alot of fun, we just didn't have time to enjoy it.

Saturday Night 6/7/08
The Busted Lift - Dubuque, IA
We pulled up to the Busted Lift about 8: 15 pm and did a quick load-in/sound-check before most of the band headed over to Kelly's parents house for showers. In the meantime The Busted Lift filled up and Eli started soft-rocking. Once again he played a great set and even got the "Encore" chant. We all cheered on as he pulled out Folsom Prison Blues to end his show. We got up and played two hours of the hottest show in history. Apparently "the lift", (as the regulars call it) doesn't need air conditioning because we all lost about 10 pounds of water that night. We had a great crowd, again we played a few new songs, we got a bunch of requests for "ready and waiting" which we hadn't played in over two years.....but we busted it out and surprisingly to all of us went much better than expected.

After the show we loaded out and headed to our friend Norman's place, where we were crashing for the night. While talking to him on the phone getting directions to his house we were passed by two police cars going somewhere fast.....about 20 seconds later Norman says "cops are here, i've got to go!".... so we followed the police lights directly to his house and waited for the "all clear!" After some quick thinking and smooth talking from Norman we all walked into the house while the police were still in the front yard trying to figure out where all these people were coming from. We ate chili dogs, drank scotch, and laughed at Norman's gay dogs all night long. Thank you to Norman and Kerrie for the hospitality.

When we woke up the next day we headed over to an early afternoon brunch at the lovely Jess' house. Thank you to her, her mom, and ana, for cooking us some of the most delicious breakfeast food we have ever had.
After all that we headed for home....belly's full and tired.