OTIS AND THE BIKE RIDE

Rockstar For A Day

Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - Day 55

Left the campground this morning, without paying, saving $12, around 10. It was a short 5 mile ride down to the 5 freeway, where I got some breakfast at Burger King, which was not very good. A little after noon, the van was there to pick me up, Dusty Rhodes all inside, ready to head up to Tulalip. I worked it out to meet up with them again and travel for two days for their two shows in northern Washington.

So north we went, up to Tulalip, north of Seattle, to an Indian casino for the show. After unloading the gear from the trailer, we were all given vouchers for the buffet in the casino. Excitement was rampant. The verdict afterwards, however, was not good. None of the food really tasted fresh. Big surprise from a buffet. I wasn't able to eat much because my stomach was hurting. I had a pretty bad cramp, so I figured I must be menstruating or something. I was bummed because I hate to not scarf everything I can at a free buffet, even if it's not the best food. It payed off later, though, because they had catering behind the stage, which was also free, and was 100 times tastier than the buffet. They had fresh, gourmet food, like salmon pasta and prime rib and three kinds of mousse for dessert. Plus, the staff was incredibly friendly. So while everyone else was too full to eat this fantastic meal, I was by that point feeling better and ready to fill my belly. Then they had a driver from the casino drive me, and only me, to the liquor store to purchase my favorite beverage.

By the time I got back, the band had started playing. Since I was a VIP I got to go back stage, then on stage, although some lady gave me some sass beforehand, and I had to put her in line. I'm with the band, you know. So I went on stage and took pictures with my little digital camera. I found it funny, to be onstage with a band, taking pictures on a little pocket-sized digicam. It was great, though.

Then after their set, we hung out in the provided trailer, drank, and ate the provided food while Jonny Lang played. Then it was time to go out and sign autographs. Jonny Lang lost his voice halfway through his set, so the people were really upset about that, but they loved Dusty Rhodes. They bought up CD's like their life depended on it. Many of them wanted autographed copies, so the discs were passed around so everyone could get their name on there, including your's truly. A sloppy drawing of a bike and OTIS marks these special edition, limited CD's. Sorry, they're not for sale in stores. It was great. And people have no idea, so they just think I'm part of the band. Plenty of people would tell me I did a great job, and I think they were right.

After the concert and the autographs, we headed down to Seattle to stay with a friend of theirs. It was a confusing drive with plenty of circles and wrong turns, but we made it. It's so nice to go to bed in the company of other people, with friends. I love it. I needed this kind of interaction. I am so burnt out on this trip, so tired. It's nice to just hang out and laugh and not worry about where I'm going to sleep at night. Plus I had some great free food and the people adored my stage presence.

There is another show tomorrow, in Shelton, southwest of Seattle. There is a danger of the show being cancelled due to Lang's voice, but hopefully not. I think there is a free hotel room involved for this one. Sweet. That's life as a rockstar.