As previously reported, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA guitarist Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE) is keeping a tour diary for the duration of the east coast company's North American tour. He has issued the following update:

"What a pleasant surprise!

Not that we have not had great shows in Columbia before. This was just an amazing concert. Actually had more of a 'Rock show' feel than 90% of the shows this tour. Hard to explain it. Just a feeling in the audience. A sound in the applause. A mood in the room.

Last night I tried to sleep. I woke up at about 1:30AM and just could not frickin' fall back to sleep. Since I took the anti-biotics I have felt amazing out here. Almost better than when we started. I think it is because I have my road legs and not I am not tired. I can swear I must have had some sort of bug in me because I just was feeling so run down. That is unsual especially since I am taking very good care of myself this tour out here this tour.

I finally did fall asleep at about 6AM! Then I had to wake myself up at noon to make sure I got to the post office. I was a bit behind on personally autographed CD orders. I am up to date now! Funny post office moment. I put two huge bags full of CD's on the counter that was near the line at the post office. This and a full bottle of Snapple. I walked away to get a customs form. One CD was going to the Netherlands. I figured it was ok. The line was long and there was a little old lady behind me. Didn't think I needed to worry. I guess the line moved a bit ahead and she pushed my stuff along. Knocked my frickin' iced tea all over the ground. Kinda funny because I specifically thought things would be fine with the thought that she would not touch them! She was sorry for it, I didn't mind. Just thought it was funny. The 'Caution - Wet Floor' thing was put up around the mess 'til someone cleaned it. Just humorous.

Funny hotel moment...

Our checkout time was 2:45PM. We get late checkout everyday. We did have 70 rooms in the hotel! I kept getting knocks on the door after 12. Housekeeping wanted my room bad! Even with the Do Not Disturb!!! I told them we were checking out late. At 2PM I got a knock from the head of housekeeping....OOOOOHHHH!!! I am in trouble now! She wanted to know why I was still there. I told here our checkout time. She said, 'Oh, I did not know this.' Next thing you know I get a call from the hotel manager asking me why I was still in the room. That he heard rumors that some of us thought we could checkout at 2:45PM. I said 'Look, I get a sheet under my door from my tour manager. It sez what time we check out. If I am in my room after that time u can talk to me. If it is before that time you need to call my tour manager.' I was not getting into it with him. I suppose he was just doing his job and housekeeping wanted to do theirs, but his tome of voice was so angry and agressive. I just said 'Sorry Sir. You are picking a fight with someone who whas absolutely nothing to do with our hotel business. I play guitar!!!!'

I left at 2:44PM and checked out.

We hit the venue for lunch and then had a band rehearsal before soundcheck. By now you should be able to figure out why both East and West TSO have had extra rehearsals!

Showtime came around quickly and was very much welcomed by us all! It was a bit warm in the venue. Good reason...It was warm outside! 'It's beginning to look a lot like EASTER!' I used this line onstage. That and 'Carolina, you've got the Game Cocks, we've got Wood!' That worked well as you may imagine!

It was so much fun to play to a crowd this responsive and lively. Amongst the top 5 of the tour for sure!

Signing line was a very friendly bunch. Hit #279. Many people traveled North to see us that had only seen West shows. I don't think we disappointed them. I get so nervous when the East goes into a West city. This was not a West city so I was not thinking about it 'til they pointed it out. I just want to make sure everyone that sees any TSO show leaves with a smile and are not disappointed. Me being the frontman I feel a bit more pressure when we go to a city that had only seen West because my talking is something that is distinctly different from them. Just because it is a personal thing. No two people speak or look alike. No two people play exactly the same, but we have music to learn that is recorded and it is more than a basic map. I make up my own map for the most part when I talk. I have suggestions and go from there! So, I just get nervous! Chicago a few years back and Indy as well were two we took over and I just remember being so self conscious those first times through.

I am going to crash. We are almost in Raleigh. Nice, short, one show day! Not many of those left!"

Talk to you tomorrow!

C

To view all TSO 2006 tour dates - east and west coast touring companies - go to this location. Links for ticket purchases can be found at the same location.