Zhain on Tour in USA By Rocky

Three guys from Hull prove U.K. bands can still successfully play the U.S! We prove not only older people can still rock 'n' roll but that U.K. bands can still successfully play in the U.S. contrary to articles in The Times etc.

We left for Los Angeles for our first shows in 27 years with, due to circumstances beyond our control, Anners daughter being born two months premature and Dr John's father tragically passing away, only four hours rehearsal.

We boarded our flight to LAX determined to imbibe freely from the complimentary bar provided by Virgin Atlantic. After eleven hours of alcohol abuse we deplaned at LAX, collected our 4x4 and headed to our hotel in Marina Del Rey. Three enormous prime ribs of beef later washed down by several libations saw us safely onto PST which is 8 hours behind U.K. time. We had been on the go for nearly 24 hours straight.

Next day was Jacuzzi time and a little sunshine. The 75 degree sun was a welcome relief to the minus 1 we had left in London. Generally a chill out day ready for the first show at The Cat Club on Sunset, owned by Slim Jim from The Stray Cats, the next night. Slim Jim's band is headlining our show with ourselves as special guests. Lots of compliments after the show, especially from Gilby Clark from Guns'N'Roses.

14 Below in Santa Monica is the next show, again we had lots of interest and applause with other musicians checking out our band.

The Dragonfly on Santa Monica Blvd is our third show in a row and we move up several gears for a real stomping show. We recognise lots of faces from previous shows and from the Hollywood elite. We are finally firing on all six and taking no prisoners. Reaction from everyone in the audience is phenomenal. We certainly made lots of friends tonight.

A day off to ease our aching bones in the Jacuzzi with some soothing sunshine. We hang out down on Venice Beach in a couple of bars before indulging in some light refreshment at the Hotel. The Good Hurt is the next show and follows the trend set at Dragonfly - a storming show gaining more fans. The nurses/waitresses are also pleasing on the eye and serve mean cocktails/medicine.

Another day off for R&R. John goes looking for guitars.

The Joint in West Hollywood is the next show hosted by Happenin' Harry and also sees the premier of a rocumentary about the drummer from Skid Row. Harry ain't really happening but we blow the crowd away with a blitz of a set. From The Joint to The Cat Club to hang out for a couple of hours.

The next night is our second Cat Club show and is stunning. The house is packed with familiar faces and musicians who are closely checking us out. The Magic Christians, Cyril Jordan from the Flaming Groovies new band, In Question from New York, Slim Jim's band and a couple of other bands make up the bill. Everyone wants a piece of us, the drinks keep appearing and everyone and their brother congratulates us on an astounding show.

The second Good Hurt show is next and we have quite a few ex pat Brits in the audience as well as the familiar faces from previous shows. We headline this show and storm the club. Another great show. Our last show is at B.B. King's Club. Gear problems arise but we just go for it. We actually get people up and dancing. An incredible end to the tour. Dee Anthony, the chief booker tells us B.B. King's stage is ours anytime we want to play it. Back to the hotel after the show for an end of tour party. We are getting pretty good at playing up a storm but even better at indulging in party time.

A last day in Los Angeles for sunshine, beer and being praised by the record company. A long flight back to the U.K. and the cold of winter but very satisfied with our performances. Recording is the next step with U.K. and European shows plus more U.S. shows to follow. I guess old men can still get their rocks off. Check out www.zhain.co.uk for info, pics, video clips and comments on recent Los Angeles shows.

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