*El Blog 13*

Tom writes a tour report from Guadalajara

Hello everyone

As ever, the "Keane Machine" rolls on a bit too quickly from one country/city to another, although we've seen enough to know that this is a part of the world we will be coming back to time and time again!! I'll start with the fans - many thanks for the presents and the welcome you've given us everywhere we've been. The gigs have been very special as well - more love and enthusiasm than we could EVER have expected on our first visit! Monterrey, for example, had to be one of the noisiest nights in Keane touring history...

Then there are the cities and cultures that we've had the privilege of being caught up in. Buenos Aires was all mad traffic and spooky cemeteries, fans camping day and night, rain or shine, outside the hotel. My main memory of Santiago is the terrifying cable car ride up the mountain...out came my terrible vertigo, although the ride was worth it for the views - they don't build cities like that in England. Then onto Sao Paulo, which is "Manhattan x 100". One of the weirdest hotels I've stayed in - it was shaped like a boat. Portholes, wooden decking in the rooms that curved up into the ceiling etc. All the staff had peg legs and parrots on their shoulders...alright, that last bit I made up.

Rio was an incredible few days. After a riotous gig we were able to spend the weekend playing football, golf and taking a beautiful trip out to sea. Even saw a flying fish leap out of the water, which I will never forget. Definitely a place I'd recommend to anyone who fancies a relaxing holiday, although don't expect to impress the locals with your football skills. Watching them play keepie-ups on the beach makes you realise why they produce so many legendary football teams.

23 hours of flying was made bearable by the wild enthusiasm we encountered at the show in Monterrey. Although there wasn't much time to see the city, the crowd spoke (and screamed and sang) volumes for the place!

And finally, here we are in Guadalajara. It's very hot and high altitude...could well be reaching for the oxygen at the side of stage tonight, especially considering the ridiculous length of my thrust (or ego ramp as it's affectionately known). That said, several long sessions in the gym should have me prepared! Final stop will be Mexico City, which is the only place we've visited before. 10,000 fans crammed into the National Auditorium will be the best way to end what has been a very happy tour. Thanks to everyone, fans and crew, who've made it happen.

Tom x

More of Rob's pictures from Latin America

Hello again!

Here are a few shots from the soundcheck in Guadalajara. The arena was in the garden of one of Mexico's biggest pop stars – we could see his ranch through the trees which was slightly odd but deeply cool.

I must just say that Guadaljara rocked. Just walking around I felt like an extra in a Robert Rodriguez movie (partly due to my spanking new and super stylish Tombstone brand cowboy hat).

Richard taking a picture of Tim

Tom on the B Stage
Tom checking the Hammond on the B Stage

Tim, half of Geoff and Tom. Our custom flooring is getting a bit dirty and Mickey the stage manager can't work out how best to buff it up - please email us any heavy duty lino cleaning tips.

Tim


As a bonus here are some shots from the soundcheck in Monterrey. It was very overcast so I went for the 'mood enhancing' black and white look.

Tom and Richard

The venue and Tom

Video Tech ASBO (we haven't had any ladies asking to date him yet so I thought a picture might help. Email us if you think he's a 'bit of a slice'. ASBO's hobbies include long brisk walks, shopping and curling up in front of a Meg Ryan romcom)
Top Tour Manager Colin lays down the law. The merest wave of his walkie talkie is enough to get anyone in line
Tom closeup

It's all from today. And we have a thing to ask you..

Please, do some examples of t-shirts for me and Ana print in a t-shirt and give to Keane.

The only thing how is obligatory is have to contain:' keanefas.blogspot.com' the blog's URL and 'Everything About Keane!' the blog's Name!

Have a nice week!

From Keanemusic.com

Fans' shots from the Rio de Janeiro show.

Thanks to everyone who sent in their pictures and reports from the Rio show to ontour@keanemusic.com. If you're going to one of the remaining shows on the tour, please email your ONE best picture to that address (just one, otherwise our mailbox fills up!). Here are the Rio shots...


Picture by Daniel Zappe


Picture by Ana Claudia


Picture by Julie Ciccarini (did Tom borrow that pose from a certain Rio statue, perhaps?)


Picture by Juliana Marques


Picture by Luciana Lemos


Picture by Mozart


Picture by Rodrigo


Thanks again for your pics. We do like getting them.

Rob and Beth send a joint report from Rio

Hello everybody

We thought we'd do a joint blog and tell you what everyone got up to on our very precious two days off in Rio.

Saturday:
Tom, Richard, good looking soundman Ant and Adam (with the big hair) played golf.
Tim, Tony, Mickey the Map (stage manager and navigation guru - except the time he tried to get us around Stockholm with a map of Vienna), drum tech Scott, Beth and Rob went to see the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer and watched the start of the Red Bull Air Race from the top of another mountain. Football and meat extravaganza in the evening (Richard's already told you about this). Some of the crew went out clubbing afterwards - there were some sore heads the next morning. We hear that video tech ASBO was a big hit with the ladeez (He's available for dating if anyone fancies a good time. Email us photos and your bio and we'll pass them on - don't all rush at once though, please).

Sunday:
Beth arranged a fantastic day's fishing on an extremely swanky yacht. Tom, Tim, Adam, Mickey, techno genius Geoff, Tony and Rob went and, surprisingly, everyone caught something, although our extravagantly be-Speedoed guide (lots of "baiting the tackle" jokes) told us that none of them were edible. Boo! Richard would have gone to the Christ statue but the hills were shrouded in cloud so he went to the beach in Ipanema instead to absorb some local atmosphere. More football in the evening with another appearance from local guest star Piedro. No injuries today although the ball did get stuck in a tree; Mickey managed to get it with a ropey stepladder and the very long pool cleaning brush. The hotel's security were not amused and tried to knock him off the ladder, luckily crack security detail Tony and Andy came to the rescue - no-one messes with those two hard nuts!

That's about it as we've got to be up very early for a mammoth and extremely complicated travel day - Tour Manager Colin is in logistical hell but I'm sure he'll get us all there safely. Our bags will probably end up in Mozambique but we'll be in Monterray by the end of the day.

More to come from Mexico, all love Beth and Rob


That football game in full, arty splendour. L to R, Andy (also known as 'Razors'), Richard, Handsome Ant, Tom, Tim (about to thwack the ball into goal). On the bench, Adam and Mickey.


Local Keane FC substitute Piedro


Tim on the fishing boat. Geography fans will note Sugarloaf in the distance. Actual occupancy was 9 so safety regulations all observed. Phew!


Tom reels 'em in. Apologies for the dirty lens.


Christ the Redeemer and Tim. It's pretty big.

PS: To reduce the confusion from Rob's last post. The names on my preview monitors are those of the cameramen. I'd not be in a job for long if I called Richard Tim, Tim Eddy and Tom ASBO. R

PPS: Everyone has taken Beth's fashion advice and we're all busting some seriously stylish flip flops.


kiss*****

Richard writes the latest blog, from Brazil

Hello again. We played football again this evening, once the sun had set and it was starting to cool down a bit (though it's still hot!). We only had 9 people due to the extraordinary amount of things to do in this city, but about 5 minutes into the game a local lad turned up and we asked him if he wanted to make up the tenth player. Sure enough, Piedro joined in, and was soon running rings round the opposition, just as you would expect a young Brazilian footballer to do. His most ridiculous trick involved balancing the ball on the laces of his boot, then lifting it up and over Dermot, our production manager and semi-pro goalkeeper, while everyone looked on in amazement. To be fair, some people did get the ball off him a few times, but he was clearly a talented lad. Then his two (older and better) pals turned up, and soon enough we had a full game going. It was probably the kind of thing you imagine might happen when you go to Brazil - have a kick about with some locals, they turn out to be really good - but you never expect it to actually take place. It was a right laugh, and only the call of food and drinks put an end to it (not to mention our total lack of fitness). Luckily, Scott managed to play the entire game without injuring anyone too. And yes, Tim really did play, though not in goal this time.

I've just got back from a night out at the Porcau bbq - a restaurant/festival of meat cooked on skewers. You may guess that this was not my choice of restaurant, but veggie food is hard to come by in a continent dominated by meat. Luckily I don't mind being surrounded by carnivores - there were all kinds of dishes to be had, from sushi to chicken hearts (I hear both were excellent, as was the lamb, apparently). Basically, you arrive in a restaurant, get some salad from the buffet, then turn over what looks like a red drinks mat to face green side up, and that is the cue for waiters to swarm the table, each armed with a Crocodile Dundee-style knife, and a skewer of some kind of flesh, until you turn the card back to red side up. It's amazing to watch them cut slice after slice so precisely, and delicately lift the bits of meat onto people's plates. I'm not sure our security enjoyed the presence of all those very sharp knives, but they were probably too busy eating. I had risotto, in case anyone was wondering, though I began the meal with the hottest pepper (tiny, yellow) that I've ever had. I probably should have checked first, but I ate the whole damn thing, and then pretty much caught fire. Only Rob's mineral water saved me.

Tomorrow is sightseeing for me, and fishing for the others... it's almost as if being vegetarian doesn't fit with the touring lifestyle of Keane! I'll send some photos through when I get them developed - unlike Rob's hi-tech Nikon d40, I'm still going with films, though I'm rapidly running out. It's been an amazing tour so far - so colourful and happy and loud. Bring on Mexico!

Richard

*El Blog 10*
Rob, Keane's lighting/technology king, shares more ace pictures

Hello. Me again and, as always, I'm running late for a flight.

Here are three shots from the other night's (excellent) second show in Saö Paulo

Tom at the end of the ego ramp during 'Leaving So Soon?'

The boys on the B stage before 'Hamburg Song'. Eagle-eyed viewers will spot two Brazilian flags. One, that Tom had just been given (on the front of his Hammond) and one from the night before, at the top right draped over Geoff's rack (from where he keeps an eye over all Tim's technology). We are, as they say in South London, all flagged up.

This is my preview monitor from which I can supervise all our onstage cameras for the screens - I think this was taken during 'Put It Behind You'. (Don't worry. The clock is still set to UK time - the show was at a far more civilised hour.)

Are you bored of these yet?

Rob

We create a hi5 profile. But we have to say we'll not publish any photo of us we'll publish only Keane photos because it was because of them that we create that profile.

Url link: http://keanefas.hi5.com

It's all for now!!

Have a Nice Week

Today we'll publish the last(and great) news! We think you will discover soon!

*El Blog 5*

Pics from the Buenos Aires soundcheck

Here's the latest blog from Keane's Latin American jaunt, this time featuring the superb pictures of Rob Sinclair, Keane's king of lighting and technology:

Hello. Here are some pictures from soundcheck the morning of the Buenos Aires gig. I had to bust out the fish-eye lens as the River Plate Stadium was too huge for anything else to cope with.

I've got to run or I'll be late for the flight to Chile - more when I can.

Rob

*Photos of fans in Buenos Aires*
Fans' pics from Buenos Aires and Santiago

Here are some of the best pictures that the folks in Latin America have been sending in from the current tour. If you're going to a show, please email your ONE favourite picture to ontour@keanemusic.com - thanks!

BUENOS AIRES - 13.4.07

SANTIAGO - 15.4.07

*El Blog 6*

Beth writes from Brazil (with pictures...)

Hi everyone,

I've not got very long (busy, busy, busy!) but here's a quick update. We have just arrived at our hotel in Sao Paulo, Brasil and I was delighted to see a pair of white Havaiana flip flops waiting for me by the bed. All you stylish people out there will know what they are!

I took this photo at the airport - you can see how the Sony PSP is a vital part of our touring fraternity!

Also, a rather nice photograph - a little late, I know - from when the boys were interviewed by MTV in Buenos Aires.

Will write again soon,

Beth

*Keane to play Aguaviva Festival,Tenerife Festival*
We're pleased to announce that Keane will be playing this summer's Aguaviva Festival at Estadio de los Cristianos, Tenerife - the largest of the Canary Islands. The festival runs from June 28th to July 1st, with the band playing on June 29th. For more info see the festival's website www.aguavivacanarias.com.

*Buy the Tickets for Live Earth*
Keane's special allocation is onsale now!

As you know, Keane are playing at the special Live Earth concert at London's Wembley Stadium on July 7th. Tickets have been allocated through a much over-subscribed ballot, but we have managed to wangle 100 standing tickets for Keane fans to buy from 9.30am this morning (ie right now!).

Click here if you'd like to be one of the lucky fans to purchase them. The exclusive password you'll need to enter is LIHEE - and you're limited to two tickets per person. Once the 100 tickets are sold, the password will stop working.

*Luxembourg Festival*
Keane to play Red Rock on July 5th

Another day, another summer festival date to announce! We're pleased to confirm that Keane will be playing at this year's Red Rock festival in Luxembourg (this festival is also known as Terres Rouge in French). The band will play on Thursday, July 5th - when Kaiser Chiefs and Faithless will also appear.

Click here for more info and to buy tickets.

*El Blog 7*
Rob, the band's lighting and technology dude, shares more pics

Hello again

It's all been a bit busy over the last couple of days. Vive Latino was the first festival ever in Chile, apparently, which made for a slightly fraught working environment. It was still fun though, sort of, and the show went pretty smoothly in the end.

Anyway here are a couple more pictures. I'm writing this just before show time here in Sao Paulo but I'll send more when I have a chance...

Tim and Richard getting mobbed as we arrived in Chile.

View from my office during Bedshaped. Nerds will note Iain's new digital sound desk.
Oh, I forgot about these three from the Much Music show soundcheck in Buenos Aires...Note (i) Richard's very clever electronicised (is that a word?) drum kit (ii) Ant, our audio crew chief looking moody in the bottom right.

Geek fact: The patterns on the screens are our custom test slides. ASBO our video tech was busily running around the back trying to make it all look less than dreadful. He succeeded, Hurrah!
Top view of security Andy. He turned round just after I took this proving that he really does have eyes in the back of his head.

Rob

*Photos of fans in Brazil*
Pics from the last two nights' shows

Thanks to everyone who has sent in their pictures (and glowing reports) of the recent shows to ontour@keanemusic.com. If you're going to any of the upcoming shows, please email your ONE best picture to that address (we'll allow TWO if one is of the merchandise stand or a scene outside the venue!).

Anyway, here are some of the best pictures from the two Saö Paulo shows.

Picture by Andreza Silviano Francisco (whose flag Tom is holding) Picture by Ithan Picture by Rebeca

Picture by Sunset Scent
Picture by Cris Uchoas

Thanks again to everyone who's been in touch.

*El Blog 8*
Another update from Beth, the band's PA

Hello again!

Just a quick one as I don't want to get into trouble with keanemusic.com for slacking on my blog duties.

So, we had our second Saö Paulo show last night which was great fun. The boys are really enjoying themselves in Latin America!

We are off to Rio today and are looking forward to two whole days off. Lots of activities to be had (and, of course, more shopping for flip flops). The boys have strict instructions (mainly from me) to take plenty of pairs back for their partners!

Only one new photo today - Richard relaxing at our first Saö Paulo sound-check.

Be back on line in Rio.

Beth

PS. I think you should all demand some news from our charming tour manager, Colin, who always has a tale to tell...

*El Blog 9*

Tim writes from Rio and shares some pics

We flew into Rio this afternoon, marvelling at Sugarloaf and the iconic statue of Christ that looks over the city. Since we got to our hotel, I've decided to do a course on American modern art during the summer and have managed to bruise my thumb so that it's swollen up to the size of a small cat. Tomorrow's gig could be a painful one.

I sustained this terrible injury during a 5-a-side football match at the hotel, during which band and crew alike were exposed as being shamefully unfit and lacking in any sort of ball skills whatsoever. The only exceptions to this were the two goalies - computer whizz Geoff at our end, who threatened to bite the ankles of anyone who strayed near our goal; and keyboard tech Adam at the other end, who dived around on the concrete with no regard for the skin on his knees. (Adam's mad scientist hairdo has earned him the nickname Sideshow Bob for this tour.) As we headed back to our rooms, the Japanese businessman who stepped into the hotel elevator only to be followed in by ten semi-naked and profusely sweating footballers looked as though he considered himself the most unlucky man on Earth.

All the shows have been amazing so far. The fans in South America are outrageously generous, loud and welcoming. The second night in Saö Paulo was especially raucous and celebratory. We'll be sorry when this tour is over, but we're already talking about when we can come back.

Well, I'm off to get some dinner, which I imagine will be followed by yet another evening of caipirinhas and mojitos. It's a tough job.

Tim

Getting a dressing down from Tony for being the losing team. Do we look suitably subdued?

Sideshow Bob on his skinless knees (along with Ant & Scott in the foreground!)

A very rare photographic appearance from our PA, Beth.

*New Gigs in PORTUGAL(yeeeeah!) and Ireland*

Two more summer shows announced

We're pleased to be able to confirm two more gigs for Keane this summer.

On July 19th, Keane will headline their own arena gig at The Point in Dublin. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 27th April, but keanemusic.com is having an exclusive presale through The Shop on Wednesday 25th April from 10am Irish time.

Then, on August 3rd, Keane will headline their own stadium gig at the Parque de Cidade in Oporto, Portugal. Tickets are available from http://www.ticketline.pt/.

Parque de Cidade,in Oporto!

We only can say! WE'RE VERY EXCITING! And we'll try to go but We aren't sure but we promise we'll try to go!

(all the text by keanemusic.com only the part with bold was wrote by us-sorry the school don't give us many time to wrote our texts)