Those who know me will not be surprised that on top of the new songs that I've uploaded this week, When I'm Alone is also included. One of my all time favourites from their first album XXI Century Blood, and an appropriate upload on Dany Day. There's also a funny story about why I recorded it this time. Being on the barrier I could see the setlist and I'd noticed that Dust To Dust had been crossed out and what I'd mis-read as M.I.A. was added, thinking it was a new song I was all set to record it. Of course it was W.I.A. and when I realised a small part of me was sad it wasn't a new song, but then pleased that it was my favourite of their older songs. It also made sense of something that happened earlier that day, coming out of my hotel room I saw a woman come out of the room a couple down to me and walk towards the lifts, having her back to me I didn't recognise her, but when she got to the end of the corridor and couldn't spot the door to where the lifts were she turned around, saw me and said "Hi Matt, do you know where the elevators are?" It was Pau, all bundled up in a coat and wearing a face mask. I didn't think much of it at the time as they all feel the cold being used to warmer temperatures and wearing a facemask to try and avoid catching anything when you're on tour is sensible, but as it turned it Pau wasn't feeling her best. They'd swapped Dust To Dust for When I'm Alone as it's easier for her. So I got to hear one of my favourite songs only because one of my favourite people wasn't well. Also for the few minutes I spoke to Pau I would like to say that I was witty and interesting, but in truth I stumbled across my words and probably sounded like an idiot. No matter how many times I've met Pau and spoken to her, she has a way of making me feel small and insignificant, not deliberately I'm sure, it's just her incredible presence, probably the greatest person I've ever met.
When Ale came out of their dressing room to present me with one of her Signature Series Bass Guitars, I was so Star Struck that I was afraid to even look at her, let alone speak directly to her. I mumbled a bunch of nonsense, I think... lol
Lol, this is my biggest fear when I finally do a M&G. I’m in sales, so my whole day is spent talking to customers. I’m afraid that when I get in front of them, I’ll stutter, and then blurt out something completely random like, “…I like pizza!!…”. Lol, that would be such a “me” thing to do.
I still love this song so much. Great edit, and I love your stories, Matt! I saw you from a distance in the bar at the Troubadour and meant to say hi but got called off in a different direction. What a great fan community this is.
Great story, I understand you had the privilege of playing drums with them in the Cave? What an experience that must have been. I dare say her making you feel small was all in your head - that said, she's definitely the most "alpha" personality of the three, so unless you interact with those personality types often, they can come across as a bit intimidating - but it's definitely not intentional (certainly not in her case!)
Awww. That's a great story Matthew. Thanks for sharing. (Though, sorry to hear that Pau wasn't feeling well. They push themselves so hard, I worry about their overall health sometimes).
19 shows in 24 days thru several countries is a tough schedule. When I saw it a few months back I was like, how in the hell are they going to pull that off. But they did. Never doubt their tenacity and determination. I'm surprised they all didn't come down with something, though. Their resistance had to be affected just from being exhausted and throwing all their energy into the performances.
