Same Same But Different-a travel spot.: Get in the car, we're going on a rock n’ roll road trip.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Get in the car, we're going on a rock n’ roll road trip.

I’ve always dreamt of being in a rock band, touring the world. Being on stage while hundreds of your most enduring fans follow you from town to town, signing along with all the hits. Wild parties! Groupies! Cruising to your next gig while hearing your latest single on the radio! Rock n’ Roll!!! Is that how it goes?

Well, maybe if you are Van Halen, Kiss, or possibly even Foghat. I think the experiences above are few and far between. Maybe they’re only something you see in movies or on VH1 Classics. The fact is, most of the bands I follow rock harder than the bands living the “dream”; they just haven’t sold their souls. And that is how I would want it. Unfortunately, as I inch closer to my late 30’s, I realize that it’s just not going to happen for me. Now that I think more about it, I would probably hate life on the road. I can’t imagine being cramped in a van with a bunch of smelly dudes who haven’t showered for weeks. Playing on a Tuesday night in Dubuque in front of 10 people? Yeah, on second thought I’ll just pay to see the next band I like in a small dirty rock club. Better to live vicariously through those that are brave enough to accept the challenge. It’s just not me.

A challenge I can accept is a good old road trip following one of my all-time favorite bands as they tour the West Coast. Let’s just be clear, I am not talking about hopping in the old VW bus with 10 of my new best friends that I met while camping, bartering my vegan burritos and discussing the godhood of Jerry Garcia. No, I am talking about loading the MP3 player up and staying in moderately priced hotels. Maybe a few will even have pools.

So that is our next adventure as we follow the Murder City Devils on their latest reunion tour. I can’t wait and expect it to be a great deal of fun. Will I be able to stay up past 11pm on consecutive nights? I sure hope so.

I’ve told you the beginning of our story. Now you should share your rock n’ roll road trip tales. How was life on the road as you went from city to city for the sake of rock n’ roll? Do you have any advice? Leave your comments with all the juicy details. Hell, I’ll even forgive you if it was the Foghat ’93 reunion tour. JJ

“One week of the road. One week and I'm already wrecked.” -Ready for More, the Murder City Devils

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About SSBDTravel:

At Same Same But Different-a travel spot, we are all passionate travelers. We go to the same locations all sorts of people all over the world want to visit. We fly the same airlines, see the same sights, enjoy the same activities. Some of us love nature, camping and hiking. Others are urban explorers, we hike from museum to architectural sights to bars. We’re creative types, looking for the galleries and shops of local artists wherever we travel. Some of us are parents, some dedicated childless, gay and straight, couples and singles.

None of us share the same idea of what constitutes the perfect trip. We’ll tell you how to save money if we can and what’s worth the extra expense.

That is the spirit of Same Same But Different-a travel spot. You may read about places it never occurred to you to go, or something you never thought to try. It might even be something that makes your dream trip more affordable, and thus, more obtainable. You might even do the same things we would do, just a little bit differently.

Traveler Bio: Frances P.

Frances loves to eat & rarely says no to tasting new foods, even if made with something she hates. This is sometimes unfortunate. She’s a city traveler who prefers adult activities. Many of her trips within the USA have been to cities where her favorite bands are playing.

Traveler Bio: James J.

James does not enjoy writing; however, thoroughly enjoys traveling and taking pictures. With every trip, he becomes more open to new experiences. So far this James has been met with good traveling experiences. Never been sick in Mexico, never been pick pocketed in Europe, and never been in a bar fight in Canada. Knock on wood, eh!

Three places James would like to visit soon include Japan, Argentina, and Vietnam.

Traveler Bio: Tres G.

Tres has sailed five of the Seven Seas and toured six of the Seven Continents. He has cruised Down Under and flown Up Over. He has been around the world, and is as round as the world. He will go anywhere and do anything, as long as there is first-class transport and five-star accommodations. He doesn't own a backpack and has never stayed in a hostel. He has a filthy mouth and a refined palette, both of which crave bacon above all else. His guilty pleasures include lapel pins and the worst of American pop music. He is the Everyman, yet one of a kind; he speaks for his generation and writes for no one but himself. Tres is our correspondent to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Look for his nightly updates après-ski and post-skate.

Traveler Bio: R.D.

R.D. will rarely say no to a trip opportunity and tends to like it spur of the moment. Food is often her main priority when picking a destination and has found that many of her favorite meals come from street vendors. She has traveled to Philly for a real Cheese Steak, Tokyo for an authentic Izakaya, and Mexico for the most delicious 80 peso Tacos al Pastor that you will ever find.

Besides the food, R.D. loves to visit local museums and monuments, beaches are a plus, and exploring off the beaten path is a must. Her goal is to travel as many places as possible with Ireland and Brazil next on her wish list. Favorite Quote: “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” James Michener

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