DUM DUMS - TOUR DIARY

September 26th - 27th (ish!)

Well...You can tell that this tour is well underway as we have already managed to slacken off on our 'web-duties'. After finishing our last email to you all, we packed away our portable cyber station and boarded the last bus to Guildford (20p each!) We were all still a bit under the weather but the journey was short and sweet and we were there in no time.

The show on Sunday night was at the university. Josh and Stu were extremely impressed by the facilities ( pool tables, arcade machines and...carpets...) They are both a bit upset because their uni promoted itself as the best in the country and it has now been uncovered that it wasn't. This particular show saw the debut of our secretly talented security guard. Leslie Terminator amazed the crowd with his vocal prowess and stage presence. His stern demeanour and hypnotic stare made Jim from the Younger Younger 28's look like an ewok on speed. We had a great time chatting with loads of people after the show and thanks to all you Surrey people that have got in touch since. Josh was also sporting a new item of clothing ( first change he made all tour! ) an offensive Hanson T-shirt! Which he picked up for 99p in Salisborough the day before.

We are sure that there are a handful of people who are checking out our site on a day to day basis, just to see what M+M is up to. Well...ever since Leslie has taken to the stage, he has been feeling a bit let down. He is no longer able to hog the lime light due to Leslie's charismatic performances. However, we sat him down and talked things over and he has assured us that he'll be pumped up and ready to bounce back for the next show.

Keep your eyes peeled at all of the forthcoming shows for further personnel additions and stage decor.

We are now in Cheltenham, where we will be performing this evening ( Tuesday ) Last night we had a slightly more local journey to make when we played at Brunel University in London. At Least we are told that it's still London, but don't ever try to make a quick trip to town on the underground because it will take you the best part of forever! We had plenty of time for a decent sound check which is always good for confidence levels. The show went great and believe you me, we would tell you if it sucked! We look forward to playing again to the nice people we met.

TOUR UPDATE

We are now a third of the way into this tour and we just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone who has helped make this a pleasant experience for us. You know who you are and when this tour is over, we really want to keep in contact with all the cool folk we have met. We are a bit tired at the moment but it has been well worth it. I'm sure we will finish the tour feeling fighting fit ( with a little help from you lot! ) So, please keep emailing us and if we're playing in your neighbourhood do pay us a visit.

We really appreciate you boys and girls
Lots of love Stu, Josh and Steve ( LESLIE and.................m+m )

P.S. - Avoid coming near our tour bus for the time being as m+m has been reported to have been screaming insults at innocent people from the windows. We will let him out as soon as he cleans up his act and starts behaving like a civilised human being. We do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

p.p.s - If you have any questions about any general stuff, for example: Gigs, directions to gigs, release dates etc... The quickest way to get a response is to contact James our web site guru. He is very efficient and will reply back straight away ( Won't you James?!! ) This doesn't mean we don't want you to stop sending stuff to us!! Cheers.

Monday 27th September

After 6 shows and over 1000 miles we are starting to feel a bit worse for wear. We have now managed to consume 2 pots of honey and 2 boxes of throat lozenge's in just 2 days. And now it looks like there is a cold being passed around the bus. Lets face it, we have become a bunch of wusses! We are currently seeking sponsorship from Sanatogen and Vicks vapour rub - please let us know if you have any contacts within the pharmaceutical industry. M+M hasn't gone down with anything, as of yet. Although he has been looking a little bit off colour, and we haven't heard a squeak out of him for ages. We look forward to receiving your sympathetic e-mails (ahh).

Yesterday we were lucky enough to be let into TK Max, amongst many other fine stores in Salisbury City Centre. We spent the majority of the day wandering around and soaking up the sights, and generally chilling before the show in the evening.

This proved to be another good one, continuing our run of back to back shows. We were lucky enough to enjoy a 2 minute sound check, and we had to cut a song due to strict time restraints. Josh was so disorientated by all the travelling that he thought we were still in Middlesborough, and addressed the crowd accordingly! He then realised his mistake and made up a new town completely - Salisborough???? But he did get right on the third attempt. After this insult the crowd actually warmed to us and yet again we spent 2 hours following the show talking to people.

We have now employed our new chief of security, who shall be on stage every night to ensure full on peace at all our shows. His name is Lesley Terminator (Lesley can be a mans name as well as a ladies). Lesley was brought on board following an undercover rescue operation, planned earlier that day at Mr T's cafe in Salisbury - I love it when a plan comes together.

We have been overcome with a massive amount of e-mails, apologies for the delay in our responses, it's taking a little longer than we thought. But we have them all on file, and we will be in touch in the not too distant future.

We are now leaving for Guildford, see you there.

Lots of love,

Josh, Steve, Stuart, M+M & Lesley xxxxx

Tuesday September 28th

Sorry for the delay in getting the latest edition of our tour diary over to you all, things have been rather busy in the world of the Dum Dums, as you will see.

Things got off to a bit of a slow start today, as on our arrival we discovered one of My Life Story's string section managed to get left behind at the service station, 40 miles back towards London on the M4. This along with having to take our equipment up 6 flights of stairs, ensured things didn't go quite to schedule.

Whilst all this was going on we took the opportunity to look around Cheltenham, and stumbled upon yet another TK-Max, we really are going to have to request some sort of reward for all this promotion.

Josh managed to pick up some new stickers for his guitars from the really cool skate shops, which he highly recommends next time you visit Cheltenham.

We were over the moon to hear we have been b-listed on student radio stations across the country (I guess this means we will be played quite a bit & coming to a radio near you in the very near future). Continuing the promotional theme, we were described in the Times as "Post Britpop hot prospects", this is all helping to increase the number of people on our mailing list, people just like you.

Yet another storming gig, Josh of course managed to put his foot in his mouth yet again, with some interesting chat in between the songs. But as always it raised a few laughs, and helped to win over the audience. For those of you interested the set list we have been playing goes a little something like this... Caught me in a trap / Hole in your heart / You do something to me / Army of two / Until My ship comes in / Can't get you out of my thoughts / Killing me with Kindness / Everything.

Following the show it was a drive back to London with 2 days off to look forward to.

That's it for now, hopefully we will see some of you at some of the forthcoming gigs.

Lots of love,

Josh, Steve, Stu... Lesley & M+M.

Friday October 1st

Before we start to tell you about the show today in Sheffield, we thought that we had better let you know we have just moved into our new flat in London. So both of our days off involved moving stuff around and building wardrobes and things. Stuart is now the very proud owner of the world's tallest wardrobe. After two relaxing days of doing nothing (yeah right) we made our way up to Sheffield on the day of the show.

On arriving, we realised the van was behaving a bit strangely, and our suspicions were confirmed later on , when it decided to never restart again. But we put that behind us and adopted a professional attitude as we prepared for the show with our regular warm up exercises and quiet time, culminating in the team huddle.

Tonights show was really well attended, and people were there in large numbers from the beginning of the set, which was encouraging to see. It was the perfect time to start selling (unofficially) our first recorded material available to the public, and they sold really well. By the way, you can definately get our c.d on the webite now, so get in there!

The show rocked like a bag of bricks, Stu puked out beats like a bowl of sick, Steve pumped the bass with his hardcore licks, Josh kicked the jams from his box of tricks. After this memorable performance, we did several interviews with local press and radio promoters, which was one of our first forages into the wider world of the media.

After the show, due to our lack of transport, M+M and Leslie T. were offered a place in the My Life Story bus. This caused a lot of tension in the camp, because they were so eager to go, but due to our circumstances, there was no other way.

The evening ended with us all leaving with our personal things squashed into a taxi, and finally with a great struggle to get everything up the stairs to our beds, exhausted and defeated like the rebels at the end of Empire Strikes Back. We retreated, but we were prepared to come back and fight another day...

Lots of love,
Stu, Steve, Josh, and from the lap of luxury, M+M and Lessie T.

Saturday October 2nd

We woke up refreshed in the Forte Posthouse hotel, somewhere just outside Sheffield. Stu was so ill he had a single, penthouse suite, while Steve and Josh shared a room of good health.
The morning was restful, with our picturesque views and peaceful location.
Josh spent the morning pampering himself and getting into shape in the swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna, and came out with the body of a Greek god...well, a Greek something...

Today we got a new bus too, to replace the one we broke. It was very nice and we are not planning on wrecking it at all, because we don't promote vandalism on nice buses. The new bus came equipped with TWO televisions, a 10 c.d changer, a microwave, and swivel chairs, and we are not planning on giving it back ever, unfortunately. If you were wondering, the lifestyle has corrupted us and we don't have a soul anymore.

On arrival at Leicester, we were saddened to find our own security guard, Leslie Terminator, had been injured in a violent attack by an unknown criminal element in the my life story ranks. He was rushed into emergency surgery, with Matt the lighting man performing a critical leg operation at the eleventh hour. Since then, all feuds between bands have simmered down. When war has a casualty, the brutal truth of mortality affects us all deeply.

The wonderful promoters of this gig had the foresight to not let any of the bands in to the venue until about an hour before the show, which meant we couldn't get a soundcheck, which was annoying. However we weren't going to let this setback stop us from rocking Leicester into submission.

The venue was packed before we even went on stage, which increased our confidence sevenfold, and we launched into our set like maniacs with a mission, bringing the audience with us to Rocksville, U.S.A. As the night went on, the enthusiasm didn't wane, and after the show, as we went to back of the hall , there was a huge queue formed of people waiting for us to sign our photos and buy our c.ds. The demand was so great, that within half an hour, we had sold our entire c.d stock, even the display copies on the wall. But don't worry if you haven't got a copy yet, we will be restocking, and the website allows you to win a copy!! Just be quick !! And promise you'll buy the c.d when it is officially released at the beginning of next year !!
    A highlight of the tour so far also happened in Leicester, when we were just innocently moshing at the back, and our single, 'Everything', was played full volume over the P.A without warning. It was like being on the radio !! And people were digging it !! Then later on, 'Until My Ship Comes In' was played.
We were having a ball !
   After all this, we were off to the hotel after a rap session with the other bands, and it was bedtime for us all. And thats that.
   Before we go, though, we have to say thanks again for all the emails, and the replied mailing list cards flooding into our manager's office. It really encourages us that so many people are getting into us, and we aim to respond to everybody eventually.

Lots of Love,
Steve, Stu, M+M, Les T, and Josh.

P.S M+M is mellowing out a little, now, after a brief spell in rehab getting it together, so please keep your support going at this difficult time.
P.P.S   Leslie is recovering without ill effects, and joined us on stage at the Leicester show, so keep your eyes open for him at later shows !!

October 3rd - The Zodiac-Oxford

After a fantastic night in Leicester we boarded our 'new improved/Hi-tech' vehicle and made our way down to Oxford. This was one of the shorter journeys of the tour and we were there in no time at all. We were met at the venue by several guys who then started to chase us around with cameras. This continued for the whole of the evening. Since the show we have watched the footage and come to the final conclusion that we are all a bunch of posers! Some people can't help but do strange things and play it up when a lens is glued to them! The show was a good one and much thanks goes out to all that travelled from afar and the brave few that came and literally sat on our monitors! We admire you for your courage!

The feud between certain band members is gradually thickening as we progress further into the tour. Leslie and M+M continue to fight for the limelight. Leslie (head of security/keyboardist extraordinaire) is undoubtedly a lot harder that M+M, who has always been a bit of a softy. Physically, there is no competition but the war of words rages on. 'BE INTOUCH' folk! We are still answering as much mail as possible, so if you haven't heard from us yet, you will soon. So until next time...Take care of yourselves...and each other! Lots of love Steve, Josh and Stuart xxx

October 4th - Day off ( never! ) ...Alton Towers...yeah baby!!

We arrived at Alton Towers (the place where all dreams are made true) at about 2:30 AM after the Oxford show. We were all tired and many of us decided to get a decent night sleep, ready for the fun and games that we were going to have in the morning. However, there were several other people in the party who had other ideas...

On arriving, Stu and Josh got in trouble for chasing each other round the reception area! Failing to heed the firm warnings of the Alton Towers hotel staff, they spent the best part of two hours escaping the evil clutches of the doorman! They claim that they were trying to get back to there rooms without getting caught, but the hotel is hardly the size of the theme park and the two hour trek does have to raise some suspicions!! Steve dreamt of the Tea-cups! The following morning we got up bright and early and went for a swim in the hotel pool, owned by pirate bill (very interesting!) We also spent a while in the sauna (darling!) We could get very used to this! At about eleven we headed down to the theme park. On arrival, we made our way straight towards the Nemesis. The water that ran down the rocks surrounding this death trap was clearly not the colour you are used to seeing come out of your taps. (unless you live in London!) It was a strange pink/red. We concluded that this was obviously the blood of the dead (!)
Comments like this only added to the fear in Stuart's eyes as he prepared to spit in the face of death. Josh and Steve remained seemingly calm and collective but were caught on camera breathing very deeply on several occasions.

Needless to say, we did survive the ordeal!
In true dum dums style, we didn't manage to go a day without getting reprimanded! We can recall atleast three occasions that we were told to sit down (rapids/pirate ship!) or stop jumping over the fences ( ripsaw/ cable cars...?!) Towards the end of the day we stumbled across a place called UGland. This intrigued us, so we decided to take a look. The next thing we knew, we were dancing on a platform with a strange race of people who claimed to be UGS. We are still convinced that they were the Flintstones! These barbaric beings were not at all used to the kind of moves we were displaying and after a while went and sat down, leaving us to entertain the onlookers. This is all on film and may appear one day...on something or other! The rest of the day was great and we felt shattered at the end of our day off!

To sum up the rest of our time at Alton Towers: STU BOTTLED THE OBLIVION!! Spent the evening back in the pool and took the opportunity to have a good healthy meal. Next day...Edinburgh!

October 5th - Edinburgh University

Woke up to the 'great' news that our original tour bus had arrived back and that our cushy replacement had been taken from us! This was especially good timing as we were about to embark on the two longest journeys of the whole tour. We also spent half an hour sitting in the van outside Alton Towers as Stuart had lost his wallet (which he later...much later...found! but, we don't want to talk about that one!) Edinburgh is Tops! We got there pretty early (amazingly) and had the chance to go round town for a couple of hours. WHAT...No TK MAX!!

By the time the other two bands had soundchecked, we had all of two minutes to check our monitors before having to go straight on! There weren't many people there when we started but it did start to fill out a bit towards the end. This particular show saw a rendition of 'Until my ship comes in' like never seen before! Our crew ( all fancy themselves as CRAP comedians! ) decided that it would be funny to shine a green light on Josh during this heart wrenching tune, making him look like the devil himself! They also engulfed the whole stage with the smoke machine. The laughter was uncontrollable and even the crowd seemed to get off on this. Ironically, Josh had made a joke about it being a bit of a comedy tune before we started it! We managed to pull ourselves together by the time we kicked in towards the end of the song and drove it home in the usual 'hardcore'(!) manor. One thing must be said: The Dum Dums ALWAYS have their revenge!

The response after the show was good and thanks to everyone up there that has already been in touch. We were interviewed later that evening by the student radio station. Got into some bizarre conversation about scooby-doo being a squirrel?!? Anyone who is interested in hearing some more of our stuff, keep listening to your student radios as we are coming at ya in the very near future...if not already. We drove to Manchester that evening to ease the journey down to London the following day. Love to all Josh, Stu and Steve xxx

October 6th - The Scala London

HEADLINES - DUM DUMS [Gideon Hogan] 'NEARLY' CAUGHT IN DRUGS RAID !!!
Twenty minutes before they were due to take to the stage at the Scala venue in Kings Cross, London, the Dum Dums were finally caught out by local Police as they got up to their usual antics in a back alley not far from the venue. The parked van (instantly recognisable) was spotted as the men in blue patrolled the area. The band sat there in terror as the enemy drew nearer to there lair. When the door was opened, the bands faithful tour manager small talked the officers (four of them!) to distract attention from what was going on in the back. Josh, Stu and Steve quickly hid their intoxicating fluids (honey and water) and stash of tablets (throat lozenges)
The van was inspected but nothing was uncovered. The band were questioned about what they were doing in the area to which they politely answered each and every question. The police left very disappointed, still lacking the vital evidence needed to lock these three drug barons up once and for all. When interviewed by a local journalist, the band just grinned...

The gig at the Scala, after these events of misunderstanding, was an absolute corker for us, and judging by the reaction of the crowd, a real humdinger for them too. All the gimmicks came out, the small talk went down really well, and we played just as if we knew what we were doing !!
The crowd were fantastic and joyful, and if you were one of that crowd, come see us again !! We appreciate your enthusiasm !
There were a number of influential people in the crowd tonight, from the biggest publications in the country to the coolest fanzines in London, so keep reading your melody makers and whatever else, for details and perhaps interviews in the next month or two (as the single is officially released to radio on December 1st).
Among the influential folks was Josh's mother, Liz Doyle, over from the U.S.A. to see the show. She loved it, but Josh was careful to tread lightly, and not say anything too offensive...The introduction to 'killing me with kindness' was a particularly comical moment, with Josh explaining the song as ' when your mum and dad are pushing you to get a lousy job, but you feel you can do better....and, mum, this is in no way hostile towards you or anything....'
Tonight we were selling c.d's again, and we got rid of sixty tonight, which is a record so far, and apparently unheard of at gigs, especially from third support acts !! The only unfortunate thing about our popularity tonight, is that we signed so many pictures and c.d's that by the time we'd finished, we'd missed both of the other band's sets !!! But we'll see them again, I would guess...Pity though. Fame is coming between us and our friends !!

So, after a great night it was off back home for a little peace and tranquillity, exhausted, as usual, yet victorious.

Lots of love, Josh, Steve and Stu. And the others, of course.