There were some memorable “firsts” along the way- first gig in Nashville, first time to stand on the stage of the iconic Troubadour in LA in front of a sell out crowd, first trip down Tornado Alley, some sad events like when William (Tyler) had to bail out on the first leg of the tour due to a tragic family bereavement – there will be more chances for these two to get together again for sure, - some frustrating times like trying to beat the whole Chinese nation onto the China town bus down to Philly (and failing), some bemusing times like “why is Thurston roadie-ing for me but thank you all the same, it’s much appreciated”.

In addition to some great venues (the chicken coop in Louisville being just one) and some fantastic receptions and reactions, this from Matt at Light in the Attic who’d never seen Michael perform before: “Wow!  Last night was incredible.  I'm having a hard time putting it into words.  I'm currently sober and feeling a very strong high from the memories of Michael's set last night.  What a show!  

I just dropped him off with Callahan's band so they're on their way to Santa Barbara. I read him the message from Lucinda as well.” (this was Lucinda Williams who unfortunately couldn’t make the night)

There was the first meeting since 1971 between MC and Paul Buckmaster, who did those fabulous string arrangements on FQS and Wrecked Again. Paul has lived in LA for some time now and is still very active in the music business over there. Their meeting was recorded and will be available soon for download (keep an eye out for this) and also there may well be another musical collaboration in the offing if their thoughts about doing an album together come to fruition. Again, watch this space. The trek out to the west coast, unlike back in 1971 when MC aborted and flew back to the UK vowing that he was out of the music business for good but was coaxed back in the very next day when he was offered a tour with the Everley’s starting - the very next day, was his first time back there since 1981 (these increments of decades seem important) when he did a mini tour with the late John Fahey which culminated in “Fahey’s Flag” and all that that entailed.

So to tour the whole length of the west coast and with such a stunning performer as Bill Callahan and his tow brilliant musicians , felt like real progress in the grand scheme to win the hearts and minds of the U.S.