Our friends of FENSTER finally share some impressions from their past USA tour. This time with more faces and places, from Kansas to NYC and finally back to Berlin. Enjoy this final installment of the band’s trip and have a look on the last episodes of their special tour diary brought to you exclusively by NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION.
After three wholesome days of country living and good vibes in Hot Springs we drove across the rolling hills of Arkansas into the cornfields of Kansas. We had never been there before and all we could picture was this
But Kansas turned out to be crazy and unexpected! A friend of a friend had organized a show in a town we all had never heard of called Pittsburg, Kansas. We headed straight to the show that was taking place in a dive bar in the center of town. When we arrived a local country band was playing, people were half listening and talking, a drunk couple was dancing and everyone seemed pretty drunk.
Its pretty handy having a sound engineer in the band
It turned out to be one of the most raucus and unexpectedly cool shows of the tour. People were super excited and made us sign everything they had. A drunk dancing couple crashed into the stage during a song, knocking over a synth stand and a bunch of drinks and so we had to stop, clean up spilled beer and start again. Everyone was so wasted and on fire on a wednesday night. Right on Pittsburg!
Happy faces post show – our promoter and host Alex and our new friend JC.
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Kansas Breakfast top chef Alex!
Group picture with Alex’s dad Lem (right) who is a folk singer and has been touring foreeevvveeeer. Respect. Thanks for the hospitality guys!
Bye Bye Kansas
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The French half of Fenster experience GUNZZZ GOD AND GLORY before heading out of town.
Next stop Replay Lounge in Lawrence, Kansas. We Played with a cool band called Spirit is the Spirit and they gave us a bunch of animal masks!
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We got taken in by some friendly locals and had a hoola hoop/ jam session after the show back at his house.
Hitting the road again for Des Moines Iowa which apparently used to be a French colony and means “city of the monks”. Stopping at the gas station for some deep thoughts about dads and god.
Taking care of business at the last payphone in America
Experiencing life as cartoons at Vaudeville Mews
Slow Steve slowly taking it slow
Daytrotter session in Rock Island, IL…so much amazing gear, so little time.
We were in very good hands with Pat who is a total dude
We ended up playing a spontaneous gig that night across the road from the daytrotter session. more deep thoughts and great vibes. they gave us a place to crash and fed us!
i never knew there was something so essential missing in my life… until i found you, peanut butter and jelly cupcake.
interruption in the space/time continuum?
Detroit realness at the old miami
Played a show at Schubas in Chicago – probably one of the best shows of the tour. Great audience, lots of homies in the crowd. And it was snowing! And our lovely host John made us snacks! What more more can you ask for?
Experiments in van napping
The mysterious Double Happiness in Columbus Ohio
playing the hits
Too early for life
Last sound check before NYC in Pittsburgh at the Thunderbird Cafe
Pimped out merch
NYC bound
Savoring the last show of the tour at Cameo gallery in Brooklyn.
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All packed and ready to go. Its been real America. We’ve enjoyed your extreme weather and your fanatical shenanigans. Your billboards denying evolution, your obsession with alien landings and firearms, your giant soda cups, and your abundance of snack foods are truly special. Thanks to everyone for coming out to the shows, buying the records, feeding us pizza, letting us sleep in your homes and hanging. We played with some great bands at some really sweet places. Much love and see you again you soon!