1000 DESERT MILES (Do we look like we'd blow up the Hoover Dam?)

United Ghosts are back from a little weekend stint of around 1000 miles through three states and a couple of buzzing shows. Got to Tempe AZ Friday night after a smooth desert ride with some awesome scenery. Upon arrival we were greeted by an amazing crowd and a round of beer. Not a bad start. The show was hot'n sweaty, kind of hard work but so much fun. Charming Horses set the scene and we had a great set, a fact we enjoyed even more since it was somewhat of a homecoming for Jason O., who once upon a time lived and played music here. Met some hip'n happening locals and made a few new die-hard fans. Thanks to all involved to and to Tempe Tavern for hosting.

After a great night enjoying the hospitality of Charming Horses' Ivan and his lovely wife, we were off down the Freeway, headed for Sin City, and a bit of trouble. On the way we checked out the Hoover Dam, which I'd never seen. It was here that we ran into a little hick-up in form of a (thankfully quick) search by a friendly-bored security checkpoint matey, who he soon realized our peaceful intentions and let us be on our way. ("Yes, we are a band". "No, no explosives in the bass drum"...yes) After that it was a gas to run around on this amazing, monumental piece of engineering. Somehow the 1930s construction and architecture seem straight out of the final reel of a James Bond movie. You know, when it all sparks and fizzes and there's a clock ticking... Maybe the guy in this photo would save the day?

After this little detour it was off to Vegas, one of our favorite tour stops for some time now. And this was no exception. Sin City in full effect. Blinky lights, everything running on Vegas time (a.i. very, very late) and the strange sense of freedom that comes with knowing that, however much you misbehave and get off your rocker, you'll probably meet someone who did a lot worse... and that's in the next 10 minutes.

Beauty Bar was bustling as we played to our biggest crowd here yet, preceded by a great blast of neo-mod energy from Acton Town (a band you'll definitely hear more about). Either we were getting better or the sound was just amazing, or both. Whichever it was, we had a great show and reception. The night was capped off in style by Close To Modern's Brit-rock inspired set. Thanks yet again to all Vegas kids and promoter James W, a true champion of the UG cause.

Actually, when I say the night was "capped off", I mean it was going into the next phase. This is where it all gets a little murky. We had a minor casualty in the entourage at the Golden Nugget, resulting in the manager calling a very efficient, if not very happy, late-night-clean-up crew. Then there were Shenanigans in Sha's room (Sha-nanigans?), a failed attempt to check out the shark tank and maybe go for a swim (don't ask) before we finally retired. When my plan to sleep in a little later the next morning was being foiled by kids running about in the room above…well, let's just say I made a firm noise complaint involving an upside-down floor-lamp and the Motel ceiling. The kids shut up but the lamp didn't quite make it.

Next up a FREE MONDAY at Satellite with residency act DUNIVEN. MON, April 16th.

Stay tuned for details!

Flying Dutchman