I am an ardent fan of Radiohead, the British alternative rock band probably best known for their hit single Creep and seminal album OK Computer. They have a huge following, so getting tickets for their shows is really difficult.
When they announced last year that they'd be touring the US and Europe to promote their latest album, A Moon Shaped Pool, I managed to land tickets for six of their shows in Europe.
My journey would start in Italy, where they were performing in Florence and Milan, followed by several music festivals: the Best Kept Secret (in Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands), Opener (Gdynia, Poland), Rock Werchter (Belgium), and Main Square (Arras, France).
Booking more than one show justified my going all the way to Europe from South Africa.Anyway, each performance has its own dynamism so they'd never be entirely the same. Plus, of course, it gave me the opportunity to see several countries or cities I otherwise would not, and would expose me to other acts at the festivals.
It was, however, an ambitious and challenging itinerary as it involved covering long distances by train, plane, and bus - all the time dragging luggage.
Two days later in some cases, I'd be back on the road to get to the next country.In many instances shop owners, bus drivers and people on the street would use their phones to contact the hotel I was booked in to find out its location and give me directions.
I'M WITH THE BAND
The amazing experience of seeing my favourite band live, however, more than made up for the stress of solo travel.
Radiohead gave a brilliant performance of over two hours at every show, coming back for two encores each time. They are electric on stage, accompanying their music with fabulous pyrotechnics.
I found it interesting how the audience reacted at the shows. Everyone was always relaxed and sitting around while the other acts performed but as soon as they started preparing the stage for Radiohead, the atmosphere changed.
The excitement hit fever pitch every time the band came on stage.
When it all ended, everyone was still on a high, some staring at the now-darkened stage, willing the band to come back. Others walked away to get drinks or go home, while still others sat around in groups talking animatedly about the events.The Best Kept Secret festival in the Netherlands is in an area with lakes, giving the place a peaceful, laid-back but festive feel.
All the venues were well organised with clean, plentiful ablutions and a variety of beer and food stalls, though many fans brought their own food.
Bottled drinks, even water, are not allowed as they might be thrown and injure someone, so it is a challenge to stay hydrated for the many hours spent waiting for the main act.
If you're at the front, however, you can ask the bodyguards for water, which the fans will then pass on to each other - thank goodness...