We received some questions from "Great Awakening", a young thrash band from Florida, who are in the process of signing a deal to play a summer festival series in Germany. The band had some questions on what to expect over there, so we asked Duane Timlin to share some of his experiences with the young band. Thanks, Duane…
SDM: Should we arrive in Germany already having euros?
Duane: Yes, if you have the means do so, your bank will always give you the best, most fair, rate on exchange of either currencies. I usually am the last minute guy that will wait and exchange at the airport; this can often be confusing, as well as disappointing. You should also be prepared upon arriving for transportation, communication, and so on.
SDM: We heard it was important to have passports with you at all times. How true is this?
Duane: Very true. Usually your tour manager will hold them, since he does most if not all of the communicating for the group or groups. If you don't have a tour manager, it's common sense that it takes over as your local I.D., which means nothing over there. An example: on a Dying Fetus tour, a member from Cattle Decapitation went for a jog in Austria, and got lost. Well, since he was jogging, he left everything he needed on the bus. We were forced to leave after waiting until the last minute, but it worked out: he found his way the next day. Germany is a very safe place, but like here in the States, anything can happen at any time. Just pay attention.
SDM: We will be in a group house, to save money. Groceries will be a money-saving must. Is it easy and convenient to shop at a grocery store? Do they have them there, like they do here?
Duane: Sure, there are grocery stores there, just not in abundance. You will most likely be shopping at corner store-type shops. Keep in mind, they run them differently than over here. Some towns will have odd schedules: open for a while, then they close for a few hours, and reopen, and so on. It's nerve wracking sometimes, and beware of Sundays; almost nothing will be open, so stock up.
SDM: What is the food like? Is it easy for picky eaters to find food?
Duane: Depending on how long you stay, you probably won't adjust your first time. It's different at first. Personally, I have no problems, but I have seen picky people have it rough! You will be able to find something.
SDM: Is it better to get paid in Euros?
Duane: With the euro on top, euros! It'll convert into more dollars, unless the dollar was up, then vice-versa.
SDM: For laptops, do we need any kind of adapter? If so, what? Can we get them here in the US?
Duane: Sure, you will need to get an amp converter to plug into the walls. You can find these at the airport, in the travel section of Wal-Mart or Target; just ask around. Your wifi should work fine, just check with your provider and make sure you're covered there.
SDM: The band is being provided with equipment (amps, heads, cables, drums, et cetera); are there convenient music stores for accessories like strings and sticks?
Duane: First, don't believe everything will be covered. They will provide a basic backline, but you will still need a snare, cymbals, pedals, maybe some basic stands if possible, guitars of course. Buy your basic items like strings and sticks here. Finding a music store over there can be a wild goose chase. If you do it here, you will get what you want much cheaper. Remember, the euro is more money, the stores are expensive. Be prepared!
SDM: Can you drink the water with no problems?
Duane: Sure, the water is fine. Most will be bottled; be sure to ask for it with no gas! If not, you will get a dry carbonated water. It's gross.
SDM: Someone said you have to pay to use the toilets over there? Is this true? How does that work?
Duane: Yeah, that's weird, huh? I've only seen them in France. It's basically a phonebooth-looking thing that's a toilet. I've never used them, so I don't really know what else to say.
SDM: So, tell us about the transportation system over there… we were told we would be using the train system. So from wherever we are dropped off, the rest is walking? This is what we've heard. (we will be with three other bands, and a tour manager)
Duane: This is weird to me. I've never heard of this. Most festival promoters or booking agents provide some sort of transportation, be it a van or a shuttle bus, whatever. I guess in a DIY situation, the train is a way to go. They have an awesome system that connects throughout Europe. If you decide to go this route, look into getting Europasses in an attempt to save some money on normal fare. Or, if you haven't already looked into renting a car or van, considering you're traveling as a group, it may be the same as the train. Americans can get a temporary international license.
SDM: What is the drinking age over there?
Duane: This varies between countries, I'm sure. Most are mainly eighteen, but I've seen kids as young as eight drinking beer and wine!
SDM: What about if someone gets sick to the point of needing medical attention? Have you ever experienced visiting a doctor's office over there? A hospital?
Duane: No, I've never had a problem, but we had a member go into diabetic shock over in Switzerland, and he ended up in the hospital. He was treated and released, and was left to work out payment from here in the States. I don't think you'll have a problem getting treated if need be. Another good resource is www.lonelyplanet.com . That site has information on pretty much anything you need to know about any country and information on travelers health insurance.
SDM: The guys get one free meal while performing at the festivals; for the rest they are on their own. What can they expect?
Duane: Well, most fests will either have buffet-style catering, or some will have a pot of pasta dinner, whatever. I don't see why they wouldn't consider parents or guardians to be part of the group. Try to work it out first, they can be pretty cool. Otherwise, there may be vendors, a food stand within the venue, or hope there's a good place nearby and open to eat at.
SDM: Can you tell us anything you think we need to know?
Duane: Well, you've got the answers to the basics, the only thing else I can really say is to be aware, pay attention, ask as many questions as you can. It can be confusing at times. There will be a communication barrier that makes it more difficult. Just go with the flow and you will be fine, and have a good time! It's one hell of an experience! Rip it…
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