Road Report: Broken Social Scene Hit the Midwest and Enjoy the Good Life of Touring

Arts & Crafts

Broken Social Scene has embarked on their North American tour in support of 'Forgiveness Rock Record,' their long-awaited fourth studio album, which features guest vocals from Feist, Emily Haines, Spiral Stairs and Sebastien Grainger. The Canadian rock outfit is joined by the Wooden Birds and the Sea and Cake, and will be checking in with updates from the road all along the way.

After their brief pit stop in Ithaca, Kevin Drew talks about the "good life" of a touring band, and getting back on the road in the Midwest. Read all about it in the band's latest entry and check out an amazing exclusive photo of the band in Milwaukee, Wis. after the jump.
Caption: Broken Social Scene at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. on October 3.

Here we go, back into the fold of tour life. Bands, bands, bands and more bands. Set lists and faces with lots of hummus and hopes that people come out to the shows so the top balcony doesn't stay occupied with the ghosts of albums past. Chicago: laws that make underage kids not be able to rock out past eleven o'clock and tales of Lenny Bruce if we try to go past curfew. Local Natives and crew showed up to the after party drinks festival, and we ended up dancing 'til the semi-morning light only to prove that band unity is still something the younger generation is looking for.

Sunday in Milwaukee showed the Germans did something right in America. Bowling, Galaga, walks in the park and massive love-ins with the fine people of that town were enough to make Morrissey puke. Then the home of Purple Rain, which has always treated us right from the beginning of this whole army-like parade, helping put the fire back into our lungs with its historical promoter and standing-room-only, booze-driven foot stomps. Thank god for that.

We seem to be following the sun, as Luna's cover of 'Indian Summer' becomes our soundtrack for the constant highway travel. All the while, each town is bombarded with bands coming through them asking for people to question their loyalty with their wallets and listening habits. It's happening as we speak.

Everyone hopes the population of indie rock is prepared to embrace the list of management's "to do" goals for the fall touring season. Veterans and newbies going out for the passion of music but hoping for a profit. Seen it before and will see it again. MORE seems to be the average theme of all those who decide to embrace a soft-seater for a night of MAGIC AND LOSS. As Lou Reed once said, "Life's like a mayonnaise soda." Some nights it's on the rider, and other nights it's a sweet night cap for the idea that the good old days are best remembered while listening to reggae 45s with old friends. It's a life people... a good one at that.

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