No DIL in the OYSTER

Huh? Some reference to a dildo in a twat?

NO, no.

I happened to check on a certain Irish band to see if they're still around. They've been at it for decades, but at such a low level: no hits, releases on small labels, touring mostly in Ireland.

Yes, they're touring this summer and going halfway around the world to obscure dates in CANADA. JUST Canada? Sad but true. They are not dipping down into the United Horn of Plenty, not once. America, which supposedly has tons of venues and outdoor concerts, is not on their schedule.

NYC has a huge Irish population, and a venue devoted SOLELY to Irish artists. McEvoy played there. But I guess these guys can't manage it. Not even renting the equipment in the States?

You'd think they'd go from the UK to NYC, stay a few days, get acclimated to the time change, play some outdoor gig in upstate New York or Vermont or Massachusetts. Nope.

Four or five guys and you can't get cultural sponsorship from somebody, some Arts Organization to donate a few thousand? Guess not. I saw them once at a much larger venue maybe 20 years ago when, I guess, their record label managed to arrange a promotion or a tour of some kind.

Anyway, you'll note a phrase that I highlighted. It involves the "tactile motor business."

See, Dil the drummer won't be with them because he's a man in the motor trade. They're leaving home, bye bye, without HIM. He has a wife and kiddies and a DAY JOB, and he can't AFFORD to tour this way.

It's the same with Boko Haram, after all. There's not THAT much money in raping women in Nigeria. Brutal sex is one thing, but who pays for the air fare and hotels? Grooker, the leader of this much despised tribe, takes a huge share and tells the others that they should be happy to have the experience, and to be able to say they are with such a famous group. Room and board and a little bit of pocket change is about it. They're supposed to accept it because being in a famous group (that plays maybe a half-dozen times a year) should help them get studio gigs doing commercial jingles, or better pay latching onto some has-been band doing a cruise ship gig. Why, Boko's drummer also teaches drums, so it's important to show his students that he's not just some Apey Savage with no creds.

Pathetic that fairly unknown working bands have to work around a work schedule, and that some members can't always commit to it. Pathetic that well known bands don't make much money in touring either, despite the Seniormole assholes insisting "music should be free, and you make your money touring." Yeah, yeah, if you're Broooose or Madge or Justa Beeper. For others, you better hope the economy is ok or you cancel, OR, you better team up (Joan Jett, meet Heart, meet Cheap Trick) to fill the house. Summer...are we having fun yet?