ROD'S DIARY MARCH 1

Aaaahhhh Brazil... what can I say of a love affair that has been going on 23 years since our first visit to Brazil for Rock in Rio, yes, the same Rock in Rio which appears on LaD DVD. So much happened in San Paolo I could write a novel, not just some diary notes. This may not be the most beautiful city in the world architecturally or aesthetically, but the people are wonderful and .....sorry Costa Rica, Mexico and Colombia, you're great but.... the fans here are still the reigning champions of the world even if by a reduced margin now!! What did I say before about our Latin fans. The audience was almost organic, alive, intense, like a many tentacled beast with every arm raised and waving, clapping or punching in the air. Yes, every one. And the noise.....but I am jumping ahead just a bit.

ROD'S DIARY FEB 28-29 BOGOTA Firstly apologies for delays on diaries. I am in the middle of set up of North American tour which takes a lot of time going through campaigns show by show and setting up on sales. We went on sale in LA, Texas and Albuquerque for May last weekend and l am sure you will all be glad to know they got off to a flying start with a lot of presales to you members so we are pleased this seems to be working for you.

ROD'S DIARY FEB 27 SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA

Well I did sleep well -- til about 2am then wide awake again. Getting really fed up with this and feeling tired and when I get tired I can get ratty which unfortunately is not the best of demeanours on tour!! Also really missing Kathy and the kids now -- it's been over three weeks and I have never been away more than that since our kids were born. Anyway life goes on and it was up and down with laptop to pass time and finally got to sleep again at I think about 4 but at least slept through til 11.

ROD'S DIARY FEB 25 introducing COSTA RICA

So off to airport about 11am for a leisurely 2 hour flight down to Costa Rica. All going great. Police escort to the airport. All these shows we have police escort back from show but also quite often to the show and to and from the airport -- not security (who's gonna hurt us!) just traffic. A lot of these big cities (Guadalajara 10 million, Monterrey 15 million, Mexico City 25 mill) have congested traffic. Taken by cars to steps of plane, did passport formalities at the foot of the steps, they took big luggage to put in hold, what a great change from airports normally. Looking good.