Tour life might seem glamorous and fun, but it ain’t for the faint of heart. Between the homesickness and long drives, there’s also the issue of where to rest your head each night. Up-and-coming bands cutting their teeth playing tiny gig after tiny gig don’t get to ride in a lux tour bus much less stay in a hotel room every evening. Instead, they get to crash wherever they can while trying to save up gas money. Aussie metalcore outfit Northlane are doing alright for themselves these days, but it wasn’t that long ago that the boys and girl were staying in some pretty shady spots while on the road. We caught up with bassist-vocalist (and ex-Structures frontman) Brendon Padjasek to get a look at what tour life is really all about, warts and all.
1. Tour van
I think sleeping in a van is pretty weird so we’ll go with that.
2. Econolodge
It’s a cheap motel chain in the States, and the most bugs I’ve ever seen in an accommodation.
3. Walmart Parking Lot
The only place open 24 hours that allows a van to stay parked.
4. A fan’s house
The dude didn’t even come to the show — his friend offered for us to sleep at his place. I woke up to one of his friends sitting at the end of the couch I was sleeping on. Then we had to take a picture with them holding a sign saying “we love *their band’s name*.”
5. Another fan’s house
He asked me if I wanted to “super” a blunt. If that wasn’t weird enough he put ETID on the speakers, turned the lights off and put on a glowstick performance. Everyone decided to sleep in the van instead.
