Waylon Speed Down South:10 More Days on the Road

Dear All,

We wanted to write and check in with a tour update.

We left Vermont and headed for Boston for a show at O’Briens. We tried out a new setlist and made some new friends. The singer of Tired Old Bones (accompanied by Tree drummer) was pregnant and rocking out as she sang and played the keys. It sure was impressive, and we look forward to seeing those guys again (thanks for the seven inch records!)

We left Boston and headed towards Oneonta, New York. When we pulled into town, we quickly noticed that the college kid mentality ruled the streets. There were stumbling people all over the streets by eight-o’clock at night. Entertaining? Yes. Enriching? No. We made friends seamlessly at a local haunt, and found a reasonable place to stay at Christopher’s Lodge which was just a few blocks from the venue. Taxidermy was their religion and the room was built in an Adirondack style, equipped with antler chandeliers and deer paintings. It was a nice change from the more corporate options, but just odd enough to make you feel a little funny. As you can see, Noah and Kelly insisted on a photo shoot in front of a fancy outdoor scene backboard. Very Hollywood of them.

After a dynamite show at the Black Oak Tavern, and a jar full of tobacco looking stuff we received for free from a local guitar shop owner, we headed towards Pennsylvania. We made the nostalgic trip south and landed in Williamsport at Totem Tattoo. Levi Tarr graciously opened the shop and we spent some time doing some ink. The Tarr family is some of the last true authentic tattooers around, and couldn't be happier with the Levi's work. We setup at the Bullfrog Brewery and had the chance to catch up with family that we haven’t seen in years. For a Sunday night tour show, we couldn’t have asked for more. 

We retired back in Selinsgrove, and got a day of rehearsal in before going further south. Kelly cooked some food to last us awhile on the road, and I tattooed him on a military cot as Noah and Chitwood watched some kind of twisted show on serial killers. In all honesty, it wasn’t the best soundtrack to a painful looking spot to get tattooed, but we made it through nicely.

We left Pennsylvania, and headed to Charlottesville, VA, and played The Box. That's exactly what it was but we had a blast. We got an early start this morning and headed through the mountains to the beautiful Thomas, West Virginia. The spirit is great, the set list is ironed, and the van is humming smoothly. So far, so good. Send us your best, and we will bounce it back to you

Thanks for making this possible for us. If you have read this far...it means you. Because of your endless support, we are able to offer our hearts every night through our own original music. We are forever grateful.

With Love,

Waylon Speed

11/16/2012

Day 10: State Troopers & Long Hauls.

We made the rather long trip from Erie, PA to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We got pulled over in Pennsylvania by a very sweet state trooper. She knew right away that we were a band, and cared more about what style of music we played and where we were from, rather than the fact we were doing twenty-five miles over the speed limit. She gave us a quick warning and was excited to hear the copy of 'Valance' we gave her. Good cops do still exist, and we have had the opportunity to meet them. We arrived on time, and had enough time to setup and soundcheck. The room was packed with people of all walks and ages, and we found a way to work out a set that grabbed their attention. By the end of the last set, the room was alive. We all feel fortunate that we can get away with delivering an original set of music to a diverse crowd, and have it work. Although cover songs can be a security blanket, we feel they are not essential to staying warm. 

We left around twelve-thirty am, and headed towards Vermont. There is something nostalgic about the views of Philadelphia and New York City from 95 early in the morning. We made it home around ten am, and can officially consider it a successful tour, and one well done. We had a very positive experience, and look forward to visiting each and every place again in the future. Thanks once again to all who made this tour possible. All of our family, friends (old and new), our manager Leah and Jack Tremblay as well as everyone else who keeps our bases covered when we are on the road. 

Lastly, Thanks to all of those that believe in and support our dreams. We have only love for you. 

Keep in touch with us! 

Love,

Waylon Speed
10/21/2012

Safely back in Vermont.

Day 9: Eery Ghost and Dirty Coasts.

Last night was one hell of a night at the Crooked i.  We felt very fortunate to play for a packed room. It really doesn't get any better, and makes everything we do worth every second. We are extremely grateful for the support in new towns. Thanks to everyone in Erie that gave us a warm welcome including the staff, sound, and lighting engineers. You guys kick ass. We stayed at the Avalon Hotel right across from the venue. I swear the place was haunted. I sensed some sort of presence as I laid awake until five. Fortunately, it seemed friendly. 

Below are some photos taken by Leah Konecny at the Crooked i.

We woke up early, and took off for Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tonight we burn back to Vermont until we pack up again on Thursday. We look forward to The Dogfish Head Brewery but Chitwood said he looks forward to picking up some Budweiser before we get there. It's the last show of the tour. Although we are excited to seal this run up, we are not quite ready to come down yet. I suppose that's just how it goes. See you all tomorrow. 

Love,

Waylon Speed
10/20/2012

Day 8: Radio Transmissions with an Urban Cowboy.

The show last night in Pomeroy, Ohio was a blast. The room sounded great and the people were genuinely supportive. Nested on a side street just across the river from West Virginia, Court Street had a special vibe about it that is only found in these small towns. Again, we added some old songs to the setlist, and reinvented some newer stuff which resulted in a refreshing block of music. We hit the road late and ended up at a seedy hotel with a ground floor smoking room located directly next to a truck stop. Not great, but it did the job.

Noah and Chitwood hit the truckstop early and equipped the van with a new CB antenna and mic. The CB now works as it should and our day has been filled with intermittent radio chatter. We dodged one Ohio State trooper so far, so we already paid for the antenna two times over if you ask me.


We are driving to Erie, PA, and listening to an Ian Mackaye interview while Kelly works on his trucker talk. We look forward to the show tonight. The Crooked i  looks like a great place, and we can't wait to meet everyone. It will be another late one tonight (and we have a nine hour burn to Delaware tomorrow), so we booked a room at the local saloon.

Nothing beats driving east and catching the sunrise.

Although the road can be a little grueling at times, we are extremely grateful for this opportunity and the many to come. Thanks for the continued support. 

Love,

Waylon Speed
10/19/2012

Day 7: Four Alive in Ohio.

We made the quick trip from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, and had the chance to enjoy the day. The weather was impeccable, and we visited one of the biggest vintage clothing shops I have ever seen. After careful consideration, Chitwood purchased a fine pair of gently used Dingo cowboy boots. He would have prefered the snake skin shoes, but they where a tad small. He ruined a pair of jeans polishing these boots, but the end result proved to be worth it.

The Brothers Lounge was an amazing room, with both great sound, staff and
in-house engineer. Surprisingly, the monitor mix was just about perfect right off the line. A rarity indeed. Thanks to Christian and all the warm Ohio welcomes we received. We will definitely see you all again next time around.

I had the chance to double check the integrity of Kelly's guitar in the parking lot before the show. It endured the test nicely due to Creston Lea's irreproachable craftsmanship.

We landed a reasonably decent room a little south of Cleveland last night, and took off early for Pomeroy. The rain is coming down, and the highways seem to have been forgotten about out here. See you all tomorrow.

Love,

Waylon Speed
10/18/2012

Day 6: Adventures of the Steel City Karaoke Man.

We made it into Pittsburgh and scored a nice room overlooking the city. We found an accommodating bar that permitted smoking and offered Karaoke. Kelly decided to participate with a Johnny Cash song. He found out that Karaoke was more awkward and difficult than he imagined. We commend his effort. See for yourself below.

We packed up and left Pittsburgh to begin the two day stint in Ohio. Having spent much of our time in the city since we left, I've noticed more than ever how much the land matters in between each city. It's a chance to breathe before entering another populated situation. Ellis (Kelly's dog) has been keeping steady watch over the van, and Chitwood is blaring Fu Manchu in the front seat with extra dark sunglasses on. All we need to do now is hold fast. See you tomorrow from Columbus, Ohio.

Love,

Waylon Speed
10/17/2012

Day 5: Whippin' Belts and Elusive Pelts.

The show last night at The Dionysus in Baltimore was a nice change of pace for us. It was refreshing to play a floor show. It has been long overdue, and nothing compares to it. Each one of us grew up playing these types of shows, and we felt right at home. Thanks to Brendan Kerwin for playing a solid acoustic set before. We could not have asked for a better Monday night tour show. We want to thank all the kind people we met in Baltimore, especially those who put us up in their home for three days. I'm sure it wasn't the easiest of things, but really...thank you.

After the show, Noah and Justin Hoekstra taught us the art of using your belt for self defense. I never realized how effective it could be.

We are off to Cleveland today. It feels good to be back in the van and covering some distance although Kelly has a Pandora station that makes me feel like I'm at a skating rink in 1989. Noah has his own back seat and Chitwood is singing all the hits and smoking little cigars. Tobacco sure is a swell vegetable. 

Leah made it to the van for this trip, and we are psyched to have the crew back together. This is how we operate the best. We may be stopping off in Pittsburgh for the evening to take in some of the sights the Steel City has to offer. Talk to you tomorrow from Cleveland. 

Love,

Waylon Speed

10/16/2012

Day 4: I Have Lived, and I Shall Die, Free.

We made the quick trip from Baltimore to Annapolis to play The Whiskey. It was an awesome room, and we played a short but sweet set of music. We look forward to returning in the coming months. Noah made the set list, and the result was a fine array of old songs. It was nice to revisit some of the material that built the bands original foundation. That is something we can never forget.

As for today, the Baltimore rain has decided to overstay it's welcome. I hung out with some Vietnam vets this morning at the local Seven-Eleven, and learned about the history of Baltimore (and other borderline disturbing viewpoints on the neighborhood inter-workings) the old fashion way.

Tonight we play the Dionysus in Baltimore. We are going to attempt to lively up a rainy Monday by any means necessary. We travel to Cleveland, Ohio tomorrow and look forward to hitting yet another new region. Until tomorrow, keep the T's black and the jeans uncomfortably blue. Stay well everyone.

Love,
Waylon Speed
10/15/2012

Day 3: Late night drinks at the Washington Monument

We made our way from our homebase (Baltimore for a few days) to Washington D.C. We arrived on time, and had a blast playing at The Bayou. Despite the fact that the in-house engineer insisted the guitars be at a stage volume that was inaudible, Kelly still managed to knock a few things over, and stand on the kick drum. What rounded the show to a perfect circle was the people that came to support us...and sang every word. We played for you guys last night. Plain and simple. Thanks.

After the show, we decided to do a tour of the Whitehouse and the Washington Monument. To our advantage, it was after normal tourist hours (2:30am) so we had the opportunity to absorb the sights in all their overly protected glory.

Photo by Noah while having a few drinks in the grass (2:48am)

Reverend Chitwood had an adverse reaction when security said he couldn't visit the Whitehouse (2:53am)

Tonight we are at the Whiskey in Annapolis, MD. We have heard great things about this venue, and are itchin' to turn up. See you all tomorrow from Baltimore when play the Dionysus. Stay well everyone, and thanks for sending us good thoughts while we are out on the road. 

Love,
Waylon Speed
10/14/2012

Day 2: Crabs in the Charm City

We had a great time at The Legendary Dobbs in Philly last night, and couldn't thank our friends and family more for coming out and supporting us. We have come to a conclusion that Philly is quickly becoming one of our favorite cities. 

Kelly got tattooed at Philadelphia Eddie's Tattoo shop again, and Justin and Chitwood chased rats around in an alley way. Good clean fun. We drove to our manager Leah's house in Baltimore after the show, and even ran through a road block on the way. What are your options when there is not an alternative route? Fortunately, Noah cleaned the van so well, he was convinced we made it through because our van "looked like a government vehicle". We think he was right on this one. 

Today, we checked out Baltimore and hit up a crab shack where we got a deck seat and indulged on many varieties of seafood. It was an overall nice sunny day in the 'Charm City". Noah even doubled his money on a bet in a taproom called The Green Turtle and ordered a round of firewater shots for everyone including the bar staff. A little overboard but one hell of a kind gesture.


As for now, we are off to Washington D.C. to play The Bayou. We can't wait, and we will keep you all posted on how it went. Thanks for reading, and talk to you all tomorrow.

Love,

Waylon Speed 
10/13/2012

Day 1: Citizen's Band Radio Check

We find ourselves back to day one all over again. We hit the road early this morning in order to make it to Philly for a six o' clock load in. We play and head to Baltimore. One of the highlights of this tour is that we are playing primarily new venues in regions we have yet to truly focus on in detail. From Washington D.C. to Baltimore, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and some in between, we look forward to meeting our new friends and showcasing some new material that we have been working on. 

Noah pulled his change together ($100 in change) and purchased a fine PC-68XL Uniden citizen’s band (CB) radio equipped with a Bearcat microphone. Find us on channel 19. While he installed it, Chitter stole three hot dogs and high-tailed it out through the side door. Not a great first stop, but at least the dogs where dressed, and he didn't get caught.

We hope everyone will come visit us on the road if we happen to be near you.  Your presence fuels us up. Keep in touch, and the band thanks all of you for the continued support. Talk to you all tomorrow from Washington D.C. 

Love,

Waylon Speed

10/12/2012

Dear All,

The band has been busy with dates throughout the northeast, and is looking forward to the coming months of miles. Please keep in touch and look for the new installments of 'Burnin' Tires and Lightin' Fires' for the tour in October. Until then, stay tuned to www.waylonspeed.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Waylon-Speed/83073507202 for all updates, shows near you, and other news. As always...thanks for all the support.

Love,

Waylon Speed

9/01/2012

Photo courtesy of Bill Knowlton. 2012.

Day 10: Sunday Morning Coming Down Again.

Thanks again to all the great people who gave us a warm welcome at The Brew Skies Festival. We hope to come back and see you all again next year. Before we left, Noah hit the general store and picked up a hand buzzer and even a bill snatcher. We left Thomas, WV after breakfast at The Flying Pig, and headed towards Pennsylavania. 


When we arrived at The Bear's Picnic Music Festival, the weather was perfect, and the New Riders of the Purple Sage where on stage. Buddy Cage sounded better than ever. We saw many of our old dear friends and family and played a great set before Mickey Hart took over. What a great way to end the tour.

As for now, we are heading back to Vermont for a few days before we return to NYC this Thursday to play at The Living Room. 

We have taken many positive things from this tour. We have learned very much, but have probably laughed more. We feel this has been the best tour that Waylon Speed has done to date. When we express our gratitude to each and every person that has helped us along the way...we truly mean it. We hope to see everyone back in Burlington, VT for the Grand Point North Festival with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, The Avett Brothers and Dr. Dog and more on September 14th and 15th. For more information, you can check out the website here.

See you all next time around, and enjoy the last series: 

'Club Hand Dryers'

Love,

Waylon Speed
08/19/2012

Day 9: Bury Me in West Virginia.

The trip from Philadelphia to West Virginia was smooth and rainy. We made it over the hills and through the valleys into the beautiful Davis, WV. It was nice to breathe fresh air and actually see the stars last night for a change. What a wonderful gathering of people and music.

The set flowed well and we couldn't be more grateful for the crowds support. We decided to encore with Nirvana's 'Breed', and it went surprisingly well. 

After the show, Noah reflected in his hotel room back at the resort with a C-minus.

We are off to Pennsylvania to play at The Bear's Picnic. We are psyched to see our friends and family. We are opening for Mickey Hart, and Justin hopes to hang with Mickey and get a few pointers.

We will have a recap of the tour tomorrow, and we head back out next Thursday. So long, and thanks for all the shoes.

Love,

Waylon Speed
08/18/2012

Day 8: Meet Me on South Street.

We had a quick trip to Philly from Asbury Park, NJ. We arrived very early, and had plenty of time to soak up Philly in all of it's glory. We met the guitar player from early skate-punk band McRad, hung out with Lita Fords touring drummer, and spent time hanging out in one of the oldest tattoo shops on the east coast. Kelly got a new piece, and Chitwood disappeared into the Gold Club for three hours after he finally got the transmission back in. He was covered in grease from head to toe and didn't seem to get much attention from the 'performers'. Oh well, there is always next time.

The Legenday Dobbs is a fantastic venue, founded on and known for showcasing bands in their early years such as Nirvana, Oasis, Rage Against the Machine, Bo Diddley, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam and Green Day. We were lucky to get the slot we did at their festival, and we provided them with a real taste of our music. Thanks to our friends and family that came out. It truly made the show an all around success. 

After the show, we got soft pretzels in the ghetto, and headed south on 95 into Maryland. Kelly was sleepy and started napping in the passenger seat. We took a few wrong turns, ended up on the wrong route, and Kelly told us to "just keep going" in his sleep. 

We can't wait to get down to West Virginia for the Brew Skies Music Festival. All Noah can talk about is what kind of fireworks he wants to get. Thanks to everyone for the continued support. Until tomorrow.

Love,

Waylon Speed
08/17/2012

Day 7: Play With Fire...Sure to Burn.

We made it to Asbury Park, and had a great show at The Saint. We saw Kurt Cobain's signature in the green room, and sound checked behind a curtain.

After the show, we decided to check and see how flammable spray paint really is. We were pleasantly surprised.

We are off to Philadelphia, one of our favorite cities. We play at The Legendary Dobbs as part of the First Annual Liberty Music Festival. Before the show, Kelly is going to visit the famous Philadelphia Eddie for a new tattoo, and Chitwood is pulling the transmission out of the new van just to double check the power bands. In the meantime, brush up on your line dancing skills with Noah.

Love,

Waylon Speed
8/16/2012

Day 6: Forgotten Drums and Jersey Slums

Today we officially moved in to our new van. It feels great, and we even got a new 44 Mag suicide knob to maneuver the trailer. We also installed new valance lights and lost a bench seat.

We even added a newly sealed funnel without any drilling. So far, so good.

While Chitwood was rewiring the trailer harness and Kelly was connecting to wireless in the bathroom of the hotel room, we realized that Justin had accidentally abandon his snare drum and briefcase in Manhattan. No amount of money could have replaced what was inside. Fortunately Noah and Justin made a successful mission back into the city from NJ and found both in the club. They are both back safely at home.

We are off to Asbury Park to play at The Saint. We hope to run into Bruce again this time around, and look forward to seeing the family we have coming up tonight.  Talk to you all tomorrow.

Love,

Waylon Speed
8/15/2010