Bio from The Festival Voice

Artist Biography by Daniel Karasek
KoRn is a nu-metal band from the 1990s that has become one of the most popular and provocative of the genre. The band started in Bakersfield, California with the name LAPD and released their debut LP in 1993. Then they crossed paths with Jonathan Davis, a mortuary science student who also was the vocalist for Sexart. LAPD asked Jonathan to join the band, and the band rebranded as KoRn. They recorded their demo Neidermayer’s Mind in 1993 with producer Ross Robinson, who would become one of the most sought-after producers of the late 90s and early 2000s. In 1994, KoRn released their self-titled debut and toured on the album with stints opening for Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, Marilyn Manson, and 311. The dark lyrics discussing child abuse, discrimination, and drug addiction mixed with hip-hop and downturned guitar sludge put KoRn at the forefront of the nu-metal movement. The band’s 1996 album Life Is Peachy earned a Grammy nomination and made it to number three on the pop album charts. Their next album came in 1998 titled Follow the Leader which debuted on the Billboard 200 and won a Grammy for the “Freak on a Leash” video. Following this release was the band’s Family Values Tour and the infamous Woodstock ’99, the same one you saw a documentary about. KoRn’s next album Issues dominated MTV and debuted at number one on Billboard charts. This was all before 2001. Since these early days of success, KoRn has stayed at the top of nu-metal, keeping a loyal fanbase over the decades. More recently they have shifted their sound with various experimentation, including work with Skrillex and Amy Lee of Evanescence. They fell out of mainstream popularity when nu-metal moved from the spotlight, but KoRn has still been a staple in the metal world.

 
Genre: Hard Rock, Nu-Metal
Scheduled: Saturday
Songs & Sets:
Korn Live Woodstock 99 Remaster Quality 2021
Korn - Full Concert - 10/18/98 - UNO Lakefront Arena (OFFICIAL)
Korn - Freak On a Leash (Official HD Video)
Korn - Falling Away from Me (Official HD Video)
Korn - Coming Undone
Korn - Did My Time (Official Video)
Have you seen KoRn before? Please share your experience and favorite songs.
 

Days Until Bonnaroo: 17

Remember to drink water and warm up those high fives!
 
Link to previous AotD post

Day 1: 25th Hanoi
​
9:00 AM - Arrival in Hanoi
​

• Arrive in Hanoi from Chennai. • Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. 

​
10:00 AM - Check-in and Relax
​

• Check into your hotel and freshen up. • Take some time to rest and prepare for the day. 

​
11:00 AM - Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter
​

• Start your exploration at Hoan Kiem Lake, a scenic spot in the heart of Hanoi. • Take a leisurely walk around the lake and admire the Turtle Tower. • Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, known for its narrow lanes, shops, and street food. 

​
1:00 PM - Lunch
​

• Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. 

​
2:00 PM - Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda
​

• Take a taxi or walk to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. • Visit the mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. • Note: The mausoleum is open only in the mornings on certain days, so please check the schedule in advance. 

​
4:00 PM - Temple of Literature
​

• Take a taxi or grab a ride to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam). • Explore the temple, known as Vietnam's first university, and its beautiful gardens. 

​
6:00 PM - Dinner and Street Food Tour
​

• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant or try the famous street food in the Old Quarter. • Consider joining a street food tour to taste various Vietnamese specialties. 

​
Day 2: 26th - Hanoi City Tour and Ha Long Bay's Floating Villages
​
7:00 AM - Breakfast
​

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or try a local breakfast spot. 

​
8:00 AM - Ha Long Bay's Floating Villages Tour
​

• Take a full-day tour to Ha Long Bay's Floating Villages from Hanoi. • Join a guided tour that includes transportation, boat ride, and lunch on the boat. 

​
9:00 AM - Departure for Ha Long Bay
​

• Board a tour bus or van that will take you to Ha Long Bay. 

​
12:00 PM - Explore the Floating Villages
​

• Arrive at Ha Long Bay and embark on a boat to explore the floating villages. • Enjoy the stunning scenery, limestone karsts, and learn about the local life on the water. • Lunch will be served on the boat. 

​
5:00 PM - Return to Hanoi
​

• Return to Hanoi by bus or van. • Upon arrival, take a taxi back to your hotel. 

​
7:00 PM - Evening in Hanoi
​

• Spend the evening exploring Hanoi at your leisure. • Visit local markets, enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee, or try some street food. 

​
Day 3: 27th - Explore Hanoi
​
7:00 AM - Breakfast
​

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or explore a local breakfast spot. 

​
8:00 AM - Hoa Lo Prison Museum
​

• Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." • Explore the historical exhibits and learn about the prison's significance during the Vietnam War. 

​
10:00 AM - Explore Hanoi's Museums
​

• Choose from the various museums in Hanoi based on your interests. • Options include the Vietnamese Women's Museum, Museum of Ethnology, or the Fine Arts Museum. 

​
1:00 PM - Lunch
​

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant or try another street food adventure. 

​
2:00 PM - Explore Hanoi's Markets
​

• Visit local markets such as Dong Xuan Market or Cho Hom Market. • Explore the vibrant stalls and shops offering a variety of goods and souvenirs. 

​
4:00 PM - Relaxation and Spa Time
​

• Treat yourself to some relaxation and rejuvenation at a spa in Hanoi. • Indulge in a massage or other spa treatments to unwind before your flight. 

​
6:00 PM - Dinner
​

• Have a delicious dinner at a local restaurant or try a specialty dish. • Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine one last time before your departure. 

​
8:00 PM - Explore Hanoi's Nightlife
​

• Take a stroll around the Old Quarter or visit the bustling Ta Hien Street. • Experience the vibrant nightlife scene, enjoy live music, or have a drink at a rooftop bar. 

Day 4: 28th - Explore Hue , Hai Van Pass & Da Nang
​
7:10 AM - Arrival in Hue
​

• Arrive in Hue and transfer to your hotel. • Check-in and freshen up. 

​
8:30 AM - Breakfast
​

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local café. 

​
9:30 AM - Hue City Tour
​

• Start your Hue city tour by visiting the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. • Explore the imperial architecture and learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty. 

​
12:00 PM - Lunch
​

• Have lunch at a local restaurant, trying Hue's famous specialties such as bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) or banh khoai (Hue-style pancake). 

​
1:30 PM - Explore Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
​

• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue located on the banks of the Perfume River. • Explore the serene pagoda and enjoy the river views. • Afterward, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful royal mausoleums in Hue. 

​
3:30 PM - Depart for Hai Van Pass
​

• Pick up your rented motorbike and begin your journey to the Hai Van Pass. • Enjoy the scenic ride along the coast and through mountainous landscapes. 

​
5:30 PM - Sunset at Hai Van Pass
​

• Arrive at the Hai Van Pass and take in the breathtaking views. • Enjoy the sunset from the pass, known for its panoramic vistas. 

​
7:00 PM - Dinner
​

• Have dinner at a local restaurant in Da Nang before returning your motorbike. 

​
8:30 PM - Transfer to Da Nang
​

• Arrange for a taxi or private transfer to take you from Da Nang to your hotel in Da Nang. • Check-in and rest for the night. 

​
Day 5: 29th - Cu Chi Tunnels and City Tour
​
10:30 AM - Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
​

• Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. • Transfer to your hotel and check-in. • Recommended hotel in Ho Chi Minh City: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel or similar. 

​
11:30 AM - Lunch
​

• Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. 

​
1:00 PM - Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
​

• Join a guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War. • Explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and experience crawling through the underground passages. 

​
5:00 PM - Relaxation and Freshen Up
​

• Return to your hotel and relax or freshen up. 

​
7:00 PM - Dinner at Ben Thanh Market
​

• Visit the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. • Enjoy a dinner of local street food at the market stalls. 

​
8:30 PM - Explore Ho Chi Minh City at Night
​

• Take a leisurely walk around the city center, exploring landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. • Experience the lively atmosphere of the city at night. 

​
Day 6: 30th - Mekong Delta Cruise
​
​
8:00 AM - Breakfast
​

• Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or explore a local café. 

​
9:00 AM - Mekong Delta Day Trip
​

• Take a full-day tour to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. • Cruise along the Mekong River, visit local villages, and experience the rural life. • Enjoy activities like fruit tasting, traditional music performances, and a sampan boat ride. 

​
6:00 PM - Return to Ho Chi Minh City
​

• Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening. • Rest and freshen up at your hotel. 

​
8:00 PM - Night Market Shopping
​

• Explore the night market in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the Ben Thanh Night Market or the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. • Shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts. 

​
Day 7: July 1st - Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
​
8:00 AM - Breakfast
​

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or try a local breakfast spot. 

​
9:00 AM - War Remnants Museum
​

• Visit the War Remnants Museum, which exhibits artifacts and photographs related to the Vietnam War. • Gain insight into the historical events and their impact on the country. 

​
11:00 AM - Cyclo Ride in District 1
​

• Take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) ride through the bustling streets of District 1. • Experience the unique mode of transportation and get a closer look at the city's daily life. 

​
1:00 PM - Lunch
​

• Have lunch at a local restaurant, trying Vietnamese dishes like pho or banh mi. 

​
2:30 PM - Explore Cholon (Chinatown)
​

• Visit Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant Chinatown. • Explore the bustling markets, pagodas, and temples in the area. 

​
5:00 PM - Rooftop Bar Experience
​

• Enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City. • Take in the panoramic views of the city skyline. 

​
7:00 PM - Dinner
​

• Have dinner at a restaurant offering Vietnamese cuisine or try a unique dining experience like a river cruise dinner. 

Day 1: 25th Hanoi
​
9:00 AM - Arrival in Hanoi
​

• Arrive in Hanoi from Chennai. • Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. 

​
10:00 AM - Check-in and Relax
​

• Check into your hotel and freshen up. • Take some time to rest and prepare for the day. 

​
11:00 AM - Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter
​

• Start your exploration at Hoan Kiem Lake, a scenic spot in the heart of Hanoi. • Take a leisurely walk around the lake and admire the Turtle Tower. • Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, known for its narrow lanes, shops, and street food. 

​
1:00 PM - Lunch
​

• Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. 

​
2:00 PM - Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda
​

• Take a taxi or walk to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. • Visit the mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. • Note: The mausoleum is open only in the mornings on certain days, so please check the schedule in advance. 

​
4:00 PM - Temple of Literature
​

• Take a taxi or grab a ride to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam). • Explore the temple, known as Vietnam's first university, and its beautiful gardens. 

​
6:00 PM - Dinner and Street Food Tour
​

• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant or try the famous street food in the Old Quarter. • Consider joining a street food tour to taste various Vietnamese specialties. 

​
Day 2: 26th - Hanoi City Tour and Ha Long Bay's Floating Villages
​
7:00 AM - Breakfast
​

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or try a local breakfast spot. 

​
8:00 AM - Ha Long Bay's Floating Villages Tour
​

• Take a full-day tour to Ha Long Bay's Floating Villages from Hanoi. • Join a guided tour that includes transportation, boat ride, and lunch on the boat. 

​
9:00 AM - Departure for Ha Long Bay
​

• Board a tour bus or van that will take you to Ha Long Bay. 

​
12:00 PM - Explore the Floating Villages
​

• Arrive at Ha Long Bay and embark on a boat to explore the floating villages. • Enjoy the stunning scenery, limestone karsts, and learn about the local life on the water. • Lunch will be served on the boat. 

​
5:00 PM - Return to Hanoi
​

• Return to Hanoi by bus or van. • Upon arrival, take a taxi back to your hotel. 

​
7:00 PM - Evening in Hanoi
​

• Spend the evening exploring Hanoi at your leisure. • Visit local markets, enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee, or try some street food. 

​
Day 3: 27th - Explore Hanoi
​
7:00 AM - Breakfast
​

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or explore a local breakfast spot. 

​
8:00 AM - Hoa Lo Prison Museum
​

• Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." • Explore the historical exhibits and learn about the prison's significance during the Vietnam War. 

​
10:00 AM - Explore Hanoi's Museums
​

• Choose from the various museums in Hanoi based on your interests. • Options include the Vietnamese Women's Museum, Museum of Ethnology, or the Fine Arts Museum. 

​
1:00 PM - Lunch
​

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant or try another street food adventure. 

​
2:00 PM - Explore Hanoi's Markets
​

• Visit local markets such as Dong Xuan Market or Cho Hom Market. • Explore the vibrant stalls and shops offering a variety of goods and souvenirs. 

​
4:00 PM - Relaxation and Spa Time
​

• Treat yourself to some relaxation and rejuvenation at a spa in Hanoi. • Indulge in a massage or other spa treatments to unwind before your flight. 

​
6:00 PM - Dinner
​

• Have a delicious dinner at a local restaurant or try a specialty dish. • Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine one last time before your departure. 

​
8:00 PM - Explore Hanoi's Nightlife
​

• Take a stroll around the Old Quarter or visit the bustling Ta Hien Street. • Experience the vibrant nightlife scene, enjoy live music, or have a drink at a rooftop bar. 

Day 4: 28th - Explore Hue , Hai Van Pass & Da Nang
​
7:10 AM - Arrival in Hue
​

• Arrive in Hue and transfer to your hotel. • Check-in and freshen up. 

​
8:30 AM - Breakfast
​

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local café. 

​
9:30 AM - Hue City Tour
​

• Start your Hue city tour by visiting the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. • Explore the imperial architecture and learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty. 

​
12:00 PM - Lunch
​

• Have lunch at a local restaurant, trying Hue's famous specialties such as bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) or banh khoai (Hue-style pancake). 

​
1:30 PM - Explore Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
​

• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue located on the banks of the Perfume River. • Explore the serene pagoda and enjoy the river views. • Afterward, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful royal mausoleums in Hue. 

​
3:30 PM - Depart for Hai Van Pass
​

• Pick up your rented motorbike and begin your journey to the Hai Van Pass. • Enjoy the scenic ride along the coast and through mountainous landscapes. 

​
5:30 PM - Sunset at Hai Van Pass
​

• Arrive at the Hai Van Pass and take in the breathtaking views. • Enjoy the sunset from the pass, known for its panoramic vistas. 

​
7:00 PM - Dinner
​

• Have dinner at a local restaurant in Da Nang before returning your motorbike. 

​
8:30 PM - Transfer to Da Nang
​

• Arrange for a taxi or private transfer to take you from Da Nang to your hotel in Da Nang. • Check-in and rest for the night. 

​
Day 5: 29th - Cu Chi Tunnels and City Tour
​
10:30 AM - Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
​

• Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. • Transfer to your hotel and check-in. • Recommended hotel in Ho Chi Minh City: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel or similar. 

​
11:30 AM - Lunch
​

• Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. 

​
1:00 PM - Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
​

• Join a guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War. • Explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and experience crawling through the underground passages. 

​
5:00 PM - Relaxation and Freshen Up
​

• Return to your hotel and relax or freshen up. 

​
7:00 PM - Dinner at Ben Thanh Market
​

• Visit the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. • Enjoy a dinner of local street food at the market stalls. 

​
8:30 PM - Explore Ho Chi Minh City at Night
​

• Take a leisurely walk around the city center, exploring landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. • Experience the lively atmosphere of the city at night. 

​
Day 6: 30th - Mekong Delta Cruise
​
​
8:00 AM - Breakfast
​

• Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or explore a local café. 

​
9:00 AM - Mekong Delta Day Trip
​

• Take a full-day tour to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. • Cruise along the Mekong River, visit local villages, and experience the rural life. • Enjoy activities like fruit tasting, traditional music performances, and a sampan boat ride. 

​
6:00 PM - Return to Ho Chi Minh City
​

• Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening. • Rest and freshen up at your hotel. 

​
8:00 PM - Night Market Shopping
​

• Explore the night market in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the Ben Thanh Night Market or the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. • Shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts. 

​
Day 7: July 1st - Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
​
8:00 AM - Breakfast
​

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or try a local breakfast spot. 

​
9:00 AM - War Remnants Museum
​

• Visit the War Remnants Museum, which exhibits artifacts and photographs related to the Vietnam War. • Gain insight into the historical events and their impact on the country. 

​
11:00 AM - Cyclo Ride in District 1
​

• Take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) ride through the bustling streets of District 1. • Experience the unique mode of transportation and get a closer look at the city's daily life. 

​
1:00 PM - Lunch
​

• Have lunch at a local restaurant, trying Vietnamese dishes like pho or banh mi. 

​
2:30 PM - Explore Cholon (Chinatown)
​

• Visit Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant Chinatown. • Explore the bustling markets, pagodas, and temples in the area. 

​
5:00 PM - Rooftop Bar Experience
​

• Enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City. • Take in the panoramic views of the city skyline. 

​
7:00 PM - Dinner
​

• Have dinner at a restaurant offering Vietnamese cuisine or try a unique dining experience like a river cruise dinner. 

Hi! I’m a 25 year old looking for a longterm roleplay partner (18+)! I’m open to a variety of ideas, but some of the ideas I have are as follows:

1. It was a hot summer day and we were just arriving at a the festival. We had driven a ways from our home out to the desert for a huge show. We had everything all pack and were eager to have some fun, the night ahead would certainly be one to remember…
   
2. It was a late evening and I was driving over to your place for a sleepover. I grumbled to myself as I thought it would be a lame party and there would be so many people that I’d have no time to talk to you. However, when I got there I rang the bell and when the door opened there you were wearing a sheer nightgown with no trace of anyone else in sight. I gulped and went inside as you coaxed me in…
   
3. The sound of water dripping from the roof of the cave was quite loud, you and I made our way through several caverns as we soon came to a cool spring. We had been on a cave tour, but somehow got separated from our group. We now were wandering aimlessly through the cave system, desperate to find out way back…
   

Thanks for reading these! If any of these scenes are of interest to you or you’d like to discuss other ideas feel free to reach out! Hope to roleplay soon!

1. When is the scheduled start time of the final on the reserve day?
The final will once more have a scheduled start time of 19:30 IST with the toss slated to take place half an hour before at 19:00 IST if conditions allow for the same. If it does begin at these times, it will be a full 20-overs-a-side contest.
2. How much time is available on the reserve day to try and obtain a result?
As such an IPL game has a total of 3 hours and 20 minutes of time available (including interval and time-outs). An additional two hours of play will be available on the reserve day.
3. When is the latest the game can start without having any overs reduced?
The match can start as late as 21:40 IST without the number of overs being reduced (10 minute interval, time-outs retained). Overs will start reducing thereafter and reduced in such a way that each side at least has the opportunity to bat for five overs.
4. What's the latest start time for a five-overs game?
The latest that a five-overs per side match can start is 23:56 IST (10 minute interval, no timeouts) - with a scheduled finish at 00:50.
If the game starts on time and the first innings of 20 overs is completed but after five overs of the second innings, rain prevents any further play then the result will be decided under the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method.
5. What if it's not possible to play even a five-overs per side game by the end of extra time?
If conditions permit, the teams will play a Super Over to determine the winner.
6. And what's the latest start time for a Super Over-only contest?
The pitch and ground must be ready for play so that the Super Over can start at the latest by 00:50 IST.
7. What if it is not even possible to play a one-over shootout?
In the event that it is not even possible to play and complete the Super Over without interruption, the team that finished higher in the league stages -- Gujarat Titans in this case -- will be crowned champions.
​
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/126679/seven-questions-about-the-ipl-2023-final-reserve-day

I had his track Bump! play in the car yesterday, and I think it is just a rockin track. https://youtu.be/dHRc_SSJrrY
JAYCEE HILL Born Hillman Baker, 28 October 1931, Big Sandy (near Nashville), Tennessee. Died 16 May 2013, Ravenna, Ohio.
For many years, Jaycee Hill was an enigma to collectors. In August 1979, Stuart Colman wrote: "Jaycee Hill has not yet been written-up in any substantial way and will probably remain so until someone eventually tracks him down" (sleeve notes for the LP "Rockabilly, Vol. 3 : CBS, Epic & OKeh Rockabilly Classics, Vol. 3", CBS 83911). Well, things have changed since then. The booklet that accompanies the recent Bear Family CD "That'll Flat Git It, Vol. 23 : Rockabilly From the Vaults Of Columbia Records" has an extensive story (by Colin Escott) on Jaycee. What follows is an adaptation of those notes, with a few additions of my own. Escott calls him Jay Cee, but the label credit on his records reads Jaycee Hill, and in one case (the Argo single) J.C. Hill.
Born in Tennessee in 1931, Jaycee (or Hillman Baker, his given name) moved to Cleveland in 1945 and then to Valley View, Ohio, where he finished high school in 1949. He and his buddy, Joe Sway, formed an act, Hill & Joe, the Valley Boys, and began performing country music in and around Cleveland on radio and TV. Cleveland was one of the United States' breakout markets, and Elvis made his first northern appearance there. Shortly thereafter, Hillman and Joe changed their country tune. On July 3, 1956, they went to Audio Recording Studio in Cleveland to record four songs. "A Love So Fine" and "Romp Stompin' Boogie", two fine but very different rockabilly tracks, were selected for release on Epic 9185 in September. "Since My Baby Left Me" saw its first release this year, on the above-mentioned Bear Family CD, while the fourth track, "My Suspicious Heart" still remains on the shelf. Meanwhile, Hillman Baker had become Jaycee Hill. It was, he says, his own idea. The single from the Cleveland session must have sold well enough for Epic's producer Joe Sherman to bring Jaycee back to the studio in New York with some top session men (George Barnes, guitar ; Danny Perri, guitar ; Milt Hinton, bass ; Panama Francis, drums), on October 29, 1956. Sherman gave Jaycee a bunch of songs and told him to pick four. Out of this session came the single "Bump!"/"Crash-Out" (Epic 9193), released in November. "She's Gone" was finally issued in 2006 on Bear Family.
Epic kept the faith until 1958 and released two further singles. Jaycee rarely toured in support of his records. Instead, he played record hops and remembers just one appearance on the Dick Clark Show. After leaving Epic, he recorded a single in Cleveland and sold the masters to Chess ("Solong - Goodbye"/"Only True Love" came out on Argo 5311 in September 1958). In 1959 he cut one session for MGM and was unaware that the record ("Dum De Dah Dah Dah Dah"/"Little Boy Blue", MGM 12765) had been released, until Colin Escott told him recently. He co-wrote "Yea, Yea" for the Kendall Sisters (Argo 5291, # 73 in 1958), produced Buddy Covelle's "Lorraine" for Coral, and sent some tapes of then- unknown Dottie West to Chet Atkins, but his enthusiasm for the music business quickly waned. "I got divorced", he told Escott, "and got out right after that. I wasn't going anywhere. I went back to school. And I got into tool and die making."
Only a few BMI statements showing airplay overseas gave him any indication that his records were changing hands for high prices and that he had become something of a cult hero with some European fans. However, this was no incentive for Jaycee to give up his job at a tool and die manufacturing plant in the Cleveland area.
"That'll Flat Git It, Vol. 23" includes five tracks by Jaycee : "Romp Stompin' Boogie", "A Love So Fine", "She's Gone", "Bump!" and "Since My Baby Left Me" (BCD 16723).
Dik

Italics = advisor feedback

1. Congratulations Don Jr., after a contentious primary with Matt Rosendale and Greg Gianforte, you have emerged victorious in the Republican primary. What will be your opening statement as you pivot towards the general Montana senate election with Jon Tester?

• Why screw up this thing. I’ll run a low-risk campaign and cruise to victory. After all, my dad is the Republican nominee for president, so I can certainly ride his coattails to victory “This might work but don’t underestimate Jon Tester, he’s quite popular in Montana”
• I want to nationalize this race as much as possible and attack Jon Tester relentlessly, Tester has voted in lockstep with Biden and Pelosi “This might work, but most Montanans are more focused on state issues rather than national issues”
• I want to appear with my dad, Donald Trump, as much as possible as I campaign “People want to see you differentiate yourself from dad occasionally, and this doesn’t help much”
• I want to denationalize this race as much as possible. I want to take pictures of myself on my Montana ranch and focus on the farmers and workers in this state “nationalizing this race is your best chance, considering that your father is the Republican nominee for president”

​

1. Due to the rural nature of Montana, the average Montanan spends more on gas than almost any other state in the country, and as gas prices continue to rise, what would you do to lower them?

• I would work with Senator John Thune to construct the Dakota Access Pipeline, which will transport gas faster and thus drop the price of gas, unlike Biden and the Democrats who want to shut down the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline “This is good in that it criticizes the Democrats while also offering a different solution.”
• The way you lower gas prices is by getting Biden and the Democrats out of the office and putting in Trump and the Republicans, as gas prices were nowhere near as high as they were when Trump was president “This attack somewhat damaged Biden, but the damage is limited because people want to know what you would do differently from him.”
• One thing we could do to lower gas prices is to switch sides in the Russia-Ukraine war and side with an oil-rich Russia, rather than siding with oil-poor Ukraine, and we could get more oil through deals with Russia “Are you insane?”

​

1. RNG. Your father, who is running for president from within a prison cell, has asked if you could attend one of his rallies that are being held from just outside his prison cell where he will be visible to the large crowd through the window of his prison cell in New York. Would you like to attend this rally outside the prison?

• Yes, I would “Good news, the rally outside of Trump’s prison cell was just the right size, in that it was large enough to fire up Trump’s base in Montana, but not so large that it would grab the attention of the liberal media. Good job”
• Yes, I would. “Bad news, the rally outside of Trump’s prison cell had a lot of both trump supporters and protestors and the two groups quickly turned violent and it drew an enormous amount of media attention and you are getting badly hurt by the controversy.”
• No, I wouldn’t “Good news, the Montana people respected your ability to be removed from national politics of a rally outside of Trump’s prison cell.”
• No, I wouldn't “Bad news, Trump’s base is furious at you for not showing up to your father’s rally from outside of Trump’s prison cell.”

​

1. Inflation continues to ravage the nation. How will you put an end to it?

• We’re gonna stop handing out money and stop all this nonsense spending. “This has fired up your core supporters, but most independents are worried about this kind of messaging.”
• I would like to reduce tariffs and remove regulatory barriers “Trump’s tariffs are popular with the Trump wing of the Republican party, but this answer should win over more libertarian-minded Republicans”

​

1. The destructive conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to go on. How will you put an end to it if at all?

• I will urge for American neutrality in the Ukraine-Russia war “You’ve pleased your diehard base, but most independents want America to side with Ukraine during this destructive conflict”
• I will keep the current path of issuing sanctions against Russia “This is probably the best answer to please the majority of Montanans.”
• I will urge America to get involved on Ukraine’s side against Russia “This wins over independents at the expense of winning over your base.”
• I will urge the UN to create a demilitarized zone on the Ukraine-Russia border and urge Ukraine and Russia to come to a comprehensive peace treaty “This wins over the neocons in your party at the expense of the Trump wing of your party.”

​

1. China has repeatedly made threats against Taiwan, and there have been fears that China might invade Taiwan. How will you prevent this from happening?

• This is Taiwan’s problem, not ours “This wins over the hardcore isolationists in your party at the expense of mainstream Americans”
• We will issue sanctions against China if they choose to invade Taiwan “This is probably the best answer to please the majority of Montanans”
• I urge America to intervene in this conflict against China “Are you insane, no one wants war with China!”
• I will urge China and Taiwan to create a demilitarized zone between them and a comprehensive peace treaty “This might be a good strategy”

​

1. There continue to be migrants and drugs that are flowing across the southern border. What would you do to stop this from happening?

• We need to strengthen our border security and build a wall “This is a good solution to win over the hard-core Trumpsits in your party”
• Look, this is Montana, we are nowhere near the southern border. Do we need to campaign on this issue? “Fair enough”
• We need a compromise solution of granting the illegals in this country a pathway to citizenship in return for building a stronger immigration enforcement system “This is a good way to win over independent voters”

​
8. Jon Tester, despite being a senator from Montana, one of the most pro-gun states in America, strongly came out in favor of gun control after the Uvalde shooting. What is your opinion on gun control?

• The Democrats are using school shootings as an excuse to take away our 2nd amendment rights “This attack is mildly successful, but the damage is limited because people want to know what you would do differently to stop school shootings”
• We need more armed guards at the front of schools to prevent these shootings, not to take away guns “This is an interesting solution”
• We need to spend more money on mental health clinics to treat these dangerous individuals “This wins over the Trump wing of social conservatives, but many fiscal conservatives are uncomfortable talking about this much government spending”

​

1. Abortion has become an increasingly important issue throughout America, how will you deal with this issue

• I will pass a law that will ban abortion nationwide “This fires up your base at the expense of independents”
• This isn’t our problem. We will let the people of each state decide that for ourselves “This fires up independents at the expense of the base”
• We should pass a law that bans travel from one state to another or traveling from one country to another to receive an abortion “This should meet the fine line of appealing to your base while also winning over independents.”

​

1. Now onto more state-centered issues. The state of Montana has an enormous amount of agriculture, farms, and ranches, and the amount they make has been decreasing. How will you plan to deal with this

• I will fight for Montana exports in trade deals “ an unusual position for a Republican to take, but this could work”
• This isn’t a problem we can solve, this is for the free market “This is a more traditional platform to run on as a Republican, but not a popular one amongst the Montana people.”

​

1. RNG Will you agree to debate Jon Tester?

• Yes I will “You won”
• Yes I will “You and Tester tied”
• Yes I will “You lost”
• No, we have a massive lead “People don’t trust you if you don’t debate, expect this to hurt you badly”

​

1. RNG You are meeting with Libertarian candidate Rick Breckenridge, to see if you can convince him to drop out and endorse you.

• I hope he drops out "Good news. He dropped out."
• I hope he drops out "Bad news. He doesn't drop out."

​

1. There's no way around it. Although you own a ranch in Montana, Montana is not your state of permanent residence and many view you as a carpet bagger. How do you plan to respond?

• I will counter-attack by showing Tester as a DC insider who is out of touch with Montanan values "This doesn't work well, as Tester routinely tours the state"
• I will tout my outsider credentials as an advantage, as I can reform Montana from the outside to Make Montana Great Again “MMGA”

​

1. Which Montana Republican would you like to go on tour with today?

• I would like to go on tour with Montana’s governor, Greg Gianforte “Well this didn’t work out well, as many are still angry about the incident that Greg Gianforte caused in 2017 when he ran for the house and bragged on social media about how he was so far ahead in the polls that he could beat up a reporter and still win, then proceeded to beat up a reporter and still narrowly won. Expect to take a dip in the polls.”
• I would like to go on tour with Montana’s incumbent Republican senator, Steve Daines “This worked out well, as Steve Daines is broadly popular amongst conservatives and independents”
• I would like to go on tour with Matt Rosendale, who ran for the Montana senate seat in 2018 and lost “Campaigning with Matt Rosendale offends no one, but pleases no one either”

​

1. News has broken out about how your girlfriend, Kimberly Gilfoyle, has been fired from Fox News for sexual harassment. How do you want to do damage control?

• As much as I love my girlfriend, I have no control over her behavior and I condemn this incident of behavior completely “This is probably the best you could do given this bad situation”
• Who cares, this is my girlfriend’s sexual harassment case, not mine “Well, you’re the one who’s dating her, so this makes you look bad.”
• I condemn my girlfriend completely for this behavior and I am breaking up with her for it “This is a strong answer which could win over women voters, but this only draws more attention to an incident that already looks incredibly ugly”

​

1. How would you like to attack Jon Tester if at all?

• We need to emphasize that Jon Tester has voted with Joe Biden 91% of the time. Jon Tester pretends to distance himself from Biden, but Tester is just one of Biden’s puppets who happens to be in a Trump +16 state “That’s it, hit Tester where it hurts!”
• We need to emphasize that Jon Tester is out of touch with Montana values lives in Washington DC and constantly votes in lockstep with Nancy Pelosi and votes for drag queens and transing the kids “This attack doesn’t win over independents, but it sure does fire up the base”
• We should run compare and contrast ads between Kyrsten Sinema and Jon Tester, showing how Sinema is in a bluish-purple state and constantly stabs Biden in the back while Jon Tester is from a deep red state and constantly votes lock step with Biden “This ad was incredibly effective”
• We should run ads of gas prices soaring under Tester and Biden, while gas prices were falling under Trump Sr. and will continue to fall under Trump Jr. “This ad was mild to moderately effective, but voters want to know what specific policy you will implement to lower gas prices

​

1. One interesting idea that has been proposed by many Democrats is to put abortion clinics on Native American reservations, as their lands aren’t governed by the US. Montana has some of the most native reservations in the country. What are your thoughts on this?

• This is an abhorrent practice that will lead to more children being killed as a loophole around the Dobbs .vs. Jackson's case allowed each state to choose whether or not to allow abortion “This answer fires up the base but hurts you with independents”
• I don’t care either way, this is up for the leaders of the native reservations to decide themselves “This might be the best you can do with a difficult question like this”
• Small government means small government, therefore lands that are not on American soil should be allowed to build abortion clinics to serve the public, as we are the party of small government that favors bodily autonomy “This answer helps with independents and hurts with the base”

​

1. Not to talk too much about abortion, but a new bill has been proposed in the Montana State House that would criminalize pregnant Montanans for traveling out of state or out of the country to receive an abortion elsewhere. What are your thoughts on this bill?

• I think Montana should ban all abortions within its borders, but banning Montana residents from traveling out of state or out of the country to receive an abortion elsewhere is too harsh “No one loves this answer, but no one hates it either”
• Being pro-life means being all the way pro-life, which means that we should criminalize out-of-state and out-of-country travel to receive an abortion elsewhere “Your base eats this up, but this stance makes independents gag”
• As a Republican, I naturally believe in making government as small as possible, meaning that native american reservations should be allowed to have abortion clinics and that people should be allowed to travel out of state and out of the country to receive abortions “Independents are lining up behind you, but your base is threatening to stay home”

​

1. RNG. The Montana state legislature has just passed new laws banning Tribal ID cards and requiring you to present your address to vote, which Native Americans on reservations don’t have as a way to stop Native Americans, who disproportionately vote Democrat, from voting. What are your thoughts on this?

• This should help me win “Good news, Native Americans aren’t getting the new IDs and addresses necessary for voting for Tester, so this will help you.”
• This should help me win “Bad news, Native Americans are now turning out in higher numbers than ever before and are getting the new IDs and licenses necessary to vote. Expect this to hurt you.”

​
20. You have talked about reducing the amount of money that we spend to reduce inflation. Where would you like to make cuts in spending

• I don’t know, everywhere maybe “This is not specific enough, and Jon Tester’s mediscare strategy is working eerily well”
• First, cuts will be made to foreign aid “In general, if you have to cut anything, cut foreign aid first, then again, most Americans are supportive of Ukraine in their war against Russia, so this might also backfire”
• We should cut farming subsidies and allow farmers to properly partake in the free market “Montana is a very agricultural state, so this doesn’t play well”

​

1. Jon Tester has attacked you with an attack ad of you speaking with your father and Rudi Giuliani at the Save America rally on January 6th where you tell the crowd to stand up and fight as they proceed to walk towards the capital and invade it. How will you react

• This was a poor choice of words for me. Although I said the word fight in a physical sense, what I meant to say was fought in a metaphorical stance by protesting the certification of the 2020 election “This might be the best thing you can say to keep your base on your side while not angering independents”
• I played no role in causing the violence that most people did on January 6th as I meant to fight in a metaphorical sense, not in a literal sense. It should be noted that only a small portion of people that attended that rally on January 6th broke into the capital “Most voters believe that you played a role on January 6th, and this answer doesn’t help”
• These people who entered the capital were brain-dead idiots who thought this would be a good idea. Why should I be responsible for their actions “You were the one who encouraged them to do it.”

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1. Montana has one of the slowest internet speeds in the country due to its rural location. Would you be willing to spend government money to increase the internet speed in Montana?

• I understand the urge to help Montanans with slow internet, but this is a function best served by private companies, not the government “This helps with the base, but hurts with independents”
• We need to spend government money to help Montanans with slow internet “This helps with independents but hurts the base”

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1. Do you plan to pass more laws to engage in culture wars and ban drag story hour, and critical race theory

• No, these culture wars about drag story hour just distract from the main issues at hand “Some sense a missed opportunity to win points amongst the base, but others appreciate you for not constantly attacking”
• Yes, we need to protect our children from drag story hour and critical race theory “This will win you points amongst your base but hurt you with independents and libertarian-minded voters.”

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1. What will be your ending message as this campaign draws to a close?

• Don’t let Jon Tester fool you, he’s no moderate and he votes for Biden 91% of the time. Tester is Biden, and Biden is bad. Tester is Biden’s puppet. Make sure to vote for my dad for president and me for the senate. “This is probably a good strategy considering how Tester votes for Biden 91% of the time, and although Tester is somewhat popular in the state, Biden is not.”
• I want to hold a big rally in a field in Billings with a jumbotron where my dad is presented on the big screen from prison. My dad Trump Sr. will carry Montana by double digits, so all I have to do is ride his coattails to victory “Your dad is popular in Montana, so tying yourself to him as closely as possible might be a good idea.”
• I want to nationalize this race as much as possible. A vote for me is a vote for my dad who is running for president, while a vote for Tester is a vote for Biden “This is a good strategy, as you will need your dad’s momentum to gain victory in this senate race.”

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1. Where in Montana will you spend your last days campaigning

• I will campaign in the Helena area around Lewis and Clark and Cascade counties. Tester may have won them in 2018, but Trump won them in 2020, so with one last push, we should flip them red
• I will campaign in the rural eastern parts of the state to maximize conservative turnout such as in Custer and Prairie counties
• I will expand my appeal by campaigning in the rural northern parts of the state with Native American reservations such as Glacier County
• I will campaign in the Missoula area, a traditionally liberal area and college town in Missoula County

DAE Have a famous friend, and if so, what do you do to accommodate them/their situation?
Things are changing for a high profile person that I care about, -he’s about to get way higher profile- and I want to be helpful, chill, handle it the right way, and be protective. He can handle himself, which is great, but things are changing fast and I feel unprepared.
How do I help with this change and not make things weird?
I have a friend from one of the fields I work in that is internationally known.
He has tons of famous/celebrity friends that I don’t know.
He’s about to be featured on Netflix in a documentary next year, and I have a feeling it’s going to explode his public profile even more.
I know for sure the next two years are going to be insane with already scheduled Ted talks and signings, a tour etc.
All of a sudden there are things he can’t talk about, which I totally get, and honestly don’t want to know because I don’t want to accidentally mess anything up for him.
I’m worried for him and excited and happy for him all at the same time.
I don’t google him or watch you tube video’s because I feel like I’m spying on him. Lol.
I just hope it doesn’t change him and I don’t want it to hurt his family or personal relationships.
He’s really busy getting ready for all this and I’m just trying to give the right amount of space but still maintain the friendship.
I miss our philosophical chats, on art, science, ideas, work ethic, life etc. But I want to help him stay focused and get stuff done. I don’t want to get lost in the shuffle, but I want him to succeed more.
The weird thing is, that when he’s in town, I’m not sure how to act anymore. I just act the same as always, but I’m wondering if there’s anything I can be more aware of or should be doing that will help him, in light of his higher profile. I don’t want to do anything stupid, and also, I want to be a protector.
If anyone has had a high profile friend like this, do you have any tips you can give me on how to handle this that might be different from other kinds of relationships?
Any advice is appreciated.

Basics: GPA is a 4.2. Her first SAT score was a 1440 but she is going to retake. She does Chemistry Olympiad, French Honor Society (President), National Honor Society (Treasurer), Science Honor Society, Student Government (Clubs Commissioner), and theater.
Schools she is applying to:
Publics: University of Maryland (instate), University of Vermont, University of Oregon
Privates: Loyola Chicago, Gettysburg, Lewis and Clark, Smiths, Boston University, University of San Francisco, University of Portland
She plans on majoring in either biology, chemistry, or biochem. She would love to attend a school that offers good merit aid and we would love that too. Any thoughts on this list? Schools I should run by her to look into as options? The American south is out of question but everything else is open.

The impetus for this post is seeing how successfully their recent US festival performances have been and guessing that Band-Maid has a high probability of being invited to US music festivals in 2024. If that happens, they would be stupid to say no. And if they say yes, then it would make sense to plan additional US shows around those festivals. We will then see more groans that “Band-Maid only cares about the US”—though they still could still tour both Europe and the US next year.
I wanted to look at some touring statistics to explain why US tours are the most sensible option right now. I don’t make this case out of personal interest. Though I reside in the US, I’ve never seen them live—so if anything, I have the most vested interest in a European tour because Vladimir Chupin posts the best fancams! I just want to explain that there are sensible objective reasons to tour the US and to counter the completely baseless accusations that “Band-Maid only cares about the US.”
To make the case, I have collected the touring data from setlist.fm and YouTube-viewing analytics posted on another forum. The datasets are posted here.
YouTube viewing metrics
We have few methods of quantifying Band-Maid’s popularity, so I’m relying on global viewing statistics for Band-Maid’s YouTube channel, ranked by the top 75 major cities as of mid-May 2023, posted on another forum. Since I don’t know which analytics service was used, I can’t vouch for the methodology or level of accuracy. In the absence of alternatives, this is a good-enough gauge of popularity for current purposes.
Europe ranks lower than many other regions in terms of love for Band-Maid
Here is a breakdown of the numbers of views, ranked in order of popularity:

Region	Views (based on top 75 major cities)
Japan	5.9M
Asia (non-Japan)	1.2M
USA	798.1K
South America	372.3K
Europe	356.5K
Mexico	288.2K
Australia	115.5K
Canada	47.8K

Eighteen US cities appear in the top 75 list, compared to eight European cities. The three top viewing cities in the US alone account for more YouTube views (388.5K) than all eight European cities that appear in the Top 75 list combined (356.5K).
Mexico City alone accounted for more YouTube views (244K) than the three biggest European cities on the list combined (London, Moscow, and Paris, total 238.2K)
North America (1.1M) comes close to overseas Asia (1.2M) in terms of YouTube views, while Europe is outranked even by South America, which Band-Maid has never visited.
How viewing popularity compares to the number of shows performed
If Band-Maid were to plan overseas tours solely based on YouTube popularity, they would prioritize S/SE Asia, then North America, and then South America, before visiting Europe. But what do the touring numbers say?
Put the US aside for a moment. Prior to COVID, Band-Maid’s most overseas shows had been in Europe, where they performed 16 times (12 one-man shows, 4 gigs at conventions).
Regions where they have performed infrequently, disproportionate to their popularity:

• Asia (outside of Japan): 3 one-man shows and 4 festivals (despite 1.2M views)
• Mexico: 2 one-man shows, 1 TV appearance, and 1 upcoming show (despite 288.2K views)

Regions they have never performed in, compared to popularity:

• South America: 372.3K views
• Australia: 115.5K views
• Canada: 47.8K views

Band-Maid overseas tours have historically favored Europe over all other regions
From their first overseas show in 2016 to the start of pandemic lockdowns, European shows outnumbered all other overseas shows combined.

• Europe: 26 shows
• USA: 9 shows
• Asia: 9 shows
• Mexico: 2 shows (plus one TV appearance)

The US was late in the band’s consideration but proved a popular market
The US is the newest region that Band-Maid has begun touring in. Putting aside early appearances at two conventions, Band-Maid did not include the US in its tours until 2018, two years after incorporating Europe, Asia, and Mexico in its tours.
Keep this in mind: Before the pandemic, they had only conducted two US tours. Compare that to Europe, where they performed four tours over five different visits to Europe (excluding four performances at two conventions).
And yet their US visits proved fruitful. In 2019, which was only their second US tour, they had sold out all four scheduled shows. They added a fifth show which sold out as well. (I found a comment by one poster that their 2018 Amsterdam show sold out, but could not find similar information about any of their other European shows.)
Band-Maid can now perform more shows in a single US tour than elsewhere
To make overseas touring worthwhile, you want to cram in as many shows as possible and reach the largest audiences as possible.
It is only now, in 2023, that the number of US tours has matched the number of tours performed in Europe. However, the reason they have performed more shows in these US tours is because there are now more venue opportunities in the US than in Europe.
Before the pandemic, their biggest overseas tour was either the 2018 European tour, where they performed six shows over nine days, or the 2016 European tour, where they performed seven shows over two separate visits to Europe in four weeks. They have never performed at a European music festival.
Compare that to the recent US visits:

• For their 2022 US tour, they performed 13 one-man shows (almost all sold out) and one festival in under three weeks.
• For the first part of their 2023 North American tour, they performed 6 one-man or headlining shows and 3 festivals in under two weeks.
• For the second part of their 2023 North American tour, they will perform 8 one-man shows plus Lollapalooza within two weeks.

It is highly unlikely they can match those numbers with any European tour, even if they perform at a European music festival, which hasn’t yet happened. Putting festival prospects aside, the next time they tour Europe, it will be because they want to, and not because it is the most lucrative, the most logistically and financially sensible location, or the best way to reach untapped audiences. So European fans should be especially grateful when the band does return to Europe, rather than think, “It’s about time!”
What has Band-Maid said about the prospect of a European tour?
Has the band really forgotten Europe? Numerous social media and forum comments have claimed that Band-Maid has “forgotten that Europe exists”—often in an insulting, pouty, or dramatic manner. But is that true? Here are some recent comments the band has made:
Sankei Sports (2023.02.23):

Saiki said, “We like to surprise our fans, so please look forward to it,” and Kobato said with a smile, “We want to do an EU tour, too.

Miku on TikTok live (2023.03.09):When Ohrenje commented, “I hope you come to Europe next year,” Miku replied:

Right, po, Europe, we’ve always been wanting to go there, po. Well, it’s pretty hard, yeah, we’ve been unable to go there because of the COVID pandemic … moreover this year is pretty hard schedule-wise because of our 10th anniversary, even though I wish we could go there, po. Like tours in the US and in Japan.
First of all, Japan … we haven’t been able to visit smaller cities in Japan, so we decided to go around there first, po.
Those of you from Europe, please wait for a while, po.

KissFM Kobe interview with Miku and Saiki (2023.04.20):

When asked which countries they wanted to visit again, Miku answered the Netherlands and Saiki answered Mexico. (The Mexico City show was announced a few days later, so Saiki must have known they were returning to Mexico).

This is not an exhaustive list of what the band has said about returning to Europe, just recent instances that I can recall. For good reasons, they never explicitly say they will perform somewhere until the deal is finalized and an official announcement is made.
Why the 2023 North American tour makes sense
Many people have speculated why Band-Maid are performing in the US this year and not Europe. Many have suggested high costs of touring Europe, while others have countered that other Japanese bands are currently touring Europe. First, we shouldn’t lump all Japanese bands together. They have different priorities in terms of their popularity level, the amount of time they’ve been around, and their touring history, so they have different needs in terms of penetrating particular markets and other goals toward success and financial viability.
We don’t need to speculate much to see how sensible this year’s touring schedule has been. If we take Miku at her word (and the facts seem to support it), a primary objective for the band’s 10th anniversary was to hit smaller cities in Japan. For 2023, they have 28 live gigs in Japan, including their two largest shows ever. If we go by YouTube ratings (and no doubt sales), Japan still is their biggest market by a long shot, notwithstanding the common claims that they are more popular abroad (different metrics). It doesn’t make sense to abandon Japan in favor of Europe.
Next, they got the opportunity to perform at three different music festivals in the US, including the “legendary” Lollapalooza. This is a great opportunity to expand their audience in a way that one-man shows cannot achieve, so it would be stupid to decline. In order to make best use of their US visits, they need to plan a US tour around the festivals. Their deal with Live Nation makes it possible to play more shows than ever—certainly more shows than they have ever played in Europe. One festival is three months apart from the other two, which means they have to make two separate trips to the United States, but it also makes it possible for them to return to Mexico, which has a huge following. Their touring schedule is now packed: 49 shows, not including TV and online performances.
Should they have compromised this schedule and the chances of recouping their costs in order to play five or six shows for a smaller market in Europe—which they have historically shown the most favor to?
Who has the right to feel personally betrayed that Band-Maid has not performed in their region recently?
Unless one of the band members is your wife or mother, no one.
The criticisms I see from some European fans (not everyone!) can approach unhealthy and parasocial—as in, “You’re not showing me love. Are we breaking up?” or “You’re spending more time with the US than with me.” No one should interpret a tour gig as a measure of a band’s personal love for you. Bands don’t decide which countries to tour simply on personal whims. (To take one amusing example, Billy Bob Thornton’s band toured Canada even though he infamously derided his Canadian audience as “mashed potatoes without the gravy.”)
It hasn’t even been a year of touring yet!
Finally—and this is very important to keep in mind—when they finish their 2023 US tour dates, they will still have only been performing overseas for less than a year since pandemic restrictions were lifted. It’s unfair to say they haven’t played in Europe in four years without taking into account that they couldn’t play anywhere in nearly three of those years because of a global pandemic.
They have done 46 shows in the US and Japan since last year. For 2023, they have 49 scheduled performances, including their two biggest one-man shows ever. If they had taken it easy and not done any overseas shows, they wouldn’t be receiving so much criticism from European fans. So in a way they’re being penalized for working too hard, while being criticized for not working hard enough since they didn’t cram Europe into their full schedule. (Some critics have remarked, “They have such-and-such dates free, why can’t they play in Europe then?”)
The fact is that Band-Maid has shown Europe more love than the numbers would merit. For the first time since they started touring overseas, they are making inroads in a region that isn’t Europe. The only way we can categorize their decision—made in conjunction with management and promoters—as foolhardy is to prioritize one’s personal feelings as a fan over the needs of the artists themselves to make an impact.
It will be great if they return to Europe in 2024, but if they are also given opportunities in the US in 2024, we shouldn’t attack them for it, and we certainly shouldn’t take it personally.

First date was followed with a few pleasant check-ins by phone. Some long conversations, a second date scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in one of my old favorite neighborhoods at a restaurant I hadn't been to before. The location was far from me so as I was getting ready to leave I double checked my phone and there was a message saying "Did we ever settle on a time and place? I can't remember!?" (We did, have a whole conversation about it but he forgot to write it down in the day planner he says he always uses).
I called back to reconfirm, instead of canceling because I had secondary reasons to go to that neighborhood. He showed up 45 minutes early, somewhat panicked and flustered already drinking and eating by the time I showed up at the agreed upon time. The table was dirty and covered with chips and salsa. He said, don't worry, I'll pay for this, referring to the food that he had ordered for himself before I got there.
He seemed unable to emotionally regulate and admitted to having a panic attack earlier in part, because he had messed up the schedule of his earlier date as well and that created some overlap and time crunch. He had previously mentioned his ADHD, time blindness and other cognitive issues were deterrants in his relationships. He seemed unable to conceptualize broadly or change topics easily.
We spent the time trying to calm him down and redirect and I was too stressed to eat my food. In contrast, he was inhaling his food in addition to the food he ate before I got there. He seemed to be eating emotionally... His table manners were appalling, he kept dropping salsa everywhere since he had already eaten all the normal size chips.
He admitted that the date was going awry. He couldn't seem to stop talking about his own problems or focus on a normal course of conversation despite multiple attempts to redirect. One unusual topic that sticks out to me was he stated that there's a correlation between UFO and Bigfoot sightings, lol. He didn't' ask me any questions about myself or tell me I looked nice...
People do tend to overshare or confide in me unexpectedly and I pointed that out as he seemed to be doing that as well. He seemed to forget about all of our prior conversations and we were unable to connect about anything, including the walking date I had suggested earlier to tour the historic district. I stayed calm and did not get upset, in part because I was looking forward to seeing my friend which was the follow-up event.
After the restaurant, we stood outside and had a chat about a few things. I asked him why he kept bringing his dog on the date if he was going to leave it in the car, as it was a hot, sunny day. He insisted that the airflow and the car was safe, but the other reason was that he didn't feel like his adult male roommate was responsible enough to look after his dog. He had also mentioned the roommate as being a reason that if we were going to have sex it would have to be at my house because the roommate was basically always there.
Afterwards. I went walking around looking at some vintage shops and touring some places in a neighborhood I used to live in, later visiting an old friend who chose the venue of our visit to be one of the fanciest modern restaurants I've ever been in. At the nice restaurant, the waiters were gorgeous. We had fancy mocktails and some ahi .
I found an excuse to interact with some local young hipsters by asking directions or some other information about the neighborhood. Everyone I met was really friendly and cool. It made me want to move back.
If I took the time to explain all of the things that went wrong here it would take way too long and also be unkind. In a follow-up conversation where we recapped some of this, he reiterated his position that he was looking for a sexual connection and did not need any more female friends, thanks. I'm generally of the position that you really can never have too many friends so his loss...

Hi Sri Lankans! I am hoping to visit Sri Lanka in July. I have a whole 3 weeks to spare and would love to see Colombo, Kandy, Galle (if possible) and all the other beautiful must-sees. As a solo female traveler (Indian), is it safer for me to join a travel tour group or could I hack it alone? I won't be able to to travel about every day as I need to work a couple of hours a day so I also need some flexibility in time and schedules.
I've researched tour guides and groups and there seem to be a few. Any advice would be great!