Planning down under

I've had quite a few people interested in cycling with me in OZ and NZ. Two almost definites, so looks like I'll have some company which is great news. Some of the shows are quite small - and this is actually a ploy to have a guaranteed audience. I have some interesting house shows lined up for NZ, in out of the way places. One on a farm, another at a music studio by the sea.

Do you want to come on tour with me?

The next phase of the never-ending tour is New Zealand and Australia. I'm cycling and would like some companions. If you're stuck for a holiday idea and want to join for a couple of weeks, it would certainly be a memorable trip. It's summer there you know.

It's couchsurfing all the way, so there are no accommodation costs and no limit to the number of people who can come along. Just your flight if you're not already there, and your bicycle if you don't have one. Daily distances are 100km max, then a rest day, so it should be manageable if you're in moderate shape, and if you're not you soon will be.

I do a great Forest Gump impression and can keep it up continuously for days on end "touring was like a box of chocolates" (it will be hilarious), I'll even grow the beard back, and if we can get a gang going along it will be a cavalcade of fun. If you're a musician or a performer you can join in or just tag along for the ride.

New Zealand: 16th February - 16th March = Auckland to Christchurch
Australia: 17th March - 17th June = Melbourne to Brisbane

I don't have the exact dates, or venues yet. My Australian booker, the wonderful Veronica Lake is putting the finishing touches to it, so I'll send them nearer the time. We're still open for couch concerts, if you know a friend who would like a show in their living room then please suggest it.

Suits sold

That was a fast sale. The last suit has gone, which means the price was too low. I'd lost faith in them really, only to regain it when it was too late. But they went to good homes, fans of my music so I'm a happy man. It might be tempting to make them again cheaper if I see some cheap factory in Asia, but I think I've learnt my lesson and will leave business to the businessmen. I've heard the design has already been ripped off in London, so maybe they'll be in H&M one day then everyone can have one.

Closing down the shop... final suit sale!

So.... I've reopened my shop in Amsterdam to close it down. Make any sense? (It was rented out to other people while I was touring for the last 18 months, and now I'm touring for good, so I have to get rid of the last suits)

I have 28 of my zip-suits left. Just measure yourself or tell me your size. They were priced at €500 but now they're going for €50 (plus P+P). 90% off!!! I know! I'm practically giving them away. But these are the last ones I have and I want to be finished with the fashion business. A lot of people have said that they'd like one, so it's now or never folks! Read more about them at www.jackstaffordcollection.com

There is also some women's clothing from Eleene in Paris http://eleene.over.blog.com

- But you'll have to come to the shop to see them. Vijzelstraat 67, Amsterdam

Flash mob music video

Does anyone want to be in a music video on Saturday? If you're in Amsterdam bring your laptop to de Balie on Leidseplein at 11.30am. It's for a song 'Wifi?' about trying to get online. I'll sing at 12 noon and then everyone starts dancing at the end with their laptop, while people look surprised. If you haven't heard of a flash mob before, it's when people assemble in a public place at a specified time and perform a pointless act. There are lots of good examples on youtube. But it'll only work if there's lots of people.

Crash

A very upsetting day...
http://m.eadt24.co.uk/;s=Bmi_zeVNa8EiOkaMAKZiA25/content/eadt/news/story.aspx?id=1.765775
- My dad was just behind the three as they went down and just missed
them. I was in the other group that rode the shorter distance. It's
very unusual for people to get hurt that badly. A freak accident.
Paramedics were an hour on the road treating them before the air
ambulance came. Peter, the most seriously hurt, is still in a coma.

Any creative ideas?

I have over 1000 CD singles left over from my first two albums,
because back in the day radio insisted on physical copies for airplay
(many still do, the fools). What should I do with them?