ToD Tour Select European Nations in May, Ignore Others
02/04/2008 -- by merlin

LONDON, England (AP) -- High-flying favorites ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead announced a string of European tour dates early Monday morning to follow their much anticipated May 17th appearance at the All Tomorrows Parties festival in Somerset England.

The short mini-tour, which concentrates mostly on central Europe, has been welcomed with open arms by several countries, but has met with fierce vocal disapproval in other areas of the continent, many loyal fans feeling disenfranchised and ignored by the band they've helped support for years.  "I think it's disgraceful," said Sven Gustafsson, a long-time Swedish fan from Malmo.  "Absolutely disgraceful.  How could they possibly ignore all of Scandinavia?  An area, I might add, which has supported them through thick and thin, bought the over-priced major label records, and kept going to the shows even though they haven't put out anything good in years.  We've gone through a lot in the hope they'd recognize our efforts and reward us with a show or two.  I feel used and abandoned."  Reaction, even in parts of England, was similar.  "It hurts," lamented an unnamed fan from the North East.  "One hit record in central Europe and all of a sudden Trail of Dead can't play anywhere the fans don't speak German.  It really does feel like we won those two World Wars for nothing."

Trail of Dead booking agent Emma Banks said she fully understood the fans' reaction and urged patience in their quest for show equality.  "Everyone needs to understand that booking shows is not a personal matter.  The band holds no grudge against fans in certain countries.  If they had their way, they'd play in every city in every country in Europe.  Unfortunately there comes a point where management has to step in and draw a line in the sand.  At this moment in time, there are some places that are more financially viable for the band than others.  It's as simple as that."

"If these fans are so desperate for a [Trail of Dead] show, then by all means, contact my office and make us an offer we can't refuse."

>> Breaking Trail of Dead News