Bilbao is such an incredible city! I have been very fortunate to play here seven or eight times in my career. What a place! Everywhere you look, it is a treat for the eyes.
Yesterday, when I arrived, I discovered that the Guggenheim and many restaurants and businesses were closed on Mondays. I decided to take advantage of the time that I had by walking into the old town district and doing some much-needed laundry. The old town is full of small, narrow streets, dotted with every manner of coffee shop, boutique, art gallery, and restaurant. I was so happy to find a laundromat that was open, and even happier that I could figure out how to make the machine work!
The gig yesterday was at the law school auditorium, a unique theater venue that is indeed located inside an old 1800s building currently occupied by a law school. The school’s cultural committee puts on concerts in their theater. The place was absolutely packed! Later they told me that was the biggest audience they ever had, and on a rainy Monday night, no less. I nearly cried at the thought of me being sold out of merchandise, but everybody was so friendly and happy about the show, it made up for the loss of money.
This morning, Promoter Iñaki met me at breakfast at the hotel and gave me several releases on his record label, including a couple of compilations of rare Jack Nitzsche material from the 1960s. Cool stuff, thank you for the records, the gig, and the great hospitality, Iñaki!
When I left the hotel, I walked to the Guggenheim museum, which is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. I’ve been here once before, but what a treat it was to come back. Just an incredible space for all kinds of modern art. I enjoyed everything, but it was particularly cool to see original Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Roy Lichtenstein works on the wall. Everything about the building is massive and imposing and incredible with its sense of flowing lines and abstract shapes. It was a wonderful way to retreat from the reality of the world for an hour.
Thank you, Bilbao! I can’t wait to come back. Now it’s time to load the guitar and amplifier and suitcase into the car and make my way to Oviedo, where tonight I will play at the Gong Galaxy Club. Let’s roll!
See many more photos and videos at Deke’s original Facebook post!
