Throne of Blood European Tour Posthumous Diary: Part III of III
Throne of Blood is The Rapture‘s record label and over the last two weeks we’ve posted Part I and Part II of the Throne of Blood European tour diary written by Andrew Potter (right) of Populette. This week, we wrap up the tour as we follow Populette and label boss, James Friedman back to London for the final gig of the tour.
Words by Andrew Potter of Populette
LONDON: THE END
Once in London, we split up for a little and I took a cab to my friend’s flat in Islington. I lucked out and had the most wonderful cabby on the way there. We chatted it up the whole way. He was a typical bloke and a retired clubber who spoke fondly of Acid House and the old Ibisa. Now he is settled down with a wife and kids—not a bad look at all. I wouldn’t recommend getting around in cabs though; it’s insanely expensive.
After catching up with my friend, we went to eat at an old gastropub in London. Everyone there seemed to know each other and the food and vibe were quite good. I missed out on a Turkish feast with the rest of the Throne of Blood crew at Mangal, which comes HIGHLY recommended.
Photo c/o The Shacklewell Arms
From dinner, we took another wallet-busting cab to the venue, The Shacklewell Arms for the closing gig of the tour. It was a Throne of Blood showcase with many of our European counterparts like Mat Playford, Bicep and Mugwump.
It was like coming home in some ways, since there were so many old friends from the road, London friends, and NYC ex-pats. The Shacklewell Arms is a converted pub where dudes used to play dominoes and stuff, and was described by friends as a “Rave Pub.”
After nine late nights in a row all over Europe, I felt like my nine lives were up, and I spent the next couple days sleeping and putting the pieces back together. The flight back to NYC came quick in the end and I was going home! At Heathrow airport with James, I popped into an electronics store and finally found the exact camera I had broke at the beginning of the tour. Go figure.
It was a really special and unforgettable trip. It was so much more than the places and the parties. It was really the PEOPLE that made it what it was. And hopefully, I will be able to thank them all in person one day. One person who deserves immediate thanks is James Friedman, who made all this shit happen, “Thanks, Homie!”
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