The next morning, I meet up with Herrenmagazin at the hotel and we head to Stuttgart together. In Bad Cannstatt, I bump into Darko – an old friend and truly the heart of the venue. He’s ironing shirts and getting the catering ready. He asks if Portugal is still happening – and I smile. Apparently, some folks really are following this journey.
My dad and Arthur Gepting travel all the way from Karlsruhe to see the show.
Since I only flew with hand luggage, I had no merch and no guitar with me. Yesterday in Frankfurt I borrowed Deniz Jaspersen’s guitar – today, thanks to Arthur, I get to play my own. He even brought my merch from home so I could sell a few records. Legend.
The show is more chaotic than Frankfurt. When I start playing, not everyone’s in the room yet – it takes a lot of energy to keep the sold-out venue engaged. But being back on stage with my own guitar feels damn good.
And then: a surprise. The promoter increases my fee by €250 – unasked, unprompted. Just because he thought it was the fair thing to do.
Respect where respect is due.
The next day, I fly back to Lisbon. I land late, grab my VW bus parked under a bridge, and drive two hours through the night toward the Algarve.
In Porto Covo, I meet up with my girlfriend Eva.
Lisbon is officially over.
Hard to believe. I wish I could stay.
• Club Cann for excellent live music
• Raupe Immersatt for fair trade coffee and a beautiful foodsharing concept
• Mata Hari & Cap Tormentoso for good food and great drinks – whether you’re in the mood for cozy or chaos
