Despite the torrential rain outside, the gig at One Mayfair was a gas and here are a few pictures from it. Different Country, Same State is at last in the shops and doing well thanks to all those loyal boardies out there who pre-ordered it. Almost everyone who has read it to date seems to take a pretty favourable view. But judging by a couple of contrary comments on http://www.jamesblunt.com/forum/Topic39880-6-1.aspx the book has stirred up some strong feelings!! I did write it, so I guess I should be allowed to have my say!
Non- dress rehearsal for the London gig.
Different Country, Same State was always going to be Weird Uncle Peter’s alternative take on James and the tour – not James’ take! Except where I quote him directly, I’m not necessarily expressing his opinions, but my own. This is not a ‘yes’ book and I don’t know if he agrees with everything I’ve written, but I’d like to think it’s honest. He’s read it and, being James, smiled quietly.
Karl goes Oriental.
James doesn’t make any money out of the book. He was big enough and bold enough to give me unlimited access to him and everyone around him over a three-year period.What’s emerged, I hope, is a genuine warts ‘n’ all portrayal of our lives on the road that gives fans and others an insight into the artist and the man – and it’s all a bit of fun. After all, the tour was wildly enjoyable for everyone concerned on both sides of the crush barrier.
Sound check time.
James adores his fans and particularly respects the support and loyalty of the boardies – as the book makes clear. He always makes himself available in public for photos and autographs. But some people just don’t accept that he is entitled to some sort of a private life as well. The aftershow party has to be private: imagine what it would be like for him if every word he said and whatever he did was immediately posted on the boards? He and the band would never be able to relax and unwind. What I have done is to give a bit of insight into what happens behind the scenes. There’s nothing here that James wouldn’t want people to know.
Fans wait in the rain outside the converted church, One Mayfair.
Yeah, there was a bit of bunking out there – actually quite a lot of bunking. But this can hardly come as a surprise! There was never any question of vulnerable young girls being exploited. As a result of the tour, three of the band are in permanent relationships and all three have become dads!! I call that responsible bunking by any standards. Also, Weird Uncle Peter may be more than a bit weird, but he behaved impeccably throughout – not, of course, just because of his advancing years and lack of opportunity. He’d like to point out that he is in fact married and the father of six. As a consequence, as he has discovered, he really doesn’t have career prospects as a white slave trader.
Not for this lot!
As I say in the book “I think that for James there’s a deeper and a darker side to the tour that reaches beyond the shallows of the exhausting daily ritual of travel, perform, and party. It’s not about dating a different girl each night: it’s about stealing a transient moment with another human being. It’s not really about alcohol and the endless pursuit of fun: it’s about living each moment as if it were your last – because that’s how he views life.” I stand by that.
A moment of pure concentration.
So I hope you read Different Country, Same State and enjoy it in the same free spirit that it was written …
Funny kind of church music at One Mayfair.
Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share your thoughts from what you’ve read on the site. More than ever I’m looking forward to reading my copy when it arrives.
Can’t wait to get this book, Peter!
Mine hasn’t arrived yet
Thank you Trixie, I thought I couldn’t leave it without a comment.
I have read the book cover to cover and enjoyed it enormously.
As you know, we Boardies are an outspoken group who discuss every topic under the sun and always have a right to reply unless the delete finger thinks we have really gone too far. It seems only fair, therefore that you, Peter, are afforded the same opportunity.
Nice to see so many familiar faces in your pictures above
As I was reading the boards, it was starting to feel more and more like “Charlie and the chocolate factory” with the quest for the elusive “golden ticket”. I really appreciate that you’ve taken a moment to respond to what was written.
Your book is on “back-order” through amazon.ca (Canada) so I’ve now ordered my copy through amazon.uk and should be getting it this week. I’m really looking forward to its arrival!!
I am so glad you commented Peter
You have every right to tell your side of the story !!! Congratulations! regarding the sales 
Waiting patiently for my copy, knowing that it takes time when shipped from overseas. No worries, just great expectations here in Canada LOL Take care and looking forward to the “rest of the story” ;-D
That was quite a beating you took over there, Peter….as expected, you handled it well and responded with great clarification.
In what some see as harsh & ugly, others will see as just another layer to the beauty of the honest reality.
Pookey and Snowkitten, I really hope your book(s) arrives soon and that you enjoy it. When you’ve read it, I would be interested to hear your opinions! Peter
The Queen, thanks for your kind comments. Telling the truth was the aim of the book, and there will always be a few people upset when they hear it! Peter
Hi Marina, I hope it arrives soon!
Got about 40 pages to go – It’s brilliant !! It has had me in stitches several times and the additional insight into places etc that you bring from past visits etc adds a bit more to the story.
I am there in the rain on the pictures but somehow managed to be hidden behind the sea of brollys ! lol
Hi Peter !
I just received my book, and began to read it, I’m already conquered. Very well written and spiritual. I look forward to continuing!
And thanks to have put my little showcase in picture, I’m delighted and very touched !
Merci beaucoup…
Dany
I couldn’t wait for Canada’s amazon to have your book in stock Peter so I ordered from the UK site as well.
Looking forward to having my copy signed sometime next year when you’re in Canada!
You are posting recent blog entries on twitter as well? If so I would like to know your account, so I can follow you there and be informed.
Dear Peter,
I know I’ve said this over and over, but it’s never enough: thank you for the great work you’ve been doing on your blog and thanks for making it all so real – you really make us feel closer to James, even though he’s so far away, and we can only dream that he’ll play for us in Brazil…
Jackie AGT, you can find us at http://www.twitter.com/jamesbluntbook
It’s a pleasure Rita, and there are lots more blogs and pictures to come very soon!
Yes Trinity, hopefully I will be able to come on some of the Canada tour, and then I will certainly sign your copy! Peter
Madame valise, thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoy the rest of the book. Peter
Hi Sam, I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it! Peter
Thanks Hils and I’m really happy that you enjoyed my book!
Peter
Hi!:)
I can’t really comment on the book yet as i haven’t read it but there are a few people upset about this thing that James doesn’t trust boardies and thinks we are going to blab everything, not sure i like that either but i will read it first and decide then, thanks for writing about our God though, he he:)
What a great book – i couldn’t put it down!
Thanks for such an insight into the hard work, endless travelling and dedication that goes into James and the band being on tour.
I loved the humour in the book and thanks for sharing the “marmite” episode with us. I thought it was hilarious!
I think it was very brave of James to allow you along on the tour and for you to go!
We are very lucky to have such a talented musician in Great Britain.
Hi lonelydancer, glad you’re going to postpone your judgement until you’ve read the book! When you do get round to reading it, you’ll see how much James values boardies.
yeah, its great to see Lonelydancer and Tartan on some the pics!!!
Peter the stalker?? just kidding!
hugs from Hamburg
Ina and Thommy
ЎHola!
jamesbluntbook.com – da mejor. Guardar va!
Gracias
Ivan
Genuine Goodness…
When you have time look into this awesome information….