Seeing Jack White in Edinburgh

flic.kr/p/Q9mzFU This was the first time we'd been to Edinburg in a while. Our objective (well, mainly my lifetime objective) -- to see Jack White in the flesh! So we dropped off Daisy at doggie daycare, jumped on a train, and headed north last Sunday. Our hotel was located in Grassmarket for easy walking from the station and Usher Hall. That meant we had plenty of pubs and the castle to view from our room. It's too bad our trip was short because we could have spent a load more time looking around (I still haven't been to the Writer's Museum I don't think) but we walked up to the castle, had some pub grub, explored some Harry Potter shops and a museum on what was the inspiration for Diagon Alley. There are a ton of Americans there, let me assure you. Then we headed to Usher Hall. This was the first time we'd been to a gig that didn't allow phones. They asked if you had one when you went in and then gave you a little green sock thing that locked. On the way out, someone was there to systematically pop locks as you walked out. Pretty straight forward except a lot of people didn't get theirs locked up. Now, to be fair, I didn't see those people using their phones during the show (I figure Jack would scorn and shout at anyone who tried) so it wasn't a horrible experience at all. It was just weird not knowing what time it was. I could have worn my watch, I suppose, but I didn't risk it in case those needed locking up too. Too much faff when I could easily leave everything locked in the safe at the hotel. Now I've tried to remember all of the songs he did and all I can say was, it was a pleasant mixed bag. White Stripes songs, Dead Weather (this he played with the opening band who were local Newcastle lads), some Raconteurs and, of course, his new solo stuff. And he played Beck's "Devil's Haircut" which was cool. Steve said he had never seen anyone get a crowd so worked up and after an hour or show and an hour encore, I knew what he was going to end with. Seven Nation Army. I mean, come on! That was so amazing! Afterwards we were pleased and happy with money well spent and fully entertained. Steve isn't a huge fan but he really liked the show, so I was pleased by that as well. Before heading back to the hotel we had a nightcap at a Tiki Bar and I had a Taste the Rainbow which was Skittles Vodka and strawberry flavours. When we got back, I took my shower, said "goodnight" to the castle, and crashed. I had to take a Monday off work just to travel home early in the morning, but it was so worth it. Jack White promised he'd be back to Edinburgh, so I'll count on going back myself. My mother said she saw him on TV watching the World Series in Boston, so he must have hopped on the tram first thing to get to the airport in time. Bless.

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