Nature of the eBeast July 03

FAREWELL TOUR (Part 1): On 26th June, Camel ascended the stage for their 'preview performance' at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, California. A SOLD OUT show thanks entirely to the support of you, Camel's eBeasters. You turned up in impressive numbers to support Camel, again breaking a record for the largest number of pre-sold tickets in line (as you did at the Great American Music Hall in 2000). The Catalyst's management, who for years had refused to book the band citing 'Camel don't hold much appeal in this market', enjoyed a hearty helping of humble pie and graciously made the band more than welcome. Catalyst staff were friendly and helpful. It was a most enjoyable evening.

Andrew Latimer, Colin Bass and Denis Clement had been rehearsing for 2 weeks, creating a tight bond of musical energy. Keyboardist Tom Brislin had far less time to rehearse but prides himself on being a 'quick study' and his pride is well-deserved. Tom fitted right in with the group, as if he had been playing with them for years. It was a high energy show and few preview performances go so smoothly nor sound so good.

The 28th found the band at The Bottom Line in New York City where, yet again, Camelites broke more records: The largest number of pre-purchased tickets for BOTH shows. Again, a wonderful audience and high emotion brought the best out of the band. Relaxed and clearly enjoying themselves, they were giving everything they had. Colin's vocals on "Fox Hill" were soaring to new heights along with his highly amusing animations.

NEARfest was a 'cooler' gig but only because they had air conditioning. Once again, the show transcended itself. A few technical problems seemed only to create greater opportunity for onstage banter, with hilarious exchanges between Latimer and Bass while backline technician Del Haggar rushed on and off stage to sort out the problems. Soon Del was part of the show, taking an enormous amount of good natured teasing about his attire -- shorts and black socks. Del saved the night for Denis after a huge blister formed on his thumb (or his 'tum' as Denis would say). Del rushed to his aid with electrical tape, wrapped it around Denis' 'tum' and Denis was able to pound freely again. The NEARfest crowd was nearly "progged-out" by the time Camel hit the stage with the festival nearly 2 hours behind schedule, but the band managed to get a 'progged-out' version of a 'wave' going and an atmosphere of fun prevailed throughout the show.

By the time the band got to Alexandria, Camel were in their stride. As always, the audience made it special for the band with an open-armed welcome and a near tangible anticipation before the show. The Birchmere was another great night, and "Fox Hill" had never been better. While the band anticipated Colin's next rendition with much relish, wondering how he could possibly surpass himself, an unexpected change was looming on the horizon...

Unbeknownst to the band, the Mexican promoter had failed to meet a crucial deadline for contract obligations and the scheduled shows had to be canceled at the last minute. Camel were deeply disappointed by this situation as they had all been looking forward to a repeat of the warm welcome Mexican fans had given them on the 2001 tour. During the drive to the Washington airport for their flight to Atlanta, their spirits were somewhat subdued knowing that Atlanta would be the last show on this leg of the tour.

But the loss of the Mexican shows paled in comparison to what lay ahead. Just before boarding their flight to Atlanta, drummer Denis Clement complained of not feeling well. Seconds later, Denis collapsed on the floor, unconscious.

While the exact cause still remains unknown, doctors believe that Denis may have suffered a severe allergic reaction called 'anaphylaxis' resulting in a loss of consciousness. Denis was rushed to the emergency room at a local hospital where he had a seizure which stopped his heart. Thankfully, in the care of hospital staff, Denis was stabilized.

This particular allergic reaction could have been deadly to Denis but the quick response from the band members at the scene, the medical team who rushed him to hospital, and the superb care of hospital staff reduced the immediate threat to Denis' life. Denis is young and strong, so doctors expect a full recovery. But given the very real threat to his life from this incident, a surgical procedure was performed to protect him in the event anaphylaxis occurs again.

The Atlanta show had to be canceled due to the band's inability to bring in a replacement drummer at such short notice. CP can't say yet if either the Atlanta or Mexican shows can be rescheduled since each were canceled for very different reasons. But if it is possible, it will not be until after the European tour has ended.

The end of the Farewell Tour (Part 1) was less than desirable. Both cancellations were beyond the band's control but Andrew, Colin and Denis each send their apologies and best wishes to all fans who were disappointed by the cancellations, most especially to those who traveled such a long distance only to find the show would not go on. CP knows this can be a crushing disappointment as many people drive for hours, listening to Camel cds in anticipation of the show. Harry, Emma, Sean and I add our voices to commiserate with everyone whose plans to go to the shows were dashed at the 11th hour.

On a happier note, Denis is now at home in Canada, and is expected to resume his usual activities after a brief recovery period. Camel are now planning for the European segment of the Farewell Tour (Part 2). CP will soon release an update of the performances and venue contact information. We are aware that some venues are difficult to contact and are hoping to sort this out soon.

SILENCE OF THE CAMELS: We've kept quiet about these events as we felt it was not appropriate for CP to release a statement without permission from all band members, particularly Denis. CP also wanted the facts, not speculation. It just wouldn't be right to talk about the great shows and all the new stuff we have on offer without also explaining the reasons for the cancellations, the state of Denis' health, and to acknowledge the let down many fans have felt about their lost opportunity to see the band perform.

ACOUSTIC ALBUM: Finally, the news many people have longed to hear but will want to plug their ears. The planned 'acoustic' album is not happening. Although the voting was fun, the top choices (Lady Fantasy, Ice, Echoes, Lunar Sea, to name a few) were more a list of Camel favourites as opposed to music that could be rearranged successfully for acoustic presentation. Andrew Latimer gave it his best attempt but as time passed, so passed the inspiration. For now, the project has been shelved indefinitely.

DVD - CURRICULUM VITAE: We at CP have been busy with the new DVD release, which is now in stock and available for ordering online. We've had rave reviews

SWEATSHIRTS: A 30th Anniversary sweatshirt (with zipper and hood) is now available. It is embroidered in gold thread with logo contest winner Debbie Dyke's design. Made by Lee, as was our 20th Anniversary sweatshirt (which many of us are still wearing), it's a quality piece of clothing that keeps its shape and colour for years. Suggestion: Wash it inside out. For some reason, this makes the color last even longer.

T-SHIRTS: Camel's Farewell Tour tee has the design of logo contest runner-up, Eduardo Hop. A black shirt with purple design in large, x-large and 2x-large, is now available online.

WOMEN'S T-SHIRTS: For the first time, CP is offering a 'women's' style tour tee. This shirt, which also features the Farewell Tour design, has a more tailored look with a scoop neck and slightly smaller sleeves. The overall look is fitted and shapely as opposed to a baggier, loose fit with regular tees. This t-shirt sold out quickly on tour.

Visit our shop for pictures of the sweatshirt and women's t-shirt.

So concludes our latest, most lengthy eBeast. Updated European tour dates coming soon!

Best wishes from Highly's Merchanteers,
Paris, Emma, Harry & Sean
http://www.camelproductions.com

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