Rooney’s Robert Shwartzman discusses the worst possible way to tour, the value of clean socks and more…
1. Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
We toured around Europe by train, which was the worst idea. We had two crews and a bunch of gear and somehow the numbers worked out that a train tour would be less expensive. We had to rent amps and a drum set in each, so we couldn’t dodger certain expenses, and when we arrived in each city by train, we had to take two cabs to the venue. When you’re touring around England, everything is real pricey, so the cabs really broke the bank. Not all trains went directly to each city, so we were switching constantly, which made the gear transfers really tough. We would stand in a row and pass gear down to speed up the process. The other annoying thing was having to leave really early to catch the train. We were back in the hotel room by 2am and up the next morning at 430am to grab a cab and head to the venue. We did this for a month and went everywhere from London to Milan. The Paris to Milan train was brutal. We were crammed in a little sleeper car. I spent the night in the cafe and met some travelers. All in all, it was a good experience and one that makes a great story. It’s the hard times on the road that make the best stories, not the “we were in a jet and ate sushi all night” stories…maybe that’s a good story…who am I kidding.
2. What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
I like history and politics. I’d be into taking an American History class or current affairs class. Something that I can apply to daily life and to help me get a better grasp on issues surrounding our country.
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
I really like Austin,TX. Some great spots to visit and great restaurants. We were in Ashville,NC the other day and I really enjoyed it there. I like small towns with cool mom and pop shops. Lots of antique stores and places you don’t get in a big city like Los Angeles.
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
I played baseball when I was little…little league. I remember they were having try outs and placing kids on different teams based on their skill level. You were either going up to the majors or staying in the minors. I was 9 and most kids my age were in the minors. My dad wanted me to try out and I was too scared. I locked myself in the bathroom and said I wasn’t going. He talked me through it and said I would regret it if I didn’t at least try. I ended up going to the try outs and getting drafted to the major leagues. I learned that you can’t be afraid to try and you have to do the best you can do. Like that saying, “you can’t hit the ball if you don’t swing at the pitch.” That saying sticks with me.
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
Not much. I’m in tour mode and I usually don’t listen to a lot of music when I’m playing shows. I’ve heard the “Double Rainbow” remix on youtube…real good.
6. The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
I’m reading “The Tipping Point” and I really like it. Those kinds of books, facts, studies on trends, why things occur, etc. I like when things are broken down and explained in detail…and are easy to follow. Last TV show I was addicted to was Twin Peaks.
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
I went to see Elton John and Eric Clapton at Dodger stadium. My Dad was a huge Elton John fan and we surprised him with tickets. We missed Eric Clapton, but I was 7 years old and didn’t really know him. My favorite Elton John song at the time was Crocodile Rock. The shows was fun. I don’t remember much, but I remember some images. I do remember seeing Ben Folds Five and Superdrag at the Palladium in Los Angeles. That was an exciting concert for me. I was getting into music and I remember being blown away by the power of the music live. Superdrag sounded huge!
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
I must have clean socks, sandals, and lots of bottled water. We’ve run out of water on long drives and it can be a bummer. I go trough socks really quick, so it’s always nice to have a clean pair. Sandals, it good to walk around the bus in sandals.
9. Who are your major musical influences?
I have a lot of respect for Jeff Lynne, Todd Rundgren, Brian Wilson, John Lennon, Barry Gibb, Burt Bacharach, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Buddy Holly. The list goes on, but those just came to me right now.
