Hi Fans!

I promised you a typical day in the life of the CARPENTERS, so this will cover a day on tour.

The phone rings in their hotel rooms at 6:00 a.m. to inform them of the time of day. Though their bodies are pleading for another hour or so of sleep, their minds tell them they must get up and be on their way to their next engagement.

They dress, pack, and are on their way. Sometimes it's a cab that takes them to the airport, other times a rented vehicle will transport them and their tons of equipment by surface to their next appearance.

In a plane, both Karen and Richard try to catch another forty winks. In a car, Richard drives, so lucky Karen gets to conk out on the back seat for a bumpy nap.

When they reach their destination, they check in at their scheduled hotel, and by that time are ready for breakfast. It's noontime or close to it. After eating, they drive to the theater or arena to set up their equipment and instruments, and test the sound system.

Now they're ready for rehearsal which lasts three to five hours. It's getting close to concert time, and they haven't thought about dinner. Oh well, they'll grab something after the performance. On their way to their dressing rooms to prepare for the concert, they find that sandwiches and snacks have been brought in for them. If they're real lucky like they were in Fresno, it might even be fried chicken and shrimp with baskets of bread, platters of cold cuts, cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and lots of nice fresh fruit. If time is running short, Karen might fix a plate, carry it to her dressing room and eat it while she dresses. Richard likes to sit down and enjoy his meal while conversing with stage hands or musicians.

By this time, the audience has arrived, the theater is packed, and it's time for the opening act to go on. Karen hasn't even showered but she's not worried. She has her 'getting ready' time worked to a precise art. While showering, she also washes her hair. (Yes, everyday). She dries it with a hand dryer until it is barely damp, then up in curlers it goes, then dries it completely under a 'plastic cap' dryer. Whilst under this, she applies her makeup and slips into her stage clothes. Hair now dry, she removes the curlers, a brisk brushing and she's ready to make her appearance. Her timing is perfect.

Richard's dressing schedule is much the same as Karen's. Performance over, and the last bow made to the audience in appreciation of their standing ovation and generous applause, they rush backstage and change into street clothes.

After they have changed, and if the security guard permits, they sign autographs for fans, pose for pictures, etc. If they are hungry they go out to eat, and though the hour is late, there are still autograph requests during their meal.

Back in their hotel, they watch T.V. while their dinner settles, then back in the sack to sleep 'til an early morning phone call beckons them to new horizons in another town.

See ya next month when I'll let you peak into a day of their lives at home.

EV.

Last changed: Mon May 23 22:22:33 EDT 2005