douglas

Welcome to the board, Douglas! Sorry to hear of your shipping woes -- many of us here can relate. It's amazing how the simplest things like "Telecaster" vs "guitar" can throw a wrench into things. If you wouldn't mind sharing, which pub are you playing in June? Well, as an update, I've emailed my contact at Coldplay to ask if there is anything she can do to resolve the situation. I also had problems with payment via PayPal to KidsCo, so I emailed my contact, Arlene, and she had things straightened out in no time. So, I am hoping she might be able to help me yet again. I am beginning to see the words "Clearance Delay" in my dreams . . . I am playing at the fabulous Nanny O'Brien's in Cleveland Park. It is here: http://www.nannyobriens.com/ Just down the street from my home, so it is never far to stagger after a long night. Currently working up versions of Clocks, Trouble, Don't Panic, Spies, and Sparks (bet you can't guess which my favorite CP album is). Doubt I will play Sparks though, as it is such a quiet song. Might not be too suited for a Saturday night in an Irish pub. We'll see.

Hello everyone - thanks for your kind hellos and how-dos. Nope - the volcano is not holding up the shipping. I actually think it is due to the fact that, apparently, the item is labelled a "Telecaster", which is an accurate description of the guitar. However, the DHL representative stated that she did not know what a "Telecaster" was - perhaps if the item had been labelled "guitar" I would have had it by now. My angst is compounded by the fact that the guitar is still in England! God knows what kind of customs inspection/delay awaits its arrival in the United States. I will indeed be playing the guitar. I think the best way to love a musical instrument is to play it. But I won't be altering it or taking it on trips. Just playing it on special occasions. And due to its strange tuning, I might have to have the neck adjusted once I tune it back to standard concert pitch. But I know a guy that will give it all the right TLC. And I will be delighted to share its name with all of you. I would not be shocked for it to be called "42", but there is a certain roadie with that name also. You wouldn't want someone to be confused as to whether "42" refers to a guitar or a certain human being, I suppose. In any case, I will let you know promptly upon its arrival . . . hopefully sometime before 2011. It's my lunch break, so I think I will pull up a youtube clip of them playing "42" live somewhere and just pine for my new baby. <sigh> douglas

Hello All, Just a quick note to share with you how much I have enjoyed reading this thread. Am a long time fan of the band. I actually saw them on their first-ever club tour of the states. I was living in Portland, Oregon at the time. I remember driving up to Seattle to see them at the Showbox on one night, then driving back home and seeing them in the Roseland Theater in Portland the next night. The band all had the flu - were just horribly ill. I remember seeing buckets at the side of the stage, ready for them to throw up in! I was the lucky winner of the "42" guitar. I tried for Blacky, but obviously Jason beat me to it (amazing pictures you've posted, Jason my son). I also have a tale of woe to tell. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, 42 continues to sit on a dock in East Anglia, England on a "Clearance Delay" with DHL. I have been in contact numerous times with Gemma at KidsCo. She's been wonderful in trying to get things sorted out for me. But the guitar ain't budging yet. Setting aside my self pity, I just wanted to say hello to this lovely community and offer you some pics of the guitar if/when it arrives. I'm a guitarist myself and have played for many years (including quite a few Coldplay covers). I actually have a solo show scheduled in a small Irish pub in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 5. If 42 arrives in time, I will post a few pics of me playing it on stage during the show (in addition to pictures of the guitar without my ugly face). Anyway - hello to you all, and I will be back in touch at some point once the new addition to the family arrives here in Washington, D.C., USA. Best, Douglas