Travels with Function: Drama in Stockholm

The day after our show in Oslo we woke up, got in the van, drove about 5 minutes and ran out of gas on the middle of the highway, which was just great. We were stuck there for about an hour and a half before the police came to help us and called a tow truck. We managed to get fuel back in the car but we were running 2 hours late for our sound check in Stockholm. We basically had to make the 6.5 hour drive without stopping to make the show. We wouldn’t get a sound check but at least we would make the show time.

Everything was going well, we were making good time. We were 15 minutes away from the venue when the car started making strange revving noises, without any pressure on the gas pedal. Then we noticed a strange smell. Then thick smoke started to come out from under the bonnet. Within 30 seconds we pulled over to the side of the highway, threw open the door and had to jump from the van, over a rail and down and embankment. We could not see for about 2 meters ahead of us due to the amount of smoke. At that point we were thinking the van was about to blow so we ran down the highway and when we looked back the smoke had covered the entire highway and the van was not at all visible. Luckily a truck driver pulled over to help and within 2 minutes the highway was blocked off by police and fire trucks. We had caused a complete scene.

The police arranged for our van to get towed to the mechanics as well as get us taxis to the gig, so we managed to get our guitars out of the back, jump in the cab, jump out and set up on stage all within about 45 minutes. Luckily the band before us was running late so we were able to make it on time. Despite the fact that we were shaken and completley freaked out we played the best and most fun set we have yet.

So right now I am sitting in a hotel in Stockholm with some time to write updates. We will have the van towed to the ferry that will take us back to Gdansk Poland for our gig on Wednesday and we will get a replacement van for the rest of the tour.

I can say I am quite happy to be alive and writing this email. And for getting some extra time to spend in Stockholm.