We are now back home, at the YFE HQ. It’s almost 3am, and I am unable to sleep, I don’t know why… The excitement of being back home, or the blues of a tour finished. The joy of seeing everyone here again, or the sadness of leaving some of the people we spent the last month with. The peace of mind I found on tour, or the stress of losing it back in a daily routine (that can’t really be called a routine). The security I found in understanding I would never find comfort in anyone, of the anxiety of being alone. That fear of the dark combined to this fear to shine. Friends and loved ones I already miss more than I should, yet meeting with everyone here back at HQ just like I left for a day. This feeling of having a life better than any fairy tale I could ever imagine, yet living it in the setting of a Greek tragedy. Life is made of ups and downs, some higher than others, some lower than others. And thinking about the tour, about everything that happened, I can’t help but think of how blessed we all are. From that modest but honest moment we spent together walking the streets of Cologne with Alex on his birthday, to that surprise cake Claudia brought us in Hannover, driving 3 hours only for this, to that day in Bielefeld when we gave Alex another “tour” birthday present, a t-shirt signed by everyone and a painting by Conrad from Trail of Dead, where we met Marcel once again after a year, and where we were given the opportunity to play 75 minutes instead of 40, to that old lady who explained in details every sculpture and paintings of a church with her struggling in Eindhoven, the show in Brussels that reunited people from Belgium, Japan, France, UK, Canada and America, and then the show in Paris, a grandiose finale to a tour that’s been just as grandiose, where the energy culminated like never before, where the members of the band got on stage during Trail of Dead’s set wearing pirates hat, and finally Alex’s surprise birthday… Words are lacking to explain just how wonderful it all has been. And I am sitting here, in front of my computer, and I feel like everything I am talking about feels out of a movie, like it can’t be real. But the smells, the textures, the pictures, everything is just too real to be just a movie. And a movie like this could never be imagined, could never be written. Because reality, for what it really is, because life, with all its ups and downs, is by far better than any movie we could dream we lived in. Because we can make it what we want to.

It’s past 3am now. Everybody’s gone to sleep since several hours. Outside, the grounds are slowly being covered in a pure and untouched white blanket, my first snow of the year… And I can’t help but smile; this reality is by far way better than any movie that will ever hit the screen…!

– Stephanie

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We arrived in Glasgow after a ride that took us much, much longer than it was supposed to. 16 people cramped in the bus where there’s barely enough place for 8. After a ride that turned into some kind of party that some of us don’t remember much (or so I was told and heard by other people…!). The venue in Glasgow was inside an art school, with a dressing room that could barely fit 2 people. So we took over the student’s café and made it our own HQ for a few hours. Sitting like that in a university, knowing we would play there only a few hours later, reminded me of the Coffee House Sessions that we’ve made in the UK earlier this year, in February. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that the evening would be a weird one, though, maybe because it reminded me so much of the Coffee House Sessions that were acoustic gigs, and that this is not what we were about to play. Maybe was I just still numb from that too long bus ride. So many things were similar to the Coffee House Sessions, but somehow, everything was different at the same time. We’re only a few months later, but it’s easy to tell that we’re different people. In everything that means. For the better and the worse. But somehow, I feel that we’ve all gotten closer to being who we are supposed to be. Still miles away from who we can be, but still, reaching it one step at the time, with confidence, and all together. While a few months back, it was hard to be all together, whereas right away, it simply feels natural, and this is something that we long for. And I knew I was wrong for thinking there was something wrong.

As soon as the guys set on stage, it’s like everything surrounding me disappeared, telling me we were at the exact right place at the exact right time doing the exact right thing; being ourselves. To the best we could, with the good sides and the bad sides. And the concert was explosive! To quote a review of the gig by Rave Child “the sextet have so much energy that it seems there is barely room for all of them on The Art School stage”… And it was exactly like that. That night in Glasgow, the guys were not only on stage. They were EVERYWHERE. They were one, all together, and with the audience, in a magnificent way…!

And then came the gig in Coventry, a gig I was really looking forward to as I knew I would see PJ and Dawn again, Ash & Sara, Steve and Paul. And I couldn’t wait to see those people we had seen for the last time in Nottingham in March. It felt like those few months we were too far! The venue, called “Kasbah”, was a little out from city center, and looked like it was straight out of the Tales of the Arabian Nights. Seeing this, I knew we would be in for a special night. Because of the people we knew were there, and those we didn’t know yet, but also because of the decor and the ambiance. Somehow, yes, this show would be one we would remember for a very long time. And it was. There was no flying carpet, no magic lamp, but the magic that was there was real nonetheless!

And then Manchester… One of the first cities we ever played in, but where we had not come back in 7 years. 7 years…! I had the chance to walk around town a little bit before it was time for sound check. And I was amazed at how hard it was to make eye contact with anyone. People have their own things to do and go their own way, and what surrounds them, no matter how impressive it can be, doesn’t seem to exist to them at all. I was out for a very short while only, I must admit, but in that hour, I haven’t made eye contact with anyone. And I think that this is exactly the image we’ve had of the UK before we started spending more time here, and before we started to get to know the people not for the impressions they leave us with, but for who they truly are. The audiences are hard to reach. They are hard to impress. It feels like they’ve seen everything already, and they’re not impressed easily. But somehow, every time the guys go on stage and take this chance at being themselves, it’s like all of this doesn’t exist anymore. Suddenly, the long hair and the beards that didn’t impress them become something different, something more meaningful, something that you can’t see with your eyes only… And it’s simply what being true is all about…

And then came London, a city I personally like for what it is and where so many things happened for the band. I was excited to be back there, and was really looking forward to it! I mean, how could I not? The last 2 gigs we’ve had there have just been completely insane, and I knew we would have people come from all over the world to see us play that night. Longtime friends, new friends… The gig was one where the guys raged like never before, where every note and sound they played felt just like their lives depended on it. And it was loud, but not only because I was once again way too close to the speakers. It was loud in a total different way, so much that I had to stop taking pictures at one point. I couldn’t understand what was going on no longer. It wasn’t the YFE I knew that was on stage, so I felt. And it made me feel like I was estranged to my own self. And as scary as this was in the beginning, as much as I tried to hold on to what I knew or thought I knew, I decided to let go as Alex started singing the ending part in the song “From The City To The Ocean”. It might be nothing I know. But this is what letting go is all about. This is what discovering new horizons is all about. What allowing moments to unveil themselves is all about. That night, I became estranged to myself, because I decided to let go and explore what the unknown was all about. Because I decided to let music affect me in a way I had forgotten it should, so focused I was to take photos of the moments that happened on stage. But the best moments will be those I live through this camera lens of mine. And these are the ones I want to share with you, as moments, when they are live, become eternal.

And I think that the “after show”, if I may call it like this, was exactly to this image. We were in a room aside from the venue, where the sound could barely be heard, and where the only member of the band that stayed the whole time was Alex, who took pictures with everyone, and who also photographed everyone. A moment that was simple, but real, of such a naive simplicity that it will be eternal to each and everyone that was there.

And then came London Day 2, day where the show would be broadcasted in its entirety on the SFCC, the band’s fan club. And this show, imperfect maybe, became another eternal moment, for people all over the world, who united all together at impossible times of the day to share something we all knew was more than 6 people on stage… 🙂

We are right now on our way to Hannover. I can’t believe there’s only 4 gigs left to the tour. It feels like time has gone by way too fast once again. Those 5 days in the UK have gone by in a flash, but have left in us all a mark that will not disappear. From a moment to eternity. Thank you!

– Stephanie

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It’s crazy how “there’s still 4 hours left” can transform into “oh shit, there’s only 4 hours left” before a show. Especially when you arrive 2 hours late to the venue. Why did we arrive 2 hours late to the venue? Well, it looks like we have to go across the border to go to Switzerland. Though we didn’t need to show our passports or anything, we still had our tour bus emptied and checked for anything we might have had to declare and forgot to. But that went well nonetheless. What really took time was the bus mechanical problems that we had. 20 minutes on our way to Bern, past 5am when everybody was fast asleep, the air pressure conduct in the bus broke down. The bus driver had to stop on the side of the road and call for an emergency repair…! We managed to make it to the venue eventually, but way behind schedule… Meaning that sound checks had to be stressed, quick, and done super fast in order to try and fit them in the original schedule. Usually, that’s the type of situation that would stress us all out of our minds. But this time, no. No stress at all. What would happen would happen, and that’s how it would be, as simple as that. I mean, is stress going to help anything? No. So everybody just relaxed, focused on what they had to do, and things went very smoothly. This is something that surprised me greatly. But I think this is only the reflection of who we have become all together… We’ve learned that peace is something that comes from inside of you, and not from the circumstances around you. There are always circumstances. There are always things you wish would not happen. But somehow, these elements seem to add no gravity to our weightless flight.

And the show, our very first one in Switzerland, has been simply mind blowing! We didn’t know what to expect, didn’t know how this would happen, but we knew that the people would answer to us to the measure we would let go on stage. And it was simply magic. You can ask Séverine and Pascal who were there with us that night, they’ll be able to tell you all about it… 🙂

We drove by night to Winterthur. Another city none of us had ever heard of before. None of us saw the road that we drove on, the sceneries, the villages, the cities we passed by were just ghosts of a distant dream as all of us were asleep in our bunks from the moment the bus left to the moment we arrived at the venue in the morning. Ghosts of a dream, maybe, but ghosts that were nonetheless very alive under the rain that was hitting the city we had just arrived in. It seems as if rain has not stopped since we hit the road with Trail of Dead and Midnight Masses, never allowing us to see the beauties of any of the cities we have been to in Switzerland so far. We were blessed enough to however discover the city through the heart of their people with every show we have played in that still unknown country. And what a wonderful discovery it has been. We were blessed in many more ways than one through the smiles and words of absolutely everyone we came across. And once the show was over, we learned that the city had its first snow. Like that, early November. And as much as I hate winter, I am sure this first snow was a blessing on our heads, reminding us that miracles do occur even when we don’t know about them, and that even if we are not first-hand witnesses of these miracles, they are true nonetheless, equally powerful and uplifting. Because we do not see things doesn’t mean they do not exist. There’s so much we need to discover about, so much we need to learn from. And believing in more than meets the eye is that little secret to believing in what’s impossible. Because after all, look at us, we are still all together, a bunch of people who should have never met, that shouldn’t be together, but who are still a true family.

And then came the show in Lucerne. Our last one before our first day off on the tour (but that’s another story, right?). We arrived there quite early in the morning, and then set out for a walk outside. We heard Lucerne was such a beautiful city, and that there was so much to see, that we all decided, on our own, to enjoy the lack of rain, and go out for a walk. On my way, I met with Jeff, Sef and Miss Isabel. No idea where to go and where were the sights, we all found ourselves by a lake in front of a city built on a hill, where “the ducks are so nice you can even touch them”, as Sef said. Well, he never succeeded as ducks kept running away from him whenever he approached them, but I mean, I can’t blame them; I do the same when he approaches me…

We were wonderfully greeted by our dear friend Sue from the UK, who came to the city to see the band live and to spend a few days in that wonderful city. She took the time to talk to a few of us, telling us how much the vibe of the show had changed since she last saw us live. And she’s seen a lot of live performances, in North America, Europe, and Asia… If there was a record to be had for the most gigs seen by someone, I think she would be the champion 😉 But she is right. The vibe HAS changed, and it’s something that cannot be denied anymore. To give you an idea, during soundcheck, instead of going one instrument after the other, the guys simply added to the noise, layer after layer, to create a new song, just like they sometimes do at home when they rehearse. “Glimpses of the upcoming album, maybe?” said Alex. Who knows? And who cares? At that moment, I didn’t. I was simply happy to see them so happy and free on stage. But now that I think about it and take the time to write about it, I think it’s simply awesome. I can remember how much “Between Illness And Migration” cost each and everyone of us all throughout its creation process, and still today. “We knew it would cost us everything, but we didn’t know how much we had”… And somehow, though I know the eventual upcoming album will also cost us everything, I know that each and every moment will be cherished in a way a moment has never been cherished before; because we know how precious a true moment is, how it can’t be faked, and how life-changing a split-second is… And it’s with a destructively raging peace that the band got on stage a few hours after the sound checks, ready to put the walls down, whatever they might have been made of…

And after a day off, we came back to Switzerland, for one last concert… It was hard to believe that after this one, we wouldn’t be coming back to Switzerland on the tour. So we made sure to promise ourselves quite a party. A party like never before we’ve had. The venue was in the middle of nowhere, an ancient train station and factory that once had known glorious days but that were now over. A collective of people bought the place, transformed it into a venue the best they could. Cause that’s what the Biomill is. A collective of people who volunteer once a month only to open the place for a music event. Once a month. And this month, Your Favorite Enemies, along with Trail of Dead and Midnight Masses were the lucky guests of that friendly and welcoming place. The promoter/owner of the place told us the place was sold out, and that they could fit 300 people in there. Hard to believe, as it was so small! The floor was small, but so was the stage; Sef needed to add road cases to enlarge the stage in order for everything to fit on it (not that his spaceship is a bit too large, though… never!)

But the Swiss people must like to be close to one another, because the venue was hot that night! People were on fire! The changeovers are very long, so most people go outside for a smoke in between 2 bands playing. But as soon as the music started, people gathered in front of the stage, head banging, dancing, trashing. And just like it was for the members of the band on stage, it felt like their life depended on that night. The level of let go and self abandonment was magic. For those of you who have already been to a YFE concert, I think you can understand what I mean; it feels out of this world. As if for a moment, the place didn’t matter, the time had no power. You have no name anymore, you don’t come from a certain place no more, and you’re not following any kind of fashion. You’re one. With everyone else. One big collective of people letting go to the sounds and noises… going as far as you allow yourself to. And at Biomill, there was no limit…

Switzerland, it was our first encounter with you. And what an unbelievable first impression! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! We cannot wait to see you again!

– Stephanie

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We left home in the middle of the afternoon, which is always weird for us… A few hours of sleep before getting on a flight? Really? Is that even possible? Well, looks like it was… After saying goodbye to everyone at the HQ, we headed to the airport. Despite the fact that we had way too many road cases and suitcases with us, we managed to make everything perfect – at the borders and at the security as well! We got on the plane and found seats all together. Alex had to swap seat because his TV wasn’t working – and no matter how long or short the flight is, you want that TV in front of you to work! The guys have a tradition all together when we’re on the plane. One after the other, they choose a movie that they all watch together, at the same time. Same time meaning there’s a countdown before they press play on the movie. First one was a choice by Ben (who didn’t have much success with his previous choices). He chose Guardians of the Galaxy, and didn’t have much more success with it. So little in fact, that the guys all fell asleep watching it! You can find pictures of that on the SFCC Community Club, just saying 😉

We then arrived at Frankfurt airport, where we stayed a few hours before catching our flight to Hannover! And what did we find over there? A newspaper featuring the very best sports team in the world, the San Francisco Giants! We were greeted home in our apartment by a wonderful sunset, reminding us all that this tour ahead of us was full of colors yet to be unfolded, and that we were the only ones that could make them show…

Followed a toast… 1 bottle for 10 people – that we didn’t empty… you can say it wasn’t the best choice of wine! But despite this, we made a toast to something we had told at home before: “We will only go as far as you allow us to go”. Meaning that we are the ones determining where this tour leads us, we are the only ones setting the limits to what is going to happen… And that also means it’s up to us to determine the level of freedom and let go we want to meet on that tour…!

And then, a little night out! We headed to the City Center of Hannover, all dressed up as pirates. Our costume was really easy; a pirate hat. But 10 people with a pirate hat is really impressive, no matter where you are! And what a night we’ve had! Everyone we’ve met made sure that this night would become a very memorable one!

We have spent a few days in Germany already, in Hannover and Marburg to be exact. Germany, at least in Canada, is often described as a cold country, not only because of its architecture, but also because of its people. Maybe is it because people are incredibly tall in Germany, maybe is it because the language is really hard to understand and a bit harsh to the ear, let’s be honest! However, since we landed in this country, we’ve had nothing but good and meaningful encounters. And the day of the rehearsal also made sure this was well engraved in our memory! Beatbox, in Hannover, is simply a memorable place! Not exactly a rehearsal place, it was a small venue, equipped with a stage and lights. Cookies, coffee, soft drinks and juice were waiting for us on the counter… As for the rehearsal? It was a typical YFE rehearsal. Meaning it was intense and that it heated up the place! As Alex said himself, it’s only real if I am soaking wet after a rehearsal. And for that, he was! He basically looked as if he had gone in the shower with his clothes on… as simple as that!

They started by rehearsing the set they would play on the first night… And after that, just started having fun playing songs they knew wouldn’t be played live, but that they felt like playing “just for fun”, because they wanted to. I remember a time, not so long ago, where rehearsals were a pain to do… Where the mood that surrounded them was stress instead of excitement… Not that there’s no more stress at all right now, but let’s just say it’s a positive stress 😉

And then, we got on the bus. It is only our second time touring in a bus, as we usually drive… The first time was in 2007, on our first European Tour (our first tour ever actually, and pretty much the first shows for the band, too!). The place is spacious enough to hold the 16 people that we are, but let’s be honest, we gotta love each other to be that tight on the bus! We met with a few of the members from Trail of Dead, a few of the crew people, but most of them were sleeping in the bunks due to jet lag… A few hours later, we arrived in Marburg, a city none of us had heard of before. And being a Sunday night, we expected that it would be a very calm and quiet type of evening. I mean, everything is closed on Sundays in Germany. But something else was waiting for us…! The owner of the venue liked us so much he wanted to show us across the entire city. And we have followed him absolutely everywhere…! He guided us over the hills of the city, overlooking all the lights, visiting churches and castles… We finished the night in a German restaurant, where we thought the food was simply out of this world! Later on, people who knew the restaurant told us it was an “ok” place. Now I know someone (or more than one!) who just can’t wait to try out some more German food. And to make sure it would end in a YFE tradition, we went in a pub in the basement of a very old building, where the walls were all made of stone, because YB wanted to treat us all to a flamed sambuca!

And then came show day. And what a day! The tour bus was parked in the venue, that opened at 6:00am, with hot coffee. 6:00am, really? But yes, the owner was there that early, all smile and waiting for us. At least, when I got out the bus at 9:00am, that’s how he was! Most of the band members got up late, which is a very good thing, as the tour ahead of us is going to be quite an intense one. We spent the day in the artist room, where food was waiting for us, all disposed on the table like we were kings and queens. Coffee, around 10 different kind of tea to choose from, juice, fruits, cereals, breads, cheese and cold cut meat. The last part is not exactly our typical breakfast, but it seems it is in Germany! I know some guys who really didn’t complain about it however! We spent the day here, doing our things behind our computers for some, making sure all the gear was ready for tonight for others. It was simple, we all had different things to do, but it really felt like we were one. The room was shared with the members of Trail of Dead and Midnight Masses, incredible people with whom we’ve had interesting discussions. All of a sudden, it wasn’t 3 different bands no more, it was only a bunch of artists hanging out together, sharing common moments, common interests, and looking forward to one same thing… That communion with people.

And what a communion! If you guys could have seen the smiles of the people in the crowd as they were dancing, trashing and head banging to the music, you would understand all that I mean. It was a surreal moment. And I mean, totally surreal! We weren’t in Germany no more. They didn’t speak German and us English no more. They weren’t in the crowd and us on stage no more. There was no us or them. There was ONE. And it was miraculously empowering. I think that’s the best way I can describe what happened tonight. A moment to which we collectively all let go, and that brought us further than we could have ever imagined. Tonight, we didn’t go as far as we allowed ourselves to. Tonight, we went much, much further.

Thank you very much, Marburg. You may or not remember that bunch of crazily intense dudes that got on stage at KFZ tonight. But I promise you we will never forget you. It was more than a gig on a tour. It was a life-changing moment that brought us to discover new horizons. Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts!

– Stephanie

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