December 12th -13th - Babylon, Istanbul TUR

Michael answering concerned fans questions about the Istanbul shows after the bombings on the official messageboard. Here's what he replied!

Thank you for all your comments about whether or not we should go ahead with the Istanbul gig in light of the recent bombings there. We all appreciate your concern for the safety of the band, the fans in Istanbul, as well as the desire to spread musical love in this time of great turmoil. Each of us in Spearhead and Guerrilla Management, share your concerns and desires.

After a great deal of soul searching, several meetings, conversations, and research, we felt that it was best to let each band member decide for themself what was the best thing for them and their families. In the end, some of us decided it was time to go to Istanbul and others thought it best to wait until things simmer down in Turkey.

So this is what will happen. The gigs are going on as planned with myself, and Carl Young (bass) teaming up with three dutch musicians who are musical aquaintances of ours (Alvin on guitar, Patrick on keys, and Tinus on drums).

Mannas Itienne (drums), Radioactive (beatbox), Dave Shul (guitar), Roberto Quintana (percusssion) and Bob Crawford (keyboards), have decided for personal reasons, as well as to follow the wishes of their families, not to make the trip. They all hope to play there in the nearest future possible.

As for myself I am thankful for all the emails i received regarding this decision from people within Istanbul and from around the world. There were many thoughtful postings on this board and i read them all. I decided years ago that i wanted to make music for people who were most in need of relief; be it alone in their bedrooms with headphones on or in times of war and political strife. I also believe that it is important for us to be aware of the risks involved in our daily lives, but that we not allow media and world leaders to dictate our lives through fear. I do not believe The Babylon venue to be at high risk for terrorist attack as it is a cooperative performance space known for it's art and humanistic activism. Taking all these factors into consideration I felt the best place for me to be right now was on the course that has been layed before me, and and it is with this intention that i will bring the most heartfelt performance that i can to Istanbul.

We will be joined on the trip by Catherine Enny (band Manager) Michael Ver Steegt (Sound Engineer), and Josie Harting (tour assistant, stage tech). Michael LoBue (Guitar Tech) has also decided not to make the trip.

I am sure the shows will not be musically perfect (as we will only have one or two rehearsals beforehand) but they will be highly Spearited. I hope to see some of you there...and in the mean time all of us involved in this difficult decision appreciate your thoughts, prayers and loving light.

Stay Human, Michael Franti