Anyway, we made to the terminal finally, and I was going through security when they found my lucky, trusty Swiss army knife which I 've carried with me for 25 years. Don't know why I packed it in hand luggage this time. Also, I had various eloctronical bits and pieces, foot pedals and hearback systems etc. These all had to be tested for explosives residue and so on....They told me I could check the bag in again. I thought, 'sod it - I'm going to' , despite there only being an hour to go. So after checking in my hand luggage, I barged to the front of the security line, as advised, and had a confrontation with another Indian security guy who I apologised to. The older gentleman behind me was giggling - I don't think he'd ever flown before and found all the security procedures quite funny.
The was one neat moment, when we were trying, to persuade more Indian chaps that my hand luggage was regulation size. One of them recognised me, having seen the band in Mumbai back in the 80's. With a big smile he said "Wishbone Ash? You were the first band to come to India and now they're all coming." It made Joe laugh - but helped us on our way.
Anyway, we made to Philly (minus one of Bob Skeat's bags) and the Rosfest show went off without a hitch. Oh yes, except that someone stole a pair of Bob's shoes backstage!?$^% More on all of this, later.
~ A.P.
