Nashville

As far as cities go, Nashville has been the most fun on the trip so far.

Having arrived very late on Monday night, a nightcap in Broadway's honky tonks was required. Broadway is Nashville's main thoroughfare and downton hub of country bars - aka honky tonks - where local bands play. The band on Monday night was great, and even played a Stones song especially for us - weren't expecting 'Miss You' though! Our nightcap soon turned into a 2 o'clock stumble back to the hotel to get our heads down for the busy day ahead.

It was an early start on Tuesday - lots to fit in! First stop, Ryman Auditorium, home of the live country music institution the Grand Ol' Opry. The theatre was incredible, its history seeping from the walls. There was an opportunity to record a song there, but we didn't. We really wish we did!

The Country Music Hall of Fame was next - seeing the history of the genre from its commercial beginnings to present day, through artifacts and displays from Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and many more. Personal highlights were Elvis Presley's gold cadillac - complete with TV and record player in the back, and an ice machine that could make ice in 2 and 1/2 minutes - and Gram Parsons' Nudie suit, which was tiny!

The RCA Studio B was next. This was the place where Elvis recorded almost 250 songs, as well as Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers and Jim Reeves. The studio is still in use, and features the original piano Elvis used (and wasn't allowed to buy), plus the coloured lighting he requested to set moods. BB Gunn was asked to demo the honky tonk piano - not sure the rest of the tour knew 'Alright' by Supergrass though!

We went back to Broadway after Studio B for a bit of a look round the shops - it's cowboy boots and country music and not much else!

A brief respite back at the hotel, and then it was time to really hit Nashville.

What did we get up to? Stay tuned to find out...!
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