We were excited by the prospect except maybe the 'putting a band together' part, which can be a pain. We wanted the trip through, so we said yes and went to work. We hired four guys, formed them up and rehearsed our show with Rufus. In Italy, television is different. There are actual variety shows, and there will be everything from juggling to the Zigfield follies to the hottest pop act to rhythm and blues stars, all on the same bill.
Technicians fly about with clipboards and frightened looks.
Finally, we're on stage and six or eight cameras zoom in to wild applause from the gallery. My mouth always goes dry just then, but the energy flows. We felt like the Beatles must have felt their first few times. And it is so. We were so touched.