About a month ago the Cloud Nice crew took a field trip down to Los Angeles, California for the Sneaker Pimps tour headlined by these guys. This was our first out of state gig so we were more than excited to come shut the shit down.

The way our flights were planned was Mikey, Jarv, Nacho, Jerm, and myself to all be on the same flight via Virgin airlines and Tay with Saway on another flight via Southwest. Upon our car’s arrival to Seatac Airport we were offered $200 credit dollars each to switch flights due to an overbooking by Virgin. Obviously we took it.

Good thing we did because in some weird twist of fate we ended up on Tay’s flight. We all kind of took it as a sign of assurance that the trip would be awesome (as if there was any doubt).

Sure, Southwest is nowhere as plush a ride as say Virgin, but you sure do get taken care of when the stewardess is in love with you. Shout out to (hella forgot her name) for taking care of me with the bottles upon bottles of free Jack Daniels, Irish Coffee, and phone #. I know theres a very slim chance you’ll ever read this, but an even slimmer chance I’ll ever call you.

The first thing we did after checking in to the hotel was get some fuel, Roscoe’s was the obvious choice as it was right down the street. For my first experience there I thought it was pretty good, but then after trying Tacoma’s Southern Kitchen recently….I feel as if Roscoe’s is weak in comparison. Sorry Snoop.

That night we were playing at The Music Box (formally known as the Henry Fonda Theatre) in the heart of Hollywood, CA. It didn’t look all that magical from the outside, but inside it was in a class all it’s own. From the obscure metal deers to the cluttered wall lamps it was easy to see the appeal of the venue.

See that guy up there? That’s Peter Fahey, and he is Sneaker Pimps. Founder and creator of the world’s biggest traveling shoe exhibition and music showcase. He’s also been on a billboard in Times Square. No biggy.

Later on we went out to Fairfax which is the home of all the cool super hip and ultra trendy street wear stores. The whole time we were there and I felt upset about something but couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was. Then it hit me like a pair of shaved nuts on a forehead.

MOTHER FUCKING In N Out. I know this next comment is going to shake a few heads but I stand by it when I say In N Out is this best burger/fry place ever. Yes, even better than Dick’s. I had hopes of eating at least 3 times in the 24hrs I was there but sadly failed.

If you fast forward through the 3-4 hours of drinking, smoking, and partying you would end up here.

There was tons of Seattle family out that came to support and cheer us on. Shout out to Chickara (RPS Life), Young Dolla$ (Lake House Ent), Seven Davis Jr (Cloud Nice), Jannelle Calderon (Stupid), and Walt (Waffle Designs) for comin to rock with us.

Last picture taken before show time.

Special thanks to the Sneaker Pimps team for all the love and throwing such a successful shindig. We’re cheering you on for these last couple days on the tour.

Until next time Hollywood.

photos and words by Blake Diamond.
more photos at http://flickr.com/blakediamond