4TH DAY: BURRN!, YOUNG GUITAR & YAKI NIKU

As most of you will no doubt be aware, Burrn! is Japan's rock bible, able to kill a band with a single bad review and equally able to make a band successful with a single good one. In many respects, today's interview was the fulcrum around which the whole trip revolves. Pleased to be able to report that the hour long interview (very long by Burrn! standards) with staff writer Masao Fujiki was an unmitigated success with John ranking it amongst the best - if not actually the best! - interview he's ever undertaken.

Following a quick cup of coffee, Guthrie is whisked off to Young Guitar magazine for an interview and the recording of a short instructional video whilst John and I prowl the incredibly well stocked guitar stores in the Ochanomizu district before heading back to the hotel where John's lady Robin has been feeling unwell today. Whilst waiting for Guthrie to return, we partake of a quick couple in the 'English' pub (...don't ask!) across the road from the hotel. At 10.00 pm, an exhausted Guthrie returns and we all pile into a Yakiniku (meat cooked on charcoal grills at the table) meal that will be spoken of in hushed tones for many a year to come. the word 'epic' doesn't even begin to describe this meal adequately. The perfect end to another extremely productive day. Thanks to everyone involved , especially John & Guthrie for getting it all done.