Let’s set our scene in stunning 1986. Our hero, perhaps named Pablo, listens to The Wall daily unless its Wish You Were Here and – get this – the 85 person or so wind symphony in which he plays is traveling to northern Germany and then Scandinavia for 3 weeks of performances and sightseeing.

In this fictional ensemble, Pablo plays euphonium and sits right next to Tyler, an arrangement which had for the prior season precipitated much silliness and perhaps even disruptions occasionally if at all and truthfully sometimes never. If Pablo were sitting next to me I’m sure he’d be smiling with the slightest micro bit of inner cringing perhaps.

Meaning who’d be surprised if someone put some small pieces of paper in a cassette tape tossed into a bag with others for safe travels to northern Germany and Scandinavia? Super simple and quick to take off the 4 tiny screws of the Teac or whatever tape it was. Don’t forget to mention Dane’s kick ass Walkman he’d graciously let Pablo borrow was also in that bag. Lastly, as long as we’re in the ’80s discussing cassette tapes, let’s pay respects to that dude slouching in the chair with the hifi and the glass.

Note: we are currently jumping to a time more recent than the smuggling prep extensively detailed above while firmly remaining in 1986.

By the time the dissolved paper was part of the day’s ancient history, the pair found themselves in a huge mall located in northern Germany (unlikely) or Scandinavia (highly probable if it was me reading the signs). Yeah in case you forgot the mall was big. Like bigger than any you’ve been in doubtless x 34. Containing a flabbergastingly unknowable number of escalators.

Take it from Zeke (only because the author always knows) the situation was exceptionally distracting with so many fascinating novelties and experiences to be experienced. It is very surprising, sincerely here guys, that the two of them were still together a number of points that day given the epic sum quantity of that which was concurrently taking place frankly.

All in all, it was a supremely memorable day of sightseeing.

RIP Neal Pert. I have rocked out to Moving Pictures and Signals beyond count at maximum volume plus other volumes too while alone, with friends, definitely in the car and at a couple shows even. Thank you.