Gargoyle said "Lots of folk get around on the bus and train grids....they reject the all American worship of the auto-industry and all that it stands for (corporate/political corruption, pollution, depletion of non-renewable-resources)"

I'm sure many Americans would love to do public transit, if it was anywhere as good as what you have on the East Coast, or in Europe.

My band has a van because we NEED a van....there is no other way to move 6 members, all of their instruments (one of which is a double bass), and sound equipment. There are no trains (Amtrak keeps trying, but can't run affordable routes to every where we go). The bus service takes three days to get to a gig 300 miles away.

We do shows within a 300 mile radius every weekend, and shows as far away as 700-800 miles once or twice a year. I would love an alternative to logging all of those hours in the van, but the sad fact is, fast, easy public transit isn't available in the states we play.

The USA is a big, big place, and if you don't live in one of the heavily populated areas, a car is a must to tour for a band! Exception: if you are SO big, they will spare no expense to get you there....I'm still hoping :>)

Robin