If you haven’t heard by now, Rihanna decided to rent a plane, and fly all over the world, doing seven concerts in seven countries in seven continents to promote her latest studio album Unapologetic (available now on iTunes), and she decided to bring the press along with her. Normally, getting to spend a week globe trotting with Rihanna would be fun, but then you’d be forgetting that you’re essentially at the mercy of airlines. Yeah, remember how much fun flying is? Imagine that non-stop for a week. This first-hand account from Popdust …
1) Okay, you have a point. We’re very lucky to be here and to have jobs to do. Just being employed and invited to hear music and eat free sandwiches for a week is a privilege, and I think most of the fans and journalists aboard felt that way for the first part of the trip.
2) That being said … Picture the last time you were delayed at an airport for several hours. Now picture that happening several times in one day, with no ability to make calls, text, or use the internet. Sometimes you aren’t sure of the next time you’ll be able to use a bathroom, get water, or eat. Now picture that happening for five days in a row, all while you’re supposed to be doing your job remotely. Now picture that, with a steady soundtrack of European house music.
3) Also picture that Rihanna is supposed to be on your plane, and she is barely present until she shows up on stage, hours late. KEEP READING …
On one hand, I would roundhouse Santa Claus for the chance to tour with a musician on someone else’s dollar. On the other hand, one time my phone died at the gym and I started sobbing uncontrollably on the elliptical machine, so I know exactly what these guys are going through. Sorta. Also, there was a streaker on the plane at one point, which also happened to me at the gym. I was the streaker. (I’m no longer allowed back at my gym.)