Gods Need Their Space

Benedictum played Italy's Gods of Metal festival over the first weekend of June. Def Leppard, Whitesnake, and Guns N' Roses were the bigger acts on the bill.

"On the first days, each band had their own trailer with their name on it," says Benedictum singer Veronica Freeman. "But when Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses showed up for headline day, they demanded three trailers and we all had to share with other bands. I think I was the only chick on the bill that day, and I felt bad, making all these band guys stand outside while I changed."

Benedictum's invitation arose from their popularity in Europe, where Classic Rock UK magazine recently named them one of "15 Hot New Bands to Worship in 2006." While overseas, Benedictum arranged to play other dates. Problems ensued.

"Going to Italy, our Motif keyboard got lost [by the airline] and sent to Frankfurt, Germany. All of our sound samples were in there, and we had to wait on the tracking from the airlines.... Our gig in Spain was canceled, but I'd already used my credit card on nonrefundable flights for eight people. Then the Switzerland show got canceled, and we kept getting charged for every kilogram overweight on our equipment and luggage. In London, we paid 675 Euros, which is about $800 U.S., just to get our stuff in."

Freeman says her German boyfriend came along, and he left his wallet in a cab.

"I went with him to the consulate in Berlin to get his letter of transportation, taking this seven-hour train ride, which was beautiful but the schedule was already off the chain."