8/25/98 Got word that Jim will not be joining the band for their European dates. Instead Brendan Murphy will be taking over. Moreinformation as it becomes available.

8/26/98 Duane posted this to the newsgroup: yes folks, i'm afraid it's true. we had some differences of opinion regarding band policies, which led to personality clashes. these differences were irreconcilable, so we had to make a change. the new drummer is brendan murphy, a chicago native who has toured and recorded with the wesley willis fiasco and trailer hitch, among others. he's been a friend of the band for years, and has seen us play many, many times. brendan learned a 20 song set in about 3 weeks, and we feel complete confidence in him--even on tricky tunes like 'killer mchann' and 'eucalyptus'. we've been rehearsing nearly every day this month, so we're quite ready for the europeans. i've stayed in touch with jim, and i personally wish him the best of luck in all future projects. until we meet again, dpd

8/27/98 Well the band is off to Europe, first stop, the UK. Unfortunately, netting only $1500 from the US tour they could afford only 2 roundtrip tickets. Mr. Murphy will fly in a cat carrier while Mr. Yow will be safely stowed in an overhead compartment. We all hope they have fun for the next couple of months, and hopefully they will find a way to contact us to let us know how it's going. Our thoughts are with you guys.

8/28/98 Duane posted this to the newsgroup: "hey y'all --d.p.here from cyberia in dublin, ire. cyber-cafes rule! you can go anywhere now, w/out a laptop even, and gossip about inconsequential things like drummers and lizard actvist groups! u.s.s.a. #1!" Seems like the flight went ok, though it was rumored Mr. Murphy had to be sedated beacuse his calls could be heard in the passenger cabin. Mr. Yow was also released on his own recognizance promising never to pull a stunt like that again. Mr. Denison, say hello to Darby O'Gill for us. Mr. Sims, good day as well.

8/29/98 First show of the European tour, playing at the Mean Fiddler in Dublin. We hope this is the beginning of a raucous tour that they as well as the Euro's enjoy. Break 'em off some, USA style!

9/4/98 Finished up playing two dates in Italy, with the Bean, and according to reliable source the band was "good." Apparently the locals didn't appreciate their attitude, taught the band a lesson. The band was terrorized by a renegade bat. With Mr. Sims and Mr. Dension cowering in a corner, Mr. Yow chased it out of the room with a pillow. Talk about your close calls, I hear those things can really mess up your hair. Today the Jesus Lizard will play a festival in France, with the likes of Chumbawamba and other bands you don't care about. Oh yeah, they hated playing Alaksa.