Being stalwart Ventures fans that we are, it's not unusual to 'peek in'
on their website every now & then to see 'what's going on.'   That
answer however since the first week of December is NOTHING!

For instance, the last concert date appearing there is back in Sept. of
last year & was their final show in Japan coming off the annual tour.
There was a Xmas card pictured & some merchandise updates but
DORMANT seems to be the word that immediately springs to mind.

Couple all this with 'the fact' YES they did return to Japan several weeks
ago (early Jan.) for their customary 'winter tour' spanning ten days or so.
That tour was not listed on the site.   Until they actually landed there-
amongst fans here & on UF2 it was "Are they going or not?"   While there,
Don had to bow out of several shows for health reasons & while talking to
Fiona Taylor at MIKE KUHN'S celebration of life back in Sept., she had said
that most of the US VENUES that in the past had supported asking 'the guys'
to perform were on a budget that probably wouldn't allow them to do so anymore.
I do know BUSCH GARDENS asked.   Not sure why they declined!

So are we NOW 'just Japan' twice a year & nothing else?   And then there's the
matter of the website.   

Thoughts & opinions welcomed on this topic.   Over-reaction or justified?

Is it possible Don is having health problems we don't know about?  I was surprised to see they weren't returning to Busch Gardens this year.

My take regarding the 'lack of dates' is yes the venues simply
don't wanna pony up the bucks. 

As regards Busch Gardens Arnold, a 'little birdy' that all fans
count on very much in alot of areas said that in Japan during
the summer tour when it was 'extremely hot & humid, he told
someone 'that's why I'll never do Busch Gardens in The States
again- 12 shows in 90+ temperature, not for me!"

I know waitin' in line, the heat every day was
unbearable but you'd figure with the band
under the tent overhang, it wouldn't be
as bad.   Oh well!