Tattoo king Henk Schiffmacher was in record store Concerto yesterday for a short book signing. His book about the adventures in Borneo with Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis appears in a new version after about thirty years. And let Kiedis just be in town.
Tensed fans in front of Concerto. Maybe Anthony Kiedis will drop by. Because inside is his friend Henk Schiffmacher, with whom he traveled across Borneo thirty years ago, in search of the origin of the tattoo.
Schiffmacher wrote down the adventures in ‘The Great Borneo Expedition’, which has now been reissued. And it’s probably no coincidence that that happens when the Peppers are in the country. Guitarist John Frusciante and drummer Chad Smith were spotted earlier today.
Jo van Egmond is one of the fans who is waiting for Kiedis full of hope. “Because he made that trip with Henk. They are there, they will perform in the Netherlands on Friday. Then there is a small chance that they will be here.”
But Anthony Kiedis doesn’t show up. Fortunately for the fans, the wait is not entirely in vain. About ten minutes after the signing session, drummer Chad Smith comes for a lightning visit. He signs some autographs, laughs at the fanny pack Anthony Kiedis wore in the Borneo jungle, and off he goes.
Henk Schiffmacher spoke extensively on NH Radio about the adventures he experienced in Borneo with Anthony Kiedis and top photographer Gerard Wessel. That conversation can be heard here.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers play tonight in the Goffert Park in Nijmegen.