Amanda In Lockdown

We all have to face the Virus crisis and are asked to stay home for everyone’s safety. Due to the Corona days all events have been cancelled or even postponed, so are a lot of Rod shows this summer and others that were scheduled for later this year. So how do the Band members deal with that crazy situation? SMILER spoke to Amanda Carvill (Miller) a day after her birthday. Happy belated Birthday Amanda on that point!

SMILER: Hi Amanda, thanks for talking to SMILER again. First and most important question: How are you and your family doing?

AMANDA: Thanks. We’re fine. Thank God!

SMILER: Due to the Coronavirus all events have been cancelled. Even the Rod Stewart shows in Las Vegas and a lot more that were planned for later this year. What do you think about that?

AMANDA: I was gutted when we received the news that shows in Vegas would be cancelled. When we heard that casinos would be shutting in Las Vegas and the country was essentially shutting down altogether, it made me realize the seriousness of the situation. We all can understand why events in the future may be postponed or cancelled. Ultimately, I believe that safety and health will always need to be prioritized but it doesn’t take away from the longing to perform! I am ready to get back with the band and back on stage.

SMILER: Everyone has been asked to stay home and avoid social contacts. How did you handle this quite abnormal situation?

AMANDA: The lockdown has been pretty frustrating but I think it’s easier for me to get through it knowing that we are all in it together. I have always been an extrovert and also someone who needs structure so I’ve really had to improvise during the lockdown. I’ve made a recent move to the UK and most of my friends and family are in the states so I am used to communicating via FaceTime but I’ve found that chatting with my friends and family more often has helped the time go by faster. As silly as it may seem, I have had to set myself a schedule for the week so I can maintain some kind of structure. A few things I am doing during my day is writing workout programs for clients, teaching singing lessons, working out and doing piano lessons. I have recently discovered how much I have missed reading so have managed to read about 15 books during this time! I always try to fill my days with positive things so I always finish my day off with a long walk and a meditation session.

SMILER: We all remember last years shows in Europe very well and the joy you had on stage during that time. How much do you miss touring and performing and the band family right now?

AMANDA: Of course I miss everything about performing and the band so much! I look back on last year and think about how crazy and exciting of a year it was… performing a majority of the year, moving to the UK and planning two weddings.. my head hurts just thinking about it! As much as a miss it, I try my best to view the glass half full and recognize how fortunate I am to have a job and co-workers that I miss so much. I recognize that that’s very difficult to come by so I am just reminding myself “Ok Amanda, it’s one day closer to getting back to the stage”.. not “one more day in lockdown”

SMILER: Are you in contact with all other band members and even with Rod in those crazy days?

AMANDA: The band and Mr. Boss Man typically do stay in touch during breaks and it’s been nice to hear from them about what they’ve but up to during this time. We are one big family and have been very busy with touring since I’ve joined anyway so it’s really weird not to see anyone for such a long period of time. We all are just trying to remain as positive as we can and remind each other that we will see one another at sound check soon enough!

SMILER: We all want to see you back on stage with Rod very soon. Are there any plans or schedules when this could happen again?

AMANDA: I wish I had an answer for this! Unfortunately, everything is in limbo right now and we haven’t received any information yet. Management does an excellent job of informing us when information is relevant and not constantly changing. The tour is still two months ahead of us and as we know, the situation is constantly changing so I am sure that when there are some solid answers we will know. Fingers crossed it’s good news though!

SMILER: Many of us know you as well as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach for many years. Can you tell us more about it and maybe encourage some of us for living a more healthier and conscious life?

AMANDA: I am a huge advocate when it comes to both physical and mental health. I’ve been a personal trainer and nutrition/fitness coach for over six years now. While gyms are shut and we are being socially distanced from loved ones, I think it’s especially important to be working out and getting endorphins whenever we can. I have been providing those who struggle to get their health on track with fitness and nutrition programs for literally only ten dollars a week. I normally wouldn’t be doing that because it does take a very long time to write out the programs but during this time I think we all need to work together and I find it super rewarding to help people and be apart of their journey. I am currently writing out their workout programs for their individual needs, nutrition programs for whatever food they have available for that week and recording the exercises so they understand how to do them properly. For more information, my website is https://www.amperformance.online/

SMILER: Thank you so much Amanda for talking to SMILER again. Stay safe and healthy! Hopefully see you soon.

Interview: By Martin Heidt for SMILER The Rod Stewart FanClub

Pictures ‘New boots from Daniel’ And ‘On stage in Ireland’ Thanks To Amanda