View From The Kit...Buxton and Rotherham

I can’t say Buxton was my favourite show of the tour so far. In fact, from a playing perspective, it was my worst. But ask any of the crew and they’ll probably tell you a totally different story. Having journeyed up with the lads in one car, leaving at midday we got to Buxton on time, scoffed lunch, had a couple of pints….all the signs were good. But no. Not for me. Having been given a bum steer to the shops just 45 minutes before showtime ( for the beer and water hunt ) and having run around town like a simpleton, I JUST made it back to the dressing room with minutes to spare, breathless. So I had no voice, the steep rake on the stage kept pulling my hi-hat downhill, the audience seemed miles away ( blah blah blah....ok, moaning over ! ) Anyway, I hated the gig, I played like a knob. Sometimes this just happens. Of course, the audience aren’t aware, and everyone will say to you afterwards “ No, it sounded fine “ but you just know that you haven’t played with your usual feel or fire. In this band everyone’s a top player, and that makes you raise your game. If you’re not nailing your own performance to your expectations, that’s a real downer. So what follows, dear blog reader ? Well, we awoke the next day, having slept like kittens in a sock….yes, the new tour bus is here, folks !!What we woke up to, however, wasn’t quite so cosy. Outside the bus was a Siberian snow blizzard.. Buxton was totally cut off, all roads were blocked…we were absolutely stuffed ! And to make matters worse, Arthur, Tony and Nick had left at silly o’clock and were trapped in gridlock. A sold - out show in Rotherham awaits us, and we’re having to face the unthinkable…..cancellation. The poor guys sat and froze in motionless misery for four hours. Fast forward, then, to an astonishing turnaround come 6.30pm. Due to improved road conditions ( snow ploughs helping ), utterly brilliant teamwork, help from the crew in house at the theatre in Rotherham and the fastest soundcheck ever for a Bootleg’s show ( just 20 minutes ) we took to the stage on time, to an ecstatic audience and the usual standing O come the finish. What a proud little chap I am to be part of this wonderful show with this great bunch of guys ! Bring on South Shields ! Tomorrow the sun will shine !!