What a bloody good venue. Small, hard to get to, parking is a nightmare but what a place. Made welcome from the off and the place was heaving throughout with a highly appreciative audience. What a delight to play there! Looking forward to doing again in March.

Nothing beats a pisshead! Actually, we quite like the audience to be merry as it generally makes them more appreciative and, after all, people visit pubs to drink. But those that try to pull the PA speakers over, make a grab for instruments or actually fall down amongst the mike stands and monitor have a special place in our affection. Unluckily, the "poor chap" was still conscious and he proceeded to piss off everyone else until he was gently escorted from the premises. It messed up what was otherwise a great place and the landlady used a very descriptive and apt phrase at the end of the night - I won't repeat it to spare her blushes. She has my deepest sympathies having to deal with those kinds of punters.

This place really has a fantastic audience and they really appreciate their rhythm and blues. From the first to the last number, despite a couple of gremlins, these people were great! We'll be here again. I just wish the parking in Morpeth was less of trial!

What is it with certain venues/agents?

The venue (or an agent/intermediary) books the band and you make sure that the gig is advertised on your website and as many listings sites as you can. Then, around 4 to 6 weeks before the gig, you send a confirmation letter and posters.

Then, sometimes, you find out via Riffs or word-of-mouth that the gig may not be on. So you contact the venue or agent/intermediary and they tell you "That's right, I thought I'd contacted everyone". Or worse, you find out at short notice or, god fordid, when you arrive - fortunately, the latter has only ever happened twice to us - which is why I send out confirmation letters.

I am truly amazed at how often it appears that the confirmation letter has gone into a black hole. Of course, I could send them recorded delivery but that is way over the top.

It is not that I don't believe that gigs should be cancelled. Often there are damn good reasons and all bands should be reasonable when this happens. Sometimes, a night off is welcome from a busy gigging schedule! By the way, we are available for a gig on 29 September.