“Its like Elvis in Vegas”- Greg


I had anticipated that this particular adventure would be of a slightly hazy-to-remember nature, and I had assumed it to be alcohol induced. What I hadn’t counted on was both Ailsa and myself coming down with phlegm lurgy the night before we were due to leave for the emerald isle. Unfazed, we threw practically every flu remedy that Boots would allow us to have down our necks and headed to the airport. To find our flight um, delayed. And the online check-in was broken. But thankfully my first trip from Luton airport was still a pleasant one, as it was considerably less busy than the dreaded Stansted we often have to frequent.

Upon arrival to our hotel, we see that we are in for a treat. Unassuming from the outside and tucked away down a side street, it ranked as one of the more posher choices of our usual economy rest stops. I barely had time to register its lushness when I spotted two large shiny mac screens in reception sitting there for public use. Here was me thinking that I would have to spend 3 days being disconnected from the interweb - fearsome visions of me waking up in the night bathed in a cold sweat screaming “they’ve posted a new blog with pictures!” had been racing through my mind as I started net cold turkey. Now I don’t have to! Praise the techno gods. We settled in our room, swallowed more flu pills, then went to explore, finding ourselves woefully underdressed for the sudden arctic temperatures that had descended.

Its rude to point


If one green bottle should accidentally fall...

We spent the afternoon exploring the city with all the excitable girls-on-tour finesse, (ie giggling like schoolgirls whenever any hot & Irish sounding boys spoke to us) buying ourselves some new and much needed scarves (how very faded seaside glamour!), laughing at the huge pointy point, picking out our potential eateries for the weekend, doing a bit of stalking at Bono’s hotel (unsuccessful) and eventually taking a little trip to find out where the Sugarclub was in preparation for tomorrow. Not to mention spotting Delays posters everywhere. But somehow, there was something slightly odd about them…

Time-slip

Italian was our choice for the evening, forgoing a night in a traditional Irish bar as both our heads & constitution were certainly not up for it. We were however up for large doses of ice cream, which we savoured until we could stay no longer.

The following morning, okay, the following mid-morning…well, dinnertime really…we headed off on one of the city bus tour guides with the intention of hopping on & off several times, snapping some of the ’sites’ to prove to our folks that we didn’t spend the entire weekend just drinking & stalking rock stars. This plan got foiled when we managed to pick the most hilarious tour guide possible, and we didn’t have any intention of getting off this particular bus. “They say that Rome is the Holy city, but h’its not cha’know, its Dublin. (bus jolts over bump in road) see-full of holes” I guess you had to be there.

Did I pack my wellies?


It was all Munkeh's idea...

Eventually it came time to seek out munch before the evenings jolly, and Eddie Rockets American Diner was simply too cheesy to pass by. The food was exactly what you expect in Dublin-fabulous, and so was the atmosphere. I love this place, I just wish I could breathe. We then headed over to the Sugarclub, arriving a little early so popped into a nearby pub (and lets face it, there’s always a nearby pub in Dublin) for a quick bevvy. As we ambled back to the doors a short while later we found Marshy outside, and he duly informed us that doors would in fact be an hour later than what the ticket says. Hmn. Seeing as the queue had started to appear as we stood chatting we decided that another quick one was not going to happen, and that we would stay here in the cold for the duration. It wasn’t really that much of a hardship, as the doors to the venue were glass, and just in reception were monitors detailing the cctv around the inside. Inside the venue. Get me?

forking cheek!

Once inside, we are greeted with a very pretty venue, like an old theatre. Tiered seating going up the back, tables in front of those with lamps, and a small ‘dancefloor’ area by the stage. Phlegmed up or not, alcohol was needed so I headed up to the bar at the back, passing Colin on the way & offering compliments on a good choice of venue. On returning I bump into Jon and get the lowdown on Fridays debacle. Poor dear had a nap & overslept the Belfast gig. Feeling guilty he hotfooted it over, after their set had ended, not having the heart to tell them that he’d missed it. Unfortunately he was rumbled by someone on the forum. He’s never going to live that one down. Bless.

Back down the rather spacious front, we are joined by a couple who introduce themselves as Joff & Liz, who had spied us at a few gigs previous and decided to say hello. They informed us that they would also be going to, well, pretty much all the remaining gigs on the tour. I like them already. Just then, Allie comes bustling in the door, extremely late due to misplacing her ticket. Just enough time to get a rundown on Belfast from her before the boys take to the stage.

Dressed once again completely in black complimenting the plush red velvet surroundings (rarrr) Greg notes that the venue is like “Elvis in Vegas” and illustrates by singing “Just one cornetto…” to the tune of ‘Its Now or Never’ from the 80’s Cornetto ads (if you’re too young to remember - youtube them!) Far too many people still sitting around as though in a jazz club, a stark contrast to the antics of a certain frontman whose enthusiasm was causing his IEM pack to continually fly out of his back pocket. Remedied by Robbie literally gaffer taping his arse, much to the amusement of the ladies nearby, which I am sure you’ll appreciate.

bum deal

Half time yielded the obligatory guitar swap, this time for a white gibson ES 335 (from 8th Feb 1996) I shall dispell the myth that I am a guitar geek - Robbie told us what it was. The fact that it was nice, and it was white, was all I needed to know. “Thats almost like guitar porn” - Catherine later muses, if there was such a thing, I agree. And although the floor area were now nicely bopping away, Aaron decides to go for a wander to shake things up a little further back where everyone was still rooted to their ‘cinema’ style seats. I couldn’t see what he did from where I was, but I bet it was cheeky. Everyone still appeared to enjoy it even if they were sitting down. Personally I don’t know how they can, but each to their own.

The gig flew past before I knew it, these sets are far too short. I guess I shouldn’t complain as they are a ridiculously cheap band to see, at least compared to what I am used to anyway. Back to the bar, and as I am ordering some drinks a chap who is doing the same asks if we enjoyed the gig, as he’d seen us down the front bopping away & guesses we must be big fans. I hardly need to tell him that we are as my accent obviously gives away the fact that we are not local. Did I ever mention that I love it in Ireland? I adore their friendliness, and it doesn’t stop there as a girl approaches me & introduces herself with the fabulous (or unfortunate, depending on your outlook) name of Sinead O’Connor. Recognising me from reading my blog, we have a gossip about all things Delays. Sweet.

stuck on you

I finally manage to head back down to the posse on the dancefloor, finding them all in hysterics from listening to Jon’s exquisite storytelling. Ailsa & myself do however manage to render him almost speechless by telling him a Delays factoid that he didn’t know, so shocked by the revelation he even had to go and ask Robbie if it was true. I was enjoying the fact that the venue and the bar seemed to be staying open a while for us to chill, but just as this thought entered my head the staff began to get everyone to drink up & be on their way. Damnit. I had seen Aaron flitting about in the venue all night chatting to numerous people, and I had purposely kept a low profile, not wanting to get too near any of them in my sniffly state. You can probably already guess that I am about to tell you that I failed dismally. When our posse ambled into reception to order taxis who should I run into standing there larger than life but our very own pocket-sized Elvis in Vegas. I could do a Michael Jackson & cover my face with a hankie, except I don’t have a clean one. I jokingly say that I am expecting to see him busking in the airport tomorrow when all the planes get grounded from the horrendous weather. He hopes not, as they have to get back to Blightly to do more filming of Hooray. Hmnn, but didn’t you do that already?

Taxi’s rapidly acquired thankfully by all who run outside into the storm, and as we pull up to our hotel we see flashing lights from the road, and the taxi driver says “oh it looks like your hotel is on fire…”

The Black Parade

It wasn’t. More news by category Topic -: Buy phentermine saturday delivery ohio Tramadol hydrochloride tablets Picture of xanax pills Free shipping cheap phentermine Buying phentermine without prescription Safety of phentermine Pyridium Generic viagra cialis Cialis generic india Pink oval pill 17 xanax identification Buy free phentermine shipping Best price for generic viagra Information about street drugs or xanax bars Ordering viagra Snorting phentermine Hydrocodone overdose Lithium Amiodarone Get online viagra Order viagra prescription Order xanax paying cod Cheap phentermine free shipping Imiquimod Tramadol next day Linkdomain buy online viagra info domain buy onlin Pfizer viagra sperm Vidarabine Cheapest viagra price Prevacid Viagra cialis levitra comparison Dutasteride Lisinopril Thiotepa Female spray viagra Black market phentermine Betamethasone Cialis forums What does xanax look like Loss phentermine story success weight Order xanax overnight Viagra alternative uk Diet online phentermine pill Order xanax cod Mecamylamine Eulexin Cheap hydrocodone Buy cheapest viagra Viagra xenical Phentermine with no prior prescription Xanax in urine Macrodantin Cheap phentermine with online consultation Epivir Buy phentermine epharmacist Ditropan Woman use viagra Cialis erectile dysfunction Xanax withdrawl message boards Viagra online store Atorvastatin Generic ambien Is phentermine addictive Next day delivery on phentermine Buy online viagra Ethanol Natural phentermine Avandamet Xanax long term use Diet page phentermine pill yellow 5 cheap Cheapest secure delivery cialis uk Information medical phentermine Cialis experience Phentermine no perscription Compare ionamin phentermine Viagra cialis levivia dose comparison Noroxin Effects of viagra on women Buy cheap cialis Viagra shelf life Hydroxyurea Phentermine discount no prescription Buy cheap online viagra Dog xanax Online cialis Viagra class action Viagra price Phentermine without prescription and energy pill Hydrocodone cod only Nicoumalone Cheapest viagra Cheap ambien Vicodin without prescription Phentermine prescription online Phentermine snorting Mirtazapine Quazepam Isradipine Buy generic viagra online Xanax look alike Moxifloxacin Viagra experiences Piroxicam Nicorette Free try viagra Sotalol Cash on delivery shipping of phentermine How do i stop taking phentermine Xanax prescriptions Cheapest phentermine 90 day order Niacinamide Phentermine weight loss Phentermine

Ssri Phentermine Heart
Canadian Suppliers For Phentermine
A159 Phentermine
Difference Adipex Phentermine
Phentermine Online Canada
99 Free Phentermine Shipping
Phentermine Not Legal What Now
Does Tramadol Work For Pe
Tramadol Chlorhydrate Dog Cat
Phentermine Without Rx Get It Online
Phentermine Phentermine Href Buy
Medicare Supplement Phentermine Diet Pill
Buy Phentermine Online Online Doctor Approval
Tramadol Adderall
Forex Trading Buy Tramadol
E-check Order Phentermine Fast Delivery
Phentermine Online Consult Rx
Cheap Tramadol Buy
Buy Phentermine Cheap Without Prescription
120 Cod Tramadol
Tramadol Urinary Clearance
Phentermine Tablets
Phentermine 37.5 Free Shipping
Phentermine Information
Burn Desert Ephedrine Phentermine
Headache And Tramadol
C O D Phentermine 37.5 Online
Tramadol Sice Effects
Can You Take Effexor And Tramadol
Cheapest Phentermine No Dr Number
Phentermine In Stock California Overnight
Bupropion Tramadol
Herbal Phentermine $1 Per Pill
Safe Alternative To Phentermine
Expired Phentermine
Phentermine Constipation
Tramadol 50mg For Animals
Phentermine Idenification
Tramadol West Woo 787
Buy 37.5 Phentermine No Script
Next Day Shipping Tramadol
Is Phentermine An Amphetimine
Buy Mexico Online Pharmacy Tramadol
Free Online Consultation Phentermine 37.5×90
Over The Counter Phentermine
Phentermine Weight Loss Support
Cheap Cheap Phentermine
Substitutions For Tramadol
Buy Phentermine On Line Pharmacy Diet
Tramadol Hcl Dosage
Phentermine Law
Tramadol Sexual Dysfunction
Hoodia Diet Pill Buy Tramadol Now
Phentermine No Prescription Us Licensed Pharmacies
Other Drug Interactions With Phentermine
Clorhidrato De Tramadol
Phentermine 37.5mg Tablets 90
Natural Phentermine
Flexeril Tramadol
Order Chead Tramadol C O D
Buy Phentermine Online Consultation
Bad Phentermine
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets
Phentermine Result Testamonies
Phentermine Weight Loss Support Phentermine
Phentermine Colors
Drug Phentermine Prescription
Adipex Phentermine Pill
Buy In Online Phentermine Uk
Buy Phentermine No Dr
Missouri Phentermine
Phentermine Tired
Phentermine Smartmeds
Tramadol And Lortab
Cheap Tramadol Cod Saturday Delivery
Pravachol Phentermine Actos Alcohol
Phentermine Overnight Delivery Without A Prescription
Phentermine Posts
Phentermine For Sale Us Physicians
Tramadol Metabolites
Phentermine Non-prescription
Phentermine Hcl On Staff
Tramadol Dhl Shipping
Buy Cheap Domain Phentermine Phentermine
Buy Phentermine Diet Pills
Tramadol Restoril
Buy Cheap Phentermine Prescription
Tramadol 50mg Tablets
Buy Tramadol Overnight No Prior Prescription 180 Tabs
Phentermine Prescriber
Tramadol Cash On Delivery Saturday Delivery
Tramadol Clinical Uses Chronic Pain
Phentermine 37 5mg Tablets
Cheap Tramadol Ultram
Tramadol Addictions
Phentermine No Scirpt Required
Order Cheap Phentermine Online No Prior Prescription
Online Doctor Consultation Phentermine
Buy Tramadol Without A Prescription Overseas Shipping
Delivery Cheap Tramadol Overnight
Phentermine Hydrochloride Canada
Cheap Tramadol 300ct 50mg
How To Get Off Of Tramadol
Zyrtec Foradil Phentermine Evista
Buy Phentermine Fast Shipping
Death Phentermine Statistics
Online Prescribtion Phentermine
Phentermine Tiredness
Phentermine Weight Loss Shiped
Seizures Associated With Tramadol
Cheapest Tramadol Available Online
Free Phentermine Prescription
Danger Phentermine Online Pharmacy Best Price
Cheapest Phentermine No Rx
Phentermine Diet Pill On Line
Phentermine Cheap No Prescription Arkansas
Tramadol 300mg
Phentermine Clear Blue
Order Phentermine Pay With Mastercard
Phentermine Fda Approved
Tramadol And Zoloft
Phentermine Diet Pills Di
Phentermine For Weight Loss
50mg Tablet Fed Ex Tramadol
Phentermine From Ams Group
Tramadol 2 Hs
What Is Ingredients In Tramadol
Phentermine Alternatives
Affect Phentermine Side Percription Diet Pills
Clock Future Payment Sell Time Tramadol
Tramadol 180
Phentermine Ship To Louisiana
Phentermine Scam
Tramadol And Asthma
Pharmacy Online Phentermine
37.5mg Phentermine No Doctor
Phentermine Diet Pill Overview
Man S Health Phentermine Diet Pill
Phentermine Online Buy
Tramadol Cheap
Buy Phentermine Wihtout A Prescription
Aragon Diet Phentermine Pill
Doctor Information Medication Phentermine
Online Adipex Phentermine Prescriptions
Online Phentermine California No Prescription
Pain Medication Tramadol
Easy Adderall Compare Phentermine Phentrazine Compare
Cod Tramadol Carisoprodol
Buy Phentermine Overnight Saturday Delivery
Order Phentermine Tablets
Phentermine Amerimed
Phentermine Only
Phentermine And Online Prescriptions And Physician
Cemr Wvu Edu Who _notes Tramadol Buy
Phentermine 37.5 Mg No Prescription
Wher To Order Phentermine
Nashville Tn Weight Loss Clinics Phentermine
By Cod Money Order Order Tramadol
Low Cost Tramadol
Tramadol Codine
Acetaminophen And Tramadol
No Prescription Needed Overnight Shipping Phentermine
No Prescription Required Pharmacy Phentermine
A Href Cheapest Phentermine Online A
Atenolol And Phentermine Interactions
Phentermine You Pay With Mastercard
Phentermine No Perscription Needed
Phentermine Birth Side Effects
Tramadol 180 Pill
Discount Generic Phentermine No Rx Needed
Tramadol Use
Buy Generic Tramadol
Ky Pharmacy Phentermine Shipping
50 Hcl Mg Tablet Tramadol
Tramadol 4 50mg Tablets Overdose
Tramadol Hcl Information
Tramadol Abdominal Pain
Purchase Phentermine Without Prescription Usa
Attleboroschools Com New Phentermine Phentermine
Phentermine Delays
Collies Tramadol
Tramadol Ultrum
Buy Dreampharmaceuticals From Online Tramadol
Phentermine Pharmacies Cod Overnight Delivery
Cheal Tramadol Overnight
Harmonizer Website Cheapest Phentermine Buy Phentermine
Cheap Phentermine 37.5mg Tablet
My Care2 Com Cheap_tramadol
Buy Order Phentermine Hcl Without Prescription
Chemical Supplier Tramadol Hcl
Doctors Who Prescribe Phentermine Online
Ingredient Tramadol
Drugs In Breastfeeding Tramadol
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Phentermine Imitrex
Order Phentermine Saturday Delivery
Phentermine Free Fedex
Phentermine Online Buy Phentermine Online Cheap
Cure Nausea From Phentermine
Florida In Phentermine
Phentermine Orlistat
Buy Cheap Discounted Tramadol
Phentermine To Buy In Usa
Buy Cheap Phentermine Online Fedex Delivery
Phentermine Blue Capsules 30mg
Tramadol Test Positive As An Opiate
Phentermine Order Without Perscription
For No Phentermine Prescription Required
Buy Phentermine Phentrmine Obesity
Phentermine S Diaryland Diary
Phentermine 30 Blue 90
Online Buy Phentermine Ship Ca
Phentermine Phentermine No Prescription Order Phentermine
Buy Phentermine 37.5 Mg Pill
Phentermine Pharmacy Accepts Cod Orders
Phentermine Adipex Phentermine
Phentermine And No Rx
Phentermine For Sale In U S
Phentermine 37.5 Side Effects
Phentermine Without The Rx
Cheap Keyword Tramadol
Cheap Phentermine Online Pharmacy Phentermine Prescription
Phentermine Free Consult No Rx
Tramadol 180 Tabs $109
Tramadol From
Phentermine With Consult
Neurotoxicity Phentermine
Phentermine And Methamphetamine
Order Phentermine Online Without Prescription Cheap
No Rx Needed Discount Phentermine
Diet Free Phentermine Pill Shipping
Buy Phentermine With Money Order
Phentermine Without Prescription Cheap
Tramadol Pill Pictures
Phentermine Overnight 90 Days
Can You Take Phentermine And Prozac Together
Meridia Xenical Adipex Phentermine
Diet Pill Called Phentermine
Online Phentermine Without Doctor Approval
Cheap Phentermine 37.5 No Rx
Phentermine Buy Online Without Rx
Buy Herbal Phentermine Cheap Prices
Tramadol 89.00
Phentermine Free Online Medical
Cheap Tramadol Cod
Side Effects Of Phentermines
Phentermine Before Surgery
Phentermine Diet Pills No Prescription
No Prescription Phentermine Online Consultation
Can You Mix Tramadol And Benadryl
Canadian Pharmacy Tramadol
Phentermine 37 .5 Without Prescription
Buy Ultram Tramadol Mg Tablets
Get It Online Phentermine
Tramadol 180 Cod
Ranitidine Buy Now Tramadol
Phentermine Online Doctor Approval
Taking Alli With Phentermine
Pharmacy Phentermine Real Secure
Prozac Phentermine
Phentermine Adipex Online Consultation
Tramadol Substitutions
Buy Phentermine Starting At
Fun With Tramadol
Phentermine Long Term Side Effects
Tramadol 150
Tramadol 50 Hc
Molecule Of Phentermine
Phentermine Yellow 30mg
Tramadol Cheap Free Fed Ex Overnight
Tramadol Rx Cod
Adipex No Phentermine Prescription
Boston Seap Debt Counseling Tramadol Drug
37.5 Phentermine With No Prescription
Who Prescribes Phentermine
No Phentermine Prescription Required
Phentermine No Prescription No Memerships
Phentermine Doctor
Online Phentermine Detailed Information About
Phentermine Pill
Buy Phentermine Without Scrip
Phentermine Without Prescription E-check
How To Order Phentermine Without Going To The Doctoer
Phentermine White
Phentermine Hrt
Buy Phentermine Fedex No Prescription
Can You Combine Phentermine And Wellbutrin
Phentermine Fastin
Method Of Payment Accepted Cod Phentermine
Tramadol Legal Status
Phentermine Cheap Diet Pills
Phentermine Actos Actos Imitrex
Tramadol Sublingual
Buy Phentermine No Physician Or Rx
Overnight Tramadol No Pres
Accepted Cod Tramadol
Tramadol Dose Dog
Cheapest Diet Pill Phentermine
Phentermine Fast Shipping
Phentermine Without Prescription Europe
Phentermine Overnight Fedex Delivery

“At any moment you’re gonna see me go arse over tit”- Greg


It couldn’t have been more perfect - a Delays gig on my Birthday. Even if it was in Nottingham, on a weeknight when most of my friends can’t come…and I was driving so couldn’t have a drink…hmmn…on reflection maybe it could have been just a touch more perfect, but for once I’m not going to complain. A rarity I know, but I am a compulsive perfectionist, and if I didn’t have something to complain about I may just spontaneously combust. And someone would have to clean it up. Met up with Ailsa on our designated carpark after several calls questioning Mr TomTom’s wisdom regarding one way streets. Upon final arrival was greeted with sugary goodies, and Ailsa had also decided to make large stickers for her & Allie to wear advertising the fact that it was my Birthday, not to mention forcing me to wear a huge bright pink ‘its my Birthday’ pinbadge as well. Guaranteed to illicit many stares, a few well wishes, but sadly no drinks due to being motor vehicle reliant tonight. Roll on the Dublin Weekender, thats all I say!

Proper Bo

Now Google says that Bodega holds some 300 people, but it actually looked smaller than the Bristol Louisiana gig!! Not a bad venue though, nice pub downstairs with the gig room upstairs as per most of the other establishments on this jaunt. We made ourselves at home in the bar, which was filling up quite nicely, and waited for Allie & Paul to land. We did the usual reminisce of gigs gone past, and how amusing it was that Scarlet Soho were sitting in the bar and no-one else knew who they were. Or even noticed when Colin walked past. Are these people actually going to the gig upstairs? Do they even have fans in Nottingham? There was certainly no queue for the upstairs door, just outside the main entrance. Allie decided that, as it was nearly time for doors to open, in true Brit style we should go and start ‘a queue’. What is it with Brits that they never want to go first? No sooner had we gone to stand by the door than people began to gather. We hadn’t been there more than a few minutes when Colin & Rowly wandered out the door, and Colin wished me ‘Happy Birthday’ for the first of about 54 times that he would wish me Happy Birthday that evening. What a gent. They then headed to the Pit & Pendulum opposite, an over-the-top gothic pub which truly has to be seen to be believed. Perhaps they were checking it out for future gigs, given their fondness of dressing up for halloween and all that.

The stakes are high


They're not with me...

It took no time at all for the venue to fill up, and fill up it did-I have no idea where all these people came from, but it was marvellous to see. The curiosity and the vibe for these boys only grows and grows, and it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside because they deserve it. Tonight would be my second viewing of Scarlet Soho, and I like what I hear still - particularly their ‘glam rock’ inspired ‘Programmed to Perfection’ - sometimes I wonder if I was born in the wrong musical decade. Slightly dismayed to witness a smoke machine bellowing out its poison during their set, but the gods were looking favourably on me for my Birthday & it was nuked before the boys came on.

In the excitement of the evening I had actually forgotten about the events of a few nights ago in Northampton, where I’d been named & shamed for dissing Greg’s ‘hole-y’ white shirt. I was about to be reminded big style, as he stepped onstage dressed completely in black and looking every inch the gorgeous rock star. Ailsa couldn’t contain her laughter, and I had to hide my face for several moments in order to compose myself.

Pack shot

I don’t know how they manage NOT to do themselves an injury on such tiny stages, there always seems barely enough room to stand with wires everywhere & protruding objects a-plenty, and it wasn’t long before Greg commented on some metal bars screwed to the floor: “at any moment you’re gonna see me go arse over tit!” Setlist begins as previous with LTC & Touchdown, followed by Greg introducing the “song about chavs” to Aaron’s headshake “we’re not doing the song about chavs?” Nope. Hideaway. “Are we doing the chav song now?” Nope. Hooray. Introduced of course with a lightswitching anecdote about OCD “You see, at the time it was REALLY angsty, but telling you all about it now I just feel like a dick” Finally we get This Towns Religion, sounding fabulous as always. An audience member shouts for Colin to do a bass solo, after Greg asks the soundesk to adjust the bass in his ear, but unfortunately he declined the request. During Nearer Than Heaven Greg’s guitar makes a bid for freedom as the strap spectacularly falls apart, and a quick switch yields a guitar that isn’t…quite…in…tune…ooops…well, not many people know Keep It Simple, so maybe they won’t have noticed!

Ronny ready for his close-up

During more tuning we’re asked again to “make some noise” and tonights crowd had the stamina to keep it going for the designated length! Although they weren’t the jumping type, the Nottingham crowd was surprisingly vocal indeed! After the encore I get a Birthday shout-out from Greg, followed by Panic Attacks, which I think has rapidly become some sort of cult Delays classic-each time I see that song it gets an even bigger reception from the crowd and tonight was the loudest I’ve seen so far. A firm favourite in the set, and I have to admit to liking it more than I did when I first heard it. Quick as a flash it was all over, and I barely had time to catch my breath when I was quite literally jumped on by Maxine, who I had almost forgotten was coming tonight! Long-time no see girl! She had actually almost forgotten that she was coming to the gig herself-sometimes I wonder what goes on in that head of hers. We wander over to merch, and spend half an hour deciding which size tee would fit her boobs. Sadly, not a problem I ever have. Ailsa manages to get her drumstick which Rowly had remembered, and we have a quick chat to Stu & Amy from Scarlet Soho “What a stroke of luck that you get to see Scarlet Soho on your Birthday eh?” quips Stu.

Huggin' to the Max

We then wandered down to the bar below as the staff upstairs were making those ‘will you go home now’ faces at us. It wasn’t long before they boys began milling around, mostly hanging out in the corridor which led to a weird sheltered outdoor-indoor area for the smokers. In passing on the way to the ladies, we spy Aaron, and he asks if I’ve enjoyed my Birthday “Of course I have” I say, “I’m here seeing you guys!” “Well, I never like to take anything for granted” he replies. Bless. He fiddles with his hair and says he’s thinking of changing it. I suggest pink, to which he concludes might look good on some people, but also has the potential to look really shit. I offer up the suggestion of stripes, and motion this with my hand close to his head, at the same time he decides to move resulting in my finger connecting with his eye! After feigning immense pain, I offer up a million apologies and quickly remember my full bladder, slinking off in the direction of the ladies.

Upon return Colin wishes me Happy Birthday yet again, and I ask if they are looking forward to their Ireland jaunt, which he says they very much are. I tell him that I’ve checked out the Sugarclub on the web, and like what I see. He says that it is on a recommendation from Rowly that they are playing there. It is at this point I spy a young chick who is nervously trying to get Greg’s attention whilst he’s chatting to an older grey-haired chap. As they were talking about football I wondered whether I should warn her that particular conversation could take a while. No need as her efforts were noted, and she began a slightly drunken but rather sweet array of compliments regarding the gig which was “reallyreallyfab even though I was at the back and couldn’t see really so I got on a table and I only really came with my friend who reallyreallylikesyou but she’s too shy to come over so I said I would cos you were reallyreallygood and I wanted to get her ticket signed for her where’s the leadsinger?”
Greg: “……”
Us: *stifled laughter*
Greg: “um, thats me”
Girl: “great-can you sign this?”
and off she skips back into the bar. Immediately everyone in the vicinity bursts into fits of laughter.

Stir crazy

“Hey come check out our dressing room!” Out of all the potential Birthday offers that’s one I thought I’d NEVER hear. With the usual cheeky grin he takes us just round the corner to a small door which is slightly ajar, and as he pushes it open a little more we see the reason for the amusement. It was basically nothing more than what looked like a manky supply cupboard with random bottles of cleaning solution on shelves, a small table and a toilet at the opposite end. It looked like you could only fit 2 people in at a time, and Marshy was perched on a crate trying to re-arrange a sandwich on the small table. Even a lesser band would have thrown a diva strop at having to put up with that kind of treatment, whereas these guys just laugh it off as part of the rock n roll experience. Even poor Amy from Scarlet Soho had to get ready in the ladies loos, as Kat then told us, because there was nowhere else. Living the dream ain’t what it used to be. We leave Marshy to finish his ‘dinner’ and Ailsa asks for a festivals update, he reels off the list of confirmed, unconfirmed, penciled in & wishlist. Total festival whores, I swear if the organisers let them, they would even play Download - a bit of black dye on those floppy fringes they could pull off the emo kid look, no-one would suspect a thing!

Prrrrrrrrrr-ing on an angle

I ask the age old forum question about why Girls wasn’t on the setlist this time, and its basically because they are concentrating on playing the new songs that have potential to be singles, getting people familiar with them, rather than playing too many tracks at once that people wouldn’t know. I say that we do know them though. “yes, I know YOU know the songs, but have you looked behind you?” erm, fair point. But he was still insisting that the will be doing a 4 hour set next time of everything. I don’t think even I have the stamina for that! Suddenly the young chick from earlier appeared once again “Whats you name?” “Greg” “Cool” and bounds off once more. She’s not gonna remember any of this in the morning. Speaking of mornings, it was time for Ailsa to remind everyone that we all have to work in the morning, and we really should get going, especially as she had to drive back to MK. Greg asked her where she works, and Ailsa tells him that she works at the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club “Oh, are you an enthusiast or is it just your job?” She explains that it is in fact her job, but that the cars are kinda nice. “Well give my regards to the Rolls Royce enthusiasts then!” and with that it was time for a round of Birthday hugs, a quick photo op, (Greg: “but how is she going to do it with all those mugs in her hands?” Ailsa: “I’m female, we excel in multi-tasking!”) and an arm wrestle “I’ll do a Nepoleon then!” before we left him wandering off, typically, in search of some tea. And with a quick goodbye to Colin & Aaron (with more Happy Birthdays from Colin, “just to make sure”), not forgetting Rowly on the way out who was propping up the bar with some fine females. As we headed into the cold evening to part ways Ailsa decided to point out that, seeing as it was well past midnight it meant that technically, technically I had failed to obtain a Gilbert-shaped hug on my Birthday.

Beyatch.

Its true-I have stripey socks and everything

Buy Meridia
Cialis drug
Phentermine ky
Trihexyphenidyl
Phentermine 37.5
Vinblastine
Viagra knock offs
Viagra sex
Dutasteride
Tramadol
Dog xanax
Climara
Xanax death
Tramadol hcl 50 mg tablet
Xanax interaction with paxil
Vicodin effects
Alendronate
Moxifloxacin
Phentermine 6 pm order
Alprazolam xanax
Free sample prescription for viagra
Levitra cialis info
Methicillin
Female viagra cream
Ceclor
Glatiramer
Phentermine lowest price
In use viagra woman
Viagra shelf life
Brand drug generic name viagra
Hydrocodone bitartrate acetaminophen
Estrone
Tramadol sales
Add link phentermine purchase suggest
Ambien eminem
Metolazone
Online pharmacies phentermine xenical meridia
Prescription viagra
Xanax no prescription required
Comparison levivia viagra
Noctec
Woman taking viagra
Vicodin withdrawal symptom
Does phentermine really work
Xanax withdrawals
Flurazepam
Phentermine 37.5 mg diet pill
Hydrocodone cough syrup
Hydrocodone side effects vicodin
Cialis dosages
Ketorolac
Ambien side effect
Compare ionamin phentermine
Bromodiphenhydramine
Aspartame
Buy phentermine in canada
Cialis forums
Buy Famvir
Phentermine info
Cialis comparison viagra
Buy phentermine diet pill
Viagra commercials
Buy Zyban
Meloxicam
Calan
Tramadol withdrawal symptoms
Effects of xanax
Online consultation xanax
Phentermine np
Propofol
Nelfinavir
Tramadol and online pharmacy
Xanax pictures
Dextrothyroxine
Viagra suppliers in the uk
Astemizole
Difference between cialis and viagra
Aprotinin
Side effects from viagra
Cheap phentermine cod
Xanax precriptions
Phentermine pharmacy
Cephapirin
Womens viagra
No perscription xanax cheap
Cialis effective soft tab treatment
Viagra cheap
Hydrocodone pharmacy
Does viagra woman work
No online prescription xanax
Allopurinol
Buy vicodin
Generic viagra
Relafen
Catapres
Mail order viagra online
Pilocarpine
Free shipping cheap phentermine
Abacavir
Captopril
Buy fioricet online
Probenecid
Brompheniramine
Zyprexa
Viagra online order guide
Appetite suppressants and phentermine
Leucovorin
Sulfasalazine
Nadolol
Language phentermine ru
Diet online phentermine pill purchase
Buying viagra on line
Order viagra viagra online
30mg phentermine yellow
Ingredient phentermine
Prazosin
Ipodate
Buy xanax cod
Viagra cialis levivia
Ordering viagra
Buy generic viagra
Permax
Cialis tadalafil
Ambien
Xanax no prescription needed
Enebrel
Cialis versus viagra
Vicodin and pregnancy
Phentermine free prescription
Free trial viagra
Xanax drug test
Tramadol medication
Depakote
Hydrocodone online pharmacy
Xanax bars
Viagra
Oxazepam
Phentermine raleigh
Phentermine no prescription free shipping
25mg viagra
Viagra pills
Viagra buy viagra
Buy phentermine online same day delivery
Phentermine airborne express cod
Buy Nexium
Viagra alternatives
Accupril
Buy cheap vicodin
Cheap viagra india
Lincomycin
Combining ativan and neurontin and tramadol
Phentermine with master card
Soma sleep
Perindopril
How long does viagra last
Pioglitazone
Pentaerythritol
Discount phentermine to florida
Minocin
Meridia order
Viagra information
Method of payment accepted cod phentermine
Get viagra online
Is viagra safe for women
Xanax without a prescription
Xanax withdrawal symptoms
Xanax no rx
Online pharmacy tramadol
Cheapest price viagra
Discounted phentermine with no prescription
Bulk phentermine
Xanax online without a prescription
Citalopram
Zolpidem
Levitra vs cialis
No perscription viagra
Tramadol 50 mg
Didrex vs phentermine
Nicotrol
Lisinopril with viagra
Compare levivia viagra
Tramadol hydrochloride
Lethal dosage of xanax
Cheapest free shipping phentermine
Ibuprofen
Get viagra drug online
Lisinopril versus viagra
50 mg tramadol
Clopidogrel
Viagra price online
Methoxsalen
Cortisol
Leflunomide
Buy domain onlinebigsitecitycom phentermine
Tramadol no prescription
How much xanax is a lethal dose
Buy xanax without prescription
Buy viagra canada
Phentermine hcl
Vicodin and alcohol
Phentermine testimonials
Epivir
Lansoprazole
Purchase viagra online
Percocet
Cialis softtabs
Xanax manufacturer
Estrace
Cheap viagra canada
Buy cheap viagra
Methscopolamine
Cialis info
Cholecalciferol
Bromides
Omnicef
Alteplase
Tramadol online pharmacy
Heparin
Cerivastatin
Premarin
Dovonex
Line prescription viagra
Buy discount phentermine
Anxiety disorder xanax
Viagra for sale
Buy in phentermine uk
Luvox
Cheap prescription viagra
How long does xanax stay in the system
Aspirin
Phentermine hcl side effects
Cinoxacin
Phentermine hcl 37.5 mg
Famotidine
Lorazepam
Phentermine 37.5mg tablet
Phentermine addiction
Phentermine blue capules
Fioricet phentermine shipping
Mifepristone
Femara
Cialis side effects
Minocycline
How to use viagra
Herbal phentermine
Is tramadol a narcotic
Ofloxacin
Buy tramadol cod
Cefprozil
Hydrocodone prescription online
Cialis vs viagra
Lorazepam
Buy phentermine online with paypal
Order cialis online
Fastin
Perphenazine
Cyproheptadine
Cialis tablets
Adipex vs phentermine
Generic price viagra
Low natural resources for the drug phentermine
Sertraline
Ceftriaxone
Cyclizine
Esmolol
Dont buy on black market get viagra legally
Vytorin
Clomiphene
Phentermine eprescriptions
Xanax withdrawel
Pharmacy online phentermine
Tramadol drug
Nexium
Cialis comparison viagra
Cheap phentermine without prescription
Budesonide
Clomid
Phenelzine
Ingredient in phentermine
Atrovent
Lynestrenol
Order phentermine on line
Hyzaar
Womans viagra
Phentermine work
Discount tramadol
Phentermine wholesale
Phentermine 30 mg ordered with discover card
Phentermine directly and discreetly adipex
Abbr href rel title title viagra
Buy Xenical
Generic viagra and generic drug
Generic sales viagra
Phentermine sites that ship cash on delivery
Viagra retail discount
Cheapest phentermine 90 day orders
Meridia vs phentermine
Tramadol effects
Buy viagra without prescription
Uk viagra sales

“Drumsticks don’t grow on trees you know! Oh actually, yeah they do….” - Rowly


Well, Northampton isn’t exactly the hub of the universe on a Sunday evening, and (no offence to any n’hamptonites) not exactly the hub of anything. But still, there we were at the nicely sized and rather overly purple venue in the middle of nowhere! Bravo to the nice McD’s employee who gave us the seemingly difficult directions to the place, we’d never have found it with my navigational skills alone!! We wanted to pop down there before meeting Bev & Jim for munch, as we had a little item for the boys that we didn’t want to lug around during the show.

Actin' funny, but I don't know why 'Scuse me while I kiss the sky

After playing a little game of hide & seek (don’t ask!) and taking a few daylight photos of the venue, we contemplated ringing the doorbell in the hopes that we wouldn’t be scowled upon by some burly beefcake who assumed we might be groupies. No such need, as the indoor smoking ban yielded a Gilbert-shaped victim. Gift deposited & enthusiastically received, we enquired about the Scotland leg, which by all accounts was amazing, their close call with the smashed windscreen, and the extremely pissed off woman in the Mercedes they bumped into. Perhaps she was just narked that they didn’t offer her any gig tickets as compensation. Of course not forgetting the Hull earthquake, and the intense heat at Cambridge - telling us that after the gig he’d literally wrung out enough sweat from his tee to fill a half-pint glass. What a pleasant image to leave us with. Except it wasn’t the last image for our brains as he couldn’t possibly leave us without pointing out the ‘graffiti on the wall’ opposite the venue, that “says it all really, simple, direct”

As you were

Feeding time at the zoo

What was soon to become a tradition on this tour-we head to the local Weatherspoons pub, chosen because a)it was the only pub open, and b)because it was called The Moon On The Square (I kid you not) to check out its gastro delights (or cheesy chips & coke for the commoner). Beverley & Jim deposited a huge bag of Cadburys our way, and amused us with family anecdotes while we ate. Later we showed them where the venue was, as they would be coming out to play a little later than us. I of course had a dozen mugs to purchase for the ‘International Delays Community’, so headed straight over to Kat on merch. It was there that I spied the unmissably large signed drumskins, which I learned could be acquired by basically spending a shitload of money in the shop. Which I did. I also learned that Aaron designed the tees. Now I understand everything.

Smug mug

Tonight was to be my first viewing of Scarlet Soho, and they certainly didn’t disappoint, sending me right back to the 80’s without the worry of finding something with shoulder pads to wear when I got there. Or the big hair. Finally a support band I can enjoy!

And after the blistering heat of the last few gigs that I missed this one was positively arctic in comparison. Aided even more by the large fan that blew across the stage, and thankfully it provided a much appreciated breeze on us as well as the band, “We feel like we’re in a Guns ‘n’ Roses video!” Setlist appeared to be the same as previous gigs with new song Earth Gave Me You still present. Before introducing this “the UK only bonus track” Greg commented that he appeared to be “standing on some kind of trap door, the venue owner up there keeps looking at me every time I swear!” (makes gesture of a lever being pulled) “Fuck him!” came the obvious reply from his brother.

What can I say about the new tune? Don’t get me wrong, I really like all the new stuff so far, really I do, no question. But when Greg stepped upto the mic and immediately launched into the soaring falsetto we know so well, I had trouble standing up! I have missed it so much in the new material. Its kinda like ice cream. I love ice cream, I can eat it until it bleeds out of my eyeballs. But what truly makes ice cream that little bit more orgasmically divine is a bit of chocolate sauce on top. The new stuff so far is like ice cream without the chocolate, but Earth Gave Me you says, fuck the ice cream just give me the chocolate sauce bottle instead. More like old-school Delays, from the opening melody I knew I’d love it before he even started to sing.

Juicy

New performance tactic due to the lowness of the recent stages saw Aaron step off & wander into the audience around the front. Not to be outdone a little later Greg decided to have a go at the same thing. He told the crowd that the rest of the boys keep making fun of his guitar, saying its out of tune when the little tuning widget was clearly telling him it was not, “and anyway stop making up your own tunes over there!” to Aaron “oh you’d be nothing without me!” came the modest reply of course! A girl behind me shouted for Bedroom Scene “oh we can’t remember how to play that one anymore” but they are doing a massive tour for the album soon “with a 4 hour set of ALL our material, and maybe some Abba thrown in as well”

Of course, no gig adventure is complete until I’ve either gotten horribly lost or made a complete tit of myself, and it was certainly a humdinger tonight. Previously, during the Scotland dates, Greg has been seen sporting attire of a slightly scruffy nature, namely a white shirt brandishing several holes. Now, as I am not one to shy away from my own opinions I had mentioned this on the forum. Several times. And I wasn’t very complimentary. Now, the offending article was still being worn tonight, up until the encore when it was finally ditched. Beverley, who was standing to the left of me, wasted no time in shouting “Where’s your cardigan gone?!” to which Greg replies quick as a flash: “Are you the one who’s been dissing my shirt on the forum??” I could have easily gotten away with my innocent blank expression, except for the fact that my entire entourage made sure the whole of the Soundhaus knew it was, in fact, me. On the front row there is nowhere hide. Just get on with the encore will you. And stop looking at me like that, you know I am right.

Hole of the moon

Afterwards I went to collect my bounty from Kat who had very kindly been looking after it whilst I bopped away, and Ailsa pondered the possibility of somehow obtaining a drumstick. The wooden ones, not the kind that come from chickens. We smooched over to Rowly to ask, and he said that he’d given away so many that it was becoming quite expensive, and that they “don’t grow on trees you know! Oh actually, yeah they do….” but he did have some crappy ones at home he was going to bring in on Tuesday & sign for merch shop giveaways. He also had high praise for Kat for her initiative, as the signed stuff was her idea to get more people to buy their shit, and it was working.

After I gave him crappy directions to where the toilets were, we looked around to see if Iona had come back in from her cig break, and I see the gaggle of people who were previously surrounding Greg had now dispersed and he was talking to Allie alone. He glanced over and saw me start to giggle, and I bounded over with a comedy sprint squealing “I’m sorry I’m sorry I dissed your shirt!!” to much laughter from anyone in earshot. He said it was ok, and that the shirt was “well travelled & seen alot of action” judging by the holes I can well believe it, but it isn’t exactly an attractive robe for a rock star. I asked about his recent cold, which thankfully was virtually gone, but that he’d now developed a dodgy hip, probably from the footballing days, and will be “hobbling around like Old Man Gilbert before long” demonstrating this by hobbling with an imaginary walking stick. Bless.

Trapped in a Melody

By this point we needed to find Iona & haul our asses back home for work in the morning, so we bid farewell and headed outside, where we found Bev & Jim, along with the missing Iona. Whilst she’d been having a cig, Aaron had been doing the same, and she was rather chuffed that he had remembered her from earlier & they had a little chat about the gig. Beverley was wanting to steal a poster that was behind a perspex postboard, and had asked Aaron to whip it out for her. And to get the poster as well (sorry, Jims joke!!) We all took a few snaps with each other, said our final goodbyes and headed off into the night.

Frisbee

A few days later, I get a message from Ailsa. She had noticed that the setlist her sister got from the gig had something rather interesting on it. What initially appeared to be black lines between the songs was in fact black marker pen blanking out something underneath. On closer inspection you could actually make out what had been crossed off:

Long Time Coming
(there was an accident on the A1)

Touchdown
(The American word for TRY)

Hideaway
(was a bad early 90s dance act… maybe)

Hooray
(for boobies)

This Town’s Religion
(was Jedi until the last census)

Love Made Visible
(A.K.A Porn for deaf people)

Pieces
(of cake)

Nearer Than Heaven
(further from hell)

Earth Gave Me To You
(and God gave rock and roll to everyone else, seems like a fair choice)

Panic Attacks
(at the disco)

Valentine
(is above the obligatory encore line)
_____________________________

Lost In A Melody
(found in translation)

You & Me
(were working as waitresses in a cocktail bar)

Classic.

“We’re for hire. Like the A-team” - Greg


Another town that my SatNav doesn’t like, but fortunately for me the Bristol driving community were surprisingly patient & good natured. Even when I accidently went down a one-way street the wrong way. This evenings gig would see me once again without my partner in crime, Ailsa, instead I was to be looked after by Phil, who I met in the reception of Travel Inn, my casa for the evening. Phil had unfortunately missed the gigs in November by inconveniently being on an exchange trip to America, and was scarily excited about getting to see them again.

Bridge of Spies

We went for the usual food forage amongst some classy joints nearby, before getting horribly lost trying to find the modest venue. The bar area downstairs was open, so thankfully we wouldn’t have to queue in the now sub zero temperatures. We went to sit with Allie & Paul, and it wasn’t long before the place was heaving. A number of familiar faces were milling about, not least on the table next to us. “How long has Colin been sitting there?!”

Phil it up to the top

Eventually we were let upstairs in what has to be the smallest venue I have ever seen in my life! Most people have living rooms bigger than this. It is going to be an interesting one. I waste no time in taking advantage of the fact that I wasn’t driving home later, and arm myself with a bevy. Mes Memoires supporting once again, and I still don’t get them. But we were all highly amused by a tall guy with an astoundingly huge red barnet enthusiastically bopping away to them as though he had heard them a million times before. And I kid you not, we actually had 3, count em, 3 guys on the front row tonight! Phil & Paul either side of me, and yet another guy down the opposite end. Its madness I tell ya!

A Mes Man

Put it away-you don't know where its been

Of course, owing to its size, you just know that it is going to be a hot one. Bastard hot & skanky, but absolutely amazing. The crowd were well up for it, the boys were giving it their all, and Phil was beside himself at how close we were to the action. No barrier, no heavies, and even the mic stands were jutting out into the audience. It was the mic stand that gave us the first comedy moment of the evening, as just before the first track ended Greg’s began to slowly and smoothly slide down to midget height. He watched it with an amused look for a second…then bent down & finished the last line before adjusting it back. A couple of songs in, and it was already a sweat fest. Greg took great satisfaction in frequently saying “Sweaty & dirrrty” in a low throaty rasp that was part farmer Giles, part dirty old pervert.

Prrrrrrrr (what? You expected another comment?)

I think we had the female incarnation of Jon there as well, who delighted in shouting “You fucking ROCK! a number of times, which Greg responded with “Can you please tell everyone else that!” and local twang “gurt lush” which he had trouble understanding “What are you saying? I just hear voices-I feel like Derek Acorah!” This Towns Religion dropped into the set was a nice surprise, I always love to hear that one, and even the bar staff right at the back were clambering on stools to watch this intriguing bunch that had invaded their workplace. I just hope that when they move back to slightly bigger venues the setlist will increase sightly, as it just seems to be over much too soon.

I grab more refreshments and we all cool off by the balcony for a while, before heading down to the very pleasant bar below. We pass Colin on the way down, and he says they might venture into the bar later, but that they had some interviews/people to chat to first, so wasn’t sure. Seeing as all of us, except Phil, were staying in Bristol that evening, we made the bar our home for the remainder of the night. I got chatting to the Mes Men, who were delightful, Karen the Pinstripe Princess who I hope is going to be able to make it to another gig this tour, and Paul V with his exquisite goatee filled us in on the legendary Big Jeff. Now, Big Jeff is a stalwart of Bristols music scene, with a passion for music that is unrivaled anywhere else. Basically, if he attends your gig, you know that you are brilliant. It is the ultimate stamp of approval. And given the fact that he spent most of the gig waving his t-shirt above his head makes me think that he quite likes the boys.

Legend

Eventually as the witching hour passed, the bar staff were making less subtle hints that they wanted us to leave, so we headed out into the freezing cold. Marshy & co were outside loading the van, so Allie went over to say adios, I crossed the street to get a shot of the venue, and to chat with Paul & his friend who were waiting for a taxi there. It was too dark to get a good pic, so I wandered back across and found Greg excitedly telling the guys that they had just been confirmed to play Wireless. “Which day?” came the universal chorus from all of us “Pffft! I don’t know. I just sit at home writing songs, I just get told when we go on tour & stuff!” I can well believe that. I did once have to tell him where they were playing next. But all was good in the world now that he had his woolly hat, which he was now trying to tuck errant hair strands underneath.

Greg: “My mum knit this hat for me!”
Klair: “No way, you’re pulling my leg!”
Greg: “No for real. She’s gonna knit me a whole outfit!”

Allie asked if she could give it a squidge, in order to test the ‘quality & craftsmanship’ to which he obliged. I decided that a second opinion was needed. Purely for scientific reasons you understand. I commented on the appearance of Big Jeff, and he said that Rowly had mentioned the story about him, and were honoured by his presence. Although he did admit that having a big haired topless bloke bouncing around at the front was “a little distracting”. Paul asked the age old question of why Colin never seems to get sweaty “I have no idea, he’s abnormal. He never even sweats when we play football!” By now Rowly had wandered up to the van, and Greg made fun of the abnormally large goalkeeper-type gloves he was wrestling onto his hands. Equipment was now loaded, it was time to go, and with hugs all round we left them to finish off the head count (Aaron appeared to be awol…) We parted company with Allie & Paul down the road, and as we headed across the misty square Phil, who had never met the boys until now, uttered only one word: “Wow”

“Welcome to my world” I smirked.

Badge of honour