It looks like last time I was just about to go and look at some more pubs, which means it was Sept 13th. Indeed I did, one of them I wouldn't risk standing in there having a drink let alone playing there and the other had no band on at all. The latter wasn't too bad, but it reminded me of just what a job I'm about to take on.

The truth is a lot of pubs are on very tight margins and this doesn't sit well with the need for band nights to be built up slowly and steadily. It can take a long time for a venue to establish itself and a lot of pubs want an instant return-which very rarely happens. This means they need bands that pay for themselves by bringing a following- the F word as I call it. The trouble is most bands can't do that and rely on the venue having a following-as in people who go there no matter who is on. This is the bit they seem to miss.

Anyway, this pub had had to cancel its bands and was contemplating a fortnightly fixture-we shall wait and see.

Friday and Saturday were gigs with the weddings band and then on Sunday 16th I played on my own at The Railway, Berry Brow. The band has played 2 really good sets there and the solo one saw me start a bit later, when the pub is traditionally busier-between 6 and 8pm-only in Huddersfield!

It wasn't a bad gig, a bit jaded and I had to play a lot of covers, but I was pleased with the outcome, and the new album sales!

Into last week now, on Wednesday 19th I went to the open mic at the Old Vic, Bramley. This is the second time I've been there, and the night is steaily gaining. The landlord is enthusiastic and booked me for a proper slot there. I played 'First Cut is the Deepest', 'Nobody Knows You', 'The Letter', 'Lost In Love Town', and later a duet with Scouse Andy on 'I Saw Her Standing There' and 'No Other Baby'. I missed half of the latter because I was talking business with the landlord!

I also concluded the first half doing California Dremin and Freefallin.

The following night was a new venture for me: Trash in Leeds. This place used to be called the Mixing Tin and I must say I prefer the old name. I was booked as the opening act before 2 bands. My set was played to a very sparse crowd almost bang on 8pm. I did my 'dark' set of 'Shadow', 'Even', 'Whiskey','Won't Back Down', 'Prisoner', 'Life' and 'These Eyes'.
The PA was huge so I got a good sound, unfortunately the bands were ear-splitting so I didn't stop around. I was pleased if only for my own amusement that I segued Prisoner and Life together-both being in Eflat!

Friday was set aside for the rugby. And by that I mean Rugby League, not the kick and clap world cup. You won't know this, but I support Bradford Bulls and have done since 1985. It's not quite the big part of my life it once was, which is probably just as well as we suffered a heartbreaking last minute defeat against Wigan. Not the best start to Autumn.

Saturday wasn't much better. A corporate charity do with Morris &The Minors which featured a five minute slot by Norman Collier-including the microphone routine but no chicken walk.
After taking the usual hour to set up, we were then told we'd set up in the wrong place and would we mind moving everything. Never happens at Sheffield Arena. Nor the Railway at Berry Brow for that matter. Anyway, we didn't move in the end, I just hope the cheque turns up this week-I hate charity dos.

Finally Monday 24th was my second slot at The Priestley in Bradford. It's one of my favourite nights, and this time the standard of act was very high. Its funny because in Leeds its not usually so high, and yet here is a much smaller pool of musicians. I thought last night they were all very good. I went on last, which is never the best slot but someone has to do it and I'm glad enough people stayed to the end. I played 'Shadow', 'Life', 'Seven Shades' and 'These Eyes'. I also accompanied a jazz singer called Stephanie.

All in all another busy few weeks. This Thursday (27th) its the band returning to Zephyr Bar and I'm very much looking forward to that.