Monday 28th Jan was the Priestley gig. There's something about this place that I like, there's a good vibe. I think the acts are always good quality and it's such a pity that the place is in administration and the gig itself seems to be constantly under threat. I played Shadow, Chains Around My Heart, Gods n Angels and These Eyes. I was chuffed to bits by Naomi filming the set, so hopefully there will be some film footage I can put on the myspace site.

Owing to the loss of O'Donoghues as a band venue, I had an extra night to play with. I decided to go to the Old Vic open mic at Bramley. I hadn't had chance to plan anything so took a late decision to throw in some covers I hadn't learnt fully! Norwegian Wood, Just Like A Woman, Listening to Levon and Hey Jude. I have to confess to not playing them all brilliantly, but it was good discipline to do them. The crowd there was the best its been so far, busy enough to generate an atmosphere. The local crowd is a bit 'clubland' and seem to treat the night a bit like a cabaret audition night-getting free entertainment for nowt. The highlight of the night was my 2nd encounter with Ian Wingate who played at the Priestley back in September. He has some great comedy songs, a potential genius in my view....so I asked him to support me at the New Inn on Sunday night!

I had a brief receeing night on Friday. During which I was offered a booking, saw a band set up to play to nobody, and saw an old long-standing venue long since boarded up. Again, all useful trips which go to show how commited I am to doing the right gigs.

The weekend was all about the solo covers+ a few originals set. On Saturday 2nd Feb I was at the Abbey Inn at Bramley. The first set didn't really draw people in, and the 2nd was a lot better. Encours followed as people finally got into the swing of things. I really like the venue and was pleased with some of my set.

The night after was the New Inn where Ian Wingate did the support slot. He proved me right by coming up with even more hilarious material from his repertoire. I'm told he's off to play some shows in the US soon-they'd better be ready-I think he's got a fantastic act. I played 2 shorter sets and with all my favourite people in the crowd I was able to perform more originals and look back on an excellent night.

After the drive home I hurridly switched on the TV for the Tom Petty superbowl performance. I was interested to see him looking slightly nervous in the first song, but thereafter looked totally cool as he usually does! The following day I got to see it again and it moved me so much, particularly in Freefallin. All week since I've been inspired by that show. It's moments like that that leave me inspired. I'd so love to be in something remotely like that position-it keeps my ambitions burning.

So until next week, it's goodbye from him....