Friday 20th March 2015

I think the reason why I was so rubbish last night was because I was worried about today. This was pretty much one of those days where you realise it's all gone a bit too far, where this little joke idea of a film suddenly turns into one with major names. Today was the day in which Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull would sack me as his drummer for the film. He's sold over 60 million records and we were about to go to his house to film a scene on my mobile.

Up very early; Wiltshire isn't that far but we couldn't afford to mess this up. 'We' being myself and my mate Rohan, who joined me for the day not only to be the cameraman but also because he's a huge fan of the band so it's nice to give him the chance to meet his heroes. We got there ludicrously early; his estate his breathtaking, we were asked to come back in an hour. We assumed that was a polite rejection (despite being agreed on email) but an hour later we found the fabulous Mr Anderson and his wonderful band on fine form, willing to help us and giving up the best part of 20 minutes from their busy schedule to sack me in glorious fashion. Their enthusiasm and acting ability was a joy, they just bought into the idea. I had to play 'Aqualung' - one of the biggest rock songs ever written, intentionally badly, with the guy who wrote it. A ridiculously surreal day, seriously...my life is going a little weird. I'm enjoying it.

Spent the afternoon with Rohan, just reliving the moment, watching back the footage, smiling at how wonderful it all was. This film...this film could be the making of me. Don't fuck it up, Richards.

Then made the short drive up to Newbury for gig with the band. Near sell-out show in a big venue, I didn't like the fact the drums weren't mic'd up at all; it's a small little jazz kit which is beautiful but should have gone for the bigger one. Still, great to catch up with Matt who came up from Bristol, and the food was amazing. Not a bad show. Set: Hold On, We Don't Talk Anymore, Bonnie & Clyde, Fine Lift, Skin & Bone, Standing Next to Me, Beautiful You, Take a Ride, Old Man (cover), Another Universe, She Says, Fire, Ghost Town, Marathon Man, Shut Up & Dance, Somebody to Love (encore, cover)