That was a cold night. I then went home for a bit, and then out to teach one of my students. He's a total joy to teach, it makes my life very easy.
Turns out we had a gas leak at the family home; carbon monoxide, the full works. No wonder I was so dozy this Christmas. That could have been serious. Mum is getting a new boiler fitted tomorrow.
Evening, caught up with Fiona, which was as amazing as always.
Friday, 29 December 2017
Wednesday 27th December 2017
Final day at the family home, mostly spent making plans for next year. Lots of ideas, but must do them properly. Mum wanted me to take her to Cambridge but the bad weather put a stop to that.
Then the boiler broke; I spent an hour trying to fix it before remembering I'm not a plumber, so then spent another hour calling around to see if anyone is available. They weren't, and it was a very cold night indeed.
Wednesday, 27 December 2017
Tuesday 26th December 2017
Boxing day. Took the dog for a walk, listened to the Spurs game, started making plans for 2018. The initial plan was to just focus on 2 or 3 projects, but I've got it down to a shortlist of 13...it's gonna be a frantic one!
Evening had a quick 4 pints with Matt, great to catch up.
Evening had a quick 4 pints with Matt, great to catch up.
Monday 25th December 2017
Nice sleepy Christmas Day with Mum and Angela. Ate well, drank well, had lots of lovely presents and argued like all families do.
Sunday 24th December 2017
...and suddenly it's Chritmas Eve! How did that happen? Woke up at the hotel, had breakfast with the bride and groom, went and did some last minute Christmas shopping, popped home for a bit, loaded up and then off to Mum's for four days. So tired; it's been a busy month.
Got to the family home, wrapped presents, slept a bit and popped out to have drinks with Matt and Michael.
Got to the family home, wrapped presents, slept a bit and popped out to have drinks with Matt and Michael.
Saturday 23rd December 2017
Edd and Emily's wedding, huge day - I know what these guys have been through to get to this, felt like a lot of pressure initially. But it was just absolutely perfect in every way...I had previously mocked their over-the-top planning but their attention to detail was amazing.
My best man duties went to plan (aside from a near cock-up on the confetti front), didn't drop the rings and the speech went down a storm. Also played with FH, nice long set.
A totally wonderful day with incredibly nice company.
My best man duties went to plan (aside from a near cock-up on the confetti front), didn't drop the rings and the speech went down a storm. Also played with FH, nice long set.
A totally wonderful day with incredibly nice company.
Friday 22nd December 2017
Frantic morning of being stuck in traffic and generally getting quite angry. Was late for my drum lesson as a result but my student was very cool with it all.
Then got stuck behind an horrendous crash as I was trying to get to the garden centre for my final Santa shift. A great finale, I really enjoyed that job - lovely people, would happily do it all again.
Edd's big day tomorrow, so popped over to his for pizza and chats to make sure he's all ready.
Then got stuck behind an horrendous crash as I was trying to get to the garden centre for my final Santa shift. A great finale, I really enjoyed that job - lovely people, would happily do it all again.
Edd's big day tomorrow, so popped over to his for pizza and chats to make sure he's all ready.
Thursday 21st December 2017
Up early to dash over to the wedding rehearsal for Edd and Emily's wedding. Turns out there's a lot to being a best man, a lot more than I thought.
Then dashed over to the grotto to put in a lenghty Santa shift - so, so busy today, children everywhere, barely had time to sip my well-hidden can of Red Bull.
Got back, wrote speech. I think it's okay. Bit late now, either way.
Then dashed over to the grotto to put in a lenghty Santa shift - so, so busy today, children everywhere, barely had time to sip my well-hidden can of Red Bull.
Got back, wrote speech. I think it's okay. Bit late now, either way.
Wednesday 20th December 2017
Long Santa shift. 8 hours of being in what is effectively a sweat suit really gets quite tiring, as much as the excitement of youngsters still believing in the true meaning of Christmas is rather wonderful. And my 'grotto' play is coming along nicely, too.
Evening we had the History of Christmas Music show in Cambridge. Glorious fun tonight; nice audience, great little choir, strong performances all round. I love this show.
Evening we had the History of Christmas Music show in Cambridge. Glorious fun tonight; nice audience, great little choir, strong performances all round. I love this show.
Tuesday, 19 December 2017
Tuesday 19th December 2017
Took Mum for her other pre-Christmas shop, which I think is the last of the pre-Christmas shops and at some point she'll buy the turkey.
Good shift as Santa, wasn't too busy.
More drum clients confirmed.
Evening hosted my regular stand-up night in a village. Such a small crowd, it felt awkward at times. Chris saved the show, but then we had a late guest comedian (who was told to come down by a friend of mine, knowing we were an act short) who was a bit blue and offended the whole room. The thing that niggled me was their extreme reaction to it; people really are set in their ways, aren't they? It actually puts you off comedy - I mean, I was only the host, but it's not nice to see an act struggle like that. I quite enjoyed his stuff, people are idiots, sometimes.
Good shift as Santa, wasn't too busy.
More drum clients confirmed.
Evening hosted my regular stand-up night in a village. Such a small crowd, it felt awkward at times. Chris saved the show, but then we had a late guest comedian (who was told to come down by a friend of mine, knowing we were an act short) who was a bit blue and offended the whole room. The thing that niggled me was their extreme reaction to it; people really are set in their ways, aren't they? It actually puts you off comedy - I mean, I was only the host, but it's not nice to see an act struggle like that. I quite enjoyed his stuff, people are idiots, sometimes.
Monday 18th December 2017
Popped into the kitchen to get some breakfast, in my typical scruffy state, to see two strangers in the lounge chatting to my housemate, Phill. One of them had just fallen off her bike, the other one was helping her. Phill invited them in, being the kind soul he is. She clearly needed an ambulance, but there was a delay so I gave her a lift there myself. All strangers, helping, it was the right thing to do. I like the fact we'll never see or hear from each other again, and there's no need to, yet we've all helped her out...there's something about this that is quite wonderful, really.
Then had a meeting at the primary school I used to go to, about teaching there. It was weird, but brilliant at the same time...they gave me a guided tour around, it still smells the same. Just some formalities to complete, but I'll be there, showing them drums next year.
Met up with Meg for a drink, and then back to hers to help her feel festive and put up her tree. Naturally it led to a drunken stagger in Santa hats to buy more Baileys and an awesome Indian takeaway, it was all what I needed in my bid to relax.
Sunday 17th December 2017
Tired after yesterday. Long day being Santa. Felt like I really bonded with my elves for the first time, it was a good, productive shift and we've made a lot of children happy.
Popped by to see Mum and treated her to a takeaway, and then over to my mate Richard's birthday - nice to catch up with people, in a sleepy sort of way.
Popped by to see Mum and treated her to a takeaway, and then over to my mate Richard's birthday - nice to catch up with people, in a sleepy sort of way.
Saturday 16th December 2017
Probably the longest day ever, not helped by being woken up at 4am by the smoke alarm going off. It wasn't a fire, just a drunk (I imagine) housemate.
Played 12 gigs today for Macmillan with James, with his partner Vicky helping out. Vicky saved us on many an occasion, actually; it's alright for us just going on stage and doing our thing, but she was in there, shaking the charity bucket, getting money out of people and raising awareness.
It was certainly an adventure; 12 gigs, 25 minutes in each venue and then running to the next one. We calculated in the end that we walked over 10 miles, were on stage for 5 hours and the whole day lasted 13 hours. It was totally exhausting, but we made loads (haven't counted it all up just yet) for the charity and were generally made to feel very welcome in all the spaces, even if a few of them had forgotten that we were performing. The earlier shows felt nicer; the venues were plugging it more, we had really responsive audiences. But, you know, it's Christmas and people drink a lot, so the further the day went, the more drunk the audiences were and there were a couple of times when we were clearly in the way of festive parties. In one venue, there was a proper domestic going on, in another they had to turn off the house music to let us play and it felt like we had started a war or something. The last venue was great, though, as were about 7 of them.
Bit of a slog, but we've achieved great things.
Played 12 gigs today for Macmillan with James, with his partner Vicky helping out. Vicky saved us on many an occasion, actually; it's alright for us just going on stage and doing our thing, but she was in there, shaking the charity bucket, getting money out of people and raising awareness.
It was certainly an adventure; 12 gigs, 25 minutes in each venue and then running to the next one. We calculated in the end that we walked over 10 miles, were on stage for 5 hours and the whole day lasted 13 hours. It was totally exhausting, but we made loads (haven't counted it all up just yet) for the charity and were generally made to feel very welcome in all the spaces, even if a few of them had forgotten that we were performing. The earlier shows felt nicer; the venues were plugging it more, we had really responsive audiences. But, you know, it's Christmas and people drink a lot, so the further the day went, the more drunk the audiences were and there were a couple of times when we were clearly in the way of festive parties. In one venue, there was a proper domestic going on, in another they had to turn off the house music to let us play and it felt like we had started a war or something. The last venue was great, though, as were about 7 of them.
Bit of a slog, but we've achieved great things.
Friday 15th December 2017
You can tell that I'm busy because I've had the Christmas Radio Times here for a week and I still haven't read it yet.
Next year looks frantic.
Took Mum for her pre-Christmas shop, in which she wanted to go everywhere.
Evening Christmas gig with FH was long and sweaty - we oversold a little, but it felt great. Brilliant Christmas show, very well rehearsed, kinda felt scripted in places but we're at the top of our game at the moment.
Next year looks frantic.
Took Mum for her pre-Christmas shop, in which she wanted to go everywhere.
Evening Christmas gig with FH was long and sweaty - we oversold a little, but it felt great. Brilliant Christmas show, very well rehearsed, kinda felt scripted in places but we're at the top of our game at the moment.
Thursday 14th December 2017
My plan was to write the FH tour diary in the morning and then take on the world later, but in reality I found myself replying to emails and then just running out of time.
Taught two drum lessons in the afternoon, both of which were really great fun - great students, great at listening, great attitudes... it's just all so easy, isn't it?
Then over to FH rehearsals ahead of the Christmas gig, sounding tight.
Taught two drum lessons in the afternoon, both of which were really great fun - great students, great at listening, great attitudes... it's just all so easy, isn't it?
Then over to FH rehearsals ahead of the Christmas gig, sounding tight.
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
Wednesday 13th December 2017
Up early to nail the script for tonight.
Hour drive to do 4 hours of Santa-ing. Gotta be honest, the novelty has totally warn off...it just doesn't feel special, it all feels routine and not at all Christmassy, like a conveyor belt of kids.
Then off to Shepreth for the 'Complete History of Christmas Music' show. Was supposed to have a good audience tonight (including my housemates) but only 3 people turned up - 3 total strangers. But they were so lovely, and Hayley (singer) and myself gave them the best show ever tonight...I don't really care if nobody else saw it, we were fucking brilliant tonight (to the extent we overran by 26 minutes), it's such a great concept for a show and Hayley, who I barely know, added so much character and warmth to it. Those 3 audience members, all of whom sang along throughout, were buzzing by the end of it - we gave them a special night. This is a really strong show, and I'm so relaxed doing it. It runs again in Cambridge next week, nobody will turn up but I'm enjoying myself, at least.
Hour drive to do 4 hours of Santa-ing. Gotta be honest, the novelty has totally warn off...it just doesn't feel special, it all feels routine and not at all Christmassy, like a conveyor belt of kids.
Then off to Shepreth for the 'Complete History of Christmas Music' show. Was supposed to have a good audience tonight (including my housemates) but only 3 people turned up - 3 total strangers. But they were so lovely, and Hayley (singer) and myself gave them the best show ever tonight...I don't really care if nobody else saw it, we were fucking brilliant tonight (to the extent we overran by 26 minutes), it's such a great concept for a show and Hayley, who I barely know, added so much character and warmth to it. Those 3 audience members, all of whom sang along throughout, were buzzing by the end of it - we gave them a special night. This is a really strong show, and I'm so relaxed doing it. It runs again in Cambridge next week, nobody will turn up but I'm enjoying myself, at least.
Tuesday 12th December 2017
Up early-ish, took Mum shopping - this is the pre-Christmas shop, which was frankly ridiculous. Still, had plenty of time to kill so put together the songlist for the History of Christmas songs show, which suddenly opens tomorrow. I say suddenly; it's been in the diary since August.
Then off to teach a new student, who was outstanding - he didn't know anything at the start of the lesson but then he totally got into it and it all felt very rewarding.
Then off to Izzy's house to finally give the new show a read-through. It mostly works, which is a relief, it needs a bit of a tweaking but there's a strong concept there, which I feel comfortable with, and it'll be more than fine. Phew! Fun evening in good company.
Then off to teach a new student, who was outstanding - he didn't know anything at the start of the lesson but then he totally got into it and it all felt very rewarding.
Then off to Izzy's house to finally give the new show a read-through. It mostly works, which is a relief, it needs a bit of a tweaking but there's a strong concept there, which I feel comfortable with, and it'll be more than fine. Phew! Fun evening in good company.
Monday 11th December 2017
Literally spent the whole day working on the new show...it's very wordy, but it feels good. And the usual replying to emails and stuff.
I also popped out to get my suit fitted for the wedding that I'm the best man at, which is next week - and got lost in Newmarket and generally spent over an hour having parking 'issues.'
In the evening I turned up to a house show to perform the new show, Emma's house, with a big audience who don't know me. Didn't feel right to do new material this evening, they're total strangers with expectations. Gave them a 70 minute version of the 'box' show, nailed it, they loved it and I really, really had a great evening. That show could go on for another six months, maybe...it was so sharp tonight.
I also popped out to get my suit fitted for the wedding that I'm the best man at, which is next week - and got lost in Newmarket and generally spent over an hour having parking 'issues.'
In the evening I turned up to a house show to perform the new show, Emma's house, with a big audience who don't know me. Didn't feel right to do new material this evening, they're total strangers with expectations. Gave them a 70 minute version of the 'box' show, nailed it, they loved it and I really, really had a great evening. That show could go on for another six months, maybe...it was so sharp tonight.
Sunday, 10 December 2017
Sunday 10th December 2017
It's snowing! Which normally is awesome, but not when you're up early, after a late night which wasn't great, to go and do 6 hours as Santa. Took ages to get there because the snow was so heavy and the traffic was a mess. Eventually made it; shortage of elves and lots of customers wanting a reschedule, so I got sent home shortly after. Car got stuck in the snow, an elf and her brother helped me out - they're good people.
Home by 1pm, promoted the London show and then spent the whole day writing it, totally from scratch.
Nailed it, as a second draft. Feels good, feels like it's about an hour in length. Feels like it could be slightly complicated to stage. Hopefully this is my next show for the next year and a bit.
Really, brilliantly productive day, that.
Home by 1pm, promoted the London show and then spent the whole day writing it, totally from scratch.
Nailed it, as a second draft. Feels good, feels like it's about an hour in length. Feels like it could be slightly complicated to stage. Hopefully this is my next show for the next year and a bit.
Really, brilliantly productive day, that.
Saturday 9th December 2017
After a late night last night, the last thing I needed was a long day today...still, 8 hours of pretty much solid Santa-ing it was. So incredibly busy, but we got through it okay, I think. Beard slipped a few times and my eyebrows (which aren't grey/white) were showing every now and then, but I've got the hang of the patter.
Then off to the second night of the charity festival. Small crowd, it's my event to promote but nobody else was either and I got very grumpy about the whole thing. Played with both bands, both bands were great but I was a bit miserable throughout - I'm tired, I've got shows to write, I just couldn't really see the point in this one.
Then off to the second night of the charity festival. Small crowd, it's my event to promote but nobody else was either and I got very grumpy about the whole thing. Played with both bands, both bands were great but I was a bit miserable throughout - I'm tired, I've got shows to write, I just couldn't really see the point in this one.
Friday 8th December 2017
Spent the morning getting stressed about the evening's stand-up show, which I was hosting, but technically not the promoter for. But, as it was a charity night, I just felt the need to do my bit and get them an audience.
Then wrote for a few hours. The new show is rubbish at the moment, it doesn't feel like a show at all. Keep accepting more Santa shifts, running out of time to do anything.
Forgot to go into a meeting with a venue.
Agreed to a 2 night run at a lovely venue for the new show which I am currently struggling to nail.
Evening it was the show, I hosted - 10 comedians, sold out. A majority of them great, but in retrospect I reckon we could have done it with 6, it was SUCH a long night!
Then wrote for a few hours. The new show is rubbish at the moment, it doesn't feel like a show at all. Keep accepting more Santa shifts, running out of time to do anything.
Forgot to go into a meeting with a venue.
Agreed to a 2 night run at a lovely venue for the new show which I am currently struggling to nail.
Evening it was the show, I hosted - 10 comedians, sold out. A majority of them great, but in retrospect I reckon we could have done it with 6, it was SUCH a long night!
Thursday 7th December 2017
My tour plans for next year are starting to really fall into place, proper theatres too. So much admin comes with that territory, though.
Did a lot of that in the morning, and then over to teach a new private student. He's already a great drummer and just needed pointing in the right direction - easy times, looking forward to working with him again soon.
Then off to FH rehearsals for the sold out Christmas gig, which was great - we're super tight at the moment, as we should be after all these years.
Did a lot of that in the morning, and then over to teach a new private student. He's already a great drummer and just needed pointing in the right direction - easy times, looking forward to working with him again soon.
Then off to FH rehearsals for the sold out Christmas gig, which was great - we're super tight at the moment, as we should be after all these years.
Wednesday 6th December 2017
That was a long day, but shouldn't have been - sometimes it's almost like I invite the pressure, or something.
Morning working on the new show, whilst replying to various emails. A big Premiership team got back to me very positively about my football book, which is nice.
Off for a big meeting with a college about some work, went to the wrong building (went to their head office) so then ran to the correct place. Got chased by a dog, fell over in the process. Dog back on the lead and didn't get savaged, which is a relief. Meeting somehow went really well.
Then dash over to another college for the end of term Christmas gig. My students were too nervous to play, so I had to instead.
Then mad dash over town to play a gig with the choir and band in a museum. Bit sloppy at times, but the audience loved it.
Morning working on the new show, whilst replying to various emails. A big Premiership team got back to me very positively about my football book, which is nice.
Off for a big meeting with a college about some work, went to the wrong building (went to their head office) so then ran to the correct place. Got chased by a dog, fell over in the process. Dog back on the lead and didn't get savaged, which is a relief. Meeting somehow went really well.
Then dash over to another college for the end of term Christmas gig. My students were too nervous to play, so I had to instead.
Then mad dash over town to play a gig with the choir and band in a museum. Bit sloppy at times, but the audience loved it.
Tuesday, 5 December 2017
Tuesday 5th December 2017
Drive down to Dawlish, where Mum wanted to look at a house. She didn't like it. Don't blame her, it wasn't great.
7 hour drive home. Knackered. Dog farted for 7 hours solid.
Accepted another drum student to my roster (that takes me up to 3, plus 2 schools) which is cool.
Had the best idea for a show. I'll write it tomorrow.
7 hour drive home. Knackered. Dog farted for 7 hours solid.
Accepted another drum student to my roster (that takes me up to 3, plus 2 schools) which is cool.
Had the best idea for a show. I'll write it tomorrow.
Monday 4th December 2017
As is now per tradition, the rather sad trip down to Devon to mark the anniversary of Dad's passing, to say hello to the grave, lay down a reef, that sort of thing. Long drive, about 6 hours, dog farted the whole way. Literally, the whole way. How is that even possible?
It's nice to see family, though, have a quick catch up, and spend some time with mum and sis.
It's nice to see family, though, have a quick catch up, and spend some time with mum and sis.
Sunday, 3 December 2017
Sunday 3rd December 2017
Today marks the second anniversary of father's passing. That was obviously, by some distance, the hardest day of my life - I still think about him constantly, and I know that Mum is still struggling a lot. He was a great man.
It was a weird day today; my second shift at Santa, but I got chatting to my elf, and mentioned that her father passed away recently. We basically soul-searched, and then had to get cheery mega-quickly whenever a child came in. The contrast of reflection, followed by the excitement of youth - of a youngster seeing Santa, was actually really lovely.
It feels like it's been quite a tough day, but I've needed it to be like this.
Popped in to check up on Mum afterwards and then caught up on emails, as normal.
It was a weird day today; my second shift at Santa, but I got chatting to my elf, and mentioned that her father passed away recently. We basically soul-searched, and then had to get cheery mega-quickly whenever a child came in. The contrast of reflection, followed by the excitement of youth - of a youngster seeing Santa, was actually really lovely.
It feels like it's been quite a tough day, but I've needed it to be like this.
Popped in to check up on Mum afterwards and then caught up on emails, as normal.
Saturday 2nd December 2017
First shift as Santa! Fuck that's hard work - mostly because of the costume. Because I'm so thin, they have to give me 'belly suits' and suddenly it's like I'm wearing 8 layers. My grotto stank a bit.
Still, got the hang of it quickly - I mean, I didn't drop any children and the elves are awesome people to work with.
It just feels a bit like Christmas, doesn't it?
Still, got the hang of it quickly - I mean, I didn't drop any children and the elves are awesome people to work with.
It just feels a bit like Christmas, doesn't it?
Friday 1st December 2017
Due to my schedule changing, I had to take Mum for her big (the one before Christmas) Christmas shop today, instead of tomorrow.
That was pretty much my day, then. A day spent sat in a car, writing notes for another novel. I think this one is the best of the lot.
Evening met up with my mate Sarah, and discussed 'business' with her - about the possibility of me taking her teaching job whilst she's on maternity leave. Sarah totally gets it; it was amazing to catch up, she talked fondly about a show of mine she saw in 2014 and she totally supports where my life is heading. It was a good, positive meeting that should lead to an easier start to 2018.
That was pretty much my day, then. A day spent sat in a car, writing notes for another novel. I think this one is the best of the lot.
Evening met up with my mate Sarah, and discussed 'business' with her - about the possibility of me taking her teaching job whilst she's on maternity leave. Sarah totally gets it; it was amazing to catch up, she talked fondly about a show of mine she saw in 2014 and she totally supports where my life is heading. It was a good, positive meeting that should lead to an easier start to 2018.
Thursday 30th November 2017
Drove down to the grotto for my elf costume fitting. They laughed when they saw me...this is the danger of phone interviews, I guess...they couldn't tell my height. Had an audition for Santa instead and got it. Start on Saturday.
Part of me wants to be a proper artist still, the other part of me is really excited about being Santa. I'm 36; is this what I thought I'd be doing at this age?
Had my first one-to-one drum lesson tonight with a young student called Tom. He's already a great drummer, which made my life much easier. Turns out I know his mum's best mate, which helped things even more. Small world, and all that. More of that sort of thing soon I think.
Part of me wants to be a proper artist still, the other part of me is really excited about being Santa. I'm 36; is this what I thought I'd be doing at this age?
Had my first one-to-one drum lesson tonight with a young student called Tom. He's already a great drummer, which made my life much easier. Turns out I know his mum's best mate, which helped things even more. Small world, and all that. More of that sort of thing soon I think.
Wednesday 29th November 2017
And we're back in the (freelance) game, phew! In fact, there seemed to be lots of offers coming in today - I decided against the idea of more part-time office work, see, as everyone seems to be a bit unreliable. Opening up my horizons to look at other options got me all excited, and I ended up having a phone interview...to be an elf. Amazing job, they like me and I pop in for the costume fitting tomorrow.
Great drum lesson at the college with my students, and then over to rehearsals with the choir band ahead of the show next week, which was awesome. It's been a good day.
Great drum lesson at the college with my students, and then over to rehearsals with the choir band ahead of the show next week, which was awesome. It's been a good day.
Tuesday 28th November 2017
Should be writing. Instead, I am writing - but am writing quiz books, and baby name books. They keep my royalties coming in, but it's not creatively satisfying stuff on any level.
Never thought I'd say this, but I'm bored out of mind and going a bit mad.
Band rehearsal in the evening was the only thing that kept me sane. We ran Christmas songs, a little unenthusiastically.
Never thought I'd say this, but I'm bored out of mind and going a bit mad.
Band rehearsal in the evening was the only thing that kept me sane. We ran Christmas songs, a little unenthusiastically.
Monday 27th November 2017
This lack of freelance work thing is really starting to piss me off - not financially, as such, but because I spend so long just trying to get something sorted, nothing happens and then because you're worried about it, you don't actually do anything else. The freelance post I was promised is now suddenly no longer available - 3 weeks after it being offered to me. That sort of thing annoys me.
I've got shows opening soon that I haven't written yet, there's ideas in notepads that deserve to see the light of day but instead I was looking around at freelance options and suddenly the day just runs away in stress and anger.
I've got shows opening soon that I haven't written yet, there's ideas in notepads that deserve to see the light of day but instead I was looking around at freelance options and suddenly the day just runs away in stress and anger.
Sunday, 26 November 2017
Sunday 26th November 2017
The last month or so I've been writing a project under a Pseudonym, it's a very different project. Published it as an e-book today, and I like the fact that nobody knows it's me - it's like having a double life. I think I'll do more of this. Particularly if that one sells.
So, that was mostly my afternoon (because I spent a bit of the morning hungover, and then I actually apologised to my car for the incident yesterday...yep, I'm turning into that guy, who talks to vehicles).
Carefully launched the '50 Days of Drummer' project, took a while to get all of the info together for that. Mostly ignored, as you'd expect, but I'll still do it anyway.
So, that was mostly my afternoon (because I spent a bit of the morning hungover, and then I actually apologised to my car for the incident yesterday...yep, I'm turning into that guy, who talks to vehicles).
Carefully launched the '50 Days of Drummer' project, took a while to get all of the info together for that. Mostly ignored, as you'd expect, but I'll still do it anyway.
Saturday 25th November 2017
Next weekend it's the 2nd year anniversary of Dad's death, and I just get the sense that mum is struggling with things at the moment, so took her out for the day. Took her to get her hair cut, which basically means waiting outside the hairdressers for 2 hours in the car with the dog. I was in somebody's way - they needed me to move because she had a flat battery and needed the space I was in, which was cool. However, when reversing, I drove straight into her. Luckily, there was no damage to her car (and, not being blunt, but she looked like somebody who could have me in a fight), my car had a few deep scratches around the back bumper but look...it's 20 years old, I didn't mind too much. I should really look when I'm reversing, though, things could have been a lot worse.
Whilst waiting for mum in various car parks of various shops, I had THE BEST IDEA EVER for a new novel, so started work on that in a notepad. Next year, there will be lots of novels. Probably too much Richards for the world to handle but you know, deal with it, it's happening.
Met up with Marcus and Rob for drinks in the evening, really great to catch up, we should do this more often.
Whilst waiting for mum in various car parks of various shops, I had THE BEST IDEA EVER for a new novel, so started work on that in a notepad. Next year, there will be lots of novels. Probably too much Richards for the world to handle but you know, deal with it, it's happening.
Met up with Marcus and Rob for drinks in the evening, really great to catch up, we should do this more often.
Friday 24th November 2017
Literally spent 8 hours writing, only popping out to get a sandwich. This new thing I'm writing had better turn out good!
Met up with Izzy for a couple of beers and to excitedly tell her about all of my new project ideas, a few of which I've got her in mind for, and it was great to catch up.
Got back, wrote till 2am.
Met up with Izzy for a couple of beers and to excitedly tell her about all of my new project ideas, a few of which I've got her in mind for, and it was great to catch up.
Got back, wrote till 2am.
Thursday 23rd November 2017
Looks like next week is gonna be busy, which is a bit of relief. I'm back in the 'drum teaching is my best route to make money' frame of mind, and I have a healthy amount of clients already showing interest (and two confirmed).
Did a bit of work planning my new project, which has now changed from '300 gigs in 300 Days' to 'The 50 Days of Drummer.' The reasoning being that actually playing 300 gigs may not be that interesting to watch as a film - especially if I end up playing in the same bands, playing similar local venues. The new project offers a much stronger challenge, one that is quite difficult to achieve...which is why I'm excited about it. I've stagnated a bit recently, this will be good for me.
Continued work on my new novel.
Evening, went for a lovely thanksgiving dinner around Lachy's house. We all ate well, played games, it was lovely. We should play more games, everyone should, just generally.
Did a bit of work planning my new project, which has now changed from '300 gigs in 300 Days' to 'The 50 Days of Drummer.' The reasoning being that actually playing 300 gigs may not be that interesting to watch as a film - especially if I end up playing in the same bands, playing similar local venues. The new project offers a much stronger challenge, one that is quite difficult to achieve...which is why I'm excited about it. I've stagnated a bit recently, this will be good for me.
Continued work on my new novel.
Evening, went for a lovely thanksgiving dinner around Lachy's house. We all ate well, played games, it was lovely. We should play more games, everyone should, just generally.
Thursday, 23 November 2017
Wednesday 22nd November 2017
Our landlord popped in and put new locks on the bathrooms; if anything it's all a bit of an upgrade so Oleg getting trapped could have been a blessing? Poor bloke, though, didn't need that, having been in the country for less than 24 hours.
Spent a lot of the day writing, and planning. 2 companies want to chat to me about freelance stuff next week, which is cool, and another enquiry about drum teaching - again, they like the price and will confirm soon. There's just a sense that if everyone who is up for it does actually come through, I'm gonna have more work than I can handle.
Popped out to teach at the college, was great as always - really making progress there, it's refreshingly rewarding to see how they're learning. They're a great committed bunch.
Got back, carried on writing a masterpiece till the early hours.
Spent a lot of the day writing, and planning. 2 companies want to chat to me about freelance stuff next week, which is cool, and another enquiry about drum teaching - again, they like the price and will confirm soon. There's just a sense that if everyone who is up for it does actually come through, I'm gonna have more work than I can handle.
Popped out to teach at the college, was great as always - really making progress there, it's refreshingly rewarding to see how they're learning. They're a great committed bunch.
Got back, carried on writing a masterpiece till the early hours.
Tuesday 21st November 2017
A couple more clients emailing about drum teaching, we all agree prices but nobody ever commits, do they? People are starting to annoy me.
I'm busy making big plans, but short-term could actually do with a bit more work coming in. The future feels bright, and frantic, though.
Took Mum shopping, she seems to need more support than ever at the moment, although I'm still not sure why. Well, I guess we're approaching the second anniversary of dad's passing, that's probably a factor. It was nice to hang out in the family home today.
Back into Cambridge, load up my drums, and then to pick up my Russian comedian chum, Oleg, and then over to a small village for tonight's show. The launch of my new monthly comedy night; 2 acts dropped out, as did a bassist, but we still put on an absolute cracker of a show. 3 great comedians, a great band, I was bit all over the place as a host but it seemed in keeping with the fast, sweaty nature of the show. Audience loved it.
Oleg crashed at ours, and then got trapped in our toilet in the hours of the morning. Broke the lock on the bathroom door, was there for what felt like a very long time. It was a long night. I mean, who else has a Russian comedian trapped in their bathroom on a Wednesday morning? I think we're winning at future anecdotes.
I'm busy making big plans, but short-term could actually do with a bit more work coming in. The future feels bright, and frantic, though.
Took Mum shopping, she seems to need more support than ever at the moment, although I'm still not sure why. Well, I guess we're approaching the second anniversary of dad's passing, that's probably a factor. It was nice to hang out in the family home today.
Back into Cambridge, load up my drums, and then to pick up my Russian comedian chum, Oleg, and then over to a small village for tonight's show. The launch of my new monthly comedy night; 2 acts dropped out, as did a bassist, but we still put on an absolute cracker of a show. 3 great comedians, a great band, I was bit all over the place as a host but it seemed in keeping with the fast, sweaty nature of the show. Audience loved it.
Oleg crashed at ours, and then got trapped in our toilet in the hours of the morning. Broke the lock on the bathroom door, was there for what felt like a very long time. It was a long night. I mean, who else has a Russian comedian trapped in their bathroom on a Wednesday morning? I think we're winning at future anecdotes.
Monday 20th November 2017
Really plotting 2018 carefully, but I think I've got it right - 17 dates put aside for Edinburgh previews, Edinburgh itself, and the rest up till, say, November, is reserved for band stuff. Not just the one band, of course, especially what with my idea that I'll launch later this week.
Re-tuned my Gretsch snare. God it sounds great.
Into town for a meeting with a new freelance place, still not entirely sure it was an interview or not; I was under the impression I'd already got it but still wore a suit just in case. Looks like they can't offer me as many hours as I'd like, but they seem cool and it's worth going with.
Got back, continued to plug my drum teaching stuff, and then off to the band meeting.
We're more than fine, I'm still not entirely sure what the issues were, or how they were resolved, but as a band we're all smiles and hugs again; we'll survive another album at least. Just like a relationship, isn't it?
Re-tuned my Gretsch snare. God it sounds great.
Into town for a meeting with a new freelance place, still not entirely sure it was an interview or not; I was under the impression I'd already got it but still wore a suit just in case. Looks like they can't offer me as many hours as I'd like, but they seem cool and it's worth going with.
Got back, continued to plug my drum teaching stuff, and then off to the band meeting.
We're more than fine, I'm still not entirely sure what the issues were, or how they were resolved, but as a band we're all smiles and hugs again; we'll survive another album at least. Just like a relationship, isn't it?
Sunday, 19 November 2017
Sunday 19th November 2017
Things feel uncomfortable with the band, but we've organised a meeting tomorrow night to try and work out how this can still work.
Breakfast at the hotel was outstanding.
Traffic was terrible, but, after dumping my kit in my car from the band vehicle etc, I was home by 3pm. Fell asleep...those of us who stayed over last night were up till very late chatting about the band and it's future.
Caught up on admin things - checked in with everyone about next week's comedy show, designed posters and did ticket links for Side Streets fest, replied to emails and changed drum heads.
Breakfast at the hotel was outstanding.
Traffic was terrible, but, after dumping my kit in my car from the band vehicle etc, I was home by 3pm. Fell asleep...those of us who stayed over last night were up till very late chatting about the band and it's future.
Caught up on admin things - checked in with everyone about next week's comedy show, designed posters and did ticket links for Side Streets fest, replied to emails and changed drum heads.
Saturday 18th November 2017
I've checked with everyone and apparently last night was cool, so that's a relief.
Treated myself to a nice breakfast, and then off to meet the band for the long trip to god-knows-where for the gig (near Bristol) that had an early soundcheck.
So much tension tonight. How are we still a band? I can't say too much on here, but it's uncomfortable with G+V at loggerheads, this is even worse than last year. On stage we were amazing tonight, best we've played in ages...long show, but we were totally at our best. Off stage: totally at our worst.
Stayed over in god-knows-where as it's a late gig, but G just drove home, such is the way things are.
Treated myself to a nice breakfast, and then off to meet the band for the long trip to god-knows-where for the gig (near Bristol) that had an early soundcheck.
So much tension tonight. How are we still a band? I can't say too much on here, but it's uncomfortable with G+V at loggerheads, this is even worse than last year. On stage we were amazing tonight, best we've played in ages...long show, but we were totally at our best. Off stage: totally at our worst.
Stayed over in god-knows-where as it's a late gig, but G just drove home, such is the way things are.
Friday 17th November 2017
Late night last night, but up so early today to bring the car in for it's service. I've figured that I'm going to look after this one, it's 20 years old but I had a nice chat with the garage the other day about it all and basically as long as they can look at it every 10,000 miles, then it can run for a few more years. Great garage, brilliant service again today, changed the oil and all that, car feels as good as new.
Then it was Edd's stag do. I really felt the pressure today, even though I shouldn't have done, but this is my first time as a best man and I just want everything to be perfect. Picked him up, got him over to Cambridge, and then a bunch of us went bowling. I got the hang of it by the second game and didn't come last (came second to last) and I reckon if there was a third game I could have finished mid-table. Not that it's about that, of course.
Few beers, and then a curry. Proper Indian restaurant and I didn't recognise many things on the menue (I usually default to a Korma), not sure what it was I had but I felt like I was on fire.
Edd's stag was never going to be typical, because Edd isn't a big drinker and neither of many of his friends. We ended up in a nice quiet pub, and the whole thing was wrapped up just before midnight. It's what he wanted, but I kept thinking that I was being a rubbish best man for the whole thing being so tame. Maybe I shouldn't have vocalised this so much, but it all came from a good place. He seemed happy enough anyway, which is the most important thing.
Then it was Edd's stag do. I really felt the pressure today, even though I shouldn't have done, but this is my first time as a best man and I just want everything to be perfect. Picked him up, got him over to Cambridge, and then a bunch of us went bowling. I got the hang of it by the second game and didn't come last (came second to last) and I reckon if there was a third game I could have finished mid-table. Not that it's about that, of course.
Few beers, and then a curry. Proper Indian restaurant and I didn't recognise many things on the menue (I usually default to a Korma), not sure what it was I had but I felt like I was on fire.
Edd's stag was never going to be typical, because Edd isn't a big drinker and neither of many of his friends. We ended up in a nice quiet pub, and the whole thing was wrapped up just before midnight. It's what he wanted, but I kept thinking that I was being a rubbish best man for the whole thing being so tame. Maybe I shouldn't have vocalised this so much, but it all came from a good place. He seemed happy enough anyway, which is the most important thing.
Thursday 16th November 2017
Yeah, so the teaching thing is the way to go, but looks like I've been offered another little freelance job as well, so will do that too. After almost two weeks of not working, it appears I suddenly have too much work for the rest of the year.
Caught up on emails in the morning, mostly booking 2018 stuff, and then long drive to Kent. Turns out Kent is miles away, and there was just loads of accidents everywhere and...uggghh, you know, all that stuff. Anyway, 4 hours later, made it to the gig. Stand-up tonight and, you know, I've been having a few doubts about all this stuff recently, realising that drumming is totally my future. But the show tonight was brilliant...my stuff, basically the same 10 minutes I've been doing for these sort of shows for the last year (with the 'Sexy Back' 2 songs from the Edinburgh show in the set instead of that story about cold chips which I've been telling for nearly 4 years). Audience loved it and they all wanted Richards merch, which I don't have, and I felt on top of the world. Okay, maybe this can work out, then? I travelled a fair way to do a set in front of a sold-out crowd of people who don't know me and nailed it. I can do that again, I'm sure of it.
And then they closed every fucking road I wanted to drive on for the way back so switched off my sat-nav, drove for a bit without really thinking and suddenly I was in Dover. Still, got back by 2.30am...
Caught up on emails in the morning, mostly booking 2018 stuff, and then long drive to Kent. Turns out Kent is miles away, and there was just loads of accidents everywhere and...uggghh, you know, all that stuff. Anyway, 4 hours later, made it to the gig. Stand-up tonight and, you know, I've been having a few doubts about all this stuff recently, realising that drumming is totally my future. But the show tonight was brilliant...my stuff, basically the same 10 minutes I've been doing for these sort of shows for the last year (with the 'Sexy Back' 2 songs from the Edinburgh show in the set instead of that story about cold chips which I've been telling for nearly 4 years). Audience loved it and they all wanted Richards merch, which I don't have, and I felt on top of the world. Okay, maybe this can work out, then? I travelled a fair way to do a set in front of a sold-out crowd of people who don't know me and nailed it. I can do that again, I'm sure of it.
And then they closed every fucking road I wanted to drive on for the way back so switched off my sat-nav, drove for a bit without really thinking and suddenly I was in Dover. Still, got back by 2.30am...
Wednesday 15th November 2017
Yep, drum teaching stuff is my future, I think. This year I seemed to have accidentally picked up enough experience with it at both of the colleges, and I think there's something about the 'let's not do this academically, let me teach you how to be your own player' way of working that appeals.
On top of all my emails, surprised Mum by popping by and taking her out for the day. Her choice of destination? Cambourne. Fair enough. It's mostly because they have a Morrisons there.
Then off to teach in Cambridge, which went really well, and it was nice to have the head of music in to see the legendary percussive tones that we were creating.
Then a lovely rehearsal with choir/band for the Christmas gig, after a quick catch up with Esther. Post-rehearsal, dumped my car and carried on drinking with Esther, which was lovely to catch up even more.
On top of all my emails, surprised Mum by popping by and taking her out for the day. Her choice of destination? Cambourne. Fair enough. It's mostly because they have a Morrisons there.
Then off to teach in Cambridge, which went really well, and it was nice to have the head of music in to see the legendary percussive tones that we were creating.
Then a lovely rehearsal with choir/band for the Christmas gig, after a quick catch up with Esther. Post-rehearsal, dumped my car and carried on drinking with Esther, which was lovely to catch up even more.
Tuesday 14th November 2017
Late last night I put together my page about my drum teaching stuff, and this morning I started to spread the word a bit about it all. Plenty of offers and keen interest already, which is a relief.
Car MOT day, which is always a tough one, but amazingly it wasn't too bad at all. That car is amazing, can't believe it only cost me £350. Clearly, taking it back to the garage where I bought it from was a good move, even if that did mean walking around Soham for over an hour with nothing to do (and there's nothing actually in Soham).
Got back, replied to various emails about various things that have come in.
Evening dinner with Edd and Emily which was really amazing to catch up, if weird going back to the house where I lived for three years. It's all so different now already, it's all so...clean, and tidy, and decorated.
Car MOT day, which is always a tough one, but amazingly it wasn't too bad at all. That car is amazing, can't believe it only cost me £350. Clearly, taking it back to the garage where I bought it from was a good move, even if that did mean walking around Soham for over an hour with nothing to do (and there's nothing actually in Soham).
Got back, replied to various emails about various things that have come in.
Evening dinner with Edd and Emily which was really amazing to catch up, if weird going back to the house where I lived for three years. It's all so different now already, it's all so...clean, and tidy, and decorated.
Monday 13th November 2017
Starting to panic about the whole lack of freelance work situation, even if it has only been a week. I can see why people do proper jobs now.
Spent a day focusing on trying to get more work, literally staring at my laptop emailing companies offering my services for about 8 hours.
I also managed to totally, totally nail the 12 gigs of Christmas schedule, which got a lot messy at times but everyone seems happy now.
Realised that drum teaching is where it's at.
Spent a day focusing on trying to get more work, literally staring at my laptop emailing companies offering my services for about 8 hours.
I also managed to totally, totally nail the 12 gigs of Christmas schedule, which got a lot messy at times but everyone seems happy now.
Realised that drum teaching is where it's at.
Monday, 13 November 2017
Sunday 12th November 2017
Up early, into the studio with the band. The plan was to just record the one song, which will take us up till 11 for the album. We did that in good time - it's a great studio with a brilliant producer we know well so it felt like a fairly easy session.
We then tried to record the song we learnt on Thursday (and gigged for the first time on Friday). It's a track we're all massively excited about, but recording it so soon probably wasn't the best idea. There's absolutely nothing wrong with our playing on it at all - it's in time, it's tight. There's just a sense that we need to gig it a few times more, find some special bits...it'll happen, then we'll re-record it. This album is taking a while, though.
Gig with Claudia and band afterwards was great, and nice to catch up with friends.
Feeling slightly annoyed about the whole freelance situation, but then I see on Facebook a post about an old friend who is now in a wheelchair and having a really tough time. Bit of perspective and all that, I'm a lucky boy, really.
We then tried to record the song we learnt on Thursday (and gigged for the first time on Friday). It's a track we're all massively excited about, but recording it so soon probably wasn't the best idea. There's absolutely nothing wrong with our playing on it at all - it's in time, it's tight. There's just a sense that we need to gig it a few times more, find some special bits...it'll happen, then we'll re-record it. This album is taking a while, though.
Gig with Claudia and band afterwards was great, and nice to catch up with friends.
Feeling slightly annoyed about the whole freelance situation, but then I see on Facebook a post about an old friend who is now in a wheelchair and having a really tough time. Bit of perspective and all that, I'm a lucky boy, really.
Saturday, 11 November 2017
Saturday 11th November 2017
This month is drifting a bit quickly, which is worrying on many levels - can things just slow down a bit, please?
Anyway, replied to a bunch of emails in the morning, then took Mum shopping.
Over to James' house to spend 4 and a bit hours filming a promo for the '12 gigs' event - he really does things properly, even if it takes a very long time. The trailer will be excellent, though.
Got back, made a list of all the things I haven't done yet this week that I should have done. And then drank beer, because I need to stop for a bit and tomorrow is going to be a long day.
Anyway, replied to a bunch of emails in the morning, then took Mum shopping.
Over to James' house to spend 4 and a bit hours filming a promo for the '12 gigs' event - he really does things properly, even if it takes a very long time. The trailer will be excellent, though.
Got back, made a list of all the things I haven't done yet this week that I should have done. And then drank beer, because I need to stop for a bit and tomorrow is going to be a long day.
Friday 10th November 2017
The lack of confirmed freelance work has concerned me a little, of course it has, but there's so many things in the pipeline - it looks like I won't have any work at all, or too much of it.
Pretty much spent the day at my laptop, chatting to various companies, whilst also sorting out one or two comedy/theatre/band things for next year. 2018 will be great.
Then off to Northants for our first post-China gig. Experimented playing without any toms, just a bass drum, snare, couple of cymbals. Seemed to work, but we perhaps put in too much (pretty much all) new material tonight. Long, long night, not sure how because it's not that far away.
Pretty much spent the day at my laptop, chatting to various companies, whilst also sorting out one or two comedy/theatre/band things for next year. 2018 will be great.
Then off to Northants for our first post-China gig. Experimented playing without any toms, just a bass drum, snare, couple of cymbals. Seemed to work, but we perhaps put in too much (pretty much all) new material tonight. Long, long night, not sure how because it's not that far away.
Friday, 10 November 2017
Thursday 9th December 2017
All 12 venues confirmed now for the 12 gigs of Christmas day...gotta be honest, spent far too long on this when I should have been looking for more freelance work. Still, it's satisfying to be doing something for charity, isn't it?
Popped into the college to hand in the final documents for my security check thing, and somehow managed to get lost finding it (even though I've been teaching there since September) and was out walking for about 2 hours. Still, good to clear my head a bit.
Back home to write a few hundred more emails. It's mentioned to me by a few people that more drum teaching is the way to go, so that's something I'll now spend a bit of time looking into.
Amazing rehearsal with FH. It was purely to go over a track we're recording on Sunday, which was planned to be the final track recorded for the new album, but then V and L turn up with this BRILLIANT song that they'd been working on, quietly, for some time. We jammed it straight away and it'll go in the set for tomorrow's show. I personally think it's the best song we've ever learnt as a band...I mean, crazy, wow stuff. I'm in a band full of geniuses.
Popped into the college to hand in the final documents for my security check thing, and somehow managed to get lost finding it (even though I've been teaching there since September) and was out walking for about 2 hours. Still, good to clear my head a bit.
Back home to write a few hundred more emails. It's mentioned to me by a few people that more drum teaching is the way to go, so that's something I'll now spend a bit of time looking into.
Amazing rehearsal with FH. It was purely to go over a track we're recording on Sunday, which was planned to be the final track recorded for the new album, but then V and L turn up with this BRILLIANT song that they'd been working on, quietly, for some time. We jammed it straight away and it'll go in the set for tomorrow's show. I personally think it's the best song we've ever learnt as a band...I mean, crazy, wow stuff. I'm in a band full of geniuses.
Wednesday, 8 November 2017
Wednesday 8th November 2017
Was getting quite stressed yesterday about stuff going wrong - you know, the freelance post ending so abruptly, the murder mystery cast not being available etc.
Kind of took that into today, as much as things resolved themselves a bit. A few contacts probably have freelance work for me, they're looking into it but they're a good bunch, and as our bassist says - I was always land on my feet, somehow.
Couldn't replace the unavailable/ill actresses for Saturday, despite asking around. That's been the problem with this show; I've either been begging actors to step in at the last minute, or apologising to venues. That's just not right, is it? Did a bit of that today, eventually offering the venue an alternative solution as the murder mystery clearly wasn't going to happen - offered them a band and a quiz, with a hundred quid knocked off.
After careful consideration, they managed to find another murder mystery troupe who could step in. They were lovely to us about it, professionally there's no bad feelings either way because I clearly tried to make something happen for them yet they found their own solution, so fair play to them but I never should have been in this position in the first place. And more to the point, it's more money I could have been earning, but didn't, and having lost the freelance post...well, uughh.
That was our last scheduled/contracted murder mystery. It's been nothing but a pain in the arse, glad to see the back of it.
Jen was cool, she stepped in for us last week and the thing I like about her is just how open she's been about her availability - I don't mind if people can't make stuff, I just need to be told. We spoke a few times today about working together soon, I'd like that - she can be my new touring actress, maybe.
Taught for a bit in the evening, my students didn't turn up today so I was put in with the school rock band again. I'm 36.
Got back, did a bit of work on my new book, and confirmed 10 of our 12 venues for the next '12 gigs of Christmas' day, that looks exciting.
Kind of took that into today, as much as things resolved themselves a bit. A few contacts probably have freelance work for me, they're looking into it but they're a good bunch, and as our bassist says - I was always land on my feet, somehow.
Couldn't replace the unavailable/ill actresses for Saturday, despite asking around. That's been the problem with this show; I've either been begging actors to step in at the last minute, or apologising to venues. That's just not right, is it? Did a bit of that today, eventually offering the venue an alternative solution as the murder mystery clearly wasn't going to happen - offered them a band and a quiz, with a hundred quid knocked off.
After careful consideration, they managed to find another murder mystery troupe who could step in. They were lovely to us about it, professionally there's no bad feelings either way because I clearly tried to make something happen for them yet they found their own solution, so fair play to them but I never should have been in this position in the first place. And more to the point, it's more money I could have been earning, but didn't, and having lost the freelance post...well, uughh.
That was our last scheduled/contracted murder mystery. It's been nothing but a pain in the arse, glad to see the back of it.
Jen was cool, she stepped in for us last week and the thing I like about her is just how open she's been about her availability - I don't mind if people can't make stuff, I just need to be told. We spoke a few times today about working together soon, I'd like that - she can be my new touring actress, maybe.
Taught for a bit in the evening, my students didn't turn up today so I was put in with the school rock band again. I'm 36.
Got back, did a bit of work on my new book, and confirmed 10 of our 12 venues for the next '12 gigs of Christmas' day, that looks exciting.
Tuesday, 7 November 2017
Tuesday 7th November 2017
People are rubbish, aren't they? I'm not only saying this because I've had a couple of beers having been to a show (on a school night! As much as I hate that saying, and what are the rules, anyway?)
I mean, I don't like doing this murder mystery thing either - we generally do the show, get a few complaints (roughly two a show, written, often in capitals by old people who can't find the caps lock), get paid. But we do actually get paid, often reluctantly by the venue, and we have a good time on stage, but it seems keeping a consistent cast together is unlikely. One more performance this weekend, the final one we're obligated to do, and yet I'm two actors down again. James is great, I can see myself working with James for years because he's just so...relaxed, but everyone else either keeps pulling out or getting ill. No idea what will happen this Saturday but have stopped caring.
Anyway, in the office to freelance today. Company have run out of stuff for me to do, which is a shame. The new guy in charge has different ideas and I don't seem to fit into those plans. An awkward, abrupt end to what has been a nice nearly two years of freelancing there.
Had the best idea for a book ever. Started writing it.
Popped into town to watch my mate Mel, and 11 other comedians, perform. The Cambridge Comedy circuit is lovely, I have a lot of friends there and it was nice to catch up with everyone. If you're ever feeling a bit low about life achievements and shit (as I have been tonight), just hang out with comedian chums...we're all feeling low about life achievements and shit. There's something in that which makes me feel all warm inside.
I mean, I don't like doing this murder mystery thing either - we generally do the show, get a few complaints (roughly two a show, written, often in capitals by old people who can't find the caps lock), get paid. But we do actually get paid, often reluctantly by the venue, and we have a good time on stage, but it seems keeping a consistent cast together is unlikely. One more performance this weekend, the final one we're obligated to do, and yet I'm two actors down again. James is great, I can see myself working with James for years because he's just so...relaxed, but everyone else either keeps pulling out or getting ill. No idea what will happen this Saturday but have stopped caring.
Anyway, in the office to freelance today. Company have run out of stuff for me to do, which is a shame. The new guy in charge has different ideas and I don't seem to fit into those plans. An awkward, abrupt end to what has been a nice nearly two years of freelancing there.
Had the best idea for a book ever. Started writing it.
Popped into town to watch my mate Mel, and 11 other comedians, perform. The Cambridge Comedy circuit is lovely, I have a lot of friends there and it was nice to catch up with everyone. If you're ever feeling a bit low about life achievements and shit (as I have been tonight), just hang out with comedian chums...we're all feeling low about life achievements and shit. There's something in that which makes me feel all warm inside.
Monday, 6 November 2017
Monday 6th November 2017
Realise that I still really, really want to do a '12 gigs of Christmas' show, but my only free day in December is 16th - and that doesn't work for Claudia or band. Luckily, James is up for it instead and seems quite excited, doing this as a duo would actually be a lot easier...but we're going to walk everywhere, which may make it more of a mission. The key now is to try and get 12 venues together...I've emailed 28 this morning, had 4 offers. Will chase up tomorrow.
Got a new tyre for the car, pretty exciting (£83 for a tyre, ridiculous). The slow puncture was getting faster, it had to be done as much as I had been delaying it for about...well, since before the Edinburgh Fringe drive anyway.
Got the tyre done in St Ives to tied it in with mum's weekly food shop.
Confirmed the line-up for a charity stand-up night I'm putting on next month; needed 4 comedians, got 10 - but they're all so very good!
Final murder mystery this weekend and it's in our biggest venue yet. As before, we've managed to lose yet another actress. This show has been so stressful, can't wait to see the back of it.
Got a new tyre for the car, pretty exciting (£83 for a tyre, ridiculous). The slow puncture was getting faster, it had to be done as much as I had been delaying it for about...well, since before the Edinburgh Fringe drive anyway.
Got the tyre done in St Ives to tied it in with mum's weekly food shop.
Confirmed the line-up for a charity stand-up night I'm putting on next month; needed 4 comedians, got 10 - but they're all so very good!
Final murder mystery this weekend and it's in our biggest venue yet. As before, we've managed to lose yet another actress. This show has been so stressful, can't wait to see the back of it.
Sunday, 5 November 2017
Sunday 5th November 2017
I've worked hard today, really hard. See, stuff has been building up - not only post-China, but actually post-Edinburgh (because in between two of those lengthy trips I was gigging, and moved house etc).
It's nearly 1am as I write this, I've been sat staring at this laptop since midday. It's good laptop with an anti-glare screen thingy, so that's fine, and the football on the radio has been helping a lot. Anyway, sorting out touring plans, which took a lot longer than I thought, gig plans for the project with James, stag-do plans for Edd's bash (being a best man involves a LOT of admin, it turns out...or maybe it's just the way I'm best-manning) and also getting in 5 hours of proper freelance work, realising I hadn't quite hit the 20 hours this week because I got distracted with other stuff. And putting together the line-up for a stand-up night. And designing the poster for my 'other' Christmas show. And applying to three festivals. And trying to reschedule my Scandinavia tour, so it's at a time when it's more financially viable/warmer.
If anything, the day has gone quickly. The annoying thing is that tomorrow people will start replying to the emails and I'll get into a viscous circle where I never leave the house/my bedroom.
It's nearly 1am as I write this, I've been sat staring at this laptop since midday. It's good laptop with an anti-glare screen thingy, so that's fine, and the football on the radio has been helping a lot. Anyway, sorting out touring plans, which took a lot longer than I thought, gig plans for the project with James, stag-do plans for Edd's bash (being a best man involves a LOT of admin, it turns out...or maybe it's just the way I'm best-manning) and also getting in 5 hours of proper freelance work, realising I hadn't quite hit the 20 hours this week because I got distracted with other stuff. And putting together the line-up for a stand-up night. And designing the poster for my 'other' Christmas show. And applying to three festivals. And trying to reschedule my Scandinavia tour, so it's at a time when it's more financially viable/warmer.
If anything, the day has gone quickly. The annoying thing is that tomorrow people will start replying to the emails and I'll get into a viscous circle where I never leave the house/my bedroom.
Saturday 4th November 2017
Started the day by jamming the Tesco self-service machine with my change and the whole situation just went on for a lot longer than it should have done, as my panini got cold.
Got back, caught up on all emails and then spent a few hours applying for next year's Edinburgh Fringe shows - 3 shows, full run. 2 of them new, one of them a repeat of a piece that worked well this year, scripts nearly done already for everything and a director confirmed for the theatre piece. All good, things are building nicely for 2018.
Realised my script for 'A Cracking Christmas' isn't all that, so have put it aside - filming it at the end of November for a festive release was a bit adventerous anyway, as much as the script idea and treatment was lovely. One for next year.
Evening played a fireworks/dance music event - scheduled to play with James, but Claudia was on the bill too and asked if I could play percussion for her too, which I did, obviously. Claudia's set was great fun because we didn't have much of an audience so we just tried out new stuff, which was really strong. James had more of a crowd but it still felt like we were background music, good fun all the same.
Got back, caught up on all emails and then spent a few hours applying for next year's Edinburgh Fringe shows - 3 shows, full run. 2 of them new, one of them a repeat of a piece that worked well this year, scripts nearly done already for everything and a director confirmed for the theatre piece. All good, things are building nicely for 2018.
Realised my script for 'A Cracking Christmas' isn't all that, so have put it aside - filming it at the end of November for a festive release was a bit adventerous anyway, as much as the script idea and treatment was lovely. One for next year.
Evening played a fireworks/dance music event - scheduled to play with James, but Claudia was on the bill too and asked if I could play percussion for her too, which I did, obviously. Claudia's set was great fun because we didn't have much of an audience so we just tried out new stuff, which was really strong. James had more of a crowd but it still felt like we were background music, good fun all the same.
Saturday, 4 November 2017
Friday 3rd November 2017
Up early, despite writing till VERY late last night (inspired, Richards, see...must be the tea and the fact it's nearly Christmas). Over to the local radio station for a chat about the recent tour and just generally keep myself out there before the festive shows etc.
Popped by the college to drop off my DBS documents and then into town to pay in a royalty cheque.
Back home to write for a couple of hours, and then over to St Ives to pick up Jen and then into Cambs to pick up James and Claire for tonight's murder mystery show in Hemel Hempstead.
We tried something new tonight; a cast member down, we decided not to replace her but instead use the audience as the cast instead. It really worked, to a certain extent - it did mean though I had less control over the show than I normally do, and that's saying something. The audience members we picked for each short play were...rowdy. Very rowdy. Quite often they didn't stick to the script so a lot of the intricacies of the work were lost and there was a point where the cast, and me in particular, were drowned out.
After the show, a man came up to me and said, "I've worked 60 hours this week, I came down here for a nice meal, a few beers and a bit of light entertainment. You guys gave us that, it was great - thank you."
Happy punters, then, but it barely felt like a show at times. Still, not bad money. Home by 1am.
Thursday, 2 November 2017
Thursday 2nd November 2017
Not sure why, but really buzzing with ideas today - about to make everything...well, right, I guess. I've dwelled on stuff too much recently, written too many ideas down but not done much with them.
Today I took my mother shopping, and in my long hours sat in Waitrose car park wrote the most awesome of to-do lists and then started cracking on with it. I have plans, master plans, about how all of these projects can work and can be help build me a future.
Got back, emailed a few people about these plans, made sure everything is okay for tomorrow's show and cracked on with the Christmas show. I've got a good feeling about 2018. The rest of 2017 may drift a bit first, mind.
Today I took my mother shopping, and in my long hours sat in Waitrose car park wrote the most awesome of to-do lists and then started cracking on with it. I have plans, master plans, about how all of these projects can work and can be help build me a future.
Got back, emailed a few people about these plans, made sure everything is okay for tomorrow's show and cracked on with the Christmas show. I've got a good feeling about 2018. The rest of 2017 may drift a bit first, mind.
Wednesday 1st November 2017
Long day. Did 5 hours freelancing, disagreed with the new boss about business stuff, but we seem to get on well with the football chat.
Then over to teach drums at a college in town which was great fun - even got the maths teacher involved, was a really lovely way to spend an hour, I like it there. Mustn't become a full-time teacher, as much as I get the appeal...I can just see them improving, it's rather satisfying, but would take up too much time. Once a week is fine.
Then picked up Esther and over to a Christmas rehearsal with her, Stuart, Andrea and Ryan...some great tunes there. Esther pointed out that I'm "struggling to adjust being back in England" and she's right...we were only over there for 2 weeks but it was such an incredible two weeks, and I don't find Cambridge and these projects as exciting. Esther gets it more than most, as is often the case.
Then over to teach drums at a college in town which was great fun - even got the maths teacher involved, was a really lovely way to spend an hour, I like it there. Mustn't become a full-time teacher, as much as I get the appeal...I can just see them improving, it's rather satisfying, but would take up too much time. Once a week is fine.
Then picked up Esther and over to a Christmas rehearsal with her, Stuart, Andrea and Ryan...some great tunes there. Esther pointed out that I'm "struggling to adjust being back in England" and she's right...we were only over there for 2 weeks but it was such an incredible two weeks, and I don't find Cambridge and these projects as exciting. Esther gets it more than most, as is often the case.
Tuesday 31st October 2017
Was going to get stuff done today, but then woke up and thought...I've got enough time this week to do 20 hours of freelancing, I've got enough time to work on the Christmas show and reply to other emails...let's just stop for a moment.
Finally unpacked from China, and realised I had a load of washing to do (obviously) so did that. Went to Tescos and bought some ginger tea, and some lovely tiger bread, and some lovely meat, and enjoyed all of that. Proper grown up, I am.
Then off to the studio to finish the stuff with Rohan and Chris...probably the best studio I've ever recorded in, was a total pleasure.
Finally unpacked from China, and realised I had a load of washing to do (obviously) so did that. Went to Tescos and bought some ginger tea, and some lovely tiger bread, and some lovely meat, and enjoyed all of that. Proper grown up, I am.
Then off to the studio to finish the stuff with Rohan and Chris...probably the best studio I've ever recorded in, was a total pleasure.
Tuesday, 31 October 2017
Monday 30th October 2017
Worked really hard for the freelance place today, in the four and a bit hours I was in. Feels like proper work, but I still enjoy the flexibility of it - especially considering how crazy November looks, and it's only 20 hours a week. A busy 20 hours, though, all of a sudden.
Then in the late afternoon headed over to the fens to start recording our fifth release with Rohan and Chris. Brilliant studio and, although I sometimes need to convincing when it comes to playing jazz/prog fusion, we recorded some really lovely stuff tonight. It'll make for an awesome soundtrack to whatever film I make next...
Then in the late afternoon headed over to the fens to start recording our fifth release with Rohan and Chris. Brilliant studio and, although I sometimes need to convincing when it comes to playing jazz/prog fusion, we recorded some really lovely stuff tonight. It'll make for an awesome soundtrack to whatever film I make next...
Sunday, 29 October 2017
Sunday 29th October 2017
Finally feel human again, after about 13 hours sleep.
Caught up on a few emails and slowly made my way down to the studio, mostly just to hang out with my FH mates as we all miss each other already. The third album is coming along brilliantly, they were on the backing vocals today and the plan is to have everything done by Christmas, with a release early next year. Band feels good, and I'm slowly getting my head around my comedy/theatre/film plans for 2018 - and who I want to work with on them.
Lots of ideas, but I just need to get November out the way first - it looks like it could be a chaotic one, and one I haven't put enough thought into yet.
Caught up on a few emails and slowly made my way down to the studio, mostly just to hang out with my FH mates as we all miss each other already. The third album is coming along brilliantly, they were on the backing vocals today and the plan is to have everything done by Christmas, with a release early next year. Band feels good, and I'm slowly getting my head around my comedy/theatre/film plans for 2018 - and who I want to work with on them.
Lots of ideas, but I just need to get November out the way first - it looks like it could be a chaotic one, and one I haven't put enough thought into yet.
Saturday 28th October 2017
Normality is gradually creeping in after the madness of the last few weeks. Today I drove over to Mum's and took her shopping, for example. I was grumpy, though. I need sleep. Lots and lots sleep, please. I apologised later on.
In the evening, quick catch up and rant with Rob, good fun.
My to-do list is daft, but it can wait until I've either had more sleep or caffeine.
In the evening, quick catch up and rant with Rob, good fun.
My to-do list is daft, but it can wait until I've either had more sleep or caffeine.
Friday 27th October 2017
Back in the office for 5 hours, mostly to solidify what my new tasks are. It'll be fine, everything seems okay there. I've got so many emails to reply to, though, about comedy gigs, about murder mystery forthcoming shows (2 left this year), the Christmas tour, the Scandinavia tour, session drum work...yet I'm still so tired.
I mean, not too tired to have drinks with my housemates tonight, of course not. A couple of quiet drinks with Phill and Jordan may have ended up being later than planned, but I like living here and good fun was had.
I mean, not too tired to have drinks with my housemates tonight, of course not. A couple of quiet drinks with Phill and Jordan may have ended up being later than planned, but I like living here and good fun was had.
Thursday 26th October 2017
Slept for about 9 hours but my body clock is still all over the place. Went into the office for a bit - I'm totally a freelancer so I didn't have to go in, but equally, as I'm totally a freelancer I need to go in to make money.
There's a new CEO now and he went straight into the work chat quite heavily which at first was a struggle for my jet-lagged-body to cope with, but by the end of the day my new tasks had been agreed and I think it'll work out just fine.
Then had a stand-up gig in Cambridge at a local college. It was fine, the audience were typically reserved and my performance was typically sloppy, but it went down well enough. I've done better, but I've done a lot worse.
There's a new CEO now and he went straight into the work chat quite heavily which at first was a struggle for my jet-lagged-body to cope with, but by the end of the day my new tasks had been agreed and I think it'll work out just fine.
Then had a stand-up gig in Cambridge at a local college. It was fine, the audience were typically reserved and my performance was typically sloppy, but it went down well enough. I've done better, but I've done a lot worse.
Tuesday 24th October/Wednesday 25th October 2017
Met up with everyone at 11am for brunch, and then all back on the tour bus for the final time - this time for a 4 hour trip to Nanjing aiport. The 20 of us (two bands, 2 translators, various festival officials and also the bus driver) have been through a lot, it feels, over the last week and a bit. There was a lot of tears at the end, it was a great adventure, we could have done it for longer.
Saying our goodbyes to Leo and Catherine at the airport (both of whom was bawling their eyes out), we realised we were so welcome in China, more than we sometimes feel in our own country. We've already discussed it with the tour officials about the possibility of us returning next year to do it all again, as far as I know it's pretty much confirmed already that we'll be back asap. They loved us over there, but equally - we loved them.
Flight to Guangzhou, and then 12 hour flight back to Heathrow. Back in the UK by 6am. The flight home was more comfortable - I didn't have some fat lady behind me moaning about my reclining chair this time, just Griff, so it was fine. I watched the Shaun the Sheep movie and it was bloody awesome.
Back in Cambridge at 10.30am, had a shower, stopped for a moment, had a sleep, unpacked clothes. Popped over to see my mum in the afternoon, gave her the presents I hastily bought her from the airport.
Home early evening, slept. A lot.
Saying our goodbyes to Leo and Catherine at the airport (both of whom was bawling their eyes out), we realised we were so welcome in China, more than we sometimes feel in our own country. We've already discussed it with the tour officials about the possibility of us returning next year to do it all again, as far as I know it's pretty much confirmed already that we'll be back asap. They loved us over there, but equally - we loved them.
Flight to Guangzhou, and then 12 hour flight back to Heathrow. Back in the UK by 6am. The flight home was more comfortable - I didn't have some fat lady behind me moaning about my reclining chair this time, just Griff, so it was fine. I watched the Shaun the Sheep movie and it was bloody awesome.
Back in Cambridge at 10.30am, had a shower, stopped for a moment, had a sleep, unpacked clothes. Popped over to see my mum in the afternoon, gave her the presents I hastily bought her from the airport.
Home early evening, slept. A lot.
Monday 23rd October 2017
Everyone is starting to get a bit ill now, the bus feels like a very snotty place to be. The hot showers in the hotel are amazing, though.
On the bus for 10am, 2 hour trip to the next hotel to check in, have a big lunch, have 2 hours off.
FH, without translators, went for a little walk. Just like how the tour started, we didn't get far without Leo and Catherine, because we don't speak the language. Found a cafe eventually but still, it's almost like we've bookended the tour with confusion.
Back in the hotel briefly and then back on the bus for the final show. Amazing venue and it was decided that we would play Kang Ding with our Belgian tour buddies as a show closer. Rehearsed it in the soundcheck and it was great to have brass and two bassists and strings and extra percussion on it.
Both bands were excellent tonight, they've been consistently great anyway (proper jazz musicians, see) and it was probably the best FH have played all tour. Sold out again, I think. The finale was amazing, it was a party on stage, it was so much joy for everyone, I still can't get my head around it. Amazing stuff, with amazing people.
The final dinner was spectacular and we drank more than ever. We serenaded our hosts with Uptown Funk (FH style) and once again toasted KAMMMPPPPAYYYYY more than you could imagine. We drank till the early hours, played games and I remember it just being me and three of the Belgians left in the bar, working through a case of beer that Frank had bought us. We finished it, eventually. About 3.30am, I think. I really clicked with those guys, great friendships have been made there and we'll catch up again soon.
On the bus for 10am, 2 hour trip to the next hotel to check in, have a big lunch, have 2 hours off.
FH, without translators, went for a little walk. Just like how the tour started, we didn't get far without Leo and Catherine, because we don't speak the language. Found a cafe eventually but still, it's almost like we've bookended the tour with confusion.
Back in the hotel briefly and then back on the bus for the final show. Amazing venue and it was decided that we would play Kang Ding with our Belgian tour buddies as a show closer. Rehearsed it in the soundcheck and it was great to have brass and two bassists and strings and extra percussion on it.
Both bands were excellent tonight, they've been consistently great anyway (proper jazz musicians, see) and it was probably the best FH have played all tour. Sold out again, I think. The finale was amazing, it was a party on stage, it was so much joy for everyone, I still can't get my head around it. Amazing stuff, with amazing people.
The final dinner was spectacular and we drank more than ever. We serenaded our hosts with Uptown Funk (FH style) and once again toasted KAMMMPPPPAYYYYY more than you could imagine. We drank till the early hours, played games and I remember it just being me and three of the Belgians left in the bar, working through a case of beer that Frank had bought us. We finished it, eventually. About 3.30am, I think. I really clicked with those guys, great friendships have been made there and we'll catch up again soon.
Sunday 22nd October 2017
Well, that's 2 hungover bands on a bus! Luckily, not an early start - 11am, as our venue wasn't far away. Still felt early, though. Not sure what time we finished last night.
Typically huge lunch, and then a few hours to rest in the latest hotel. A couple of us (most of FH, plus Leo) went for a walk, found a Starbucks, and then caught one of those bizarre mini-taxi things back which was scarier than any fairground ride I've ever been on.
Sold out show tonight, 700-capacity venue. This is crazy.
Sound onstage was terrible (apparently quite good in the audience, though) and both brothers were suffering with heavy colds, but we were mega tight tonight. Had 28 CDs left, sold them all tonight and had to turn many away. We've sold a lot of CDs on this tour.
Back to the hotel, lovely dinner and a few light beers.
Spent the rest of the night, till the early hours, with Lachlan, V, Catherine and Leo, working on ways to get our music released in China.
Typically huge lunch, and then a few hours to rest in the latest hotel. A couple of us (most of FH, plus Leo) went for a walk, found a Starbucks, and then caught one of those bizarre mini-taxi things back which was scarier than any fairground ride I've ever been on.
Sold out show tonight, 700-capacity venue. This is crazy.
Sound onstage was terrible (apparently quite good in the audience, though) and both brothers were suffering with heavy colds, but we were mega tight tonight. Had 28 CDs left, sold them all tonight and had to turn many away. We've sold a lot of CDs on this tour.
Back to the hotel, lovely dinner and a few light beers.
Spent the rest of the night, till the early hours, with Lachlan, V, Catherine and Leo, working on ways to get our music released in China.
Saturday 21st October 2017
A long day. Such a long day. Up so early, and everyone is a bit grumpy on the bus. I'm happy because I've just discovered tea. Tea is amazing. Herbal tea...can't get enough of the stuff. I'm 36, how has it taken this long?
2 shows today, the first one took just over 5 hours to get to. At the services, I got tea instead of Red Bull. Richards is fucking growing up!
First gig in the afternoon in Xiangshui, a college (they don't have days off at college in China, apparently... but then again, neither do touring musicians). Biggest room of the tour I think, must be over a thousand capacity, and there was barely an empty seat. No soundguy, though, so collectively between us, both bands did the sound for each other and it was fun... the equipment was there at least, as were people trying to help. Musically probably the weakest we've played on this tour and the drum kit kept sliding - we had a carpet below it, but that slid too. We're tired, it's showing. Still, they couldn't get enough of us! Biggest audience response yet to the extent it was almost uncomfortable, Leo and Mr Dong had to usher us away at the end because we were in danger of missing our next gig.
Quick (if typically excessive) lunch and then 1 hour trip to the next venue. Massive billboards of our faces outside! Bit weird, but my ego is exploding. Huge venue, stressful soundchecks, you could just feel the tension in the dressing room. Both bands are tired. Our set (apart from one show, we've been the closing band on this tour) was more than fine - much tighter than earlier, but lacking the buzz of the shows from the start of the tour. Sold a record amount of CDs afterwards; feels like we can't do a thing wrong over here. Even back in the hotel a fan wanted a selfie in a lift, there's no break from these enthusiastic people!
After two gigs, a lot of miles and a long day, the evening was...well, long. In a great, great way. It was our chance to wind down and our hosts ordered us to, "drink as much as you can," so we did. Oh boy, we did. At the meal we drank countless (I stopped counting at 11) shots of the 42% rice wine, and lots and lots and lots of beer. I remember drinking wine from a jug, and I remember us all shouting "kampayyyyy" and toasting everything possible. Lots of singing, lots of banging on the table vaguely in time to those songs. Lots of hugs, lots of selfies but this time between us, the two bands and our hosts, not 'fans'.
The evening ended in a karaoke, and a few people being sick. My stomach remained strong, as did my vocals chords for a frankly heroic version of 'Like a Virgin', that I imagine a few people will still be talking about.
2 shows today, the first one took just over 5 hours to get to. At the services, I got tea instead of Red Bull. Richards is fucking growing up!
First gig in the afternoon in Xiangshui, a college (they don't have days off at college in China, apparently... but then again, neither do touring musicians). Biggest room of the tour I think, must be over a thousand capacity, and there was barely an empty seat. No soundguy, though, so collectively between us, both bands did the sound for each other and it was fun... the equipment was there at least, as were people trying to help. Musically probably the weakest we've played on this tour and the drum kit kept sliding - we had a carpet below it, but that slid too. We're tired, it's showing. Still, they couldn't get enough of us! Biggest audience response yet to the extent it was almost uncomfortable, Leo and Mr Dong had to usher us away at the end because we were in danger of missing our next gig.
Quick (if typically excessive) lunch and then 1 hour trip to the next venue. Massive billboards of our faces outside! Bit weird, but my ego is exploding. Huge venue, stressful soundchecks, you could just feel the tension in the dressing room. Both bands are tired. Our set (apart from one show, we've been the closing band on this tour) was more than fine - much tighter than earlier, but lacking the buzz of the shows from the start of the tour. Sold a record amount of CDs afterwards; feels like we can't do a thing wrong over here. Even back in the hotel a fan wanted a selfie in a lift, there's no break from these enthusiastic people!
After two gigs, a lot of miles and a long day, the evening was...well, long. In a great, great way. It was our chance to wind down and our hosts ordered us to, "drink as much as you can," so we did. Oh boy, we did. At the meal we drank countless (I stopped counting at 11) shots of the 42% rice wine, and lots and lots and lots of beer. I remember drinking wine from a jug, and I remember us all shouting "kampayyyyy" and toasting everything possible. Lots of singing, lots of banging on the table vaguely in time to those songs. Lots of hugs, lots of selfies but this time between us, the two bands and our hosts, not 'fans'.
The evening ended in a karaoke, and a few people being sick. My stomach remained strong, as did my vocals chords for a frankly heroic version of 'Like a Virgin', that I imagine a few people will still be talking about.
Friday 20th October 2017
On the tour bus by 8.30am. In what is a bizarre experience for us all, I quite like the routine of being on the bus - we all sit in the same place every day, I've made a little pile of snacks, it feels weirdly homely.
The tour bus is really starting to smell, now. It smells of sweaty musicians, and it's really hot today which isn't at all helping.
4 hour trip to Suzhou. Checked in to our poshest hotel yet...in England we often stay in a travel lodge, usually somewhere near Swindon. As you can imagine, all of this luxury is a bit of a treat, not that we're ever in them to enjoy the facilities. Had a nice lunch there and the 2 hours rest, which was needed.
Venue itself was just down the road, about 10 minutes on the bus, and we were on the bill tonight - a band from Germany. They had their own soundguy and it all got very stressful very quickly, to the extent it was actually laughable at times and many of hired Chinese help walked out.
Another huge venue, another pretty much sold out audience. I thought collectively as a band we were tired and sloppy tonight, and I had discovered 'Red Bull: Extra' - which is, at the title suggests, extra strong Red Bull. My frantic playing alongside the tiredness of the guys made for a slightly weaker FH tonight, but wow...the amount of CDs we sold afterwards...crazy. The audience clearly loved it, which was baffling.
The tour bus is really starting to smell, now. It smells of sweaty musicians, and it's really hot today which isn't at all helping.
4 hour trip to Suzhou. Checked in to our poshest hotel yet...in England we often stay in a travel lodge, usually somewhere near Swindon. As you can imagine, all of this luxury is a bit of a treat, not that we're ever in them to enjoy the facilities. Had a nice lunch there and the 2 hours rest, which was needed.
Venue itself was just down the road, about 10 minutes on the bus, and we were on the bill tonight - a band from Germany. They had their own soundguy and it all got very stressful very quickly, to the extent it was actually laughable at times and many of hired Chinese help walked out.
Another huge venue, another pretty much sold out audience. I thought collectively as a band we were tired and sloppy tonight, and I had discovered 'Red Bull: Extra' - which is, at the title suggests, extra strong Red Bull. My frantic playing alongside the tiredness of the guys made for a slightly weaker FH tonight, but wow...the amount of CDs we sold afterwards...crazy. The audience clearly loved it, which was baffling.
Thursday 19th October 2017
Up so early. Missed breakfast. 3 hour trip to what we were told is a really "under-developed" bit of China but let's be honest...there's still so much money here, it's more developed than most of the places I toured in earlier this year.
Lovely steak for lunch, everyone in good spirits.
Calling home is costing me loads, I am dreading my next phone bill.
Another cracking theatre venue, I'd say about 600-700 capacity, in Yanchen. The sound was the best we've had on this tour. Outside the venue, less nice. Gaf went out to buy some bananas and was nearly arrested, saved by Mr Dong, our wonderful tour manager, who had evidence of our visas on his phone.
Gig itself was an absolute cracker - liveliest audience yet, V spent a lot of one song in with them. We were fast, sharp and almost anarchic at times, totally at our best.
Back to the dinner for more dinner and more (many more) drinks. All of this amazing food and booze is something we'd normally crave, but I'm wondering if my stomach can take much more of this excess.
Lovely steak for lunch, everyone in good spirits.
Calling home is costing me loads, I am dreading my next phone bill.
Another cracking theatre venue, I'd say about 600-700 capacity, in Yanchen. The sound was the best we've had on this tour. Outside the venue, less nice. Gaf went out to buy some bananas and was nearly arrested, saved by Mr Dong, our wonderful tour manager, who had evidence of our visas on his phone.
Gig itself was an absolute cracker - liveliest audience yet, V spent a lot of one song in with them. We were fast, sharp and almost anarchic at times, totally at our best.
Back to the dinner for more dinner and more (many more) drinks. All of this amazing food and booze is something we'd normally crave, but I'm wondering if my stomach can take much more of this excess.
Wednesday 18th October 2017
I had a hangover, but it was nothing compared to those who went to the club last night. Missed breakfast (woke up too late), back on the bus and off to the next city. We're travelling a LOT of miles this week.
Lunch was posh but gave me an upset stomach, and then checked in to the latest swanky hotel. Slept for a couple of hours and then back on the bus.
Our venue for tonight, in Kunshan, was stunning. A nice big arts theatre. Soundchecks were long but the dressing rooms were mega fancy.
Performance felt flat tonight and the (sold out) audience were very polite and reserved, but afterwards we were mobbed and swamped by loads of people wanting autographs, merchandise and a lot of selfies...honestly had a bit of a Beatlemania vibe to it.
Back to the hotel for a lovely meal and we had special visitors from the arts world with us - all super important. It turned into a rowdy one, really rowdy. We were drinking traditional Chinese wine which was 42%...I stopped counting at 9 shots.
The Chinese people keep saying I look like Mr Bean.
More drinks with Leo, Catherine and V as the rest of the band went for a massage.
Lunch was posh but gave me an upset stomach, and then checked in to the latest swanky hotel. Slept for a couple of hours and then back on the bus.
Our venue for tonight, in Kunshan, was stunning. A nice big arts theatre. Soundchecks were long but the dressing rooms were mega fancy.
Performance felt flat tonight and the (sold out) audience were very polite and reserved, but afterwards we were mobbed and swamped by loads of people wanting autographs, merchandise and a lot of selfies...honestly had a bit of a Beatlemania vibe to it.
Back to the hotel for a lovely meal and we had special visitors from the arts world with us - all super important. It turned into a rowdy one, really rowdy. We were drinking traditional Chinese wine which was 42%...I stopped counting at 9 shots.
The Chinese people keep saying I look like Mr Bean.
More drinks with Leo, Catherine and V as the rest of the band went for a massage.
Tuesday 17th October 2017
It says a lot about this tour when 9am is considered to be a lie-in. There's a real 'work hard/play hard' ethic here...I missed breakfast and went straight onto the tour bus, dumping my luggage and we had lunch at midday. Had some fish which clearly disagreed with my stomach and regretted it later. Back on the road, checked in to the latest hotel, quick rest and back on the bus again. Just the one gig today.
Lovely, huge theatre tonight. Soundchecks were difficult and there was a sense that we never really got it right. Our Belgian chums also had the same problems.
Typically excessive, fancy dinner and then back to the venue. Show was fine in the end; sound wasn't great in the audience (so I'm told) but we were really, really tight tonight and the audience loved it. An audience member called me a "psychopath" at the end. Lovely stuff.
Got back, no bar in the hotel so us and the Belgians tried to find a quiet bar in town but after walking for ages all we found was a really a horrible club. So bad. Everyone went for it, apart from V, Catherine, Leo and myself - we're not clubbing types. We bought a load of beer and snacks from a nearby store and sat in V's room, chatting and drinking till 3am. It was honestly one of my favourite nights of the tour.
Lovely, huge theatre tonight. Soundchecks were difficult and there was a sense that we never really got it right. Our Belgian chums also had the same problems.
Typically excessive, fancy dinner and then back to the venue. Show was fine in the end; sound wasn't great in the audience (so I'm told) but we were really, really tight tonight and the audience loved it. An audience member called me a "psychopath" at the end. Lovely stuff.
Got back, no bar in the hotel so us and the Belgians tried to find a quiet bar in town but after walking for ages all we found was a really a horrible club. So bad. Everyone went for it, apart from V, Catherine, Leo and myself - we're not clubbing types. We bought a load of beer and snacks from a nearby store and sat in V's room, chatting and drinking till 3am. It was honestly one of my favourite nights of the tour.
Monday 16th October 2017
Up early, just made it for breakfast at the hotel ahead of getting on the tour bus at 7am. And then we found out we were moving hotels - as the tour now transfers to different cities so we would be in a different hotel every night. This was news to us, a little miscommunication, but no harm done. For the next week we're on tour with our friends from Belgium - makes sense as we're quite similar and it's lovely that we're all friends already.
2 hours sleep last night.
2 gigs today.
First gig of the day was in a college in Wujiang; lovely venue - huge, so big. Sold out, couldn't do a thing wrong, sold lots of CDs and posed for lots of photos.
Back on the tour bus, slept a bit, and then woke up at the next venue. Effectively a shopping centre in Wuxi, but with a big theatre space erected and great stage. The locals lapped it up, totally, playing to another really big crowd. I nearly got arrested in the toilet and I'm still not sure why, the whole thing freaked me out a bit.
Got given lots of cakes, and then taken to a fancy restaurant afterwards and ate well with our Belgian chums.
Checked into the new hotel, popped out for a quick pint and suddenly it was 1.30am...
2 hours sleep last night.
2 gigs today.
First gig of the day was in a college in Wujiang; lovely venue - huge, so big. Sold out, couldn't do a thing wrong, sold lots of CDs and posed for lots of photos.
Back on the tour bus, slept a bit, and then woke up at the next venue. Effectively a shopping centre in Wuxi, but with a big theatre space erected and great stage. The locals lapped it up, totally, playing to another really big crowd. I nearly got arrested in the toilet and I'm still not sure why, the whole thing freaked me out a bit.
Got given lots of cakes, and then taken to a fancy restaurant afterwards and ate well with our Belgian chums.
Checked into the new hotel, popped out for a quick pint and suddenly it was 1.30am...
Sunday 15th October 2017
Up early for breakfast, then at 8pm on the tour bus to a theatre about 2 hours away in Gaochun. Sharing the bill today with an American jazz band who were fun to travel with. Great venue - a small arts centre, nice kit.
After soundchecks we were taken to a five star hotel and had an amazing lunch. I'm not normally into Chinese food but this was impossible to not enjoy.
Back to the venue, our American/Canadian friends opened the show and then we totally nailed it. Busy room, incredibly enthusiastic audience and a very tight FH. We took about 30-odd CDs with us to that performance just in case and they sold out straight away and I've never had so many people wanting selfies with me... we were good today, but we're often very good in England and never get this sort of response.
On a high, back on the bus, back to the hotel, quick shower, and then off to the next gig. Playing a jazz bar that was also an Indian restaurant, the house equipment was alarming. The food was amazing and the staff lovely, but with the lack of hi-hats I had to rest a ride cymbal on the hi-hat stand and make do. The bass amp was terrible and L's guitar didn't work so he played G's acoustic and G himself just sang and camped it up. And we only had 2 mics, even though we had 3 singers. The gig felt fast and angry but the audience couldn't get enough of it and demanded an encore before swarming us enthusiastically afterwards. China punters are great.
After soundchecks we were taken to a five star hotel and had an amazing lunch. I'm not normally into Chinese food but this was impossible to not enjoy.
Back to the venue, our American/Canadian friends opened the show and then we totally nailed it. Busy room, incredibly enthusiastic audience and a very tight FH. We took about 30-odd CDs with us to that performance just in case and they sold out straight away and I've never had so many people wanting selfies with me... we were good today, but we're often very good in England and never get this sort of response.
On a high, back on the bus, back to the hotel, quick shower, and then off to the next gig. Playing a jazz bar that was also an Indian restaurant, the house equipment was alarming. The food was amazing and the staff lovely, but with the lack of hi-hats I had to rest a ride cymbal on the hi-hat stand and make do. The bass amp was terrible and L's guitar didn't work so he played G's acoustic and G himself just sang and camped it up. And we only had 2 mics, even though we had 3 singers. The gig felt fast and angry but the audience couldn't get enough of it and demanded an encore before swarming us enthusiastically afterwards. China punters are great.
Saturday 14th October 2017
Our second final day off before the tour starts properly. Catherine and Leo took us out to explore Nanjing properly and I'm very grateful for their local knowledge or else it would have just been us walking around being confused again. Lots of sight-seeing and generally being baffled as to how cheap everything is...a one-way trip on the subway came to the equivalent of 25p! Had a day of adventures, starting in a restaurant where I accidentally ate ducks blood, then a long walk around the town, generally trying to take in how bright everything is, how fast the people are why the food is so complicated. It's all crazy, yet so friendly.
They had no regard for health and safety over there, people just weld stuff in the streets, not caring about the pedestrians.
Tried some 'traditional' drinks and the guys struggled with the 'cold milk tea', which had odd, tough, bubbles in it. There's points on this trip where we were really struggling; that mostly involves toilet times - there is never any loo roll anyway so you have to carry your own around everywhere and the toilets aren't westernised... meaning you have to do the dreaded 'squat'. L, in particular, had the shits, so this wasn't ideal.
Looked around a lovely book store and enjoyed cake, then walked up a wall thingy where we were surrounded by people who wanted to have their picture taken with us. It was all a bit bizarre, but great for the ego at least. Had a nice dinner in a popular local restaurant and made it back to the hotel for a couple of drinks. Tomorrow the tour starts properly.
They had no regard for health and safety over there, people just weld stuff in the streets, not caring about the pedestrians.
Tried some 'traditional' drinks and the guys struggled with the 'cold milk tea', which had odd, tough, bubbles in it. There's points on this trip where we were really struggling; that mostly involves toilet times - there is never any loo roll anyway so you have to carry your own around everywhere and the toilets aren't westernised... meaning you have to do the dreaded 'squat'. L, in particular, had the shits, so this wasn't ideal.
Looked around a lovely book store and enjoyed cake, then walked up a wall thingy where we were surrounded by people who wanted to have their picture taken with us. It was all a bit bizarre, but great for the ego at least. Had a nice dinner in a popular local restaurant and made it back to the hotel for a couple of drinks. Tomorrow the tour starts properly.
Friday 13th October 2017
Up so early (6.45am, which for a musician is a total no-no) and had an excessive breakfast at the hotel. Met up with the other tour bands at the hotel and then we were driven to the venue for the opening ceremony. It had a bit of a school trip vibe to it, we were all a bit excited about playing such a massive, cultural event, yet we're all in our thirties.
The venue itself is a huge concert hall, bordering on being a stadium. Met Leo and Catherine, our translators/help for the whole run. Both 20 years old, both learning English very well, both became two of my favourite people ever - I loved their sense of humour, their willingness to help and the fact they were always there to help us. Soundchecks were long and mostly in Chinese, dressing rooms busy and the house drum kit was surprisingly okay.
The food was giving some of the band stomach problems; I barely touched it at all. The dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony was epic, frantic, dramatic and a huge, huge production. Our 2 songs (plus the finale) were such a tiny part of a ridiculously large event...I should have been flattered to be involved in something so epic, but was too tired to take it all in.
After struggling with two Chinese box meals, Leo took us out to Starbucks for a bit - I appreciated the normality of it all and had a lovely cake. Nanjing itself is a crazy, fast, sometimes frightening place (because the traffic laws are different) to walk around.
Back for the gig, I convinced a girl I was 8'2" and both Vix and Lachy were interviewed for Chinese national television.
The show itself was jaw-dropping; venue packed out, audience revelling in everything. Our two original songs stormed it, and then joining us for the finale were a jazz band from America. And lots of dancers. So much pressure - we're just a little folk/pop band from Cambridge, closing a national event in China, broadcast everywhere, in front of the biggest audience we've ever had, with an arrangement we weren't comfortable with. Not being arrogant, or anything, but we were totally cool with it - such composure, just got on with the job as all the chaos surrounded us. Biggest moment of my career? Yep, absolutely, totally.
Got driven back to the hotel and had drinks with a Belgian band for a bit, who were lovely and we all tried to take in exactly what had just happened.
The venue itself is a huge concert hall, bordering on being a stadium. Met Leo and Catherine, our translators/help for the whole run. Both 20 years old, both learning English very well, both became two of my favourite people ever - I loved their sense of humour, their willingness to help and the fact they were always there to help us. Soundchecks were long and mostly in Chinese, dressing rooms busy and the house drum kit was surprisingly okay.
The food was giving some of the band stomach problems; I barely touched it at all. The dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony was epic, frantic, dramatic and a huge, huge production. Our 2 songs (plus the finale) were such a tiny part of a ridiculously large event...I should have been flattered to be involved in something so epic, but was too tired to take it all in.
After struggling with two Chinese box meals, Leo took us out to Starbucks for a bit - I appreciated the normality of it all and had a lovely cake. Nanjing itself is a crazy, fast, sometimes frightening place (because the traffic laws are different) to walk around.
Back for the gig, I convinced a girl I was 8'2" and both Vix and Lachy were interviewed for Chinese national television.
The show itself was jaw-dropping; venue packed out, audience revelling in everything. Our two original songs stormed it, and then joining us for the finale were a jazz band from America. And lots of dancers. So much pressure - we're just a little folk/pop band from Cambridge, closing a national event in China, broadcast everywhere, in front of the biggest audience we've ever had, with an arrangement we weren't comfortable with. Not being arrogant, or anything, but we were totally cool with it - such composure, just got on with the job as all the chaos surrounded us. Biggest moment of my career? Yep, absolutely, totally.
Got driven back to the hotel and had drinks with a Belgian band for a bit, who were lovely and we all tried to take in exactly what had just happened.
Thursday 12th October 2017
Having trouble calling home, so have just accepted I'll just have to pay £1.50 a minute and hope my mum doesn't chat too much.
Our first 'rest day' in China, and one of only 2 days off on the whole tour. Supposed to be a rest day, but when you have a bassist like ours, you don't rest as he's so active and wants everyone else to be up at the same time as him. We tried to be tourists or a bit, but not speaking any of the language, we didn't get too far - about a mile from the hotel, where it was pissing it down. Got confused by the subway system and went to a cafe where I bought this amazing thing which was basically a cake and a sausage at the same time...seriously, mind blown.
The others went and played table tennis in the hotel, I dozed off instead and caught up on sleep.
Met up with everyone again for dinner with Caroline, one of the festival organisers, and enjoyed a nice buffet meal. Went over the tour schedule with her and ate very well. Had a beer was asleep by 11pm; tomorrow is going to be a very long day.
Our first 'rest day' in China, and one of only 2 days off on the whole tour. Supposed to be a rest day, but when you have a bassist like ours, you don't rest as he's so active and wants everyone else to be up at the same time as him. We tried to be tourists or a bit, but not speaking any of the language, we didn't get too far - about a mile from the hotel, where it was pissing it down. Got confused by the subway system and went to a cafe where I bought this amazing thing which was basically a cake and a sausage at the same time...seriously, mind blown.
The others went and played table tennis in the hotel, I dozed off instead and caught up on sleep.
Met up with everyone again for dinner with Caroline, one of the festival organisers, and enjoyed a nice buffet meal. Went over the tour schedule with her and ate very well. Had a beer was asleep by 11pm; tomorrow is going to be a very long day.
Tuesday 10th/Wednesday 11th October 2017
Woke up, re-packed everything just in case (lots of pants, that's all a man really needs, yeah?), accidentally dropped my keys in the recycling bin near the house. Got them back, drove to Gaf's (he has the band vehicle) and then off to pick up V, L and Bedford for G.
As like last night, excitement and nerves were kicking in all around, but there was a sense that we're all in this together. A general sense of "this could all be a con" (backed up the worrying lack of communication from our hosts by email) were surpassed by "we're going to China, this is potentially life changing!".
Being the naive, inexperienced travellers we are, we arrived at Heathrow 4 hours earlier than we should have done. They offered us an early flight to Paris - the idea was appealing all round: they get to fill 5 seats on a quieter plane (and sell our later seats, which were more in-demand) and we get to spent 4 hours in lovely Paris rather than grim Heathrow. We accepted, then were was a massive rush to get our guitars through and the whole thing got very stressful. They ended up practically delaying the flight for us, and we had to run (V without her shoes on) through the airport to make the flight...and everyone looked at us if it was *our* fault when we finally flopped onto the jet, sweaty and out of breath. The flight wasn't long, luckily, and then we had many hours to kill in France where there was bugger all to do and we all got a bit grumpy that the USB ports didn't work so we couldn't charge our phones.
At 11.20pm we started the long flight to Guangzhou; 11 hours and with my reclining chair not...well, reclining as the lady behind me had THE BIGGEST LEGS IN THE WORLD and I couldn't even get the seat back, it was painfully uncomfortable. Tried to sleep, failed, ended up watching old episodes of Dragon's Den. The guy in front of me moved his seat back, leaving me crushed for what was basically half a day. Lovely. I think I got about 3 hours sleep in eventually as my body just gave up trying to be angry.
Arrived in China, groggy and then the expected interrogation at the airport - they're a strict bunch (and rightly so, they're protecting their country), my chirpy, if tired, British mannerisms didn't cut any slack as I was frisked.
Grabbed some food and then the final flight of a physically gruelling day - over to Nanjing (via 2 busses). 2 hours and 20 minutes later we arrived at the airport and waited nervously, and were then relieved to see all of our instruments had arrived in the country safely. Even more relieved to meet Frank - one of our Chinese festival helpers, at the terminal and he got us into a van and over to our hotel. Lovely hotel, slept so incredibly well.
As like last night, excitement and nerves were kicking in all around, but there was a sense that we're all in this together. A general sense of "this could all be a con" (backed up the worrying lack of communication from our hosts by email) were surpassed by "we're going to China, this is potentially life changing!".
Being the naive, inexperienced travellers we are, we arrived at Heathrow 4 hours earlier than we should have done. They offered us an early flight to Paris - the idea was appealing all round: they get to fill 5 seats on a quieter plane (and sell our later seats, which were more in-demand) and we get to spent 4 hours in lovely Paris rather than grim Heathrow. We accepted, then were was a massive rush to get our guitars through and the whole thing got very stressful. They ended up practically delaying the flight for us, and we had to run (V without her shoes on) through the airport to make the flight...and everyone looked at us if it was *our* fault when we finally flopped onto the jet, sweaty and out of breath. The flight wasn't long, luckily, and then we had many hours to kill in France where there was bugger all to do and we all got a bit grumpy that the USB ports didn't work so we couldn't charge our phones.
At 11.20pm we started the long flight to Guangzhou; 11 hours and with my reclining chair not...well, reclining as the lady behind me had THE BIGGEST LEGS IN THE WORLD and I couldn't even get the seat back, it was painfully uncomfortable. Tried to sleep, failed, ended up watching old episodes of Dragon's Den. The guy in front of me moved his seat back, leaving me crushed for what was basically half a day. Lovely. I think I got about 3 hours sleep in eventually as my body just gave up trying to be angry.
Arrived in China, groggy and then the expected interrogation at the airport - they're a strict bunch (and rightly so, they're protecting their country), my chirpy, if tired, British mannerisms didn't cut any slack as I was frisked.
Grabbed some food and then the final flight of a physically gruelling day - over to Nanjing (via 2 busses). 2 hours and 20 minutes later we arrived at the airport and waited nervously, and were then relieved to see all of our instruments had arrived in the country safely. Even more relieved to meet Frank - one of our Chinese festival helpers, at the terminal and he got us into a van and over to our hotel. Lovely hotel, slept so incredibly well.
Monday 9th October 2017
Final day in the UK for a bit before the adventures begin tomorrow.
Did 5 hours freelancing stuff in the office, before popping over to see Mum. It felt weirdly emotional; as a family we never travelled much, happy in our small-town, comfortable ways, and I could see that Mum was worried about what was going to happen. That made me worried, too, I've never been outside of Europe before. Still, there's no way of getting out of this now - I can't let the band down...
Got home, packed, sprayed my clothes in mosquito stuff and went to sleep feeling both excited and nervous.
Did 5 hours freelancing stuff in the office, before popping over to see Mum. It felt weirdly emotional; as a family we never travelled much, happy in our small-town, comfortable ways, and I could see that Mum was worried about what was going to happen. That made me worried, too, I've never been outside of Europe before. Still, there's no way of getting out of this now - I can't let the band down...
Got home, packed, sprayed my clothes in mosquito stuff and went to sleep feeling both excited and nervous.
Sunday, 8 October 2017
Sunday 8th October 2017
Bit hungover today, wasn't too late yesterday (1am?) but a lot of beer was slowly consumed during the day.
Woke up in the...well, afternoon, and then walked 45 minutes to pick up my car and then gave Friz a lift back to Lincoln. 4 hour round trip. Back, had an idea for a show, started writing that.
China next week. Anything can happen.
Woke up in the...well, afternoon, and then walked 45 minutes to pick up my car and then gave Friz a lift back to Lincoln. 4 hour round trip. Back, had an idea for a show, started writing that.
China next week. Anything can happen.
Saturday 7th October 2017
A long, long day. The day of our all-day comedy festival in Cambridge to raise money for charity.
Phill opened it and his debut show was superb and a huge step-up from the previews, then Steve did his Nixon play which was awesome. Andy O's show was super sharp and he's a much better comic than I've ever given him credit for, my clown show was fine - it dipped in places and sneezing whilst wearing a mask is never nice, then Andy Q's rap show was great...I mean, I've seen it four times already, but I still enjoy it. Zahra tried out a new 45 minutes which really worked, Scott was a proper comedian, old school and even though he overran he really had the audience onside, Friz was as great as always (although he got a bit too angry by the end), Obonjo stormed it and then we finished the day with our History of Pop show which was rowdy, shambolic, drunken and enormous fun.
But we (Phill, my co-organiser and housemate) did spent the whole day bitter about the lack of audiences, all of the acts today were top, top notch and it was such a shame that they were doing shows to...well, sometimes just five people. Paul M is amazing, he watched all 10 shows and did the sound for us and it was great to see Beth, Michelle, Nessie and Inge there, but where was everyone else? If you can't pop down for even an hour during the day to watch an amazing show and give a fiver to Macmillan then the chances are we probably aren't actually friends, really. We worked so hard today to make this happen.
Phill opened it and his debut show was superb and a huge step-up from the previews, then Steve did his Nixon play which was awesome. Andy O's show was super sharp and he's a much better comic than I've ever given him credit for, my clown show was fine - it dipped in places and sneezing whilst wearing a mask is never nice, then Andy Q's rap show was great...I mean, I've seen it four times already, but I still enjoy it. Zahra tried out a new 45 minutes which really worked, Scott was a proper comedian, old school and even though he overran he really had the audience onside, Friz was as great as always (although he got a bit too angry by the end), Obonjo stormed it and then we finished the day with our History of Pop show which was rowdy, shambolic, drunken and enormous fun.
But we (Phill, my co-organiser and housemate) did spent the whole day bitter about the lack of audiences, all of the acts today were top, top notch and it was such a shame that they were doing shows to...well, sometimes just five people. Paul M is amazing, he watched all 10 shows and did the sound for us and it was great to see Beth, Michelle, Nessie and Inge there, but where was everyone else? If you can't pop down for even an hour during the day to watch an amazing show and give a fiver to Macmillan then the chances are we probably aren't actually friends, really. We worked so hard today to make this happen.
Friday 6th October 2017
Yesterday got to me a bit more than it should, I think. I barely knew the man, but he gave me work when I really needed it and I really appreciate that. He seemed to really appreciate what I'm trying to do with my life with the music and the comedy and made things very easy for me to do everything. The chap now in charge knows me, and nothing will change in that regard, but it was Paul who set the president for how things should be and I'm very grateful.
Did a few hours freelancing then, got back and just felt frazzled by everything. Finished a little side project thingy (a new book I'm working on) and then treated myself to a lovely takeaway and actually just stopped, for an evening.
Did a few hours freelancing then, got back and just felt frazzled by everything. Finished a little side project thingy (a new book I'm working on) and then treated myself to a lovely takeaway and actually just stopped, for an evening.
Thursday 5th October 2017
Well, I didn't expect the meeting at the freelance office to be like that. We're all holding onto our positions and selfishly nothing will change for me (I still chose my hours etc) but death is horrible, isn't it? I just wish people would stop dying for a bit, please. Just a year off from it or something?
As a result of the news, I felt the need to spend the whole day in the office and mourn the loss of my boss, who was a good man.
Evening met up with the Dowsing band we started rehearsing Christmas songs, which made me happy.
As a result of the news, I felt the need to spend the whole day in the office and mourn the loss of my boss, who was a good man.
Evening met up with the Dowsing band we started rehearsing Christmas songs, which made me happy.
Thursday, 5 October 2017
Wednesday 4th October 2017
Pretty sure the freelance job will be going soon...tomorrow, even? We're all (all four of us) being called in for a meeting then.
In the meantime, I popped in for a bit anyway and was the only one in, again. Worked on a blog post for them, whilst plugging Saturday's show, a lot.
Then off to teach drums at the college. Turns out all of my students were away at some festival this week, but the school wanted to make use of me so got me playing drums for the school band for a bit, which was probably the easiest money I've ever made.
Got back and then it was another house performance of Norman. Much better this time, not saying a word really helps. Still needs tweaking, but will be fine by Saturday. As will Phill's show, which is looking much sharper. Saturday is starting to excite me a bit now!
In the meantime, I popped in for a bit anyway and was the only one in, again. Worked on a blog post for them, whilst plugging Saturday's show, a lot.
Then off to teach drums at the college. Turns out all of my students were away at some festival this week, but the school wanted to make use of me so got me playing drums for the school band for a bit, which was probably the easiest money I've ever made.
Got back and then it was another house performance of Norman. Much better this time, not saying a word really helps. Still needs tweaking, but will be fine by Saturday. As will Phill's show, which is looking much sharper. Saturday is starting to excite me a bit now!
Tuesday, 3 October 2017
Tuesday 3rd October 2017
Tuesday, so took mum shopping. Had the best idea ever for a film. Probably don't have time to make it.
Got back, replied to a load of emails about shows for next year and then out to FH final rehearsal before China. Recorded a tribute to Tom Petty and went through loads of band admin ahead of our tour, which starts next week. It's all both scary and exciting. I think we'll be okay.
Got back, replied to a load of emails about shows for next year and then out to FH final rehearsal before China. Recorded a tribute to Tom Petty and went through loads of band admin ahead of our tour, which starts next week. It's all both scary and exciting. I think we'll be okay.
Monday 2nd October 2017
I'd really like Saturday's festival to sell out, but I'm really worried about the earlier performances - the evening shows will be fine as my lot come out then, but equally my friends aren't really morning/afternoon people.
Went into the office for a bit, and then off onto BBC Radio to give it all a big plug. They seem to like me at the BBC, I think I'm a very easy guest.
Then got back and just wrote and wrote new stuff, for about 7 hours. That felt good.
Went into the office for a bit, and then off onto BBC Radio to give it all a big plug. They seem to like me at the BBC, I think I'm a very easy guest.
Then got back and just wrote and wrote new stuff, for about 7 hours. That felt good.
Sunday, 1 October 2017
Sunday 1st October 2017
I had far too much sleep. Seriously, about 12 hours.
I then spent quite a lot of time thinking about where my creative career is going, getting quite excited and grumpy about it all at the same time. I roughly feel the same around this time every year where I get back from the fringe, have a little time off, and then try to work out what direction to go in next. I'll be fine.
Rewrote the Norman show, I now don't say a single word in it. We have another lounge show on Wednesday and I reckon it'll rock big style then.
Evening had a BBC session with the band which was incredibly enjoyable, we played the Chinese song and were on top form tonight.
I then spent quite a lot of time thinking about where my creative career is going, getting quite excited and grumpy about it all at the same time. I roughly feel the same around this time every year where I get back from the fringe, have a little time off, and then try to work out what direction to go in next. I'll be fine.
Rewrote the Norman show, I now don't say a single word in it. We have another lounge show on Wednesday and I reckon it'll rock big style then.
Evening had a BBC session with the band which was incredibly enjoyable, we played the Chinese song and were on top form tonight.
Saturday 30th September 2017
My mum's sister (aka my auntie) is very poorly in Brighton, so for a second weekend running I dropped everything and drove my mum and sister down there. It was the right thing to do.
Got back late, drank beer.
Got back late, drank beer.
Friday 29th September 2017
Thing is, I actually quite like going into the office, now I live in Cambridge, even if I don't have to. It's a nice walk, the bakery around the corner is awesome. Anyway, didn't today because of other stuff - was a guest on a local radio station in the morning, plugging our forthcoming charity comedy festival.
Got back, did a bit of life admin, and then off again for a quick catch-up with comedy comedy chum, Nessie, for a bit of a chat about everything. She's booked me for some shows and it was great to rant a bit.
Back home, few more email bits, and then off to see the amazing Nick Helm in Cambridge. A dark, angry show but totally amazing - a real inspiration.
Got back, did a bit of life admin, and then off again for a quick catch-up with comedy comedy chum, Nessie, for a bit of a chat about everything. She's booked me for some shows and it was great to rant a bit.
Back home, few more email bits, and then off to see the amazing Nick Helm in Cambridge. A dark, angry show but totally amazing - a real inspiration.
Thursday 28th September 2017
Felt so rough this morning, probably because, you know, I drink too much beer and eat too many burgers. I do know these things.
Did some work on a few creative projects for next year, which may or may or not work out but it's good to play with a few script ideas.
Popped into the office for a couple hours, mostly, if anything, to double check about what my task actually is. Turns out I've been getting it right, that's a relief.
Then off into town to get my jabs done for China. Griff had the appointment after me so we ended up going in together, which was both weird but comforting. The lady doing the jabs was a FH fan, which was even weirder, but she seemed excited by our forthcoming tour. Didn't hurt, I feel protected and all that.
Got back and did a bit more writing.
Did some work on a few creative projects for next year, which may or may or not work out but it's good to play with a few script ideas.
Popped into the office for a couple hours, mostly, if anything, to double check about what my task actually is. Turns out I've been getting it right, that's a relief.
Then off into town to get my jabs done for China. Griff had the appointment after me so we ended up going in together, which was both weird but comforting. The lady doing the jabs was a FH fan, which was even weirder, but she seemed excited by our forthcoming tour. Didn't hurt, I feel protected and all that.
Got back and did a bit more writing.
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Wednesday 27th September 2017
Popped into the office for a bit in the morning, got some stuff done and generally confused by other bits of it.
Lovely drum workshop this evening, I really like this college - the students are so attentive, the lesson actually overran because the groove was so good. It's easy when they actually want to learn, isn't it?
Got back and suddenly felt really rough. Every Wednesday night I seem to get a cold and I'm not sure why, but it's really annoying. Spent the rest of the evening working on a few ideas and generally feeling quite sorry for myself as I couldn't stop sneezing. I reckon it was because I was in, and generally I should be out, a lot.
Lovely drum workshop this evening, I really like this college - the students are so attentive, the lesson actually overran because the groove was so good. It's easy when they actually want to learn, isn't it?
Got back and suddenly felt really rough. Every Wednesday night I seem to get a cold and I'm not sure why, but it's really annoying. Spent the rest of the evening working on a few ideas and generally feeling quite sorry for myself as I couldn't stop sneezing. I reckon it was because I was in, and generally I should be out, a lot.
Wednesday, 27 September 2017
Tuesday 26th September 2017
Tuesday, so it was 'taking Mum shopping day', which I actually always enjoy as it gets me away from my laptop screen for a bit. It does feel like a bit of a struggle, though, at the moment - we have a close member of the family very, very ill...basically I just want people to stop dying. Just for a bit. Let's have a few years off, yeah?
Got back, caught up on show emails (mostly for 2018 stuff), and mutually agreed to postpone the show in Dublin. It feels like a bit of a relief, but ticket sales were very low and it was going to cost me a lot to get over there...we'll go for a weekend next time and storm it.
Evening rehearsal with the band followed by meeting to discuss the logistics for the China tour, which kicks off in 2 weeks' time, it's actually quite scary stuff but I'll get a film out of it.
Got back, caught up on show emails (mostly for 2018 stuff), and mutually agreed to postpone the show in Dublin. It feels like a bit of a relief, but ticket sales were very low and it was going to cost me a lot to get over there...we'll go for a weekend next time and storm it.
Evening rehearsal with the band followed by meeting to discuss the logistics for the China tour, which kicks off in 2 weeks' time, it's actually quite scary stuff but I'll get a film out of it.
Tuesday, 26 September 2017
Monday 25th September 2017
Really buzzing with film ideas at the moment; the 'Happy Drummer' film feels like it's not far off in structure now to be thinking about putting a filming schedule before the end of the year, whilst 'A Bad Day to Go to Lunch' is bizarre and will be tricky, but I'm keen to go for it.
Ticket sales for Wednesday's show in Dublin really are quite worryingly poor, despite the venue's best efforts. It'll cost me a lot to go over there, not sure what to do about this. There's a sensible side to me that knows it's right to cancel, but then there's the other side to me which did a show on the Shetland Islands to 4 people and had the best night ever.
Popped into the office and did a good 6 hours. Then some last minute prop shopping, and then a lounge show preview of the Norman show. Phill did his show first (a performance of his first ever show) which has made great progress since the reading he did of it the other night and will be great by the performance on the 7th. Norman...well, it's an experiment, isn't it? It felt a lot creepier and a lot darker than planned. Structurally it works, some of the content needs beefing up a bit but I'm not at all worried about the public performance, but there's something about being dressed up as a clown that makes audiences feel uncomfortable, and not in a comedic way. Then got annoyed by a comment on Facebook by a (now former) 'friend' telling to do something "original" because the clown thing has been done before - and she also referenced IT, which is popular in the cinemas at the moment. I got angry about this because she didn't see my show, and my show is about an awkward clown trying to fit in to civilisation, not a horror story, yet she still had to comment anyway. Not being blunt, but I saw her show at the fringe and she is no position to be detrimental about my creative output. I don't like people, sometimes.
Ticket sales for Wednesday's show in Dublin really are quite worryingly poor, despite the venue's best efforts. It'll cost me a lot to go over there, not sure what to do about this. There's a sensible side to me that knows it's right to cancel, but then there's the other side to me which did a show on the Shetland Islands to 4 people and had the best night ever.
Popped into the office and did a good 6 hours. Then some last minute prop shopping, and then a lounge show preview of the Norman show. Phill did his show first (a performance of his first ever show) which has made great progress since the reading he did of it the other night and will be great by the performance on the 7th. Norman...well, it's an experiment, isn't it? It felt a lot creepier and a lot darker than planned. Structurally it works, some of the content needs beefing up a bit but I'm not at all worried about the public performance, but there's something about being dressed up as a clown that makes audiences feel uncomfortable, and not in a comedic way. Then got annoyed by a comment on Facebook by a (now former) 'friend' telling to do something "original" because the clown thing has been done before - and she also referenced IT, which is popular in the cinemas at the moment. I got angry about this because she didn't see my show, and my show is about an awkward clown trying to fit in to civilisation, not a horror story, yet she still had to comment anyway. Not being blunt, but I saw her show at the fringe and she is no position to be detrimental about my creative output. I don't like people, sometimes.
Monday, 25 September 2017
Sunday 24th September 2017
Up early-ish as my emails have been building up, mostly about my new regular comedy night that launches in November...there's a lot of comedians out there who want to be part of this.
Popped down the road to film another scene for Norman, this time with Anna. That'll be screened as part of the show tomorrow night. Then off to play a gig with James - lovely setting, nice audience, easy gig. Then over to watch Phill Jupitus, who was great.
Busy day, ending with very late night script work on the Norman show.
Popped down the road to film another scene for Norman, this time with Anna. That'll be screened as part of the show tomorrow night. Then off to play a gig with James - lovely setting, nice audience, easy gig. Then over to watch Phill Jupitus, who was great.
Busy day, ending with very late night script work on the Norman show.
Saturday 23rd September 2017
A family illness, so a fairly urgent trip down to Brighton to see my auntie. Not a bad drive (6 hour round trip) and managed to get an hour in at the seaside whilst there.
Back early evening, quick dinner with my mum and sister and then a quick pint/rant with Rob. Back in time for Match of the Day and a chance to do more work on the Norman show, which opens on Monday.
Back early evening, quick dinner with my mum and sister and then a quick pint/rant with Rob. Back in time for Match of the Day and a chance to do more work on the Norman show, which opens on Monday.
Friday 22nd September 2017
Productive day of filming scenes for the Norman show in between a spot of freelance stuff from home. Filmed 'job rejection' scene with Rob, and then 'dumping a clown' scenes with Inge and Zoey. It's harder than I imagined, being dressed a clown in public...people keep giving me (very) odd looks.
Turned down drinks with friends because a) I'm knackered b) I've drank too much socially this week anyway, so had my first Friday night in for...well, since January, I think. Spent it editing the Norman footage and feel quite proud of myself.
Turned down drinks with friends because a) I'm knackered b) I've drank too much socially this week anyway, so had my first Friday night in for...well, since January, I think. Spent it editing the Norman footage and feel quite proud of myself.
Thursday 21st September 2017
Really need to get my diary in shape, am double booked to buggery for next year already.
Did a couple hours in the office, booked up some more of my Christmas tour, worked on the structure of a new film I'll be making soon.
Early evening dinner with Rohan and Chris, bumped into an old school friend, Zoey, whilst walking into town. She's now agreed to be in the Norman show...
Did a couple hours in the office, booked up some more of my Christmas tour, worked on the structure of a new film I'll be making soon.
Early evening dinner with Rohan and Chris, bumped into an old school friend, Zoey, whilst walking into town. She's now agreed to be in the Norman show...
Wednesday 20th September 2017
The Norman show isn't far off now, there's just a few bits that are slightly out of my hands that I haven't managed to sort yet - like the video footage that'll go in to break things up alongside the shit magic.
Popped into the office for a bit, did some research for them, and then over to a college to teach drums for an hour. My first session at that college and they are the politest, most shy students I've ever met - which is both frustrating and cool at the same time.
Got back, quick shower and then off to the very swanky launch of a new Cambridge festival that Andrea is organising for next year. Lots of creative chat with lots of great people, a top, top night.
Popped into the office for a bit, did some research for them, and then over to a college to teach drums for an hour. My first session at that college and they are the politest, most shy students I've ever met - which is both frustrating and cool at the same time.
Got back, quick shower and then off to the very swanky launch of a new Cambridge festival that Andrea is organising for next year. Lots of creative chat with lots of great people, a top, top night.
Wednesday, 20 September 2017
Tuesday 19th September 2017
Popped in to the college first thing for my induction/safety chat ahead of my teaching there tomorrow, and then - as it's Tuesday, took mum shopping. She wanted to go all over the place today, so a lot of driving but as I live in town these days I barely drive at all so it was nice to give the engine a bit of a runout.
Did a little work on 'The Little Git' whilst sat in various car parks.
Got back, dropped off stuff and then off to open a stand-up show in town which was a typical 'free entry Tuesday gig' in the sense that the audience were never really onside but it was still friendly enough. Good to stay in gig shape, if nothing else.
Did a little work on 'The Little Git' whilst sat in various car parks.
Got back, dropped off stuff and then off to open a stand-up show in town which was a typical 'free entry Tuesday gig' in the sense that the audience were never really onside but it was still friendly enough. Good to stay in gig shape, if nothing else.
Monday 18th September 2017
Really going for it this week, mostly with the show admin, because next week a new show opens and then I'm back on the road again so stuff needs to be in shape quickly.
This mostly involves spending less time on Facebook and worrying about ticket sales for the various shows which aren't really selling at the moment. Wrote press releases for those and got booked up for a bunch of radio appearances, filled some gaps in my tour schedule and panicked at a double booking for next year which is now rectified. Then spent 2 hours basically chasing up venues that have pencilled me in for stuff but never actually confirm...I do spent so many hours, every week, just, well, hassling people for answers.
Did a few hours freelancing, and then watched my housemate run through his debut show - which has all the foundations of being rather brilliant once he's beefed it up a bit (which he will, he knows what he's doing).
Then back to work on the Norman show, which is a bit of an odd one.
This mostly involves spending less time on Facebook and worrying about ticket sales for the various shows which aren't really selling at the moment. Wrote press releases for those and got booked up for a bunch of radio appearances, filled some gaps in my tour schedule and panicked at a double booking for next year which is now rectified. Then spent 2 hours basically chasing up venues that have pencilled me in for stuff but never actually confirm...I do spent so many hours, every week, just, well, hassling people for answers.
Did a few hours freelancing, and then watched my housemate run through his debut show - which has all the foundations of being rather brilliant once he's beefed it up a bit (which he will, he knows what he's doing).
Then back to work on the Norman show, which is a bit of an odd one.
Sunday, 17 September 2017
Sunday 17th September 2017
Seemed to have picked up a bit of a cold, which means I didn't really sleep - not that I had much chance anyway as I got back late-ish from the gig and had a lunchtime meet up with some friends anyway.
It was the reunion of a band I was in many, many years back and we split 14 years ago. A few of us have stayed in regular contact (including Claudia of course) but the rest of the band have drifted into new ventures/having kids etc. Absolutely amazing to catch up, they're all wonderful, wonderful people and it's baffling as to why we don't see more of each other. Also, such is this world of the internet and Facebook, those who I haven't seen in (many) years still followed my scrapes online and seemed excited to catch up and chat about everything. They got tired Richards today who perhaps hasn't aged too well, but it was still lovely to catch up.
Got back, did a bit of work on the eight million shows I'm trying to write simultaneously and got myself all frustrated by the fact I'm getting into a creative tangle. Time to reply to some emails, plot next week and sleep.
It was the reunion of a band I was in many, many years back and we split 14 years ago. A few of us have stayed in regular contact (including Claudia of course) but the rest of the band have drifted into new ventures/having kids etc. Absolutely amazing to catch up, they're all wonderful, wonderful people and it's baffling as to why we don't see more of each other. Also, such is this world of the internet and Facebook, those who I haven't seen in (many) years still followed my scrapes online and seemed excited to catch up and chat about everything. They got tired Richards today who perhaps hasn't aged too well, but it was still lovely to catch up.
Got back, did a bit of work on the eight million shows I'm trying to write simultaneously and got myself all frustrated by the fact I'm getting into a creative tangle. Time to reply to some emails, plot next week and sleep.
Saturday 16th September 2017
Bit hungover, but nothing compared to the others, I imagine. Fun night, kind of. It's always nice to win things. Had breakfast with G and H, and then went back to bed for a bit.
Quick catch up with Matt in my new local, and then off to play a wedding gig. A slightly tired show, but all covers and the audience enjoyed it enough. Long show, long night but good money. I don't mind doing this sort of gig when I play it with FH; we're just tight by default these days, which we should be after 6 years.
Friday 15th September 2017
Really having one of those moments when I'm reevaluating where I'm actually going with all of this, and not forgetting my original targets/dreams as a comedy writer/performer, and that's to write sitcoms. The stand-up stuff kinda happened by accident but I think I need to go back to my roots and work on a sitcom stage-play type thing, and tour it, and fringe it, and see where it goes.
Did a little bit of work on that this morning, before heading into the office for a bit.
Phone meeting with Andrea about a really exciting creative project she's putting together, and then a quick pint and catch up with Rob.
Evening - awards ceremony with the band, where we won a lovely award. We've worked hard for this, it feels deserved. Then we went to the aftershow party, and to a bar after that, and there was far too much booze. Not right for me to say on here what happened after that, but we're a complex bunch. All the best bands are, aren't they? Still, we won an award.
Did a little bit of work on that this morning, before heading into the office for a bit.
Phone meeting with Andrea about a really exciting creative project she's putting together, and then a quick pint and catch up with Rob.
Evening - awards ceremony with the band, where we won a lovely award. We've worked hard for this, it feels deserved. Then we went to the aftershow party, and to a bar after that, and there was far too much booze. Not right for me to say on here what happened after that, but we're a complex bunch. All the best bands are, aren't they? Still, we won an award.
Thursday 14th September 2017
Still nowhere near the nailing my mailing list from last week, I either need:
a) a couple days off
b) to try and do much less on my list
c) drink more caffeine and stop moaning about it
Chose the latter. Most of my projects mostly involve new stuff - a new regular night in Cambridge, 2 new films etc. The existing stuff seems to be ticking over nicely enough, though, and we're all a bit excited about China.
Mostly an admin day today, then. And then off for a typically awkward date, before getting back to writing.
a) a couple days off
b) to try and do much less on my list
c) drink more caffeine and stop moaning about it
Chose the latter. Most of my projects mostly involve new stuff - a new regular night in Cambridge, 2 new films etc. The existing stuff seems to be ticking over nicely enough, though, and we're all a bit excited about China.
Mostly an admin day today, then. And then off for a typically awkward date, before getting back to writing.
Wednesday 13th September 2017
Popped into the office for a spot of freelancing, just me in again.
The venue I'm performing at in Iceland looks incredible...but that's all after the Ireland tour, China tour etc, quite a lot to get my head around at the moment. Yet, in the meantime, I'm booking another UK tour for the box show (2 shows confirmed) and plotting Christmas stuff, plus booking the odd gig for the covers project with James.
Knackering, isn't it?
Got back, worked on the film and the clown script, and got all excited by the Spurs game.
The venue I'm performing at in Iceland looks incredible...but that's all after the Ireland tour, China tour etc, quite a lot to get my head around at the moment. Yet, in the meantime, I'm booking another UK tour for the box show (2 shows confirmed) and plotting Christmas stuff, plus booking the odd gig for the covers project with James.
Knackering, isn't it?
Got back, worked on the film and the clown script, and got all excited by the Spurs game.
Tuesday, 12 September 2017
Tuesday 12th September 2017
So many lovely projects at the moment, all either launched or about to launch soon, alongside the existing stuff. I don't think a man should be this excited all the time.
Anyway, as it's a Tuesday, I took Mum shopping and did good son duties, whilst writing frantically into a notepad the many new show ideas I have that won't see the light of day this year.
Then over to record a song in Chinese with FH, which we have to perform at the opening ceremony. Our visas came through successfully yesterday so we celebrated a bit - we head over there in 4 weeks' time. It's all a bit real, I have no idea what is going to happen.
Anyway, as it's a Tuesday, I took Mum shopping and did good son duties, whilst writing frantically into a notepad the many new show ideas I have that won't see the light of day this year.
Then over to record a song in Chinese with FH, which we have to perform at the opening ceremony. Our visas came through successfully yesterday so we celebrated a bit - we head over there in 4 weeks' time. It's all a bit real, I have no idea what is going to happen.
Monday 11th September 2017
Morning catching up on emails, including a show offer in Iceland which is exciting. I'm getting the buzz about travel, about 15 years after all my friends seem to do so.
Then over to a college where I had to tout my drum workshops at their freshers open day thingy. 12 signed up, which is enough for it to get the go-ahead for there and my sessions start next week.
Got back and made promo videos for History of Pop (for a potential future run of shows somewhere), the project with James and also for our new feature film, which was supposed to be the soap, but is now a decent little film.
Really, really excited about everything at the moment.
Then over to a college where I had to tout my drum workshops at their freshers open day thingy. 12 signed up, which is enough for it to get the go-ahead for there and my sessions start next week.
Got back and made promo videos for History of Pop (for a potential future run of shows somewhere), the project with James and also for our new feature film, which was supposed to be the soap, but is now a decent little film.
Really, really excited about everything at the moment.
Sunday 10th September 2017
Really enjoyed last night, such a small little gig but the sort of show where it felt like we were bouncing off each other again like we used to.
Had a good lie-in and then spent a majority of the day working on the Norman script, which is slowly getting there.
Then over to record a promo video for James for the new function/covers band thing we're doing. Sounds great, lovely material to play and we're totally on the same page.
Had a good lie-in and then spent a majority of the day working on the Norman script, which is slowly getting there.
Then over to record a promo video for James for the new function/covers band thing we're doing. Sounds great, lovely material to play and we're totally on the same page.
Sunday, 10 September 2017
Saturday 9th September 2017
Bit confused as to what I want to achieve out of Christmas this year; normally it's my big cash-in, tour a festive show etc, but last year I remember how I felt, stood onstage, dressed as a reindeer, aged 35. I remember thinking 'this is probably going too far now.' Yet Christmas is very much on my radar at the moment, I should probably be doing more with it. Also, I love Christmas music more than the average adult should, so any excuse to listen to 'those' songs before December is most welcome.
I've got the tour of Ireland, band tour of China, tour of Scandinavia and then a final 'Box' tour of the UK to worry about first, though. Plus a festival I'm co-organising in Cambridge that will need a new 45 minutes of content. One thing at a time, Richards.
More stand-up offers coming in, that's gradually coming together nicely.
2 gigs as a drummer today. The first one was an outdoor event and it just hammered it down, we played really well and it was for a good charity so no harm done but felt a little pointless as the audience all ran away when the thunder kicked in.
The second gig though, a trio show with G + V, was surprisingly amazing. Billed as a full band, we rocked it big style in front of a small but incredibly enthusiastic audience. I love being a drummer, more of this, please.
I've got the tour of Ireland, band tour of China, tour of Scandinavia and then a final 'Box' tour of the UK to worry about first, though. Plus a festival I'm co-organising in Cambridge that will need a new 45 minutes of content. One thing at a time, Richards.
More stand-up offers coming in, that's gradually coming together nicely.
2 gigs as a drummer today. The first one was an outdoor event and it just hammered it down, we played really well and it was for a good charity so no harm done but felt a little pointless as the audience all ran away when the thunder kicked in.
The second gig though, a trio show with G + V, was surprisingly amazing. Billed as a full band, we rocked it big style in front of a small but incredibly enthusiastic audience. I love being a drummer, more of this, please.
Friday 8th September 2017
Slept well last night, despite my head buzzing with eight million ideas that I don't have time to work on properly. My to-do list is growing a lot bigger than it should be.
Nice, gentle stroll into the office and got some stuff done there.
Decided to try and add to my Scandinavia tour so trying to book additional shows in Finland and Iceland.
Evening had a stand-up gig at Relevant Records; a stormer of a gig, lovely audience, great MC, it was a joy to headline. Just such lovely people...I'm enjoying comedy at the moment, put some new bits in alongside the stuff that has been working for a while.
Friday, 8 September 2017
Thursday 7th September 2017
Really excited about the clown show, but also really excited about the two films I'm working on too. Basically, just really excited, all of the time. But I need to be drumming more, I probably need an extra band soon as FH aren't as active as they used to be.
I've been here for less than a week and I really, really like living in Cambridge, just feels like everything is really close.
Did a bit of freelance work from home for a bit, and then had a very successful meeting with a college about teaching for them. Everything is roughly falling into place, so it feels.
Evening met up with Fiona and we got very drunk.
I've been here for less than a week and I really, really like living in Cambridge, just feels like everything is really close.
Did a bit of freelance work from home for a bit, and then had a very successful meeting with a college about teaching for them. Everything is roughly falling into place, so it feels.
Evening met up with Fiona and we got very drunk.
Wednesday 6th September 2017
Realised I've missed doing the Box show, so have decided to tour it again. Now it's all tight and tidy it feels a shame to waste it. Put an hour or two into looking into new venues for that and found a little tour-shaped gap.
Spoke to James about putting this corporate/function band together and got frustrated because I lost a memory stick that has loads of video footage I wanted for my new film.
Popped into the office for a bit and did a spot of freelancing, and then got back and worked on my new clown show. It's coming together really nicely, I'm a bit excited about it all.
Spoke to James about putting this corporate/function band together and got frustrated because I lost a memory stick that has loads of video footage I wanted for my new film.
Popped into the office for a bit and did a spot of freelancing, and then got back and worked on my new clown show. It's coming together really nicely, I'm a bit excited about it all.
Wednesday, 6 September 2017
Tuesday 5th September 2017
A Tuesday, so my 'taking Mum to shopping day' which was a good chance for me to sit and write ideas for my new show into a notepad. Always moving forwards...
Also had time to just sit, and think, about what shows I'd like to take further, that sort of thing. And also deeper questions such as: what am I doing with my life? But actually, I think I'm getting the balance right at the moment - I'm living somewhere nice, central to Cambridge, I've got just about enough regular work coming in to pay the bills and I have quite a lot of time to myself at the moment for writing,
It's all good, as I say far too often.
Also had time to just sit, and think, about what shows I'd like to take further, that sort of thing. And also deeper questions such as: what am I doing with my life? But actually, I think I'm getting the balance right at the moment - I'm living somewhere nice, central to Cambridge, I've got just about enough regular work coming in to pay the bills and I have quite a lot of time to myself at the moment for writing,
It's all good, as I say far too often.
Monday 4th September 2017
Popped into the office for a bit, was going to walk it in but it was raining so drove instead. What I've already learnt about living in central Cambridge is that it's actually often quicker to walk...
Got some work done there, perhaps not as much as I'd have liked, and then back to replying to loads of emails about drum teaching work - there's some stuff in the pipeline, but it's still mostly negotiating fees at the moment. Not a strong point of mine.
Confirmed 90% of the line-up for our forthcoming comedy festival and wrote up my Edinburgh 'adventures' as a very long chapter for my tour book.
Had the best idea for a show ever.
Got some work done there, perhaps not as much as I'd have liked, and then back to replying to loads of emails about drum teaching work - there's some stuff in the pipeline, but it's still mostly negotiating fees at the moment. Not a strong point of mine.
Confirmed 90% of the line-up for our forthcoming comedy festival and wrote up my Edinburgh 'adventures' as a very long chapter for my tour book.
Had the best idea for a show ever.
Sunday, 3 September 2017
Sunday 3rd September 2017
Back so late last night.
Up in good time to record what I think is the final drum part for Claudia's album. It was never supposed to have drums on this track, but we agreed it needed it. Because of the fact they hadn't intended to have a beat on it, though, the recording I was working with was rhythmically all over the place and was a tricky one to follow. We got there in the end, but took 7 takes. Great tune, though, and you could feel it's worth the work.
Then put down some percussion on another track but it really didn't need it, and the others agreed - sometimes you can just put stuff on a recording for the sake of it, but those congas won't make the final cut and I'm perfectly cool with that.
Got home and replied to all the emails that have been building up over the last few days, before finally approaching the acts for the comedy festival we're putting together. Next week looks really quiet - in fact, September is oddly empty until my Ireland tour, but then in October it's China and loads of other stuff, so I must remember to enjoy this downtime while it lasts.
Up in good time to record what I think is the final drum part for Claudia's album. It was never supposed to have drums on this track, but we agreed it needed it. Because of the fact they hadn't intended to have a beat on it, though, the recording I was working with was rhythmically all over the place and was a tricky one to follow. We got there in the end, but took 7 takes. Great tune, though, and you could feel it's worth the work.
Then put down some percussion on another track but it really didn't need it, and the others agreed - sometimes you can just put stuff on a recording for the sake of it, but those congas won't make the final cut and I'm perfectly cool with that.
Got home and replied to all the emails that have been building up over the last few days, before finally approaching the acts for the comedy festival we're putting together. Next week looks really quiet - in fact, September is oddly empty until my Ireland tour, but then in October it's China and loads of other stuff, so I must remember to enjoy this downtime while it lasts.
Saturday 2nd September 2017
Woke up surrounded by boxes, I just have so much stuff. Too much? No, I'm 36, it's right that I have a lot of stuff at my age, it's a sign of a life well lived, etc.
Spent the whole day unpacking, organising, making my (really quite big) room feel homely, which it really goes now. I have a lot of books and the bookshelf is impressive, until you realise I have two different books written by Harry Redknapp. And a lot of books about the sitcom, Porridge.
But yeah, it feels good here - I enjoy walking down by the river to get my car, I like the fact that Tesco - and it's many Ginsters slices - is so close.
Managed to get everything in shape by 6pm, then off to meet up with the band. The band lock up is a 4 minute drive away from the house, another perk.
Quick trip up to Milton Keynes to headline a festival there. Typically it ran late and we didn't get on stage till 11.30pm. We followed two covers bands and it didn't really work tonight. We're so tight these days, almost by default, we can put on a good show but it felt like, following two 'party' bands, we lost the audience a bit. Shame, but these things happen sometimes.
Spent the whole day unpacking, organising, making my (really quite big) room feel homely, which it really goes now. I have a lot of books and the bookshelf is impressive, until you realise I have two different books written by Harry Redknapp. And a lot of books about the sitcom, Porridge.
But yeah, it feels good here - I enjoy walking down by the river to get my car, I like the fact that Tesco - and it's many Ginsters slices - is so close.
Managed to get everything in shape by 6pm, then off to meet up with the band. The band lock up is a 4 minute drive away from the house, another perk.
Quick trip up to Milton Keynes to headline a festival there. Typically it ran late and we didn't get on stage till 11.30pm. We followed two covers bands and it didn't really work tonight. We're so tight these days, almost by default, we can put on a good show but it felt like, following two 'party' bands, we lost the audience a bit. Shame, but these things happen sometimes.
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