Bristol Colston Hall

Back on the road again then, this time supporting Joan Armatrading on her UK tour. This is nice as it's the second time I have toured with Joan the other time being in 92 when 'Dolphins' was in the chart. This tour is a delight, or is that I'm just comparing to more recent 'special guest' tours. Very friendly, laid back, earthy and musical. So far we have played a warm up gig in London, then York and last night Newcastle City Hall. I like playing the old buildings as there's so much history in them and they feel a little more 'rock n roll'. Joan is also very friendly and welcoming, which isn't always the case on these toursSome shows I worry that I'm just going through the motions. I deliver it all with the same passion but, in the emptiness that most performers feel at the end of the event, sometimes I wonder what the motive is. After 19 years or so of playing its sometimes strange to talk to people who are hearing you for the first time, and there is a fine line between just wanting to try and make a difference for someone for a moment, to just playing for the sake of saying hi, this is me. Sometimes I just analyse too much as well!My back is really hurting at the moment. Too many years of guitar straps and hunched shoulders. The long drives don't help either. struth, sound like an old man, enough of that. Anyway, a couple of photos for you, the technical mess that is Joan's and my set up before each show and back stage at the Newcastle City Hall, a fine old venue.Martyn