DIARY 31/05/10
Dublin already seems history, the time passes so quickly out here. But it rocked and so did Belfast. Club venues, but the air was buzzing both nights with good fans who came out for a good night, and it gave me heart to see how the new set, littered with new songs, affected them. Seems they had the good time they went out for. We did. We were ready to play in public. Rehearsals in themselves are exciting for musicians. We gel, we blend and harmonise, personally as well as musically. These are fine people. A fish rots from the head down, so I choose carefully.
Edinburgh, York, Buxton sold right out. My tour manager even put unwanted Guest tickets on sale at Buxton – and they went! Very gratifying. Funny how some places won’t sell out, and others go early. Both Stables gone, plus standing room just put on sale.....Need 2.5 hours really, to fit in all the songs I want to play. But venues have curfews. They all do. The Lartey Sisters have their 30 minutes, then comes the interval and then we have to watch the clock (in my mind only!). I write this from a quite sumptuous room at the top of the Palace Hotel, Buxton. Day off. No interviews. Night off. No show, so the voice gets a rest after five consecutive long nights. This is a beautiful town, stone and iron all over it and I look down on slate rooftops, Georgian roof-lines and parapets and many ancient trees. It was good to talk to fans after the show, those staying here and drinking last night in the hotel bar. It doesn’t happen often, but I enjoyed it. I thank them all for their kind words and the occasional gift of a Murphy’s.
Will get some air now, in the park area at the front of this Victorian pile, all slightly faded glory and proud dignity. Will read the newspaper, start the crossword. We lunch at a country pub a few miles out of town. Over lunch, will make notes re edit of “For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Worn.” which we have agreed to release as a download single. Radio 2 airplay? Not much chance, to be honest. It’s tough to get on their playlist if you’re not represented by Universal or Sony, just about the only two major record companies in the world now. But Stranger Comes To Town is a major project, so we’ll suck it and see.
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written by Lars Skovenboe , June 01, 2010
Dear Steve,
We were so happy to enjoy your concert i Dublin. It was our first visit to Ireland - just because of this concert. we ordered tickets already in the beginning of this year. Afterwards we saw that you also will play in Copenhagen (were we live)! Amazing!
But it will be great to see you again. I just hope you will play "The best years of our lives". This song meens so much to me and an old friend. We have heard this song hundreds of times.
looking forward to see you in Copenhagen and thanks for your signature on your new record (The Academy in Dublin). :-)
written by Peter , June 01, 2010
Dear Steve,
Reading the comment above I had to write a comment myself. We (me, my wife and 2 friends) live in the Netherlands and came to see you in Newcastle. We booked our tickets and trip right after reading you would tour the UK on your website. About 2 weeks ago we read you'll visit our home town (The Hague) in October.
The Newcastle show was great. "Here comes the sun" rocked as never before. Barry’s violin was breathtaking and you were fantastic like always.
Would be nice if you would consider adding "The best years of our lives" to the setlist. Can't wait tot see you again in October.
Thanks for the great concert,
Peter
written by Marie , June 02, 2010
Hi Steve. Still coming down (or Tumbling Down) from thursday night's gig in Newcastle. Amazing as ever, completely blown away. Glad you got the roses. I still have mine in my freezer. A gentleman and a genius. Thank you for adding so much to my life. Marie XXX
written by Andrew Parker , June 02, 2010
A big thank you Steve to you and all the Band, for the wonderful show in Bristol last night. I was on cloud 9 all the way back to Exeter. The whole experience was one I will be reliving for a long time.
The Larety Sisters were a true revelation and I will certainly be following their career with great interest. Those that could not drag themselves from the bar missed a real highlight of the evening. I downloaded "Nobody's Here" as soon as I got back last night and look forward to downloading more as soon as they are available.
Hope you will be back in the South West soon, and that the rest of the tour is as rewarding for you as last nights set was for me.
Be safe Andy
written by Steve Dobbin , June 03, 2010
Steve, being a newbie to the site, i wrote on the forum in the hope that you would read my thoughts about the Buxton gig... i just had to let my inner feelings out somewhere. I truly hope you see them and accept them for what they are... a massive THANKYOU to you all. Gutted that i didn't get to have a beer and a chat with you, that would have been a perfect end to a fantastic night. Maybe next time. Keep up the amazing work, best of luck with the rest of the tour, good health and fortune to each of you AND if i can get a ticket, i'll see you in Holmfirth, god willing!
Take care and thanks again,
Steve.
written by tracy m , June 03, 2010
Hi Steve,
I went to York to see you, front row..(for the very first time)i had a fantastic night,i was blown away, i am still buzzing. love the new album. The Lartey Sisters, are brill, would love to see you all perform again.
Thanks for a great night
Tracy
written by Mercury , June 06, 2010
Hi Steve,
Last night's concert at Holmfirth was fantastic. Although I've loved ALL your music ever since I first heard Sebastian on a tinny transistor way back in 1973 last night was the first time I've seen you live. I'm glad I was right at the front. i will definitely be going to more of your concerts! Love the new album, too.
Jill
written by john birch , June 09, 2010
Dear Steve,
Holmfirth was a complete blast and i 've barely come down since.
I've been to so many gigs in my 54 years i have lost count but amongst them i've seen Queen in their pomp, Rod Stewart, Bowie, Roxy Music, Elton John, Santana, Squeeze and Del Amitri to name but a few..............none of them bare comparison with Friday night's show, it was immense.
I only hope you felt the way we lesser mortals afterwards,
Thank you so so much for one of the greatest nights of my life,
Birchy
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