Worcester

We set off from Stourbridge looking for a sports pub as it’s Villa v Man City and our camp is divided; me [Villa], and Mike [City]. Andy and Ben aren’t bothered either way as they both support United. After trying a couple of pubs we twig that the kick off isn’t till 5pm and blame Ben for the inaccurate information. Then we’re in Worcester before we know it where there’s a Victorian Fair to contemplate. We stop off at Megan’s house deep in the heart of the bohemian quarter and make small talk with Megan and Leah who are our guides for the day. It’s still only mid afternoon and we’re strolling amongst the traditional pie sellers, the freaks on stilts and the yokel toy makers. Jester’s hats and looby loo suits are everywhere. Leah and Meg are great company and know all the top shops and eating places. We dine on Mexican soup and mulled wine, then we’re loading in to The Marrs Bar on time at five pm. There’s no sign of a sound engineer which gives me time to rehearse with Leah who’s going to be singing later on. Leah [aka Baby Peculiar] is my eldest daughter, she sings backing vocals on both the Growing Up and the Ironing the Soul albums. I don’t see nearly enough of her and we’ve stuff to catch up on. We hang around the venue and witness three other bands sound checking one of whom is BLURT who are so refreshingly different it hurts. They’re a three piece of sax/vox, guitar and drums and sound like Morphine and Captain Beefheart and John Coltrane. I get talking to their eloquent singer who looks like Jon Robbs sensible uncle. He informs that they work predominantly in Europe and rarely gig outside their London base. I suggest we get them on in Manchester as soon as we can. Let’s hope they get in touch and we do just that. Our gig meanwhile is fraught with sound problems over the first two songs but once the engineer has re set the levels we deliver and engage and enjoy. I’m not sure four bands is always a good idea given the desk variables and the short change over still I’m going on unnecessarily here so sorry about that. We encore with Leah’s rendition of Jesus and the Angel from the GONE album. It also happens to be Megan’s favourite song so this is quite an emotional moment for the two best friends who’ve known each for most of their lives; the crowd reaction is simply brilliant and I’m touched and very proud of her. Leah also shows me some beautiful new pictures of my younger daughter Prudence who I miss dearly and who I’ve not seen in quite some time. If you’re reading this Pru please get in touch, I miss you so much, Dad x Mike, Andy, Megan and Leah.