Works night out

The Vinny Peculiar Christmas works night out finds us in the dear old Knot Fringe Pub in Deansgate where we’ve booked a table, our favourite table in the corner no less, the one with the carved medieval chairs and views of the street. Mike’s here by taxi and Ben Knott is on a lift promise. Andy and Ben Cooke are accustomed to floating across cities without wheels meanwhile I’m the only sucker daft enough to have come by car. I regret this almost immediately but don’t have the wherewithal to do anything about it which makes me the honorary shandy man, an accolade usually reserved for Mike. Anyway, all’s pretty much as it should be; we drink up and get merry, talk about the highs and lows, plan a bit and dream a bit. I manage a couple of roll ups and wonder how on earth it came to pass. On the way back to the car I discard what’s left of the tobacco in my attempt to return to planet clean lung. We had a pleasant night. I’d like to report some bizarre occurrence, some strange and wonderful happening that made it such a memorable occasion but I’d only be making it up. Andy Mike and Ben went back to Bens and I went home, drank some herbal tea, went to bed and read an article by Bill Drummund from the FURTHER MANUEL, the one written in the Liverpool tower block Mimosa Place. Very good it was too. On a different tack we’re off to record in Gothenburg in early January with Spooner producing; he’s currently working with Swedish Psychedelic Rockers The Soundtrack of Our Lives who are somehow implicated in the opportunity. Then to Ireland at the end of January [see the tour dates]. We also have shows in Brixton and Aldershot. After that give or take the odd gig we’re focussing on recording, hopefully in Sweden assuming we’re happy there. I love the idea of recording in cold and foreboding Sweden. I should be perfectly at home there, of course none of this is in tablets of stone but I thought I’d tell you sooner than later as anticipation is so much better…well it is according to The Delta Five, a Leeds band circa 1982, who are fondly remembered by a few of us, me included. A small UK tour is being planned for April to push the single which we are still undecided on, a toss up between Man about the House and Two Fat Lovers. One last thing, thanks to all who have made contact via email, at gigs, in supermarkets and on street corners, via spiritual voids or pathways of righteousness, whatever…thanks for that and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Until then if not before, best wishes, VPx