All Hallows Church | Leeds | 30.1.11

Yesterday’s gig in Leeds was amazing. I took my photographer pal Tom Price along for the epic five-hour trip. We picked up a hitcher called Hammy en route. He was a Scottish lighting engineer and he thought Katy Perry was okay. Then we stopped at my parents’ house in Upton-upon-Severn for a Sunday roast. It was off the chain, especially the potatoes (McCain’s Home Roast).

The promoter, Steve, had got us Lancashire hotpot for dinner which he served with chips. Steve didn’t realise, however, that the hotpot was 80% potato. This meant that our dinner was essentially 90% potato. Luckily Tom and I are absolutely mad for carbs, and a plate of non-stop potato was highly welcome.

The gig itself was one of wonder; gorgeous acoustics and a lovely crowd. There was a pay-what-you-like bar (amazing!) and during the middle of the gig a guy was peering through the glass to see what was going on. I beckoned him in and he introduced himself to the crowd as John, saying that he was on his way to see a Madness tribute band down the road. I charmed him by playing a bit of ska piano (using my metronome button as a drumbeat) and then he went on his merry way.

Leeds - you were dead good. Thanks.