Selling albums is a great feeling

January 27

It’s been years since I’ve had anything to do with bands. Since the band I fronted, Clear Blue Skies, ended, I have been involved only in acoustic music. That is until tonight, when I put on three bands at Newbiggin Maritime Centre.

Back in the days I had a friend called Peesh, of a band called Junkster. I decided to put on his new band Logoz. Daryl Burns, another friend, fronts a band called The Pastures. He was one of the first players for Acoustic Magic, from Alnwick. The headliner was a hard-working touring band called Twister.

All three have played The 02 Academy venues and in May Twister will headline the main stage, with Sam Gibson supporting.

In Newbiggin more than 60 people came to see the bands. They loved it and would like more.

It was a different night for Acoustic Magic and was great. Melanie agrees so we can now occasionally put on band nights too. This can help as we try to keep the music ticking and bring in touring musicians.

January 28

There was sad news for Sam driving from Dinnington to Berwick as the venue he was booked into said they had cancelled weeks ago. Not only did he lose his wage, but he had to drive there and pay for the inconvenience.

I was back with one of my favourite people, Chris our driver. We went to Jarrow to play a We Steal Flyers gig. A Clear Blue Skies fan turned up who I knew 10 years ago and bought two CDs. It was a good night.

January 29

There was a nice easy gig at East Boldon with We Steal Flyers. It was a good week for January.

Sam has been booked back to the Berwick venue. It’s a tough living a lot of the time, but when people work together it makes for a better life.

I love hearing about the good in life. Life goes on with or without us, but as long as we are around we can be together.

Life will give up on me one day, but I will never give up on life.

January 30

Today is a start to the week and the end of a month. So much has been done, but there’s always so much to do. You can never catch up, but that’s what keeps us going.

Melanie has sorted out the tax and posters for the next month of gigs were posted.

There was another five-mile walk with Ellie. For winter it is not too bad walking. Living here will always be cold and windy, but it’s what we are used to.

January 31

Today was a repeat of yesterday, only with a few new gigs in the mix.

It took me 13 months to get Sam a gig in Sheffield and now I have to get another one or two to go with it. The longer the tour, the more worth doing it is.

Selling albums is the main earner and the reason we do what we do. It’s a great feeling.

February 1

Hello to February. Like every month, I am looking forward to seeing what I have set up.

I walked 170 miles in January. It was a good start to the year – a lot of thinking and walking.

February 2

For years February has been the month I go with Shaggy to tour Switzerland. I’m pleased it is not going to happen this year. I love it there, but I’m pleased for the break. I love my own country.

I am loving reading the USA trip by George Mahood right now. I loved my three weeks in Texas, but I will not take another American offer until Ellie and Rebecca are older and living their dreams.