Cannock, Thursday

We set off out of Birmingham bound for Cannock, about 20 miles up the road and as we drove along the M6 I noticed that the van was out of diesel! We tip-toed up the motorway to the M54 junction and got off at the first exit. We found a petrol station a mile or so along the road to Cannock and got some diesel into the tank before it finally ran out.
Our satnav then took us over the M6 (?) and into Cannock. Did it anticipate our needing diesel?
The theatre in Cannock is next to the shopping centre. Up the ramp to the loading bay and a level floor on to the stage. It was a good show with a good turn out.No coffee though.
Once we unloaded and after a stop outside the chippy we met up at the filling station and filled the van to the brim before heading back to Birmingham. The M6 junction was closed so we crawled back to the M54 junction 1 and then it was my turn to find our way through Birmingham to the hotel. We arrived in time to have a drink in the hotel bar. I was feeling tired by then so turned in.
Mike, Willie, Lee and Richard stayed up playing pool until the very early hours.
Bad move.

Lytham St Annes- Wednesday

Mike was late leaving his hotel and rather than wait at the Motorway services we chose to go ahead without him. It was very windy but otherwise uneventful and we arrived at the Lowther Theatre about 30 minutes before Mike, Willie and Nina.
The backstage boys were great, especially the lighting guy Callum, who set some great effects. The audience were appreciative but a bit quiet compared to some.
No coffee or tea backstage again. That's three nights on the trot.
Mike booked us into a hotel in Birmingham (only 100 miles away) so he drove us down the motorway and through the maze that is the centre of Birmingham. We arrived, cold, tired and thirsty in the early hours of the morning. Cozy and I usually share a room and our room was freezing. The fire wouldn't work so we stripped the third bed and added the quilts and blankets to our own two. We made it to breakfast although Lee and Richard chose to lie in. After breakfast we swapped rooms and got warm for a change.

Worthing- Tuesday

I slept in and didn't wake up until after 10 am. That meant I was running late and an accident on the Northern bypass, plus a tractor in front me on the A43 and then traffic lights meant I was about 20 minutes late picking everyone up. We made good time and arrived on the South Coast at about 3.30. We were able to use the house PA system and that saved a lot of time setting up. However, the show didn't start until 8.00 so we still had a while to hang around.
The audience were very friendly and got into the spirit of the evening, singing along with us having a good time. We got everything packed away in double quick time and found a takeaway open on the way out of town. We drove up to Pease Pottage where I got a coffee (I hadn't had a cup since breakfast and was gasping)
The M25 was clear and I dropped everyone off by about 2.00.
Early start later today. We're off to Lytham St Annes (near Blackpool)

Beck Theatre Hayes-Monday

We're well into our stride now. The motorway was clear and we arrived in Hayes in good time. Unloading was an event in itself. The loading bay was at the top of a very steep ramp and I feared that the handbrake wouldn't hold the van. Needless to say there weren't many volunteers to climb into the van to retrieve the kit! The theatre itself was well laid out with a level run onto the stage and a friendly and helpful crew- even if they were all drummers!
The show went very well. Richard's sister came down to see the show and she enjoyed it. Loading the van was great fun (not) but we managed it in good time and got home in double quick time. Next stop Worthing

Basildon- Sunday

A night with a difference. Basildon Towngate Theatre is one of the easiest venues from the touring musician's view. You can drive up to the unloading bay and almost drive onto the stage. No steps anywhere! As you can see from the photos the audience is very close to you which also adds to the expreience.
However, we had to change things around last night because Cosy had another engagement so Willie played drums for most of the set, except when he played his own songs and my son Chris played. Now Chris is a big lad, well over 6 feet tall with dreadlocks down to his waist. He usually plays in rock bands so it was quite a challenge for him, and I'm pleased to say he passed with flying colours.
We had to change the running order slightly, but we've now reached the point where we can take these things in our stride. Which is a long way from where we were two weeks ago!
Next stop Hayes.

Back on the road again- Grays

We drove down the M1 & M25 to Grays in bright sunshine and the traffic was light so we arrived early for a change. We had everything on stage before Mike, Willie and Nina arrived. They'd been stuck in traffic, which just shows how traffic conditions can change. The audience were great, singing along to every song. It makes a difference when the audience want to have a good time instead of sitting back waiting to be impressed. A good night, very enjoyable and I got home by 2.00 as well.
Next stop Basildon, then Hayes in Middlesex followed by Worthing Pavilion before four nights out when we play Lytham St Annes, Cannock, Dudley, Falkirk and Langholm (another long drive home)
Posting may be light if I can't get to a computer

Cosy Dixon- man of mystery!

Is Cosy Dixon Andy Parsons?
I think we should be told!