Just recently picked up this nice old Vox AC30 and gigged with it over Xmas. I’ve come full circle because my first amp was an AC30 and I regret ever getting rid of it. It sounds amazing so I’ll definitely be hanging onto this one. Just wish it was a few kilos lighter!

My old bandmate and dear friend Mark Fisher died yesterday. I’ve known Mark for 35 years, we were in Second Image and Matt Bianco together along with countless sessions and TV work. He died from the same thing that killed my brother Tommy, Cancer of the oesophagus.
Mark was a funny guy who always saw the good in situations, an amazing keyboard player, composer and producer.
I’ll miss him!

I’ll be at Area 51 Studio later today doing a guitar session for The New Groove Association album.
The last GA album, “3 am” is selling steadily in Japan and there’s talk of some gigs out there next year.

Just heard my long time mate, mentor and wonderful guitar player Steve Byrd has passed. We grew up on the same housing estate in Hackenthorpe, Sheffield. He was a few years more advanced on guitar than me and gave me something to aspire to.Steve was a unique guy who never let the grass grow under his feet, grabbed life by the horns and created some inspired and moving work. Peace my old friend x

Function gig at Royal Overseas House on St. James Street W1 last night, rubbish parking and a noise meter so, wearing my black suit, I hopped on the train/tube with the smallest amp known to man, minimal pedalboard and a Tele.
Perfectly loud enough, no stress and I was home at midnight!
This is definitely the way to go for West End gigs!

Played a really enjoyable gig with Em at The Drum in Stanford last week.
An event to fundraise and object to the proposed Lorry Park.
Emilee was on fire as usual performing her original set and I even did a few solo songs myself, a bit of Santana, Stones, Bowie and Dire Straits….something for everybody!!

A great success, a breathtaking location and a well organised and fantastic gig!
A rented Strat is definitely the way to go for these fly dates!
Veni Vidi Vici

Looks like I’ll be hiring a local Strat for my gig in Italy at the weekend. Only problem is if it needs a tweak when I get there, airlines keep confiscating my tools!