Day 12 - Manchester Academy 3:

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel which I actually made this time, I 
spent a nice amount of time being amused by the vast array of hangovers 
that were present. It also started snowing......what the hell is going 
on with our weather!!! We pile back onto the bus, preparing for a 
blizzard tainted drive to Manchester. We watched a few episodes of 
family guy which never fails to entertain. On arrival, we are met by a 
fantastic greeting party! We have never had a meeting party like this 
one waiting for us at a gig................it was so exciting, everyone 
was there - rain, sleet, and even snow!

We swiftly get our gear inside, all falling victim to a runny nose from 
the brief spell of cold weather. We have yet more technical nonsense to 
take care of before the gig, so we set about doing that. Oh the joy. The 
entire building is absolutely freezing, and I soon find myself just 
wanting to go into hibernation. Instead we head off to the pub for a 
couple of pints before the gig. WE meet up with 'Little Rob' our old 
sound engineer.............he's still small. 

After a short stroll back to venue, it's time to get ready for the gig, 
we all get suited and booted and embark on our customary red bull. I wish 
you could all see us at this point, we're all pacing around, Will and Tom 
exercising their vocals by making amusing noises, Bren drumming on thin 
air, and me flexing and clenching my fingers, and shaking my wrists all 
over the place......it's a funny sight.

We prepare to go on stage, excited about playing to the sold out crowd. 
We enter to a great applause.......I can't explain how much better you 
feel about the gig, when you walk on stage and the crowd are really 
noisy......it really does get you going. Feeling confident we plough 
through the set to the best of our ability......we are getting better 
and better, and believe each gig is becoming better than the last. The 
crowd seemed to love it, and we were really happy with the gig. 
Afterwards, we spend a while talking to the fans......quite a few 
familiar faces which is always nice!

We all go through the motions of loading out the gear, then finally 
settle on the bus. Little Rob stayed around so it was nice to catch up 
for a while. Now, it's operation Norwich!



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