What do you mean Gene have split up? wondered why I hadn't heard from them 
for a while. 

Martin quit the band for reasons that went back years which only the four 
of us know about. It wasn't purely about the fear of becoming a nostalgia 
band or getting a proper job. In fact I was the first to take the plunge 
and start a teaching job in 2002 as I had three kids and a Fred Perry 
habit to support. We were in financial meltdown after Libertine which we 
are all still recovering from. I know Martin genuinely believed splitting 
the band in 2004 was the right time to do it. I personally think we had 
another album in us. 

I miss Steve losing his mobile everyday, Matt and his egg mayo sarnies, 
and Martin going to the toilet all the time. 

Until the Here and Now Britpop reunion tour of 2010 with Sleeper and 
Shed 7 I am forming Gene 2 with my kids. It is going well though Ewan 
has a broken arm at the moment so struggling with the drums to Fighting 
Fit. Jessica and Elliot are doing a sterling job as the Rossiter/Mason 
front line(guess who is Martin)and I am still trying to perfect my 
Ronnie Lane shuffling across the stage. Although at my age shuffling is 
all I can manage. We have been offered thousands not to do it. 

Palace Fires, when you gonna do a Saturday gig so me and the Grimsby boys 
can come and see you? 

On a serious note, I miss Gene. We were bloody brilliant. 
Have a peaceful Christmas. 
Love Kev