5 down, 8 to go - Originally posted January 31st, 2006

MOrning!
Its our first day off in a week having just done a handful of northern shows supporting belle and sebastian. They're the biggest gigs we've ever done really and i think we're all getting used to brakes gigs on such big stages, its a bit different to playing overcrowded sweaty shit holes at full volume. The shows have all been sold out as b&s's crowd have obviously been waiting patiently to see them on the road again. They have a very polite audience and you get the impression that seeing them live is a very personal highlight for most attended, hence some blank or confused faces during our set, we're getting used to that too though. No heckles so far so that's good. Its just nice to know people will at least have heard of us even if they're not too taken by our noise. I roughly worked out that we'll have played to about 45'000 people by the time we finish this and the editors tour. The headliners sound great, a huge 11 piece band with a variety of sonic toys including a hammond organ (with leslie speaker) and a vibraphone. The new stuff sits in well with all their old favourites, crowd have been a little hit-hungry, shouting out songs etc, that's got to be annoying. Really nice people too. Our mode of transport is a mercedes sprinter splitter van, white with 3 seats in the front and six in the back. It also has the extra touch of blacked out windows so we can make faces at people on the motorway without them seeing in, although we haven't sunk to that form of entertainment yet. The playstation has been keeping us in order, plenty of movies, games and music at our disposal. Best thing about touring with belle and sebastian is their on road caterers, 'eat to the beat' who've been keeping our tummies full every day with a sumptuous choice of meals, fruit, bread and cheese... pretty much anything we'd want. Off to Bristol tomorrow, Brighton on friday will be fun, last time i was on that stage i was playing a sheppard in a nativity play at the age of ten. Cant wait for Ireland either. Photos coming soon.
marc