Milton Keynes. Cardiff, Brighton and Bristol, and last night i think we were in Leister. A week rolled by and the sun finally shines on the downs as the Sunday tikka ticks by. Last night a four hour drive home from what was the best show of the tour so far, the set seemed to fall into place and we all wanted to be turning the same page at the same time. Three motorways closed, traffic at 2am, radio three and some classical calmness for the journey and then the driveway in dense fog to the house. A good week. Lots of corners being turned in my head and on the road, and once again i feel blessed by the people who support me behind the scenes with love and words of. I have also had some nice emails from fans about the shows and that always lifts my game, as does the reviews.

The band are in a wonderful musical place, i feel as if in a bubble with everyone doing there own thing on stage and the sum total is our songs, the ones that say this is who we are. Over the years its been hard for me to own the songs for some reason but right now, barring a few, i feel in total co ownership.

Suddenly the sky meets the hill and there we walk hand in hand on this lovely October day, golden brown and reedy greens whisper on each other as the sun plays games with the branches as they sway before me. Being on tour is all about over thinking, and for me im the expert yet i have no need to as what will be will be, and i can’t be responsible for other people actions or feelings. I have to except the things i can not change and there are often so many. The audience seems to spring to life as we coast through the hits, and Mark on the harmonica helps us with that lift. Dennis on guitar, what a nice man. Another lift, and brass too. The stage is like a huge plate of food and i have to be careful not to over eat, i have to nibble, and in doing so my back can take the weight and my arms can reach just far enough to embrace the chords that fall on my words. On other tours i sing many songs in the night, on this tour i sing one, currently, and we all know what that one is. The builders tea of the set. My role in support never bothers me, im very good with that. Over the years the slipping and sliding down the muddy hill of life has turned into a fun ride. I love the mud on my bum.

In 1978 we played at the De Montfort Hall for the first time, i think with Eddie and the Hot Rods, and last night we played it again, this time older and wider, and a with a massive amount more baggage in the truck. What a great show we put on despite all of that, the people seemed to rise to the songs one and all, and after in the dressing room where sweat and words collide we all seemed to be thumbing up the new running order, perhaps this is it. The one. We are not half way, we are not even there, we are here on the wide open road. Im thankful we have wonderful fans who came and see us each every other year, what pride there is in seeing everyone so happy, and just because we wrote a few songs.

The new album came out this week and to little fanfare, as those days seem to have nipped behind the clouds. That feeling of wow we have a new album out is hard to grasp when its appearance is everywhere all at once, on the internet, there are not shops, and on the phones of one and all. Although mostly our fans want the hits and really only come to life when they hear them played, and why not i think i feel the same way sometimes. The new album is up there with the best of our cannon, the production and the arrangements are carefully intwined like threads in a woven quilt. I can see myself in the tapestry appearing faintly from the crowd, like many albums before i hear and feel the greatness and care that is put into the ears of the beholder. Glenn has to take the credit for this, hats off to him and his generous understanding of song. With this and the last album i think we have proved that we can still deliver on many levels. For now thats it. Buy it if you dare.

A day off in the arms of Sussex, a walk and some collecting of leafs in the garden, some Chicken action and a nice meal in doors. The sun holds on for dear life as the month heaves away into winter, it sits warmly on the brow of the Downs creating a magical throw of light. A mist appears as if from side of stage, the light dims and from the day comes night, a rare night at home and in the background i can hear the sizzle of a frying pan. The smell and the view around me complete my dedication of love to this life, and any that may follow. And all because the lady loves Milk Tray.

It must be hard to be a sailors wife home all hours with me creeping into bed, pillow over head first thing during school run, always tired. A submariner in some ways, only surfacing for lunch and breakfast. Imagine the poster in the careers office, a bloke with a guitar on stage lights above .Your country needs you! Form a band work unsociable hours but look great and be adourored. Perks and overtime, travel, see the World! It’s the perfect job. Mrs Milk Tray supports and loves, it’s a tough role to play, often lonely. I’m lucky and never underestimate the work that goes into getting me out the front door.