Well now. Just recovered from a splendid weekend in Liverpool where we played The Cavern on Friday evening. We went up for one night in two people carriers with enough gear and supplies to last us a week. We took a few State of Undress stalwarts with us - Julie and Dee, and our official 'road manager', Arthur - who's a walking encyclopaedia of Beatles and 60's music. Hence his absolute insistence on driving us up! Sam's mum, Sylvia, was bravely putting us up for the night and we arrived in the great city about 4.00pm just in time for a quick cuppa and change into our evening gear ready to sound check at The Cavern at 6.00pm. There were several bands playing that night - have to put a word in for The Jubilees and Ardentjohn - who were just so friendly and fun. We went on about 9.15pm. Now, OK, musically, it maybe wasn't the most satisfying of gigs as with so many bands and with us having acoustic instruments as well, the sound wasn't the best we've had. But there's no escaping the buzz and atmosphere of the place. We just loved being there. Met up with my friend Lou who I hadn't seen for more than 2 years, and her partner Moz, which was a real treat. Watched a couple of the other bands and then went back to Sylvia's for a little bit of an apres-gig! Malcolm and I did sterling work blowing up all the air-mattresses which was just as well as Liz woke up several times with a slow puncture, so to speak, and it was third time lucky for her! The following day, we'd planned to busk in the town centre but a five-hour journey both ways and a gig in the middle, we just decided to hang out and do all the Beatles touristy bits. It was brilliant. Dee and Julie caught the 'Ferry Cross the Mersey'; Liz and Malcolm did The Tate and The Maritime Museum; and Arthur, Alan and I spent over two hours going round The Beatles Story in the Albert Docks. It really is an incredible story. It's not til you spend time in Liverpool and see all the references to The Beatles that you really get some idea of the impact they had musically and socially. Went to The Beat Store where Arthur bought a rather racy pair of suede Chelsea boots; then back in the buses and homeward bound. Arrived back at about 10.30pm to round off the day with a curry from the splendid Mr Jarna and a few beers! (When we got back we found that Ghosts of Wasted Chances had been played on BBC Radio Merseyside on Friday afternoon. Result!Thanks Nickie McKay and Billy Butler) We're now getting ready for our in-store performance at Virgin Megastores, Piccadilly on Wednesday 4th October at 6.00pm. If you're in London at that time, we'd love to see you. Otherwise, catch us at one of our many other gigs - see our website for details www.stateofundress.com
See you!
Charlie