I’m back in London after a whirlwind trip to the States. My first gigs with the band since 2019. My first NYC solo show for as long as I can remember. It was vital to reconnect with friends and Enemies alike. Despite the absence of genius guitarist, Riley McMahon, the band sounded better than ever. They even let me play some of my recent ditties: two or three in New York, seven or eight for the double set in DC.
Miraculously, on the very morning of our last New York rehearsal Riley texted us the news that Natalie was heading to the hospital to give birth. The next day as John, Tim, Kevin and I drove down to DC we received the even better news: Annabel Gray McMahon! Mazel tov!!
The turn-out for all the shows was heartwarming. The reception for the band at Rockwood was so enthusiastic it felt like we could have played Humpty Dumpy seven times and we’d still have been called for an encore. Big thanks to Ken, Matt, Dan, Stephen and all the staff at that wonderful club for inviting us back and providing the context for a beautiful reunion. And thanks to all our friends and fans who came out to support.
Enemy #1 (John Young) ready to rehearse in DUMBO
The show at the deej in Washington DC was equally encouraging. Dan and Maria throw the best house party on the East Coast. This was the first for them since the pandemic. No sign at all they were out of practice. Everyone was ready to hear live music and be amongst friends. Big thanks to Chris Watling and Peter Fox for sitting in (at the last minute) on sax and keyboards respectively. It was also lovely to have Victoria Villalobos join us us for a few songs fresh from her second kidney transplant. Victoria shared many a wonderful night with the band back in the Fez days in the early 2000s and was also part of the gospel choir on our Building A Road album.
Dan and Maria, hosts of the deej in Washington DC
A few hours after the double set I was on a plane to visit my eldest brother Nigel in Minnesota. Nigel suffered a bad stroke several years back. It was great to see him.
My eldest brother Nigel and his wife Connie
So much to process. So good to play music with friends and Enemies alike. Thanks to everyone for the fellowship and the encouragement. Thanks to Peter and Sophia for the NYC hospitality and to Dan and Maria for the same in Washington DC. Most of all, thanks to John Young, Tim Vaill, Candace DeBartolo, Kevin Cordt and Tony Lauria for the resumption of hostilities.
Farewell Manhattan