As we say goodbye to 2017, I ended the twelve months in typically manic fashion. Pretty much in keeping with the rest of the year then...in 2017 I performed 239 shows, wrote 3 books, toured China, performed 85 times at the fringe and played on 5 different albums. The plan was for a quiet festive season as I evidently have a very tired face, but where's the fun in that?
I've really enjoyed December; a music/comedy festival I curated hit Cambridge, and my own comedy shows - a festive special of Let's Face the Music and Bants plus two nights of my Complete History of Christmas Music show were great fun. I also ran next year's new tour show, Short Plays for Marvellous People, a few times privately.
Musically, there was the Fred's House Christmas gig which was a joyously sweaty sold out show and the We Are Sound offshot, The Roar of Sound, played two cracking shows. Oh yes, and I also played 12 gigs in one day with James Erskine, making a ton of cash for Macmillan Cancer Support in the process...that was quite some day. I've also been teaching drums, with some very talented young students on my books - if you're looking for a drum teacher, let me know!
My year ended with being a best man for a first time, for my close friend (and regular bandmate, bassist) Edd as he married the lovely Emily. The day was sheer perfection and I didn't drop the rings or anything.
I'm now back at the family home for Christmas, having spent 4 days eating, drinking, catching up with friends and making plans for 2018. It has all the hallmarks of being a good one. Happy New Year!