THE LAST TWO

London   There's one golden rule, when you rely on your laptop for the whole, entire gig and that is 'don't forget your laptop'. So guess what happened...?  The laptop was left snuggling up on Matt's sofa at home, thinking it had got the night off, while we merrily drove all the way to London...sans laptop. OH DEAR!   Wonderful, slow-motion moment of realisation when this 'slight hiccup' dawned on Matt.  His hand went to his head, and an animal-like groan came rumbling over to the passenger seat....and so we turned around and drove all the way back home. Luckily, Matt's wife Zoe came to our rescue meeting us on route with the laptop.  This saved us precious minutes so that we made it back to O2 Academy by the skin of our teeth (I had to get ready in the car!!)  Such a bizarre experience for me - I literally got to our dressing room, changed into my costume and walked out on stage.  I had no idea where my mic was, what the venue was like, how it would sound or how many people were there!  Just walked out, to be met by hundreds of people looking at me and hoped for the best! Hahaha...good job I've got nerves of steel (!) There must have been something in the air, because the Kaj had also had a bit of a 'mare, with their equipment being stuck in Hackney and Jez having taxi-traumas. Anyway the gig was great, although a bit of a haze.  We sold loads of merch (thanks Ben!) and had some amazing feedback, media interest and suggestions for future gigs. Thank GAWD we made it.   Southampton   The Brook was a nice venue - friendly staff and (thankfully) a straight-forward and relaxed get-in. Again, a bit of a family affair for me with Daddy coming to watch!  He hadn't seen me sing in public since I was about 9 years old,  Think he was impressed ;)  This was my favourite performance of the tour, nice sound, great crowd and Spider-Dan shooting video...oh I do love poncing around in front of cameras! Chatting to the owner's girlfriend after the show, and this venue is apparently haunted :)  Some interesting spookiness did happen; The battery on my phone completely drained whilst at the The Brook, and this never happens.  The battery on Dan's camera also mysteriously drained, and we had the only occurrence of Matt's remote iphone starting system not working.  In actual fact, this DID work but somehow the volume on the laptop, which was set up on stage, had been turned right down?!  Spooooooooky.  Send in Most Haunted (pleeease!) We partied with the Kaj after the show, to celebrate a successful end to our tour,  We all got a bit squiffy etc. I'm sure at one point Stewart walked in looking a bit smashed and smoking a cheroot (!)  I had a really interesting conversation with Nick, about dysfunctional families, meditation, addiction - all light-hearted stuff haha, but very cool.  Meanwhile Jez was doing a brilliant human-fruitbowl impression and I enjoyed sipping beer and nibbling on his succulent grapes. Think we got back to the hotel at about 3am - I got the big bed HURRAY! Really chuffed as we've been invited to play with them again at their Xmas show at "The Stables' near Milton Keynes on December 16.  Looks like a great theatre venue, owned by Cleo Laine. I will finally get to perform Tears and Tinsel which we've performed live only once before.  The boys have suggested me dressing as Santa's helper - but I'm opting for the Dame Edna Christmas tree outfit with extra-shiny baubles.   A big thank you to NKers (old and new), Kajagoogoo, Brian Coles, all the crew and friends and family who came to cheer us on.  Sarah X