Duke Special Blog

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Oxford, Zodiac

Last day of the UK tour. It has been lovely having Stephanie, Fi and Vicky with us. They presented us with a signed football in memory of the infamous Stockton night and we gave them chocolate hovering bunnies! Gig sold out and good crowd from the Swindon and Bristol massives, cheers driver.
Duke xx

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

London

ULU, best dressing room yet - a balcony, a bed, changing screen and a swimming pool in the room next door! The lovely Beth Rowley and Ben castle guested tonight to a packed room. Such a great vibe, ending up in the audience (minus Ivo who had nipped out for a bite to eat!). Great audience plus DJ78 in the bar, by the merch and in the dressingroom after the show.
Duke x

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Manchester, Matt and Phreds

Pretty manic day starting with a readio session in Oldham where DJs include Mani (ex stone Roses), Mike Joyce (ex The Smiths) and Martin Coogan (brother of Steve and ex Mock Turtles!). Local TV show followed thenthe gig at Matt and Phreds a cool little jazz club. The night ended well with pizzas and watching Ivo sit in with the late night jazz trio!
Duke x

Monday, February 19, 2007

Nottingham

Spent the morning remembering last time here with David Ford, Joheman and Francie. Its the Social and tonight is rammed, again people at the back can't see anything, sorry! Ended up on top of the bar, singing. Paul played a football rattle for the first time tonight. Ivo handed me someone's forgotten gas bill...

Duke xx

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Day Off

great to be in a real bed for a night. went to a brill gallery on Latimer Road showing the work of James Turell really great! Big night out to go see Rufus perform the songs of Judy Garland at the Palladium. He and especially Martha were inspiring as ever. Got to hang with the lovely paul and Ashleigh from Brighton - looking forward to seeing your next chapter Paul.

Duke xx

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Brighton

So we loaded in at 8.30am and performed at 11.45pm!! This was due to the gig being in a cinema. Joined on stage for 'This Could Be My Last Day' by Frances Thorper (thanks!) and Stephanie (x). Seated late gig made for a mellow one apart from front row dancers and Yasmin!!! Dug deep for some connections and we got there i think. The Poisoner returned and was blowing some sweet poision - mmmmm
Love Duke x

Friday, February 16, 2007

Norwich, Arts Centre

Great venue - the Norwhich Arts Centre. Bought some cool vinyl, harry Nillson, George Formby, Randy newman and the like. Got to play with Rob for last night for a while. Met DJ78 tonight who spun some 78s in the foyer beforehand - brilliant! Thanks to him!!

DSxx

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Bristol The Thekla

The Thekla? I love it!! yes, the gig was on a boart brought to the river Avon by Viv Stanshall of Bonzo Dog Doo-dah Band fame!!! It was a great setting and I got to hear Stephanie's amazing set properly tonight. Paul and I also wrote a sea shantie just beforehand which was fun! great to hang out with some old friends after too.

Love Duke xx

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Birmingham, Glee Club

Hurray, I love the Glee Club in Birmingham. Markus always looks after us so well and tonight wsas no different! First seated gig on the tour - witnessed a new Olympic sport after - people curling - very cool! Ivo was pouring some beautiful poison over the audience. There are loads of great acts playing here over the next while - check out the web site and I recommend the gig totally, so there!!
Duke xx

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Leeds

The Faversham day began funny with Ivo's magic dinner appearing and running into our friend Thomas Truax who just happened to be there from a gig the night before. Gig went great though it was nearly impossible to see people any further back than the 4th row!
Got to hang wtih my friends Carl and Emily after which was fun - Carl smoked Paul's pipe (no a euphimisim!) much to Paul's distain.

Love Duke

Friday, February 09, 2007

Glassgow

King Tuts.
First sold out gig here, cue complimentary King Tut's bottle of Whiskey! Met up with old friend Gareth a composer and orchestrator who used to play some of the same piano haunts as me in Belfast. afterwards we went to one of the pkaces he plays in Glassgow, a kind of swanky member's place near Tuts. i felt so out of place there now as did Claire and Guinness who hung out after. always good to play Glassgow though. Enduring memory- Claire walking sock soles thru the streets!

Duke xx

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Edinburgh

Instore today which was surprisingly well attended! Got the new Jarvis Cocker album on vinyl. My nephew daniel and friends came to the gig (which was fab!) and we went out after for drinks. I love playing Cab Vol which is part of the haunted Edinburgh trail and in the middle of the cobbled hills and city gates.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Newcastle, The Clunny

What a great venue! More like a European one with a cool little resturant attached. It's been amazing already to see how audiences have grown since the last tour. Last time I was here with The Divine comedy, a memorable gig as Neil was passed a demo Cd by someone in the audience and proceeded to pause the gig in order to play the Cd over the PA!

Duke x