Well, it will be soon and, given how the next week or so looks, I probably won’t have time to write another blog post as I’ll be onstage, a lot, and then it’s Christmas where I’ll be pretending to pay attention to family but I’ll secretly be working on a new play.
I’ve really enjoyed this year and there’s been much to be grateful for. Career-wise I’ve taken on more drum students than ever, we’ve held two spectacular student showcases for them and I’ve added two extra schools to my roster. I’m at the point where my schedule is bursting and I’m currently teaching drums 7 days a week, but I’m totally enjoying all of it…so much progress has been made this year, my students are developing wonderfully and I feel like I’ve become a better teacher, learning along the way.
Musically in 2019 it’s been a transitional year; Fred’s House are finally settled with our new line-up (after various changes in the first half) and the recent tour suggests that momentum has returned. We’re recording new material in February next year and it’s all very positive again after some uncertain times. It’s been a pleasure to also play with Glymjack; I’ve long been a fan of Greg’s work so it’s been wonderful to drum all over his lovely songs and we’ve got more stuff in the pipeline, plus it’s been great to be back with We Are Sound. Our next gig, this Thursday, is with Evelyn Glenie and Griff Rhys-Jones, which is nice. I’ve also enjoyed drumming for Steve Logan, both on his latest album and summer gigs. Lots of shows with lots of bands to follow next year.
My theatre stuff has taken up a lot of my time this year, mostly because I’ve finally written a show that people like (it’s only taken 14 years…). I performed Harvey Greenfield is Running Late all over the country before a 3-week Edinburgh run, where it picked up 4 stars from The Scotsman. I’ve kept it running since, earning praise from the BBC in the process, LOTS more to come from this show next year including a short West End run, a UK (plus Ireland) tour and a film version. We also toured HOP, which was great fun (apart from one night, but let’s not dwell on that – it would be impossible for it to work everywhere), the shows in Belfast and Manchester were particularly amazing in front of huge crowds. After three years of running that show its probably time for it to be retired, but we’ll see. I also quit stand-up after 5 years of awkward storytelling, partly because of the success of Harvey G and my returning love of theatre, but also because I was never any good at it and was no longer enjoying myself up there. I’m doing enough things right, it feels like a good time to drop the things I wasn’t exactly excelling in.
Oh yeah, and I also got engaged, which is an incredibly grown-up thing to do. Never thought I’d be the type, but it turns out all I had to do was meet the right girl.
We recently started recording a little podcast sitcom with an outstanding cast, with more to be recorded in January, my radio sitcom is still being recorded by the BBC Radio and Theatre Group and I’ve started writing a show based on the music of my friend, singer-songwriter, Graham Parker, which will see the light of day in early 2020.
It’s been a wonderful year full of opportunities and there’s much excitement around the corner. Thanks to everyone who has ‘got’ what I do in 2019, I can’t wait to catch up again soon, whether I’ll be teaching you, shouting at you from a stage or drumming in front of you…you’re wonderful. In the meantime, I’ve got 1 day at a school left, 3 private lessons and 13 gigs until I can switch off the internet, put on my Christmas jumper and spend 2 weeks calming down in good company.
Merry Christmas!