If you were at Devizes...

[Anna Woman von NRW]

.... then I hope you’ll bear with me on a cryptic way of saying thank you to whoever met me or p’raps even just saw me at the gig. If that’s you then maybe you’ll realise who I am, and maybe this will make sense.

My first NMA gig was 24 years ago and I lost count ages ago. But Devizes was the first one since living as myself rather than someone I wasn’t. I was really ******* nervous and big public gatherings are hard - I’m not naive enough to think that I’m not noticed and clocked as who I am. But the courtesy, discretion and friendliness from everyone I met all night was immense and really appreciated. For people like me it’s a pretty rare thing to get such a widespread sense of “non issue”. Thank you all so much.
Anna
x
p.s. If you weren’t there/ didn’t meet me/haven’t twigged what I’m on about then that’s probably quite a WTF? post 

p.p.s Special thanks to the 2 guys I got hugged by.

[jc]

Was a great gig wasn't it, will be less discreet next time and say hello.

Cheers

jc

[Shush]

Reading some of the feedbacks, I really wish I had been there, but its getting me excited for some November dates. It seems like NMA are as good as they have ever been at the mo as a live act. Long may it continue.

[Fatalist]

Reading some of the feedbacks, I really wish I had been there, but its getting me excited for some November dates. It seems like NMA are as good as they have ever been at the mo as a live act. Long may it continue.

Better than ever Shush, something has happened over the last couple of years, or rather several things. Ceri has like Marshall brought renewed energy and togetherness on stage. As a visual live act the band are now better - never thought I would say that as I was gutted when Nelson left, but as with NMA always, life moves on, it's something JS has always been big on and right about.

Then there was the small point around 30 years and that mazy run of autumn shows in great locations (the venues like the Trabendo were in some cases fantastic) that again really brought everyone together.

Then there was the fire and the van break in which clearly galvanised the band, but I think it also did the same for the following.

And, I dunno, maybe it's just an age thing but the gigs feel so much mellower nowadays than they did back in the day, much tho I loved the time and all that. Devizes is a case in point, it was the same ritual celebration and gathering that NMA gigs have become, but, and maybe it was just me, there's something else nowadays. An incredible joy in being together, it seems to me.

Anyway, I am probably just knackered after a very late night travelling home from wildest Wiltshire last night - and maybe that resonates with others, maybe it doesn't. Whatever, roll on November like the man said

[Barty]

Nicely put, Fatalist...

[Shush]

Thank you my friend, you summed things up well. I think even the main man himself realizes its more than just music, its a state of mind. He could have gone solo a long time ago, and we would follow with equal loyalty, but I have always got the impression, he is a humble individual, not at all one craving the limelight,  and at the same time, grateful for the dedication he clearly deserves, or more so, thankful people get it. -- no just the tune, the message, or anything, jus that undefinable, IT. what ever, I am enjoying the  ride. Long live the hole concept of NMA. Role on the next gig.

[BlackCountryMaggiD]

Nice one Anna!

[Juliefrazz]

Great to hear you enjoyed the gig, Anna and, if you don't mind me saying, your outward confidence and apparent ease certainly didn't give away any inner fears you may have had. 

Look forward to seeing you at many more gigs, and will hopefully get round to saying Hi next time!

[Anna Woman von NRW]

Thank you  - knew I was at home x