Loved this gig even though I was knackered
I hadn't planned to do this as it sold out fairly quickly but at 0830 on Friday morning someone put on Facebook that 2 tickets for sale.
Cue mad panic and try to book ferries.
45 mins later, tickets bought and ferries booked, only a 400+ mile journey to undertake
Hit Dover at 1330, I was booked on the 1510 to Calais but they got me on the 1400 to Dunkirk, hit the road for a 2 1/2 hour, 140 mile dash to Rijkervorsel in torrential rain.
Got to the venue for approx 1945, found the pub where some fans were, collected my ticket had a quick pint, i definitely needed it.
Got to venue and said the usual hellos as word had spread that I was going.
No support act so NMA on a bit earlier, great set and the pit was not too bad, active but not mental.
After the gig I has to say my goodbyes and promises to meet up again soon ( Bristol for me ) so back on the road and head back to Dunkirk as I was booked on the 0400 ferry, made good time and got there for 0120, got put on the 0200 ferry.
Once we set sail I tried to get some kip and possibly had about 90 mins, we were late docking due to other ferries.
Once we get off I had the prospect of another 280 miles drive home, stopped at Birchanger services for a coffee and a 45 min nap and finaly got home at around 0945
24 1/2 hours out the house, just over 2 hours kip and over 800 mile drive
I must be mad, would I do it again
Of course I would
Only another 15 NMA gigs to do this year
Roll on the 40th Anniversary, wonder what delights they'll have in store for us
I'm hoping for a similar format to the 30th and weekends away to Brazil and the US for starters
Cheers
Red
