Snakehips gets a bit hot under the accordian...

The background to this being the confirmation of dates for the Lights Party a couple of years ago, based it would seem on quite wrong criteria. And who can argue? Anyway, it's a very good rant!

"Alan,

Hurt and betrayal (and solving world peace) have prevented me from answering earlier. My lights experience includes:-

• Providing (often uninvited) musical back up in the early days in Ruthven;
• Swaying on the table in Ruthven with Lou (before a fag burnt her catsuit);
• Telling Tam Cowan that he would go down a storm and that it wasn't a rugby club disco gone wrong;
• Agreeing with Ali Abassi when he said I produced the best ceilidh sound he had ever heard. And he had heard some top stars;
• Telling the heartbreak he didn't look a twat in whatever costume he was in;
• Calming you down in 2003 when no-one was there by 9pm cos there was the final of Stars in your Eyes;
• Playing Donald Iain Rankine so beautifully on the old Moreschi that it made the lovely Planet fall in love with the first man she saw;
• Keeping the caretaker onside;
• Finding George in 2001 (when he still answered my calls) so that he would come and piece the PA together.

And it has come to this. The lights date is now decided on the basis of the GF and Crikey's availability. You don't book the organ grinder on the basis of the monkey's attendence my boy. I understand the all round importance of the GF but to check out the bikester before the international genius that is Logie? Crikey turned down HP's wedding because of a head cold.And who are "these other musicians you have waiting in the wings?"

And- why why why oh why does it have to coincide with a visit to the mother in law.

And happy wedding anniversary..... And love and peace to you all.

Serp"