It's Written on a T-shirt

11 minutes ago

3 min read

Hi everybody,

We have somehow managed to reach late October. I'm unsure how this happened, and think that several months may have been removed from 2026 but, as yet, am unable to prove it.

However we got here, I hope that as the year winds down, it finds you in a good place. As with any year, I suspect that this will be more true for some than for others, but whatever 2026 has brought you so far, may the remaining weeks be kind to you.

For my part, I'm looking forward to a number of upcoming shows (details below) whilst also reflecting on what was a cracking Autumn tour. I was fighting a cold for much of it which, thankfully, didn't come out until I got home. Consequently, I was able to enjoy playing every show, some of which probably rank amongst my favourites to date. I'm incredibly grateful to all the venues who booked me; to the wonderful people who kindly put me up whilst on the road - from family and old friends to total strangers - and to every person who came along to the gigs. The feedback throughout has been so encouraging and, as always, means the world. As I mentioned ahead of the tour, it was to be my last longer spell away from home. This means that gigs in the South West are now most likely a thing of the past, sadly, but otherwise it'll be business as usual. I'll be keeping busy here in the North, and there are already one or two short runs of dates in place further South for 2027. So, whilst I'll miss catching up with the good folks of Somerset/Devon etc., I shall still be out there.

Over the coming weeks, as well as the gigs, I have a couple of exciting things coming up. I'll be taking part in a podcast about protest songs (more details in due course) as well as keeping busy with a project at Durham Cathedral which will come to fruition in the new year. Along with other bits 'n' pieces, I don't anticipate the rest of 2026 dragging either.

As you may have noticed, t-shirts are now very much available! Thanks to everyone who has ordered them so far, and if you haven't, please do take a look at the shop here to see the growing range of options available. They really are fantastic, and my thanks go to Jane of The Merch Yard for all the work she's done in putting this together. Along with CDs, downloads, lyric books etc., you will also find the link at the Shop. As the gifting season approaches, please bear in mind my little 'implorium' for all your festive needs... as long as those needs may be met by a CD, t-shirt etc..