I'm pretty convinced that I know where the hottest temperature in the UK was to be found on Sunday afternoon. It was on the stage of the Norwich Country Music Festival when Nicki and the band were playing.
But first, we had to be on the road before 9.00 in order to get to the festival in time. Although I'd only gone to bed at 2.00, I woke at 6 and got up at seven for some breakfast. We managed to get Chris up and out on time and we had an easy drive to Norwich, arriving at 11.30 or so. Cozy was already there, along with his driver. Nicki and her party had got up for breakfast and then gone back to bed for an hour or two, but arrived in good time.
We were the second band on the afternoon bill, and I met up with Dave the soundman to sort out the D.I. instruments and checking that the back line was OK. After that all we had to do was unload the guitars and guitar stands.
Before we knew it it was our turn to entertain the crowds. Nicki came out in a floor length coat that covered her red dress. Would she have worn it if she knew how hot it would be?
Whether it was the heat (it was very hot in that shed and under those lights)or for another reason, the audience were content to sit and listen to Nicki and the band as we played our customary festival set.
In the picture above you can see the transparent roof panels that cause the building to really heat up. The show has evolved over the weeks, and now includes Bob's duck walk during one of his solos. It made Nicki laugh anyway.
The show ended to rapturous applause and we made our way outside to get some air. We quickly packed the guitars away and loaded the van before sitting and enjoying a cup of tea with a couple of Bob's relatives who'd driven over from the Midlands to watch the show. They've seen us three times on this tour and it's good to get feedback from them. They're looking forward to a trip to Australia in a couple of month's time where they will go and see Bob and Nicki play a show. They've even put in their request for their favourite songs to be played.
Cozy left in a cloud of dust as he had a deadline to meet, and we decided to find some food. Bob was being picked up at the gates, so he said farewell as we headed off for a baked potato (anything but chips!), a cup of tea and an ice-cream.
Then it was our turn to say goodbye as we headed off home along the A47. I don't recall any of the journey home as I slept almost all the way to Peterborough.
We got home just as Sue was serving up a meal. What timing! And home cooking definitely tastes better. We have three days off before the final leg of the tour.
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