Manchester was great! I awoke at about 5:30 and got off the bus and decided to take a long walk. I walked ~10mi before noon. It's a university town and lots of folks scurrying to classes.

As I was scurrying to get some coffee, I tripped over a bike lane divider and skinned up my knee. If you're keeping count, already I've twice cut myself shaving and now I've skint my knee. That's three for three... Also I ripped a big hole in my favorite pants. Damn!

Before the gig, I walked down the street a bit in search of some good Barbecue. I mean, when in England, one wants some good BBQ right? Well I sure did find it! Red's True Barbecue was waaaaaay above board and delicious. I believe I had a little bit of everything and the sauces they had were all just amazing. Funny thing is, last time I was in the UK (2010) trying to find a bottle of Tabasco Sauce was like locating a Unicorn! They got some spices goin' on there and that's great.

We switched out bassists on this gig; Timmer Blakely had been covering for Roland Guerin. Roland was playing with and music director for Dr. John, up until he passed away. He came back into the band and picked it up with us in Manchester. Wow, two great bassists! Each one unique in their playing and approach. He came in "warm" and on the first night we ran the show with very little "drag". Dude did his homework.

The show was at a college venue and it was a packed house. There was an opening act and they were all very nice and cool guys. Their drummer was the "new guy" as during my research on the group, it turns out their old drummer had a beef with security at the club and had been banned. First rule of being a musician- DON'T GET BANNED FROM ANY CLUB, EVER. Word travels!