With the nether regions nagging, a hernia on one side, a duct strain on the other and of course the burden of lugging around a pair of prized globes (well one can dream), the Achilles twanging (due to running and not warming up), the back and chest aching due to overdoing the boxing and weights, and the head filled with the usual dubious magic, I decided to defy the general drag and get an early gig of the year in. I expected a fair do, things to hopefully run on time and the headline band to hold their own (2 out of 3 ain’t bad).

A few fine faces were in attendance, the opening band (Benefit State) gave a steady stint, The Drones offered up their rock and roll routine that was very decent and then late in the day, The Daisymen were left to do what they do with a sound that was spot on (what else would you expect from Mike Swann and this established gaff). I was due to go home, my missus said 'stay' and she would pick me up later, I watched on, expectantly!

The way to capture a crowds attention (especially if thrown in with a headline slot) is to cop them a real one-two whilst looking compact, unified and up for the task ahead. If you can do this with two mesmeric numbers of magnetising appeal then you are more than welcome to throw in a cover for good measure. The Daisymen opened with the embracing 'Here We Go' which rolled into the quite heartwarming 'Beautiful Mistake' that was followed by the age old classic of 'I Wanna Be Your Dog'. For me, the cover was unnecessary as the magnitude of the opening brace of sonic sensations was really a cut above. I was ensnared, this was looking to be something rather special, my lugs were open, I was aurally agog.

The set flowed with a liquidity borne from pressing time and a band who certainly know their stuff and, may it be said, each other’s stuff. 'Four Leaf Clover' was the next high although the previous two tracks had me smiling away and applauding a set that was overflowing with earthy, approachable and unaffected goodness. After the cementing quality of 'Going Down' we were given a stunning zenith via the White Ribbons' classic known as 'Sophie'. The band took on an absolute emotive gem and nailed it, sealed it and added their own special baubles on top. The heartstrings were touched, not just by the subject matter, but by the sincerity and the solidarity of a band in the groove - wow.

The clock ticked on, the band were rolling forth and after yet more substantial sonic quality 'Picking Up The Pieces' had me soaking up something special and really in tune with all that the speakers vomited forth. 'Blitzkrieg Bop' closed, it was a chance for the crowd to join in with something more familiar and ease down but come the end an encore was requested, a Nirvana ditty was given and a full stop soon came, much to great appreciation by an understanding crowd. Job fuckin’ done’.

Soon after I was in a car, cock-a-hoop and thanking the missus for being patient and giving me a chance to support some good-hearted grafters - it was worth every darn minute. The DIY was underway, I am inspired as per, the quality never ends – do not take it lightly, do your bit.