I must admit to being a bit wishy washy with this gig. It was a long way from home, and I was thinking, well its been 15 years since I last saw him, would he still cut it, how many would be going etc. Well the Sage Theatre was fantastic. A modern theatre, but built in the traditional way i.e stalls and balconies. And it was practically full, bar a few rows at the very back of the upper tier. This was no mean feat as it easily held over a thousand.

After a very good support act, the great man appeared. Full of cold/flu and warning that he would sound ****, a bit like Lee Marvin. He even had a mug of Honey and Lemon. He joked not very rock and Roll. Then he raced into the Great Song of Indifference. That one song allayed my fears, he was fantastic. Next up was Love or Something. He carried on through Beat of the Night, Birthday Suit, In the Pouring Rain, Harvest Moon and went onto describe how and why he wrote Scream in Vain. Very moving.

Then really the highlight for me (musically), was when he played old Rats songs. This really got the place rocking. Mondays, Rat Trap, when the night comes, Diamond Smiles, Someones Looking at you, Mary of the Fourth Form, Joeys on the Street Again.

The end came with a fantastic ovation. We wanted more and Bob duly obliged. Pale White Girls, complete with broken string (how punk was that...eat yer heart out the Clash!), finishing with a singalong version of Great Song. Pete Briquette at this stage thought he was 20 years younger and tried to do a Rock and Roll act. He lept onto one of the monitors only to nearly fall into the crowd.

We were lapping it up, but ends must come. I got some good pics of the show and I will try and upload

Some lucky souls had back stage passes....where did they get them?


On the off chance, I asked where the back stage door was. After being told, my wife and I crept around. To be honest I wasn't expecting much. We were told that Bob was really ill and would be going straight back to his hotel.

Well after 10 mins or so, a security guard came out and said that Bob would meet us all, but in pairs. GREAT. My wife and I duly went in. I had my Geldof Auto biography for him to sign, plus my digi camera.

As I walked to Bob, I just thought what the hell do I say. I didn't want to say "hi" nor go gushing like a kid ( I am 39). But this man is my hero. Someone who I have looked upto and respected for nearly 30 years. Well he held out his hand, slightly sweaty. He looked terrible and sounded really croaky. You could tell he was really ill and struggling to be there. I knew that he just wanted his bed. He smiled and thanked me for coming (thank me!!!!). I said that it was over 20 years ago that I last met him (crass I know), and he replied that we are all getting F***** old. Well I got my book duly signed, complete with my name and strangely a kiss. Never mind. Then I had my photo taken and then the security guard took one of both my me and wife with Bob. How good.

Bob, if you ever read this. Then I just want to say. Thanks for the show. You make great music and should do loads more. Live your are still awesome and lost of people who may only have went 'cos of Live 8 went away knowing that you ARE a musician and will see you again. I also thank you for not being a prima donna. Waiting to speak with your fans and taking time out when you are that unwell, well it sums you up. A very warm person. You made my night!