ChrisCPorter

So, Wednesday, then.

Tough gig for me - up at 5.30 to take the backline in for 8am at Hyde Park. Airport-style security, sniffer dogs and full body search etc., and then I was into the arena. All the staff at the BT Vision stage are top-notch, as is the gear that they have provided for PA and monitoring. This is going to be a great gig.

And it is. FranKo arrive at 11am to soundcheck, full of the joys of Spring (or Summer, even). The sound is as good as I’d hoped, and they are excited to be previewing a segment of new song “Take A Seat”. Right at the top of the set. This leads me to fatuously suggest that their new album should be called ‘Take’, and feature Take A Bow, Take A Seat, Take A Ticket, Take A Dump….

I am informed, in no uncertain terms, that my sense of humour has not improved.

The weather has decided to be kind and some friendly faces have turned up to see them. Always welcome :) They rattle through a tight, crisp 30 minute set that sees Pitchfork and 10 Feet make very welcome appearances.

Best of all, though, is their decision to include If Today in the set, the sound gear so good that the subtleties and dynamics of the song shine through for possibly the first time in a live context. It’s really great, and Tommy sounds impassioned and on it.

All too soon, it’s over, and we hang around to watch Spector who are on at 4pm. Best of all was our decision to catch Nik Kershaw. Yes, I know I’ve bleated on about him before, but he was awesome, playing all his biggest hits and new song “The Sky’s The Limit”.

Sir Chris Hoy and the tri-athlon brothers are wheeled out onto the main stage and we drink in the pride that is oozing from every pore on site. The athletes look awkward but proud to be in the spotlight, and there is good will being projected at them from every angle.

A Great British day out. And great for FranKo and I to be a part of it. With thanks to everyone who came down to see us.