Bank Holiday Sunday saw me travel to Middlesbrough to honour the last of the bookings I had confirmed from last year.
Myself and Timmy were appearing as 2nd headliners after the Shapeshifters in the 2nd of 3 tents, with a host of other DJs in the others areas and after parties, most of whom I’d never heard of.
I won’t lie, I really had no desire to play this gig.  I’ve already outlined at length the reason why I have taken myself out of the guest DJ circuit so if you’re unaware of that, maybe read back through a couple of my previous posts.  This was a booking I had accepted way back in the latter part of 2013.  Seeing as it was a ‘classics house’ set I knew we could do it with our eyes closed… seems like I did !
The only reason I accepted the gig and was attending was because I have a couple of good friends up in Middlesbrough I was looking forward to seeing as well as having time with Timmy who is currently spending most of the year in Vietnam being big time.
I got to my hotel around 4pm, had a spot of food whilst watching Arsenal play, then headed out for some pre-gig beers with a few of the lads before meeting with John Jones and heading to the event.
3 marquees in the heart of Middlesbrough were all grooving by the time we got there.  That’s really all I can tell you about the gig.
5 bottles of beer, numerous shots of Hierbas (if you don’t know, don’t get to know !!), one menthol ciggie and the next thing I know it was 5am and I’m in the hotel room.  I’ve never had such a black hole before in my memory, and I’ve had a fair few heavy nights along the way !
By all accounts we rocked it all the way through our 7.20 – 8.40pm set and had the place jumping, not long after finishing the set I picked up my bag, took 1 step forward, 3 to the left, 1 step forward, 3 to the right and stumbled my way out of the tent never to be seen again.  How adult of me !
The last time that happened was in Southport when I was with Grant, I’ve not drank vodka since.  I definitely have learnt another lesson and don’t think I’ll be getting in that state ever again.  Famous last words ?
Anyway, back home safe and sound now and a very tough visit to the gym this morning has started my shortened week off in the right way as I now prepare for the VB show this Thursday and my trip to Birmingham next Bank Holiday weekend… details to follow.