I saw him on Tuesday in Newcastle (possibly the best soundman I've ever seen...made the Metro Radio Arena sound like a good venue). First time I've seen him live in concert, and I wasn't sure what to expect; I haven't really listened to anything he's done post-Blood on the Tracks. I was going half-expecting to come away with little more than the ability to tell my grandkids I saw him before he retired.

I was blown away. It's fair to say his band is a huge part of that; they're a straight-up rock outfit with an incredible punch and drive that would make it easy for the worst of singers, but he still has a drive and intensity about his work that leaves those who accuse him of coasting with no argument. Masters of War was sung with genuine anger, his voice at times on the verge of shouting out the rage.

Anyway, to get to the point of my post...what I took away with me, besides his musicianship, is the impression that he doesn't trust his audience as far as he can throw all ten thousand of them. Which makes sense, if you consider the negativity he's received several times in his career, never mind the downright rage he was greeted with at the Manchester Free Trades Hall (Judas!) and Newport. A simple way of putting it is that he seems insecure; that was certainly the impression I got from his speaking, to thank his band - he was half finished before I realised he was talking.

Anyway, that's one of a few million opinions for ya. Enjoy.