I have only started playing in public in the last few years, long after my beard turned white. I go to an open mic night where pretty much anything goes. I don't like repeating songs too often, so mostly the numbers are out for the first time, meaning that I don't know how well I will perform them or how they will be received.

This week, after two fairly mediocre songs, I launched into my final song - my version of "I Can't Get No Satisfaction". With the whole pub singing along, I knew I had made a good choice. As I left the stage, another musician gave me what I know was meant as a compliment. With a beaming smile he said: "That was fantastic, like Burl Ives meets The Rolling Stones"


DC