Everybody screws a performance - because none of us is perfect! I've never yet done a club performance where I was satisfied with everything I played or sang; and the quest to get it right or make it better never ends. I know very few good musicians in any genre of music who think they get it absolutely right every time.

What I'm ranting against is the concept that not trying hard and not working at your music doesn't matter, and that any old thing will do. I honestly don't believe that and, when I was working professionally in bands outside the slightly cosy world of folk music, we worked bloody hard to make our music good and acceptable - danceable to and listenable. We were taking peoples' hard earned cash and were determined to earn it.

I'm not saying that the world of folk clubs should be as hard-nosed as that, but the applause that you get from giving a good performance in a club, plus the enjoyment you give to other people is, to me, a worthwhile aim. And if you do screw up, well, at least you know you've honestly given it your best shot and that it's not through lack of hard work.