Wot Will said.

With a few additions. I enjoy playing and there are number of bands I would lay loose claim to be a member of. Occasionally they get main stage bookings and then, yes, I play for money.

I also get asked to do folk club bookings. I have mixed views there. I certainly don't need the money and there are people looking for club bookings who rely on the income so whether I do them for free or pay, I am denying someone. Frankly I'd rather pay to see them and do a floor turn before them.

When I had the chance to go professional many years ago, I turned it down and left the band I was in. The rest of them? 35 years on, playing is a necessary chore. To me, playing is something I do for fun and enjoy it. Whether it be getting up in my local clubs in turn or in a marquee with the cameras rolling, it's sharing my love of music.