I still maintain that artistes have an obligation to make use of their mailing lists.

Emails only cost a little time.

Most clubs have a nucleus of regulars, but depend upon the 'casual visitors' to pump up the numbers.

A few months ago we had Boo Hewardine at the Railway. I reckon we had less than 25% of the audience who could be classed as 'regulars' - but the event sold out before the night.

The week before was also a sell-out - the John Wright Band. But he attracted mainly regulars.

The week after was my old mate John Kirkpatrick. Full, but not sold out before the event.

Make of that what you will...