To the last 6 or 7 replies James,Graham and Jo,and Sooz, Blue and H H, i have to agree with you all and would only possibly add "Mums and Dads " to G&J's reply. Blue and Lowden have said nice things about VG and Lowden bears out the human(ity) side in knowing that VG is always good for an impromptu spot in addition to the professional side of his art and I'm sure some other pro's are the same .
To all,it has been a good interesting thread ,sensitively thought out replies especially when we are giving our opinion on a subject which Tom and others are sticking the heads above there trench and giving it their best shot.
Best of luck to Tom and all travelling to their gigs , the one thing I hope which might be "driving" them is ,I don't want to get get to my old age and say to myself " I wish I had given "it" (full time performing) a go."
Good luck all.

Cheers Betsy