One night I was doing a gig in Crewe. About thirty years ago. After the evening the landlord asked where I was playing next night, and I said I wasn't playing as I had to go to London to pick up a new guitar.

he said, whats wrong with the one you've got - it sounded okay.... and I explained I thought I could do a better show with a better guitar.

The shook his head remorsefully and said - you guys never get it, the guitar doesn't matter. Very little matters. if you get the beer right - the place is full. Drop below the standard of having EXCELLENT beer, and the place will be empty. That simple. Nothing else matters in this business.

I've often wondered if he was right.