This is why I've not played at the Nest myself - well, Sam and Joe (who say they love my stuff) rightly refused to book me on the grounds that they knew I'd hate it, as I agreed I would once they explained.

This is the big challenge. You're right about the age issue Faye, (though I'd put the national average at over 60 not 50 and give it 10 years not 30), and yes there are some great folk-ish events being started up by youngsters. But only a very few that pay artists for a proper set, though with luck this number will grow once they realise that the existing clubs will soon no longer be there to support younger artists.

The issue of audience behaviour is more difficult. These people see no reason why they should sit quietly, and indeed view those of us who do as odd, and I can see why.

But without that silent attention, a whole load of things can't happen: The run of emotion round a room as the audience feels the turn of the story, the slim metaphor which melts every heart, the subtle joke which doesn't bear a laugh but which gladdens the soul and is missed if you're not playing full attention - never mind many musical shades and details.

Once these guy experience a good quiet concert they'll probably want it always to be like that. But how are they going to, when they've never been to one, and are never going to find out at a club full of Grans and Gamps?

That's what I want to know.