Is it significant that a lot of those arguing for sitting down are doing so on the grounds of age and infirmity? :)

I agree with Will - I think it's easier to put more energy into the music if you're standing. It's also a matter of presentation. Having said that, there are many excellent bands who perform sitting down, but for me a band that stands up looks more dynamic - and that usually feeds through into the music. Do the dancers notice? Well, I do, and think others do too, even if only subliminally.

When I first joined the Electropathics we all played sitting down. Then someone videoed us at a festival and we realised how static and unexciting it looked. We learned to play standing up and definitely noticed a difference in our playing.

However I do find it more difficult to play the melodeon and concertina standing up. Nowadays I compromise - I take a high stool to gigs so when necessary I can sit down to support the instrument on my knee but without losing much height. It's more like standing with a bit of support. However whenever I don't need to support the instrument I stand.