wooo Raggytash, I just read the article you are now famous (or infamous, if you see it that way).

whilst I sort of understand Bannorboy's point of view, I canot condone his rudeness to someone he has never met. He could have put his argument in a much more constructive and sympathetic manner, requestng that you do not barge in and demand an audiece, wait to be asked etc etc.

I know that you are a veteran performer, would be aware of these unspoken rules and would not upset anybody on purpose, but this is not the case for everyone.

Each time we have visited Ireland, we have been wholeheartedly welcomed, invited to sing, taken to local venues: we even spent one evening (at the request of the landlord) covering for the local musicians until they could get back from a wedding and on their return it turned into the highlight of our visit.

Fellow musicians across continents are aware of the etiquette, know how to behave and welcome fellow musicians and singers. We have never found otherwise, but, there again, I cannot recall meeting Bannerboy, perhaps he is the exception!