Interesting comment, Vic. Our band (not a million miles away from you) regularly does functions - mainly weddings and parties - just like you. I've never got the impression that the people in front of us were bemused or unsettled by the fact that the music was live, though I don't doubt that many, if not all, of the tunes are unknown to them.

What we watch for is the reaction to the first call for a dance (we also play a tune or two to warm up the audience before dances are called). It's more than likely that most of our audiences - particularly at weddings - have no little or no idea what will happen, or why the bride and groom have chosen a ceilidh band!

However, it's a rare function where we don't get everyone up and boogeying as they should - and I'm sure it's the same with your band, The Sussex Pistols. So, whatever the initial expectations or reactions might be, the music gets to them in the end. However, I've spent over 40 years playing live music - mainly in pubs and social clubs - and I certainly think there's less opportunity to play, and therefore hear, live music these day.