Does he ever! It can be a bit risky having a drummer play over already-recorded tracks; it can sometimes feel a bit forced and lifeless. No such worries with Dave though. He made the track move in a cool way. Never tries to dazzle you, but when he plays a fill it always seems to be the perfect one.

As well as the Fairport stuff, I knew he'd played on a ridiculous number of sessions (Cat Stevens/George Harrison/Sir Paul/Nick Drake among them)but it wasn't until I heard him on XTC's Nonsuch record in 92 that I really listened hard. Man, I love his playing. On top of that a real gentleman. Still pinching myself that he bothered with us actually...