Been very busy just lately,so just catching up on all the the entries,sounds like everyone had a great time.I'm going to Portugal on Thursday and will be taking the lobster with me.Everyone take care,write when I get back.

U2 is playing Arnhem right noiw, the city where I work. Adrian, you were touring with U2. Are you around in Arnhem???

hi i have read the review by lindsay [by the way i am not abba fan]very good henry phone today about my keys i lost them on the bus they have them but not your poster sorry i have a feeling that i wont make the belfast gig as i have hospital appointment the next day in belfast ps i seem to rember some one taking pics if any one has some would be greatfull for some copys have to so talk to you soon

Sorry Wilke, I can't resist a wind-up!! Just got some photos back today and I'll send a few to CMoS tomorrow. The ones of some of the exhausted crowd at the end is good (if anyone wants a proper print, I can get some done) and two of Damian came out quite well!

hi lindsay yes i would like some prints thanki will send you my e mail see ya

Made it ! Back up to date. I think it was Lindsay a few weeks ago who warned Jackie about getting addicted to this site - well Jackie it's true. After 2 weeks away wondering what I've been missing it's taken me 3 lunch breaks to finally read every message and now I feel back in the real world. Great reading it was too. Sounds like it was a great party for the gig and what great news for Christmastime. Will have to sort that out.

Slightly late congratulations Derek. Nice name too - we had a Catherine last year ! If your's is like ours you will need a trip to Dublin at Christmas on your own - to catch up with a bit of sleep. Ours never slept for 2 hours day or night in 1 go for 9 months but is now fine.

Re Costello cover versions - he has always done a few interesting covers live. I have heard tapes / MP3's of covers he's done from Beach Boys, Prince, Abba, Tom Waits and a load of others and most of them are well worth a listen.

Last one before I go off and look at these photo's. I am always wary when bands get back together. The Undertones are the exception for me - when I heard they were back together it was just a real buzz - and then finding this site and seeing all of the positive contributions confirmed that it was a good thing. I think it is the fear factor about new stuff. What if it isn't as good ? - and let's face it it would be pretty difficult to match the almost unblemished history - I think months ago someone contributed "the band never made a single bad track" which wasn't far off the mark. John has such a track history that I can't see any new stuff being a disaster but would you all be happy if it sounded different ? He would have to have moved on in his writing in more ways than just lyrics and if he or the others tried to recreate the old style it might be a disaster (or it might not). I would look forward to anything new (as I am with the Moondogs who hopefully will have something out in the coming months) but would dread it being like the Blondie issues last year (?). To me that was just - big band - revival - make a bit of money and perhaps make some more with a new album - but then disappear again. I could be wrong but are they still a band or have they disappeared for another few years before the next revival ?

Lee - I mentioned Blondie but the point I was making concerned popular perception and had nothing to do with the quality or otherwise of the music. As to the quality of new songs - I think John O'Neill has always moved forward (look at Rare) so I've no doubts that his materiel will be current but within a recognised Undertones sound ie two guitars, bass and drums. What if it's no good, well what if it is brilliant and never sees the light of day because of the aforementioned fear. I'd expect progression -it's one of the reasons I always loved the Undertones. As far as babies go - I was under the impression that they slept for periods. This has been corrected. Finally - according to the Box Office of the West Belfast Festival, the gig will be sold out within the next day or so. So if you're gonna go get your ticket now.

For anyone going to West Belfast on Sunday there is a fun run on the afternoon. I think it is only about a mile long. Good opportunity to show off the Undertones T-shirts!

Lee - I thought the 'No Exit' comeback album by Blondie in 1999 was a good album and 'Maria' was deservedly a number 1 single (especially compared to the boy band/manufactured crap hitting the top spot around that time and now). Here was a band that could write great power pop/punk songs and had a real female singer/icon that Madonna, Kylie, Britney etc. owe everything to and who's shoes they aren't even fit to try and fill. Even though she's in her early '50s she gave storming TV and live performances for that album. I don't think it was just a cash in as they could have just churned out the hits on the tour but gave equal time to the new songs. If they are taking their time to do the next album - why not when you've been around for almost 30 years already I guess you're in no rush. All this is trying to say that the current Undertones line-up shouldn't be afraid of doing new stuff as long as the quality is there. I for one would love to hear new songs by the band.

Now, this is where I have to disagree about Blondie. The recent stuff I have heard has made me wish they had never reformed, and I thought "Maria" was truly rank (sorry Rick!) - rotten "moon, june, spoon" lyrics and a plodding melody. On the other hand, I agree of course about the need for new Undertones stuff. On a similar note - What has the more recent buzzcocks stuff been like (Trade test Transmission)? I saw them at the T&C in London after they reformed, and it was a really memorable gig. But have not heard any thing since the "Alive Tonight" EP.