I still enjoyed it. My calfs are knackered. I am totally exhausted after going to work today. I will be back for more at Dublin, and hopefully Cork.

Yeah I see what you mean Henry, you wouldn't think we were wearing the same t-shirt would you.Ever heard of Impulse?

It looks like most on here are up for Dublin, that was blinding last year especially the first night.If enough of us are interested maybe we could hire a car(or two)and drive down to Cork for the first gig? By the way there was mention yesterday of a benefit gig in Derry in October, George knows more about it than me.

Gig aside it was interesting to visit Belfast for the first time.While driving to the airport I was thinking about Ricks view regarding watching the same set over and over.Firstly I'd argue that I still listen to the albums over and over and nothing changes there, they still sound every bit as good as they did first time around.But more importantly, it's not just about the gig it's about the whole adventure, going somewhere new, experiencing a different culture, and meeting up with people met through the website.The gig is the high point of a short and interesting adventure. I love the bag packing, the sense of anticipation, driving to the airport on the open road with "Family Entertainment" "Tearproof" or whatever happens to be my favourite at the time blasting out so loud that I can see my wing mirrors vibrating.I love Stanstead airport and the whole feel of airports in general, people eagerly awaiting their holidays or just returning from one.Getting there in plenty of time(usually!) and having a quiet pint while looking forward to whats still to come.I enjoy flying and especially to Ireland as it seems all so easy, hand luggage only, short flight and I'm there, no problem(except if your names Henry). Arthur and George were waiting, poor old Arthur bent double as he has a bad back at the moment.We dropped George off at this incredible 3 bedroomed detatched house that he had all to himself for £15 AND that included breakfast! Then a mile up the road we were stopped by a police woman and a couple of army blokes brandishing machine guns.This is a common sight in Eastern Europe and something I've become quite used to seeing, but I'd imagine it could be quite nerve racking if you're experiencing it for the first time.Anyway they were polite enough and we moved on, down the Falls Rd where you see all those murals on street corners.I'd have liked to have had a proper look but it wasn't the time or place. We sat chatting about the world in general, Arthur played me some of his own stuff, he's had an interesting life in music and has some great songs, very moving some of them, they make you think. Sunday afternoon we found the venue and it looked massive, we explained about the banner and they let us through.The back drop for the stage was a big slogan saying "West Belfast - Feile an Phobail" (Festival).We werent sure whether to cover it with the banner but Arthur assured us it would be OK.Sure enough we were told by security to take it down so it ended up at the front of the stage where nobody could see it. George had had an interesting day, he'd been on the radio and won the local fun run. Arthur and myself had this amusing image of an 8-10 year olds race which George entered at the last minute, won easily and left them all in tears.But in truth it was the real deal and George was given a small plaque for his efforts.We payed a visit to "Good Vibrations" and I brought some CD's from a very laid back Terry Hooley.It was 5.30 now so we decided to see if we could watch the sound check and we managed to get in easy enough again.Paul and Damian, the "out of towners" were there waiting patiently for the others to arrive from Derry.Suddenly I realised that George and Arthur were discussing the glories of childbirth so I made quickly for the exit and found a kid kicking around a football.I challenged him to a game of penalties, he was only about 20, I'd show him."England V Northern Ireland" we agreed and he promptly beat me with ease.Don't you just hate it when that happens?.Just as a foot note to my ramblings, Paul (VTU) had apparently arrived late the previous day from the USA and after the gig (finished at 1AM) had to drive back to Dublin (2 hours?) and do his breakfast show at 6AM.I bet he's sleeping well tonight.

After the gig I know that Michael also had to drive home overnight to Derry. Presumably he was at his "day job" in the morning. The possible Derry concert is a benefit concert. I don't know if it football related like last years. I believe the band are getting concerned about too many Derry concerts in such a short time. A christmas concert in Derry is unlikely for the same reason. I failed to persuade the band that a gig in New York would be appropriate so I could tie in with my 40th birthday treat to myself. I enjoyed Belfast. Second time in the city. It can sometimes feel intimidating but no more than walking around any big town as a stranger. The festival staff who I spoke to, and who persuaded me to do the interview were brilliant. After the fun run I got chatting to people at the finish and it was though we were long lost friends. I let as many people as I could know about the Undertones and did my best to sell the band and the concert. My legs still ache, either through dehydration or jumping up and down for 90 minutes, or both. Can't have anything to do with age!

Sorry to hear the boys didn't quite meet their usual standards, but if you start with perfection there's really nowhere else you can go is there?! I wouldn't worry about it too much, it's just like football really, even Bristol City have off-days (OK bad comparison but I couldn't bring myself to mention ManUre in the same context as the Undertones!). If the foldback's bad (as suggested) and you can't hear what you're doing, it can really feck things up. Anyway, as I think I've observed before, when I first went to gigs in the bad old punk rock days, you EXPECTED the band to stop mid-song and start again, otherwise you felt cheated ☺

What is that due to though CR?(the foldback).Isn't there anything that can be done about it? Is it anybodys fault?

Thanks everyone for all the detailed reviews, and the pictures - as I couldn't make it I really appreciate it. I can understand the Undertones being worried about over exposure at home. So I think it is time for them to do a gig in "North Britain." (Glasgow would be handy). Maybe if we club together we can pay someone to cover Paul's breakfast show while he's away - I bet Dave Lee Travis could do with the work. Or "Diddy" David Hamilton.

George - what and when is the benefit gig in Derry you are talking about? Haven't heard anything about it. Only two gigs I have heard of are the Gasyard Festival one and the Bryan Adams one. Is there another?

Liam, yes this is another one, I believe its in October but don't know for sure.

Sorry to hear the band played a wobbler. Cliff and Arthur don't feel guilt ridden about criticising the band - its called objectivity and I'm pleased the rose tinted glasses were left at home for a change. Was the poor performance not due to the band going on at 11.30 pm after getting too lubricated at what some of you have described as basically a beer festivel ? Lets hope their back on their usual blinding form for the next one. Cliff I take your point about listening to the same set over and over but I've become gig jaded over the years as you know (far far too many gig going experiences) and the same set without new songs just won't do it for me any more.

Thanks for that Sean, it explains a lot.Maybe I was a bit harsh then.

What rose tinted glasses are they Rick? In previous reviews I've simply told it as I've seen it,if it's always been good then so be it.

...Unlike you Rick I don't feel the need to see the negative side to everything.If you look hard enough you'll always find something to be critical about.