"So - if this was, as Jarvis said, their best night on the tour so far, well, it does seem rather sad. to my mind the audience (apart from me!) was not particularly enthusiastic or attentive. Indeed I honestly think, from this, and what people write to you and is published in the newsletters, that very few people really do understand or sufficiently appreciate Jarvis' singular talent, presence and the subtle artfullness and musicianship of his work. Maybe I have succumbed to a too-generous estimate of his qualities - through the usual process of being immediately, at first sight & sound, unconditionally captivated (more than four years ago).

"I think there are many people out there, older, competent in their lives, with sophistication, who also appreciate and enjoy quality popular music, but who are not catered for with the standard of live performance they (we) would like. It really took me so much effort, not to mention expense. When I say standard, I mean a comfortable and inspiring venue, with the best logistical organisation, i.e. admission procedure, interval facilities, refreshments etc. For £17.50 plus travel, accommodation and meal expenses I could probably have gone to Covent Garden.

"The reality was: an at least 45 minute wait outside (doors not open till more than half an hour after time printed on tickets); an incredibly dreary 'space', tedious waits between bands etc...the norm, I suppose. Then, although I'd arranged a taxi for 11.15pm - where was it to wait for me?? I foresaw all this but was powerless to get any sense from the taxi firm earlier. Car Park to venue cordoned off, bollards (police) all around; fruitless enquiries to patrolling police as to my best course of action, fruitless wanderings till midnight and a dawning realization that no taxis are to be had in any city centre on a Saturday night (not my regular habitat) and a two mile walk alone back to my B+B - all quite safely accomplished, BUT not the most uplifting and refreshing experience all told, and somewhat tending to make it all - well, just too much like hard work.

"And finally, it's disappointing that, unless you're really tough, that these people will be in line to get the best out of a pop performance - at the immediate front of the stage. From the safety and comfort of a seat, and especially with the clever & novel idea of illuminating the stage from BEHIND - leaving the rest of the audience straining to actually see anyone's face, or what they were doing.

"I find it all rather puzzling, but perhaps it cured me of of putting myself through such nightmarish procedures again. I DID love the performance but it's in the balance as to whether - all told - it was all worth my anxiety, weariness, and the slimming of my bank balance. (Maralyn King)