Robert Fripp's Diary

Satch Bus leaving Manchester for

Satch Bus, leaving Manchester for Newcastle.

Today's journey: 144 miles and 2'54" travelling time.

This morning, a wonderful walk around central Manchester & brunch with The Luvvie. Backtracking --

T came to see the show with our pal John. Yippee! They joined a boisterous and supportive Manchester audience. Moving north, audiences in the UK begin at Birmingham. South of that, people go out to have a bad time; alternatively, have a good time having a bad time; or, having a better time criticising the performers and/or performance.

The Soundscapes were strong for me & there were some good people listening. This has a remarkable transforming effect upon the performance of music. Unless there is listening, properly, there isn't music: the musical sound doesn't quite come to life. This belongs to the subtleties of performance; and whether people enjoyed the playing, enjoyed the show, were impressed with the players and what they were doing, liked it or not - none of this has relevance. Unless the player is a professional and they have professional concerns, that is.

00.50 Hotel Acceptable, Newcastle.

The hotel has free high speed access, with only one problem: it doesn't work. Reception tells me I'm the third person to call down in the past 10 minutes. It's working at the front desk but not in the guestrooms.

Tonight's show: OK. Mixed reception for Soundscapes. Satch was hot & Searching particularly strong. The Jam: as always, Steve & Joe astonishing. Photos rampant throughout the evening.

The Newcastle City Hall is a famous venue, the gig in town for travelling players of my generation. The space is a satisfying pattern, with balcony that enables proximity to the performers, that can also be found in Birmingham & Barnstaple town halls.

Newcastle Town Hall with guitarist --

Newcastle Town Hall Dressing Room - Still Life: Guitar With Fruit --