Stockholm, Sweden

Largely uneventful day. Woke at 5:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Read, practised, packed and checked out for our flight to Stockholm.

On entering my hotel room I attempted to open the windows for some fresh air, managing to slit my finger on the latch. One of those stupidly conceived latches that is guaranteed to do harm. I knew as soon as I'd freed it and heard and felt the zip across my flesh. I stood there for a minute looking at my finger which didn't bleed immediately but took about 20 seconds before is came seeping to the surface. My first thought was to call our road manager and den mother Pete Mackay, but he'd probably suggest something unacceptable like going to an emergency room for a few stitches. No thanks. I got a wet wash cloth and put loads of pressure on the wound for about five minutes. To my relief when I took the cloth away and cast a sideways glance at it, the bleeding had stopped. The next order of business was to figure out how I was going to play the show tonight. On close examination I realised it could have been in a far worse place and that if I could keep it from opening up again I'd be able to play with no problem. As the afternoon went on, it hardened over and I put a very thin bandage across it once we got down to the venue. Crisis averted.

We played our usual venue, The Globe Arena, a sphere that's like being inside a large red golf ball. Loads of problems tonight with our monitor systems cutting out and mixes that somehow left us feeling stranded. It was a warm audience and I think a good show from us on stage, but an up hill struggle all the way. Still, I had a good time and was able to properly play several things tonight that have been elusive since rehearsal. Largely uneventful day. Woke at 5:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Read, practiced, packed and checked out for our flight to Stockholm.

One quick drink back at the hotel and off for an early night.

So long,

Richard