Leicester, Thriplow, Bishop's Stortford, Finedon, Milton Keynes, BBC

I was so tired yesterday afternoon I fell asleep in the studio. Dribble and everything. But it was a positive tiredness, the tiredness of achievement. Gigging/recording is quite easy you know - being on stage is a thrill, being on stage with some of your favourite people/musicians is the easiest thing in the world. The tiredness seems to be coming from the endless waiting around...sometimes it can be four hours between soundchecks and stage times (a situation that can be rectified by board games, because we're so incredibly rock 'n' roll). And touring whilst having day jobs, of course, and the excessive amount of driving (shouldn't always be excessive but my sat-nav is somewhat indecisive).

Leicester was a tough one. An audience shouldn't always make the gig, but it helps. We played to virtually nobody, after a run of shows playing to good-sized crowds this felt difficult. On the plus side the sound was outstanding, and my chicken burger beforehand was exquisite. Next stop, a day later, was an appearance at a small festival in Thriplow. Effectively busking, and without Gaf, the rest of us (Vix, Griff, Lachy, me) played for an hour or so in front of really friendly people in what was a very friendly little event. I'd played there the day before, guesting with my girlfriend's band, and it's such a jolly festival it was easy to lose any cynicism I confess I may have been feeling prior to the event.

In complete contrast to Leicester, our next indoor show, in Bishop's Stortford, was a sell-out; absolutely rammed. It was so busy we couldn't even watch the other acts ourselves, we had to wait in another room, but that's cool because I had downloaded Football Chairman for my phone which can kill many an hour. The gig felt rowdy, which is always a good thing, it was a late one but a fun one. A day later we were in Finedon for another acoustic show. Acoustic shows are great because they show off the harmonies of the band (and they're bloody good at it) but they kill my hands, especially if I'm not convinced by the way my cajon has been mic'd up so I naturally hit it a bit harder. I felt a bit bruised after the Finedon gig but it was a good show - another sell-out, perhaps a little tired but we went down a storm.

A day later three of the band (Vix, Grif, Lachy) played acoustically for LoveSongwriting and then in the evening all five of us were in Milton Keynes. Best show of the tour, I didn't think the Bedford show could be beaten, but this actually topped it for me. Electric set, it was our show, with an interval, a seated (and nearly sold-out) audience, outstanding soundman, we were treated so well by the venue and we played relaxed, confidently, just one of those nights of genuine connection. The kind of show you wish you recorded for a live album, wonderful evening.

Back late, but up early yesterday morning for a day in the studio. The project is a one-off side-project, but with all of the band involved...sounds confusing? Yep. But it's one of those ideas that develops on long car journeys and eventually ends up in the studio. It was a lengthy day, but it sounds great, the chances are - if our usual PR machine kicks in - you won't be able to avoid it in a couple weeks' time when it's ready.

Last night the evening ended with a BBC Radio Cambridgeshire session on the always lovely Sue Marchant's show. Such a nice hour - their playlist is perfect, Sue knows the band well and the whole thing just felt remarkably easy.

The last few months have been a bit on the busy side, but this nothing compared to what May has to offer. Alongside a few more gigs with the band I'm touring the solo show, including at the end of the run a huge performance in a huge venue which is causing a little concern - after all, my show is very personal, not sure how this will work in front of 400 people but the only way around this is to just shout a little louder and hope for the best. I mean, what's the worst that can happen? I could die on stage but as we all know, dying on stage isn't the same as actually, well, dying, it's just a little knock that will get forgotten about by the next show. It could be the making of me. Perhaps. And I'm also recording a 6 episode cabaret-based comedy with Izzy, it's the kind of show I've been wanting to do for years and I'm happy that she's mad enough to get involved. We've worked together a lot, she knows what she's dealing with here. And then at the end of May there's the big Magpas gig I've organised with Peter, Trev and Kat, that will have magicians, and stand-up, and balloon tricks, and live music and everything.

But that's May, let's get April out of the way first. Remaining gigs for the month are in Cardiff, Bracknell, Cambridge and Market Harborough. By the end of those shows I predict we'll have many stories to tell, the need for a night or two off, and the burning desire to do it all again as soon as possible...