NEW YORK CITY...

I had always dreamt of visiting New York city, and with only a few hours to pack, Rene drove me to the airport. I said goodbye, but knew that Rene was following me out within a few days, which was brilliant. I passed through the security checks, being stopped and searched several times and eventually made it on to the plane, I must look a bit suspect. The journey was smooth and comfortable, and I was met at JFK airport by a driver who took me to my hotel in New York.
Whilst checking into the hotel, I noticed my friend Darren (Pete's studio engineer) at the hotel's internet access. It was great to see a friendly face, and he directed me to Justin. I put my bags in my room and Justin treated me to dinner, because I didn't have any dollars. Pete was working in the room next door, and came in and said hello. The next day I went for a walk with Darren, where he showed me some great places to eat and cash machines that I could use.
That night, I helped transport the equipment for the ITA show to the Who gig at Madison square garden. We set up in Pete's dressing room, where we had more space than we were used to. It was great to see Rachel, and after a few teething problems with the sound, we started filming. Which was pretty weird because we usually work live. William Snyder took some great pictures of me and Rachel together, and one of me having a fag in the toilet.
It was great to be with the team again, Rachel had a chest infection but played and sung beautifully, Pete was in great form, Simon played some great new stuff, and I played Plasticine and You with Rachel. David Bowie walked in mid-show, but only stayed for a short time. It was a great show, which if you haven't already, you should go over to the 'intheattic.TV' website and watch it.
After the show, I went back to the hotel and joined Andy and Justin in the bar, where I met the Third of Never guy's, who asked me to help them with the video that Justin was shooting for them the next day, I sat and chatted to William Snyder and the other guy's, and before we knew it, the bar had closed and we were all asked to leave.
The next day, I met Justin and the actors, and we all headed for Central Park to start shooting. The Third of Never guy's (who are lovely) were running late, but when they arrived, there had been a problem and the bass player couldn't make it, so quick as a flash, I became the newest member of the band, for the video anyway, but it was great fun and I really enjoyed the day.
I left Justin, the actors and the guy's to go and eat, as I waited for Rene to arrive. Rene arrived very tired from her journey, so I went out and got some food which we ate in the room. During the next couple of day's me and Rene went to the zoo, went boating in Central Park, did some shopping and generally ate well and took in the sites and sounds of Manhattan island. We both really enjoyed our stay, then with the ITA crew, travelled to Baltimore for the V festival in the very plush tour bus...

Thanks for all the great shout's here, sorry this took so long, hopefully the next installment will come sooner, hope everyone is doing well and being happy, take care you lot and GMaS...
mikey