It will soon be your tomorrow...

So... 2012. From unpromising beginnings it turned out to be pretty spectacular, both musically and otherwise.

Musical highlights?

• Finally getting to see a bona fide genius and his band in the flesh. Despite the trench-like conditions, my gig of the year.
• Two trips to Shepherd’s Bush Empire: one eagerly-anticipated and memorable - a stage crammed with fans and former associates of Marc Bolan, anchored by the dependably ace T.Rextasy. The other, unexpected – a stage heavy with the weight of immense musicianship and a set that turned out to be mostly unfamiliar. Both shows experienced from the Gods, but no less enjoyable for it.
• My first trip to Dublin and a 70th birthday show to remember.
• Catching up with Pugwash, a decade after encountering them for the first time.
• Hearing this performed live. Goosebump-inducing.
• Seeing my favourite Monkee. Both a highlight and a lowlight – sadly the overbearing synths and click-tracks tainted what could have been a wonderful night. The show cried out for real instruments, a point driven home when a Red Rhodes sample was ‘flown in’ at the end. Ah, what could have been...
• A chance to hear the guys behind this book expound upon the history of Abbey Road, in Studio Two no less. Surrounded by banks of vintage recording gear and instruments used on so many Beatles’ recordings. Beatlefan heaven.
• Enjoying the Magical Mystery Tour Arena documentary (followed by the film itself) with friends at the National Film Theatre. Unexpectedly encountering a Beatle earlier the same day...

Non-musical highlights
In Olympic year, spending ‘Super Saturday’ soaking up the atmosphere in Hyde Park.

Lowlights
RIP Robin Gibb, Davy Jones, Dave Brubeck, Ravi Shankar...

2013...?
Continued new adventures. Perhaps another summer trip or two to the South Bank?