Well it's been ten days since I last blogged, and things are if anything worse. I realise I am still talking in ambiguities here, but that is largely to protect the Band member who is facing the awful prospect of nursing his partner through the worst and most final of all illnesses.
The remaining three of us are meeting next week to bond, to share manly hugs, and to mull over what, if anything the future holds for what was up until so very recently a rejuvenated and rising B.P.S. We still have some bookings ahead which we have not yet cancelled. It is difficult to see at the moment though, how best can fulfil them.
The only faint beam of optimism has come from a fabulous review of our CD by David Kidman, which I received this week. It will hopefully be published soon on the Net Rhythmns Website and in Folk Roundabout Magazine. David had no idea of the trauma we were undergoing when he wrote it, but it certainly came as a tonic. Once it's published, I'll stick it on here, with links.
We have met David only once. This was at Bedworth Folk Festival last November, where he was compering one of the slots we were appearing in. He was so supportive, that night, we gave him a CD. I must share with you something he wrote to me a few days ago, after he had just learned about our current troubles.
" I can well understand the impact this has had on you all. Your group closeness was apparent on the one occasion we met, even to an “outsider” like me.For what it’s worth – my advice is don’t let this stunning blow force BPS to disband or pack in. The immediate cancellations, the taking stock, of course these are perfectly natural – and absolutely right – responses. But what I’ve found is that where there’s a common close bond that’s strong, that’ll be what keeps you going (in some form or other and whenever) – and quite apart from your friendship and closeness (which is way more than a bonus in a band situation) the music is one such bond too. Supporting each other in adversity, and playing together when you feel you can, will pull you all through this difficult time, I am sure of that. "
-Cheers for that David. Words of genuine worth from a top bloke.
Thanks for all those good wishes and messages of support. We will keep promoters Organisers and Band followers posted. If we do have to cancel, we will give as much prior notice as possible.
