telleyjim's blog

Friday, 2 October 2009

In the ICA

I'm in the 'theatre' at the ICA, there are about four staff running around setting up, its a properly organized and well ran ship, this makes me feel uneasy, I'm not sure why? Then they ask me questions that I should know the answers to. I mumble something about the mirror ball and then run away phoning for backup, Adam (lighting and wizardry) tells me he'll be about 5 minutes. So I go off and hide on my own. Shortly both Adam and Ronan arrive and with the safety of numbers I relax a little and it all starts to happen. Before long the van comes with Si, Andy and Shirley. With the whole family of spearmint in the building there is a lot more control. The sound check goes well; the visuals are ready; we have food; I iron my shirt for a third time and with an hour to go before doors open we can collectively return to the business of feeling nervous.

Thursday, 1 October 2009

Heavy feet

Walking down The Mall

Outside the ICA

pausing to compose myself

Getting in the right head space for The ICA gig

It seems almost inconceivable that after planning and talking about something for so long that it should actually be happening tonight. Yet I have taken the day off and I am sat at home ready to go to the ICA. I don't have to leave for another 2 hours so I sit here fidgeting and worrying. There has been so much rehearsing, there have been so many plans, emails about confetti and bubble liquid, sleepless nights, bank accounts hemorrhaging money, I feel so uptight how can I possibly relax enough to enjoy the gig? I set off labouring over every step. Then I remember fourteen or so years ago I saw a great band at the ICA, they showed a film and then played a great set. Very inspiring and thoroughly arty! brilliant! Ever since that day I've wanted to do that kind of gig not just a gig but an event. Somehow tonight that will happen but also somehow my feet are getting heavier. I am utterly nervous. Ticket sales have gone well, rehearsals have been great, the German tour was successful but this is not filling me with the confidence it should.
Now I'm sat at the station totally on edge, I let the first train go. The second train I get on trying to empty my head. The Journey is too quick, arriving at Charing Cross I slowly leave the train making my way across Trafalgar Square toward the grand arches that lead to Buckingham palace. Bloody hell they are grand. Every step is heavy and slow, so slow. I pause when I see the ICA to take a couple of pictures and then I go in.