The cautious art of pacing oneself

Originally I was going to London, today, to meet up with John and to go to this evening's Metronomy gig at Somerset House, which I'd never previously been to as a venue. Then, separately, I managed to arrange a lunchtime meeting with Tom, also in London and for the same day, without making the connection with going to the gig. 

But when I did realise, well, it seemed daft not to make arrangements to see a couple of other friends. And since I didn't want to end up in my cups at the gig, it was apparent to me very early on that I'd need to pace myself over the course of the day. Thus, I met up with Tom at the Exmouth Arms for a bit of lunch (two pints); then an ex-client and now friend, Michelle, at Burberry (two glasses of wine); then Ash at a pub on the Strand (one beer, one cocktail). Phew.

After that, Ash and I went to meet up with John at MeatMarket for some food (and just one more beer). Then it was time for the gig.  

I'm not sure this was a good venue to see Metronomy; somewhere a bit smaller would have been better or perhaps a couple of video screens would have mitigated matters. But I still enjoyed their Talking Heads/80s-synth-with-John-Taylor-style-bass mash up. 

Actually, the bassist, Olugbenga Adelekan, was stunning and made the gig for me: great playing, brilliant, lively performance. The drumming was also excellent, as were the arch dance routines by the two keyboard players. I think I need to swot up on their material and seek them out somewhere a little more cosy.

****
-13.3 kgs
0 words
Reading: David McCourt's 'Total Rethink'