My first (musical) love

One of my favourite moments is that time just before a gig starts.

The venue's filling up and the crowd's all buzzy, the crew are doing one last soundcheck, and I'm bubbling up with excitement and feel as if I'm about to float up to the ceiling like Charlie and his Grandpa Joe did in the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

I first went to see a Chris Rea gig at St David's Hall in the late '80s. He was my first musical love.

Last night, I was back at St David's Hall to see him again.

First loves last a lifetime.