What a fun week of instores that was – thanks to everyone who came down and saved me from Spinal Tap-esque embarrassment, much appreciated. I’m now at home doing some last minute washing before heading off on a mammoth run of dates. First up is the UK and Europe with the excellent Gaslight Anthem and Polar Bear Club. Then some dates in Ireland, then Russia with Anti-Flag, and then off to SXSW in Austin Texas, followed by a short run of US dates. Phew.

Once I get back from that, I’ll be in rehearsals with the band for album 3, and then into the studio with Alex Newport to record in May. We’re looking at a September release, with a single beforehand. I’m really excited – things have come together a lot material-wise in recent weeks, and my lyrical block has gone too. So, expect face rocking and all that kind of thing.

One last thing: on a frankly ridiculous stop-over between Belfast and Samara (Russia), I’m playing one last instore at Pure Groove on March 7th at 6pm. This is in part to promote a limited run 7″ vinyl of ‘Reasons Not To Be An Idiot / Thunder Road‘. Every single last damn one of them will be hand numbered and annotated (whose idea was that, ffs?). You can pre-order them now from the Pure Groove site. There’s only 300, so get cracking.