Blackpool 2019 for me and my traveling bandmates, Brett Morgan (drums) and Pete Murray (keys) begins on Thursday. We like to get up there and relax before the whirlwind of the weekend begins in earnest! The drive up was eventful as the weather was biblical rain! But we got there in time to watch the England game, which was nice. 

Friday started with meeting a fellow bass player from Oldham popped along to the hotel for a chat, Alan a really nice bloke who knows Kelvin, small world eh! 

We then left for the ballroom to set up around midday. Getting everything in and out from all departments is, challenging, to say the least. However the strictly crew and our outside techs are amazing and we were setup in a couple of hours. 

As usual when the dancers etc are finished with ballroom it's our turn, we have 2.45 hours to run everything we need to with the rhythm section and singers, and of course soundcheck. Dave, as you may know is very detailed in what he wants and expects, re sounds and how and what's played and sung. Back to the hotel at 10.30 and set alarm for 7am.

Full band rehearsal at 9am for 30 minutes then we're on with the dancers. 

We had 2 epic opening numbers which were great to play for, a giant moon for the results show too. 

There was a small wardrobe malfunction in that Dave and Craigs trousers got mixed up. so Dave was a little different for a little while, more, grumpy and able to swivel and spin like i've never seen him before! But that got sorted out and Dave debagged and CRH was able to come out onto the judges panel. 

All the couples are fantastic at this stage and you can never call what will happen, and it's always a surprise. It doesn't matter how many years I've been lucky enough to play on the show you can't help but be upset for whoever leaves. This week it was Michelle and Gio, and we will miss them. What a team they are and Michelle grace and dance groove was a real surprise to me when I first saw her dance. Look at me thinking I know what I'm talking about! I'm a bass player, but I've got really into watching the dancers and I think I can recognise a few steps these days, bet I couldn't if I were tested! Anyway, Michelle, you were brilliant. As for Gio, what can I say, he is a top bloke and has been from day one. He often comes up into the band pit, he is a bit of a drummer come percussionist so is always watching what's going on. 

After the show we packed up and when I got back to my car, a giant seagull was standing on my car and it was covered in seagull s./mess! I mean, the front of this bird! Just standing there, all proud! Well, i chased it off like a lunatic guarding my car until Brett, Pete and Hayley got to the car and we tootled off back home.

We'll see you next week. 

Trev (the hat)

PS: If you have any questions for me tweet them to me and i'll see what I can do.