On the road

With guest columnist Martin Noble

Recently British Sea Power - our band, I'm the guitarist - played at the Czech embassy, on board the MV Royal Daffodil sailing on the Mersey and at the Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Britain. Sat out on the Yorkshire Dales, this remote boozer is a great spot. The audience included ducks, dogs, chickens and the pub's sheep, Tanny.

Our show at Koko in London concluded with the band climbing into the balcony while the stage was occupied by our drummer Woody, our costumed bear, Ursine Ultra, and two all-new BSP wrestlers. This pair are a tribute to Big Daddy, who is partly the inspiration for our new single, 'No Lucifer'. They're maybe a cross between the Village People and former Commonwealth weightlifting champ Precious McKenzie. Some people do get stuck on all the great fun there is at a BSP show - and maybe forget about the glorious high-church amplified rock music that makes up 95 per cent of the deal. What the heck, we know we are doomed to be the band where Sibelius composes for Iggy Pop and the Chuckle Brothers and are happy with our fate.

On the injury front, cornet/keyboard man Phil Sumner dived from the speaker stack in Leeds and landed up unconscious in a pool of blood. This kind of thing sometimes happens when you make an effort. He didn't miss a show. Next, we're off to do Later with Jools Holland. We're hoping to get fellow guest Morrissey on backing vocals for our pro-immigrant anthem 'Waving Flags'. Then it's over to Canvey Island to play at the local football club with Wilko Johnson of Dr Feelgood - for BBC2's The Culture Show. After that, it's Europe, skiing in Verbier and fondue with Duran Duran and Dan Cruickshank. Sure beats working.

· British Sea Power are now on tour in Europe, and shortly in America

Martin Noble

The GuardianTramp

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