Trinity Live - Don't Give Up

What a day ... what an absolutely incredible day!

We were up early and off to Leamington Spa. It was a glorious day, so the half hour walk from the guest house to the Assembly Rooms was a pleasure.

We went in, and came back out as I had forgotten to pick my photographers pass up from the front desk... good start!

First up on stage was Alan Reed. He gave a half hour set on the acoustic guitar, and was joined by Kim from Touchstone for one song. He was followed by a fascinating short session by a guy called Matt Stevens, who used a loop machine to make his own backing rhythm guitar.

The highlight of the day came next. The whole day had originally been intended as a launch for three bands, Magenta, Touchstone and our friends in the Reasoning for their new releases. Unfortunately, Christina Booth from Magenta got diagnosed with breast cancer. It was from that terrible bit of news Matt Cohen and a couple of others put together the day as a cancer awareness day.

Christina was well enough to play a short set. The reception as you can imagine was emotional. Towards the end of the set, Alan Reed was invited back onto the stage, and he and Christina performed a cover of Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up.."

Neither me nor Dawn had any idea how she got through the song, there was not a dry eye in the house. A truly special moment on a special day. The song has been put up on YouTube if you want to see it.

Magenta & Alan Reed - Don't Give Up - Trinity Live

A short pit stop in the kebab shop outside and it was into the second half of the day.

The owner of the Assembly Rooms band, Lost In Vegas were up next. Injected a little bit of straight forward metal into the day.

The Reasoning were up next. It's the first time we have seen them play live with this line up and only the second gig they have played in the past year or so. They were on top form. By now I had plonked myself in the photo pit right at the front of the stage. I can't thank Matt enough for the opportunity to get right up front and close with the live performances. It was the best birthday present anyone would could have given me. Both me and Dawn even got a mention on stage!

Touchstone rattled through a storming set. I would go as far as saying it was one of the best performances I have seen them give in the four or five times I have seen them live now. They closed with a wonderful version of Tears For Fears - Mad World.

And finally Arena took to the stage to round of the day with some wonderfully pompous prog rock. I've done some awesome things on my birthdays over the years, this was right up there with them!

The auction and raffle raised a couple of thousand easily! Trinity II is already in the planning stage.We will definitely be going!