More from Andy Swapp:-

Simply put all five of them were on fire, top form and whilst our sympathies went out to Michael Traylor as the least known of the crew, he proved able and up to the job without any doubt and I gather there have been less than appreciative comments elsewhere - it is only when John takes over the drumming one can truly appreciate the task in front of Traylor as Drumbo is clearly still one of the best drummers alive - his solo spots, tripling and fills were astonishing. I was at the concert with a drummer friend who is the only person I have ever heard who can follow Beefheartian drumming a la Artie Tripp, John French hisself or Robert Williams et al and he was smiling all the way through every time Drumbo picked up sticks. Breathtaking in places, he kept up a pace and accuracy that I defy most younger drummers today to try to equal. At base line the evening's length and full tilt level was proof, if proof were needed, that these guys just plain love playing this stuff.

John French also informed the audience [to save us all asking him later] that the band indeed knew nothing more than us regarding Don's health, that he is still essentially the most private of men and that none of the guys had seen or heard from him in over ten years and whilst he appreciated our desire and care for Don enough to let us know, he also spoke for all of us when he said how much we sent our special thoughts for his continued well being wherever he may be. Never a truer word…….

John French invited us all to stay after and chat and frankly I had been beaten into submission and will regret not staying to talk but I left with my ears still ringing and the happiest I have felt in years! Top that! The 13th gig in this tour may have worried the superstitious amongst us - I for one felt exceptionally lucky to have been there.