I’ve had long discussions with both Steve Vantsis and Calum Malcolm and projects that were loosely coming together are being brought into line. This requires careful planning and thinking to schedule releases and a complete reappraisal of how we deal with the creation and delivery of assets to the manufacturers. Shortages of materials further down the supply chains and continuing problems with illness and staff shortages have meant that vinyl albums and deluxe CD versions can take up to 10 months for delivery. To further complicate matters the manufacturing side of the music industry is in turmoil with a severe lack of capacity at plants still trying to catch up on projects stalled during lockdowns. With no touring on the immediate horizon I have to rethink what I am doing and have to focus on projects that can carry me through this year, maintain some sort of profile and keep me occupied on the music front as well as earn a living. I made the decision last year not to book any shows in 2022 and to hold off my ‘Farewell Tour’ until 2023 when hopefully the live music industry has regained its balance and both artists and audience can perform, and attend shows with confidence. With the accumulated obstacles presented by Covid, compounded with the new touring regulations created by Brexit, all dressed in uncertainty, any form of touring activities were going to be a very difficult and potentially expensive undertaking. 2022 was always going to be a tough call.