Well tomorrow is the day of the big gig - well for me anyway. It is my wife's brother's birthday and I'm playing with my wife's brother (guitar and vocals) and his friend on bass. My roles are several - a) sound engineer - I'm setting up the PA, mixing desk, foldback, MIC as well as the levels and the mix; b) technician for the backing tracks - the creation, mixing, editing; c) initiating the backing tracks using a MIDI footboard to trigger the tracks on the laptop; d) also playing guitar.

So I'm busy both beforehand and after with kit set up and take down as well as during the set when I'm playing and triggering the backing tracks.

I've been practising for nearly 12 months and my wife and I cannot agree on the estimate of the hours I've put in to this practice. Let's just say we agree that it is hundred's of hours in the 12 months.

Now, of course, I am desperate to 1) let everything go well 2) play well and 3) enjoy myself. I'm struggling a little with the latter one. But once #1 has been done then I can concentrate on the rest.

I'll report back early next week with my thoughts and feelings on the big gig.