That’s actually a genuinely good trip on the steps at the start.

Absolutely agree. I try to see as many gigs as I can (quite a few courtesy of you) and I cannot get over the talent, innovation and sheer number of wonderfully crazy bands. I often buy a ticket to gigs with a few bands on the bill knowing that some or all will be outstanding.

I’d never noticed the axe before… also I’m coming to LA in a few weeks. Are there any galleries etc that have some of your work? I’ve still only ever seen one in real life (‘Selfie’ when it came to Maddox gallery in London a few years ago.)

Exactly how I feel. Totally unnecessary noise.

If you’re ever near Waterloo could you possibly give the McDiarmid treatment to a pub called The Lord Nelson on Union St? I took a crap one on my phone a while ago but early evening in the summer it’s a blaze of colour against the dull tower block behind. Meanwhile love your work etc. Thanks.

Merthyr By Numbers

Also wasn’t that built around the time of Expo ‘92? I lived in Seville in 1993 and couldn’t believe that this country we’d laughed at in the 70s was so ahead of us.

Looks brilliant. It’s reminded me a bit of that Hockney portrait of his parents. But with an added touch of Lipton holocaust.