Diary

Saturday 6th August – Sheffield Casbah

Hello there. We’re in Sheffield.

The weather’s nice and sunny, although a little chilly and we’ve been here since half three this afternoon. We arrived nice and early like they asked, but someone forgot the keys (tut, tut) so we had to wait around for a bit. But not to worry Sheffield’s a nice city; I live there so I went home for a bit; Nick met up with a mate; and Steve and Andy went off flyering for a bit.

So we’ve soundchecked, the other bands are setting up there stuff now, and I’m checking out the food the Casbah are putting on for us: pasta in a vegetable sauce (hmm); some sandwiches; sausage rolls (bit risky); and some fruit. Bananas and apples always a good source of energy and two of your five portions. Support bands sound good, although I’m unsure what they’re called. And where are the street team? Hmmm. And we’re forgotten the video camera. S**t it!

We’re really looking to tonight’s show as we haven’t played Sheffield for a while. Again it was back in November supporting Hiding Place the last time we played here and that was at the Corporation. Come to think of it we’ve pretty much played everywhere in Sheffield bar the Leadmill and the Octagon (maybe one day). And it’s a first at the Casbah. I’ve been here before to watch bands and it’s a good little venue – although the ceiling above the stage is a little hazardous for someone who is as tall as me!

Must dash as I’m hungry and although I’d love to be able to eat and write at the same time, I’m no doubt going to spill me tea over the computer. So, for now bye bye. And for those of you who read this tomorrow (or when we get it posted up) I hope you enjoyed the gig. We’ll be back soon.

Craig No Hope - 06/08/2005 
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Sunday 7th August – Day off.

Today we have a day off. Sleeping. Eating. Sleeping. Watched a film called ‘Hide and Seek’ with Robert de Niro. I didn’t watch it with him, he’s in the film; I watched it on DVD with my girlfriend. It’s a little scary, but I enjoyed it. Don’t know what everyone else is up to. I’ll probably give them a ring later. I need to know what time we’re meeting in Leeds tomorrow.

Oh yeah, last night was good. To say it was a little quiet, it is the summer holidays remember, we really enjoyed it. We’d like to say a big thank you to those of you who came down to support us and to Hayden (the promoter) at the Casbah for looking after us.

Have a good rest of weekend,

Craig No Hope - 07/08/2005 
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Monday 8th August – Leeds Josephs Well

Release day.

Nick ended up staying in Sheffield over the weekend with a friend of his, so we decided to meet outside Virgin Megastore. Why there? So we could go and have a look at our single sat on a shelf. Don’t worry, we’re not complete weirdo’s, but we wanted to have a look. We were on tour when Narcolepsy came out last year so we never got the chance. Although it was weird looking at it sat there.

So how many of you own a copy yet? You’ve got to check out the inside cover artwork. It’s fantastic. I’m not going to spoil it for you. It’s an idea Andy and Steve came up with ages ago. So go to the shops and buy it, not now as the shops will be closed, but in the morning. Can’t use work as an excuse – get it on your dinner break.

Nick and I got the train to Leeds. That was eventful. In fact I’m not going to go on about British Rail, as there is many a wasted minute talking about them, but let’s just say it shouldn’t take nearly two hours to get from Sheffield to Leeds should it? We met Andy, Steve and Alan (he’s our tour manager/soundman/driver – who is wicked by the way!) at Josephs Well. And today we remembered the camera!

I can’t remember whether we’ve mentioned that we’re filming bits of us on the tour? The plan is to compile the best bits, hopefully we’ll have enough material to make a couple of short films, and post them on our website when the tour is over. We’re going to try and get some live footage as well. We’ve got a little bit so far from the Stockton Fringe Festival, but some friends of ours have agreed to film the London and Manchester shows for us.

So I’m sat using Alan’s computer. We’ve sound checked and now listening to the second support band. We’re going to go get some food in a minute. They’ve provided us with some sandwiches and snacks but I, some of us, fancy something hot. A pub meal it is then. We’re not on till ten so we’ve got plenty of time to digest it. We don’t want to go puking up on stage do we?

We’ll catch up tomorrow on how the gig went.

Craig No Hope - 08/08/2005 
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Wednesday 10th August - London

We embark on the long journey from Manchester to London around mid morning, making a brief pit stop at services. Myself and Craig were enjoying the sunshine outside this Welcome Break, when a young lad attemts to throw a coin at us. Honestly, what is this country coming to? I contemplate reporting the incident to the childs parents, but then decide against it incase they stab me.

As we approach the Central London gridlock we recieve news of the NME review which puts us all in a good mood. Myself, Steve and Craig head over to Denmark Street where I purchase a new Bass - I\'ve had my eye on this little beauty for a couple of weeks now, and decided to move in for the kill. We load into Metro - which is quite a cool little venue, and start setting up, whilst ultra camp 80\'s disco plays over the PA. After soundcheck, Andy heads over to Total Rock - some sort of interactive radio station - to spread the message of No Hope.

People start to arrive at the venue, and it looks like it\'s going to be a reasonable turn out. The only thing is, Kerrang were putting on a Massive rock shindig over the road at Virgin Megastore which attracts a lot of the cool kids. Even so, we take to the stage and hammer our way through the 7th gig of the tour. We all agreed that tonight was a particularly enjoyable show. \"Feel Free To Fit\" seems to get a great reaction, and Andy ends the set by jumping over the drums onto Craig, who is sporting a \"rock injury\" as a result today. Rock injuries are great - they are like medallions of honour. I\'ve got bruises all down my arms from carrying gear - how Rock is that? After the gig we all hang around to catch up with those good people who enable NHINJ to do what they love - make records, tour etc...All in all a fun night.

Next stop York - they make nice Dinner there...... mmmmmnnn

Nick No Hope - 10/08/2005 
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Thursday 11th August 2005 - York

Just got home from York. We’ve got Thursday off, so Alan’s kindly dropped me off at home, but as I’m now used to going to bed past the 2am mark I’m still very much awake. So why not let you all know how The Fibbers show was…

But first I must ask one question. What is it with this band? Every venue we’re arriving at there is some dodgy music being played as we’re setting up. As Nick has informed you there was some 80s synth-pop at the Metro show and today we’re setting up to some classic ‘Dad’ rock. We don’t encourage it; well at least I don’t think we do, unless we’re emitting some sort off 70s classic rock vibe?

Since we’d arrived early, we’d set up and I’d started to re-tune my drums. Yes very boring and annoying, but it has to be done. However I’d just started, when the bar manager came out of her office and told me to stop doing that till after 5 as there are offices above the venue and they’d get complaints. For that moment I felt like I was back at school getting told off, as Nick chirped up, “Craiiigggg got donnneeee”. He’s a card that one! Once 5pm came we bashed through a new song and went over Bad Luck.

Then it was food time. Great thing about the Fibbers is that is always puts on a good spread. Today’s menu; chilli, rice, baguettes and salad. Lovely. Andy had also bought a copy of Rock Sound, who’d given us a great review of the album (7/10) so we read that whilst eating.

We played well tonight. We all enjoyed it. There was a good crowd in. However, one thing that did strike us was that the last time we played The Fibbers we were supporting the Holiday Plan. Sadly they are no longer with us. Prior to going on stage we’d agreed to dedicate a minutes silence to them on stage. It wasn’t quite a minute, but we did mention them and everyone gave them a cheer!

I’d like to also say thank you to the support band, After Thought (very good ending!) and to the street-team Michael and his mate (sorry – can’t remember your name, I feel bad now). We always appreciate the work you do for us. We also gained a few new fans in York, so we’ll no doubt be back soon!

And that was York. Next stop Liverpool.

Craig No Hope - 11/08/2005 
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Friday 12th August - Liverpool Barfly

Another day. Another soundcheck. And guess what? More classic \'Dad\' rock!

At the start of this tour we had our own compliation of the music we like but then we lost it. So from then on it\'s been like this. We had to endure an evening of what felt like a tribute to AC/DC. It\'s not that we don\'t like AC/DC but when you\'ve got to endure it for 4 hours. Words fail me.

Anyway, Liverpool Barfly. We haven\'t been there since sometime last year. We were meant to play with Hiding Place last November, but like a big pansy I was ill. I\'d picked up some bug (nothing infectious!) and felt extremely bad (ahhhh, I know), so we never got to play. So tonight we\'re going to make up for it.

I\'m writing this as I\'m listening to the other support acts soundchecking. I must admit the band before us are good. They\'re local lads called Gi. They sound like Biffy which is good. As for the other band before Gi. Oh dear. Oh dear in deed. The first band of the evening - sorry again for forgetting another band name, but we\'ve met many on this tour - they\'re proper metal heads! Weren\'t we all at that age? Well some of you still are!

Anyway must dash as I\'ve a merch stand to set up and food to eat. It\'s looking busy outside, so hopefully it\'ll be a good night.

All the best

Craig No Hope. - 12/08/2005 
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Saturday 13th August 2005 - Northampton

It's raining. It's the middle of August and it's raining. We expect this kind of thing in the North-West but we look forward to travelling South as it's drier and warmer, but not today. Unlucky for Northampton we brought the weather with us!

We were looking forward to the Soundhaus as we've played there a few times before and we've got to know the Neil (the promoter) and Adam (the in-house soundman) pretty well. It was nice meeting up with them again. Adam mentioned that since we last played there he'd had only one day off. That was back in March with Million Dead. True rock n'roller this one!

We set up and soundchecked. Today we played through 'Sanitised Toilet Life' ( a track off the album - only 8 days to go!) that we haven't played on this tour yet. It sounded good. It needs a few more run throughs before we put it into the set - maybe one for the next tour. We also played through a newish track called 'I Wish'. We've played it a few times on this tour and it's always a good song to soundcheck with.

I've decided to hang around and watch the other bands soundcheck whilst I write about our day. I'm sat in the cloakroom at the entrance - it's the only place with an Internet connection. The support bands sound okay. We've come across a few dodgy ones, like the second band in **** . Not good. Not good at all.

Our street-teamer is here. Her name is Julia. You're a star for helpig us,. especially since you're on your own doing it (her helper Gareth, or Fred as he's more commonly known, is tucked up ill in bed. Ahhhhh...). I would also like to say a thank you Amy, Donna and Becky for their help yesterday - I forgot to mention it on yesterday's blog.

Tonight should be good. They've got a CCTV camera outside and I can see the moniter from where I'm sat. It's looking busy. Right then. That's enough of my yapping.

Manchester tomorrow.

Craig No Hope - 13/08/2005 
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Sunday 14th August 2005 - Manchester

A good start the day is that I awake in my own bed, and not a Travelodge. Today is the hometown show and so no long journey lies ahead. Instead I get out of bed and head for Threshers to purchase some vintage cava to distribute at the gig, as a thankyou to the good people of Manchester who have supported the band thus far.

Arriving at the venue, we are greeted by the ever smiling John who works there. As a band, we all like the Roadhouse - good sound, cool grimy decor, nice people etc... soundcheck goes well and we all head out en masse to find food, including Pete our documentary specialist for the weekend. Someone turns up to interview Andy, so sadly he has to wait behind at the venue. We treck to a noodle bar, where we are sat next to some frightfully posh girls. We offer them flyers for the gig, but they "Decline" our invite to the gig. "Decline" is the name of our single - see what i did there?

I think we were all that extra bit nervous about tonight, because the crowd has lots of family and friends within. I am made more nervous, by trying to co-ordinate our Cava giveaway to the crowd. I try explaining to two friends of mine, who I instruct to inform my flatmate exactly when to give it out. It involved a series of co-ordinated winks from the stage. This gesture of good will went tits up because by the time we had introduced the last song and asked everyone to raise a glass, everyone had already drunk it all. To be fair to my mates, I am not the greatest communicator, especially when a bit nervous. As for the set, I think we all felt it wasn't our best of the tour, but the feedback (not the squealing high pitched kind) we got afterwards from our nearest and dearest suggested it was a good show.

Anyway, day off tomorrow. I think a lie in is definitely in order. Looking forward to Glasgow though!

Nick No Hope - 14/08/2005 
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Tuesday 16th August - Glasgow

Before I chronicle NHINJ's adventures in Glasgow, I should perhaps also mention a little bit about my day off yesterday. I got up very late, went to the supermarket to try and find some dinner, got very disoriented in the newly "re-branded" Morrison\'s supermarket, and promptly left with the easiest thing I could find to cook - Fresh Pasta. The problem with touring is that you start to assume that the adolescent fantasy world in which you live is in some way, an acceptable norm. Cooking is usually off the agenda for a few weeks. I love touring.

So yesterday, we got in a van and headed way North until England became Scotland. As we approach the outskirts of our destination, I glance at some huge advertising billboards, the kind that usually advertise how to pay your TV License. This particular billboard notified us that smoking Heroin is very addictive. Welcome to Glasgow ladies and gentlemen! Now, the Barfly is quite a nice little venue (as with all Barfly's) and we feel quite at home having been here before. As we are setting up our gear, it dawn\'s on us that this is the last club date of the "Decline" tour. Andy points out, that it feels like we have spent the last two weeks underground such is the airless charm of the nations toilet circuit. We love it really!

Soundcheck is fine, and we get to meet one of the support bands, Achilles (excuse spelling if it's wrong). They are Myspace friends of ours, and seem like a decent bunch of lads. Then we pop out for some food (please excuse me, this diary is essentailly the same every day with different place names - I'm boring myself now). The 13th Note is our selected eatery, where the exclusively veggie cusine is both nice, and reasonably priced. Myself and Andy head out into town to hand out some flyers - today we distribute to mainly Chav's, because there are loads of them and if we can corner that market then we'll be quids in forever. Returning to the venue we meet Angelina and Yoshi, who are kindly street teaming for us. I witness them getting someone to sign the mailing list who cannot speak a word of English - Good Effort!

As for the gig? I think it was quite a good one. Not many people, but the guys from Achilles, along with Angelina and Yoshi cheered us on as we played our 12th gig in 14 nights. But as soon, as we lay down our instruments the long drive back to Mancland looms over us. We pack up and head off into the night. Glasgow, thankyou for your hospitality as always. See you very soon.

Next stop - V festival Stafford and Chelmsford, Channel 4 stage. Deep breaths.....


Nicj No Hope - 16/08/2005 
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