In 1990, my sons and I went to see ABB in London, and it was a poor gig so I crossed them off my current list.

Then in 2003, as part of returning to my musical roots, I was shown the DVD of ABB at The Beacon, and I could not believe the difference, which (for me) was mainly Derek. I googled in touch with the good folks at HTN, bought all of the DTB CDs (as well as ABB's Instant Live series) and became enmeshed in this amazing music.

Because Live Music Matters Most, I went to Holland in October 2005 and made the first DTB gigs in Europe, met the band and the HTN folks, and have made many of the UK and German gigs since. Bremen and Hamburg in November 05, London in May 06 and November 07, Saarbrucken also 11/07. It's a great shame that we in Europe have to wait for album tours and a year and a half is almost too long to wait for the next DTB Eurogigs, so I'll be in London, Sheffield and Manchester for my saturation rites.

But why do I like the band so much? Simply: they can play on stage what they create in the studio. They are all absolutely A1 musicians. The band plays an eclectic mix of music such that the repertoire must suit any music lover. They are all lovely people. The support team are great. And all of the above comes over on stage. This is one of the best live music bands in the world. Nothing showy, just people having fun, enjoying the little changes each gig. And entertaining we fans with some great musicianship. And Derek is my all-time favourite guitarist. He plays notes that make me weep. Very few players can do that to me.

So thanks to him for keeping this amazing band going, and to Todd, Rico, Kofi, Mike, Count and occasionally Susan, of course, for participating so strongly.

Mike