Wow, March Already. Welcome to 2026.

 

My time with Dire Straits Legacy has come to an end, for now. We visited India in Early January of 2026. Quite a culture shock in some ways. I've never really seen poverty up close. Yes, we saw it in Venezuala in 2005. It was strange to see huts/buildings that defy the laws of gravity by standing together on the side of hills. In South Africa, we saw the townships and it was extremely sad to see people living in the world like this, when you have billionaires who care less for these unfortunate circumstances than for presidents who abuse their power. India had similar levels of poverty, but the people were absolutely incredible. Such good human beings, and never a complaint.

The 3 shows were fantastic, and the crowds loved the shows. 

 

Into 2026, and I've had to make a few decisions regarding work and health. 

I managed to pick up a Multimoog, which having had one in 1981, then through finances...sold it on......It was great to have one back in my camp. 

I've been struggling to work on music after losing Wal in November last year. Some days have been like a daze. Some days I find myself driving along and before I know it, I'm back in the present and a hyndred miles or so have gone by.

Early February, I went to StudiOwz in Pembrokeshire with The Ultimate Eagles. Friends of mine who I've known for a good while. Such a lovely bunch of people. A wonderful Studio with a beautiful Bechstein grand piano, a Hammond C3, and a lovely Cadac mixing Desk.

Straight after that, I took off to Bodmin in Cornwall to have a week's break and recoup. 

I did think I'd spend a week doing nothing except for installing software and VST instruments onto my Mac.

Suffice to say, No music was actually created.

 

Last week I joined Bonnie Tyler and the Band for 2 shows in Denmark. The audiences were great.

It's always nice to see Ed, Matt and Alex again and join them with Bonnie on stage.

 

Today, I'm just embelishing the final Strings for an Ocean Colour Scene song.

Steve Cradock invited me to work on a new tune for them. I did finish it before heading to Denmark, but in true "Nige" style, I always try and go ONE further....

 

Hopefully next month will start to be a little bit clearer in terms of the Toyshop Murders project.

Tomorrow I head back to Swansea. A packed week of various things. On Friday, Mal Pope and The Jacks perform at a charity in Llanelli.

At a venue I had my first residency playing keyboards, when I was 17. Aspirations and Drive were at their peak. Who'd have thought all these years later I'd be doing THIS.

It'll be a bitter sweet performance. We don't have Wal with us. It'll be the first Mal Pope and the Jacks gig without him in.....since forever really.

Still missing him dearly.