Dick Whittington

We had great fun at Brodies, Canary Wharf recently. Although first impressions might suggest otherwise, I am NOT in fact being accompanied by the Hulk on keys - this is Barney moments after he's spotted a camera, stopped playing and come right over to put his arm around me and pose for the snap...also note me maintaining complete composure and not pissing myself laughing one bit. An on stage chemistry was born between (and often during) numbers, notable for Barney coming to terms with the death of his pet hamster (was killed at the wheel). 'That Boy' was re-worked to include a musical round (first one since primary school) and 'Chav Song' changed key for an electrifying mouth organ solo - sweet. Set list:

1. I've only got eyes for you (but you should see what I've got for your sister)
2. Jealousy
3. True Love
4. That Boy
5. Haunting Me (including hand clapping)
6. The Commuter
7. Honey
8. Chav Song

The city bonus boys and girls (just doing my bit) were out in force and were generally well behaved, paid us no small amount of attention and were kind enough to offer some words of encouragement and thanks once we were finished. The first act on did have to contend with a real rude b*st*rd who insisted on coming on stage during a song, walking between performer and microphone, waltzing off behind the stage curtain only to appear stage left sticking money into the fag machine before doing the exact reverse to return to his seat. I nearly choked on my pint (but then remembered how much I'd paid for it and decided that I'd get better value for money simply swallowing). Here are some more photos:

Camden on the 11th March is but a week away. This will be The MüVs biggest gig to date, both in terms of venue and number of punters coming to see us - all of you can expect a great night and if anyone else is keen then please let us know.

Came across this recently, thought I'd have a go myself:

The Commuter - The MüVs
UK chart position: approx. number 1 July 2007

jOnnO (vocalist-guitarist-cool dude, The MüVs): I'd been in London just over two years trying to make a go of the band. I'd moved here after reading a book called Dick Whittington which describes the streets being paved with gold. I can't remember the author's name but he was definitely full of shit because everywhere I've walked here, the streets have been paved with greasy fried chicken. Once I'd discovered this it became clear I'd have to get a job - I got one and soon graduated from a pushee to a pusher in terms of tube travel. I became fascinated by my fellow commuters - why was nobody talking? Worse still were the looks of disgust thrown at tourists who didn't understand this aspect of tube etiquette, how dare you disturb our daydreams with your idle chatter and intent study of the underground map ("the girl with a smile who is not a commuter"). My own daydreams were turning to nightmares as the realisation of a lifetime commuting under somebody's armpit slowly began to dawn on me. I'd already decided to write a song to describe this but wasn't getting anywhere until one morning I recognised some graffiti on the Victoria line and realised I must have been on the same train before (..."caught the same train, yesterday"). From there I started to imagine introducing myself to everyone on the carriage and what I'd say to them but then again, I'm just a commuter - what more is there to say. Some songs seem to write themselves and this one took a grand total of about 30 minutes. I've still not said a word to anyone but often find myself humming the chorus in my head, I find it helps.

You can see the video for The Commuter here