Last week we played a show in Kingston, which is pretty much our shared home town as Jeremy and I both grew up around there. The show was for New Slang, a clubnight run by Jon Tolley of Banquet Records. When I was a teenager I used to frequent its previous incarnation - New Noise. I remember how thrilled my best friend Louise and I were in our last year of school when we realised we had three study periods on Thursday mornings so we could sleep in after dancing to New Found Glory and Saves The Day till 2am the night before.
It's such a joy to go back to Kingston and play shows. The crowd is always so warm and friendly, and we get intense nostalgia gut punches. Mainly though, it's great because we get to see Jon. Thanks to him Kingston has an amazing live music culture - so many bands will make the detour because he's extremely passionate, treats everyone so well and always ensures that the gigs are packed out. Jon seems to have an unending well of support for bands and people he likes, and goes out of his way to champion everyone he works with - those on stage, and those with him behind the counter at Banquet. If you're ever in Kingston, go and visit the shop. I feel like they were one of the first places to do hand-written recommendations (that's probably not true, it's just it was the first place I saw it). In fact, I would say go to Kingston anyway even if you weren't planning too. It's a lovely market town, guys. There's even a Boxing Day edition of New Slang tonight...
Thursday was a super festive evening, involving Celebrations chocolate, fairy lights, santa hats and 'Home Alone' which we projected behind us as we played. Buzz, your girlfriend?! WOOF.
Thanks to everyone who came down and watched us, I only ever want to play Christmas songs now. Here we are with Jon and our santa hats, thanks for having us!
