I arrived at Victoria station at 9am and after a quick reccie of the pick up spot it was time for brekkie and few jars…

By the time I got back fans were starting to arrive – I thought I was dedicated travelling over from Northern Ireland but there were guys there from all over Europe, Canada, USA & one crazy dude in full school uniform who flew in from Argentina!!

Getting bus tickets was chaos but by 1pm we were on a coach on our way to a studio in North London… On the journey we had to sign contracts (our salary = $1) & confidentiality agreements & also had to hand over our phones to prevent sneaky pics & recordings: once we’d done this we got given black wristbands.



There was a bit of a wait whilst the other coaches arrived – but after an hour an assistant director turned up to make some announcements – two big surprises: firstly I thought the video would be for ‘Play Ball’ but it was actually gonna be for ‘Rock or Bust’ and secondly that due to a family emergency Phil wouldn’t be present today, instead he’d have an understudy onstage (see pic) and I assume he could shoot video by himself later to be inserted into the final cut.



We then got to hear the new track to rapturous applause – hard to fully judge on one listen but sounded good to me: it’s for a cracking Riff!!

I was at the back of the crowd in the waiting room so once we started to get moved into the set I kinda figured I’d be stuck at the back since I’d be one of the last in but was over the moon to find that they’d filled it from the back first I’d be down the front – WOO HOO!!



This pic was taken by a sneaky fan from an Italian website but will give you an idea of my view – I was about 4 people to the left of him!

So the band arrived onstage & the crowd went wild – Brian seemed giddy to be back onstage with the band & made a quick speech thanking us for coming, mentioned Malcolm & his illness then introduced Stevie – doesn’t take a genius to see that’s he’s a ‘Young’ & he seems to be having a great time: squint your eyes and you could also swear it was Mal up there…. almost!

I know it’s not a shock to many people but having never been as close as this to them before: jaysus Angus is tiny – fashion fans will be interested to know he was in a green uniform & his hair was short!

Lights, camera, ACTION: the band rocked its way through the first take, it’s all a bit of a blur but my lasting impression is right after, the lights came up & everyone had big cheesy grins on their faces: I looked at the guy next to me & we both just started laughing…. Pure joy!!!

A bit of a delay whilst some cameras were moved around then it’s take two: same again but the crowd are getting even more into it: it’s the third time we’ve heard the track now & the chorus is starting to sink in so a bit more of a singalong this time around…

More camera moves including a brief moment when I was moved down to the front row which was exciting and terrifying at the same time – have to admit was a little bit glad when I got sent back to my original spot, think I would’ve felt very self conscious at the very front…. I know, I know!!

A few more run throughs including a version without Brian & Angus to allow better close ups of Stevie & Cliff and after 1hour 45mins give or take and we were done!!!

Herded back to the waiting area for a late lunch (tuna sandwich, crisps, kitkat & an apple food fans) then a scramble to get back our bags and phones (withdrawal symptoms had begun to set in!) and were able to see the band leaving – Angus stopped to sign some autographs fair play to him but before long we’re back on a coach heading back in town.

So that was about it – no photos, tshirts, autographs or souvenirs of any kind except for the memories of an absolutely fantastic day I’ll never forget!!

Cannot wait to see the video!