Anyway, nothing could dampen my mood as I set off down from the salubrious aromas of Kings Cross and headed towards the centre of town. First stop, as ever, was the Royal George, for a couple of pints o' the black stuff. Bumped into prog regular, Croydon Mick there, and swapped tales of progscapades, with Mick having recently survived a weekend in Bonny Scotland in the company of the great Fish himself.

Next was off the the Borderline. I hadn't been here since Jadis in July, so I was relieved to see that the decor hadn't changed in that time. Just time for another pint, and a quick chat to the regulars (you know who you are) and then the band hit the stage. Well, sauntered onto the stage. I attempted to move to the front, but got as far as the the back of the front bit, innit. Clumsily I bumped into the girl standing next to me, only to see it was Proggin' Sam, there along with Sgt Ellis.

So, the music... Seemed to be split into two halves, with the first bit being taken from their previous albums. Shockingly, I'm not overly familiar with their previous work, but I could tell I'd missed out big time!

At about this time, Steve 'Big Big Train, The Enid' Hughes wandered in, like a lonely cloud, so it was time for another pint and a chat to Nick 'Classic Rock CD' May before the Magenta started on their new Home album, almost in it's entirety. It's normally tough to play a hour of relatively new material, especially when it's a concept album without the natural breaks, but the band pulled it off well, capturing the audiences collective appreciation and imagination. Having a stunner like Christina obviously helps, but the music is top notch too.

So, two and a half hours passed like nobody's business! Excellent show, and anyone who hasn't seen them live, or bought Home yet, should do, now!