Lucyann and I arranged to meet her in Leidseplein, Amsterdam, before the Decemberists gig (more of which on 43T, and lawks a-mercy, it was a good ‘un!) last Thursday. We saw her flaming red hair from a mile away, and spent the whole evening with her, drinking, chatting and dancing like mentalists at the gig, eventually winding up in the Kashmere Lounge for a cheeky spliff to round off the evening. And what a lovely person she is! We clicked with her right away. She was excellent company, really fun, open, witty and forthright, and I really did feel like I’d known her for ages – no awkwardness at all. Any time she and her Irishman fancy a trip to drizzly old Newcastle, there’s a sofa bed right here for them! Redbandita, thanks so much for meeting us and making us so welcome in your adopted city. You rock!