We played out the rest of the first set and Long-Nose almost became part of the band as she constantly kept coming at me after each number and complaining. John seemed oblivious to her and was enjoying himself as his confidence grew. His voice got even stronger and his playing more adventurous and when we took a break he disappeared amongst well wishing friends, all of whom were intent on buying him a drink. I got a visit of the hotel manager who told me in no uncertain terms that he wanted the volume reducing. Again I agreed to the demand.
When we restarted it soon became obvious that we were never going to match accordion and drums for sound levels.
Long-Nose kept on complaining, I kept on promising and John kept on playing and singing. Later Derek launched into an impromptu drum solo. As he really got into it, he looked like he was trying to drive his drum kit into the stage. In his fury the rolled up right sleeve of his denim shirt came loose and fell around his wrist. Without a pause, he grabbed it with his other hand and ripped it clean off! John and I just looked at each other and then cracked up.
And so it went on. Towards the end, tired off my empty promises, Long-Nose tearfully and dramatically jacked her job in. She had been hysterically demanding aspirin from the manager for a volume induced headache and complaining all night. I personally think she was a bit of a wet blanket.