Show day number two in glorious Amsterdam, although it did actually rain for a while this afternoon. This is a very civilized town, I often wonder how London could benefit if it should ever implement a similar cycling policy. In the centre of the city here, cars are very much considered the no.3 priority with cyclist being given the right of way, everywhere. The average Dutch bike is a battered, rust-laden creature but cycling is by far the country’s most popular form of transportation. Its 16.4 million inhabitants own 17 million bikes. Sadly, as in the UK, there is a crime element and 80,000 bikes a year get stolen, 25,000 of those ending up in the canals. I wonder if they ever dredge? I don't know if it's the scent of marijuana which prevails as you walk the streets, but there is definitely a 'cool' atmosphere here. As I said, civilized.

We left the hotel for soundcheck at 4:30 and arrived just before 5, just in time to watch Paraguay beat poor Japan on penalties. Not a way to go out, still they have to finish matches somehow and it sure beats tossing a coin, which is what they used to do! Matt was very happy as Paraguay are his team in the band-crew World Cup sweepstake. My team South Korea went out last week but I picked a team for my son Leon and got Spain. 1-0 against Portugal so they are through to the last 8 as well.

So to sound check and I notice Colin, off stage-left working on some sort of device which after a while I recognize as a substitute keyboard stand.

We are playing two shows in Monte Carlo in a few weeks and due to the available space for the staging, we are not going to be able to fit the whole production in. Not even close as it turns out. The three risers occupied by Danny, Matt and myself are going to be smaller and since my riser has slots cut out in it to accommodate my main stand, Colin is having to improvise a new one. We will also be doing without the piano 'shell' on Matt's side. Danny will be doing the show with just a snare drum and a cymbal.

A short sound check and then dinner which was salted sardines (or pilchards as they are called in Cornwall) followed by rib of pork and a treacle dessert which was crying out to be tasted. I did and it was sublime.

A great show tonight, a great atmosphere in the ram-packed Heineken hall too. We are truly blessed to be able to walk out on stage and play this music, in this band, for these people. Smiling faces everywhere.

Every time we play here, I wonder too how London could really use a purpose built venue like this one. Everything is well designed and thought out, it is acoustically treated, has great air conditioning, wonderful dressing room and catering facilities, great load-in access etc. etc. As I said, civilized.

Dan and I decided to forgo the hotel bar as it is after all Amsterdam and there are bars and cafes on almost every street corner. We walked a block or two and found a fantastic old bar serving many unrecognizable beers. It seemed churlish not to try them.

As I said...civilized.

Mike McGoldrick on the Uilleann pipes..

pic Ramon Feleüs

pic Dennis Brouwer

Don't forget the string competition...only a few days left to have a go!!

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How many strings tour competition

Thanks to all who entered the competition

The total number of strings on all instruments carried buy the tour is 287. Stage Right (Kevin) 83, Stage Left (TC) 114 and MK guitars (Mr. Saggers) 90. The winner is ALBERTO ANTONETTI

Instructions

The question was...Guess the total number of strings used on all stringed instruments carried on this tour. This includes basses, ethnic instruments and violins.

First prize, one of Danny's drum heads, used on this tour, signed by ALL the band.

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