None of us were particularly reluctant to leave the Hotel Fouquet's Barriere this morning. What should be a spectacular experience ends up being more of an annoyance in terms of service. It wouldn't be quite so bad if they weren't charging such daft prices. I could rant on but let's move on. . .  Off to Le Bourget for the final time and a brief flight East to Strasbourg on the Alsace border with Germany. I stand corrected re. my Nantes entry....THIS is the latest and greatest Zenith arena only completed earlier this year. Designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas and built after 6 years of consultation at a cost of 48m Euros, I think it's a triumph of acoustics, quality and functionality. With looks akin to a giant squashed tin of Tango, it's easily one of the nicest modern music venues we've seen.



One of our three traveling catering crew Angus McKinnon stands waiting for a large plate to accommodate his freshly made apple pie.



Richard discovers the comfort and security offered by my riser before sound check.



Mr. Saggers, Kerry Lewis and Mark discuss the pro's and cons of 9 guage strings (probably) Mr. Saggers is always right!



Richard often uses bathroom acoustics to good effect. Here he's doing a little bazouki practice.



Another interesting part of the Bennett way is the extraordinary way Richard prepares his shirts for stage wear. He twists and crumples them up until they're just so. I kid you not.



Another absolutely fabulous gig. The band were relaxed and once again a fantastic French crowd.