The day was hot & sunny, and I had travelled 200 miles to see Ash play a free Radio 1 concert in Plymouth. Caroline had invited me down to see Ash, but I knew the real reason she wanted to go was because Steve 'the cat' Lamacq would be introducing the bands onstage.

The journey down was pretty strange. When I look back, it seems quite surreal. The train carriage I was in was filled with young Manchurians, and they were obviously in high spirits as they were also off on holiday. They were drinking, smoking, doing drugs and SINGING Blur songs.. well actually, 1 blur song, but that was enough to make me smile. :) :) :) In the train, I was sitting next to a happy chap playing bongos. This was the beginning of an ace holiday!

When we got down to Plymouth Hoe, the place was absolutely packed. When Steve finally came onstage he joked about his size (erm, I think she means height - Caroline), as ever, and then announced that people could text him on a certain number with requests. Erm, so we did! "Hey Steve Its laura & caroline, can we cum (argh) backstage? xxx" (i cant remember the exact wording) ... needless to say he didnt read that one out..

After Ash played a blinding set (good word ey!) and we were starting to go pink in the sun we made a hasty exit as 5ive were just about to start playing. We decided to try & blag our way backstage, as you do, and were let through 1 barrier, when we showed a security woman our photo of us with Steve. BUT when we got to the backstage bit a stoopid fat security bloke (pictured) wouldnt let us go backstage to see Our Mate Lamacq! Tsk! Anyway we then waited round in case Ash came to sign autographs. Finally Charlotte appeared, joking about the amount of fans that were waiting for her. (There were all of 7 people..)   

Anyway me & C had thought of a very clever idea, which, looking back now, seems laughable. We handed Charlotte our photo of C & Steve, and on the back we'd written a note (O lord) " Hi Steve, remember us?! Come & say hello! caroline & laura"... So charlotte said she'd give it to him. She didnt look too pleased. (erm thats kinda embarrassing actually , we should leave that bit out!!?--L)