Back on Stage After 13 Years.

For someone who’s played music since childhood and spent most of his working life in it, 13 years away is a long time. But like many musicians, I took a step back when family life and a different, more stable career needed my attention. I pushed that side of myself down, determined to give the new path everything I had.

Now that I’m settled in that work, music has found its way back in — not as a career this time, but as the passion it’s always been. Picking up the guitar again, getting back to daily practice, even stepping up at a jam night — it’s like reconnecting with a part of myself I didn’t realise I’d missed this much.

Thursday nights at Miss Celie’s in Ashfield have been a big part of that. The standard of playing is high, but what makes it brilliant is the atmosphere. No competition, no ego — just musicians sharing the love of playing. That kind of environment is a tonic, and it’s kept me inspired and practising more than I have in years.

What makes it even more special now is sharing it with my family. My daughter’s taken up the drums and is beginning to show an interest in performing. Having her in the audience cheering me on is wonderful — but the thought of one day being in the audience, cheering her on, is even better.

And that’s the thing I’ve realised: music is at its best when it’s shared. With other players, with audiences, and especially with the people you love. After all these years, coming back to it feels less like a career move and more like reconnecting with joy itself.