I’m 3 years sober today and it still remains one of the best decisions of my entire life. This isn’t a preachy thread advising the whole planet to stop drinking - this is just where I’m at. 1/8
I’ve written about my reasons to quit in the link at the bottom of the thread so I won’t go over them again here - but to all the people who have contacted me in the 18months since it was published - I hope you are thriving and in a happier place. 2/8
To those that still need to whisper their thoughts to a stranger - my DMs are and will always be open to you. Do not suffer in silence. If you think you have a drink problem, share. It feels so much better, believe me. 3/8
I got asked yesterday if I find it hard. Most days I’m lucky enough not to desire drink - others (and certainly over the past 6 months) it’s been quite overwhelming. But that’s OK - that’s how it will always be - I’ve accepted that. 4/8
I’m lucky enough to have the full support of my ace family and a fantastic network of pals at AA, who’s friendship I cherish and who I’ve come to rely on more than I ever thought (Viva La Firm!). 5/8
Without getting too hippyish - When you drink too much, sobering up peels back a lot of layers, which at first feels painfully raw. Over time, you realise what’s exposed is who you’ve always been and it takes time to adjust back. 6/8
You’re healthier, calmer, kinder, more patient and generally a better human being. It feels good. There will be bumps, there will be lapses and you’ll feel all sorts of shit. Don’t. Day one is always waiting for you. Pick yourself up and go again. 7/8
I used #soberoctober as cover to see how I felt and to build up the courage to say it out loud - and I’m certain there will be a few of you starting that journey today. If it’s you.. you got this pal - you’re doing great and I’m here for you. 8/8
THREAD - Basically, the government’s site didn’t even give us the option of driving hundreds of miles - nothing. Just said, no tests available.
However, There is a ludicrous loophole you can use (told in hushed tones) to get access to the completely EMPTY drive through test centre where dozens of fantastic staff are waiting. 2/3
To get into the test centre you need a QR code. This is what you get by going to the gov.uk site. You need this to get to the test. Most English addresses come back with no availability so won’t give you this code.
Here’s a blast from the past. @MattEdmondson and I on the @HolyMoly set - for an @MTVUK pilot commissioned by @illbehaviour that didn’t make it to series. I was still the anonymous Mr. Holy Moly at the time...
It was set in an imaginary bunker we had tunnelled underneath @KerryKatona7’s house. It contained a character called ROFLCOPTER, jokes about 2 girls 1 cup and interviews with @PixieLott and Alexandra Burke.
It was amazing. @MTVUK instead commissioned some random shambles with Kimberley Walsh.
Few people arguing that “not everyone spends £500 commuting or £7 on their lunch”. Well, yes that’s true but it’s also completely relative. If you work in London you do, but you also get paid a premium for doing it. You’ll pay far less in eg. Derby - but be paid accordingly.
And yes, millions are facing redundancy. I lost my main gig this month and my financial future has completely changed - but the fact remains that the economy will NOT collapse because of people not working in city centres 5 days a week.
Those screaming the loudest are people who’ve creamed off people dutifully trudging year in, year out. Landlords of miles of property taking millions and not reinvesting, train companies doing the same, no-one buying a paper on the way to the office...
Ok I’m going to do a thread of amazing music performances because people have sent in some incredible ones.
I’ll start with Nick Cave doing Stagger Lee at Glastonbury in 2013.
Then there’s Prince’s disappearing guitar after playing the greatest guitar solo I’ve ever heard.
Pulp doing Common People at Glastonbury, stepping in for The Stone Roses and becoming icons:
I seem to have three podcasts out today. Please stop what you are doing and listen to them all in full then leave a comment, subscribe then finally send each and every one of your work AND personal email contacts the link (three seperate emails each please).
First up: