Fiddling with the set-list. And so far in advance. But need some r 'n r. Saw The Stones' movie, Scorsese's "Shine A Light" at the comfy Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge. One for fans, essentially. I wanted more interview footage. They were amusing young guys, all of them. But they rock in that small theatre.

To "Cirque Du Soleil" at a much bigger space, 02. Lots of percussion and body contortion, but it don't rock like The Stones. Missed the Craven at Newmarket for that trip to London, and am wondering whether.....yeh, on balance it's a show to see, but just the once. Got to the races, anyway, at the end of April: Sandown Park for the Nordoff-Robbins Race Day, in aid of Music Therapy, a charity I have supported since the mid-70s. Met old acquaintances from the music biz. Hadn't seen David Munns in an age, and shared a table with Rupert Perry and Terry Slater. Now, these names may mean little to the average reader of this diary, but the men are legends in the Music world, all top-of-the-tree executives at one time or another, even now in at least one case. And each has been closely involved in my career. Lunch recently with Bob Mercer and his fab wife Margie. Now Mercer really was close to me; as much a friend as a business acquaintance, and we reminisce with giggles and fondness over tea at Sotheby's. Their hot-water machine broke down during our visit, so no re-fills were available. They didn't have the nous to pop upstairs to any one of a hundred offices and borrow a kettle for the customers downstairs, even though we did suggest this simple solution. Won't be back there, ever.

Lost on the 2000 Guineas, but recovered next day backing the French filly Natagora. She will scoot up at Royal Ascot, if form means anything. And it might not. I get around. To Lillehammer for indoor festival. Such fine people, all round us. Three hours sleep before departure; two hours sleep after show; two hour drives to and from Oslo to venue; and all but one of us, a 14-strong team, in their 40s and 50s. It must be love. And for us all the night was a thrill. Hadn't played together for several months, and I was twitchy. But a good sound-check blew away the webs and steadied the nerves. 2,000 people bopped and sang in party mood. Also, acted as great rehearsal for the UK dates to come. Talking of which.....Southampton tonight. Still fiddling with that set-list.

SH