I had an interesting conversation last week about the fact that because I can’t always hear myself singing (live that is) I have intellectualised pitch rather than just ‘knowing’ it or feeling it instinctively. Not surprisingly this does sometimes lead to some unexpected results…

Now obviously I expect to be judged alongside everyone else pushing themselves forward as singers, songwriters, performers of all kinds whatever their circumstances but sometimes I’m not sure that anyone is actually getting the point. Forgive me if you are.

Here’s the thing…how would it be if I got up and gave really good performances every time? Just like a hearing person? I’m a ‘disabled’ guy with half my hearing gone AWOL. I can’t change that.

If I could do this faultlessly you’d all say “look at that guy, there’s no problem with deafness – you can just get a couple of hearing aids and you’ll be just like everyone else”. Believe me, this is nowhere near right.

If I get up and give a good, tuneful performance it’s due to a huge effort on my part plus a very large amount of luck. If I don’t, then that’s just one of those things, I’ve done my best.

I’m sorry if that means that some don’t want to hear it.
There’s nothing I can do about it and I’m not going to stay at home just in case I mess it up.

But I am sorry.