It’s been a totally crazy week this week, and nothing beats when one of your musical and political heroes offers to take you out busking for an afternoon. I lost my voice on Sunday – still don’t have it back – but there was no way I was going to let that stop me. Slight mortification about having to bellow/holler instead of actually sing, was completely cancelled out by the fact it’s BILLY BRAGG and we got to sing A New England – a few times – outside Camden Tube station on Friday afternoon.
Between us, and four songs (Oh My Sweet Carolina, I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You, The Times They Are A-Changing and A New England), we made just over £38, enough for a pint or two in the pub afterwards! I’ve sung in bands for years, and had a piano and two guitars before I sold all my stuff in August 2012 to try to catch up with rent arrears and get back on my feet – and I haven’t really sung since. And definitely not in public for about four or five years. So politics and music to one side, I just want to thank Billy for restoring my confidence – even if we couldn’t do much about my voice. Now, to pick up my guitar and actually learn the thing, if I can find a spare hour in my week…
Jack Monroe. Twitter: @MsJackMonroe