My Mum and Dad went to Glasgow last weekend to see Paul McCartney at Hampden Park, and decided to make a little bit of a hollibobs out of it.

I got in touch on Tuesday to ask what they’d been up to on holiday. I got a text back saying: “Just been on a demo at Glasgow Town Hall against Tory cuts.”

Hehe.

Funny thing is, when she got back to Liverpool, she had a song that she’d written while on the demo.

The tune is based on an old music hall number but she’s cleverly changed the words.

I chucked in a chorus and, against her vehement protests, gave it a public airing at the Woody Guthrie Folk Club last night.

I think it’s boss, so three cheers for my Mum. Her song has already been requested to be played at a big trade union event in September.

I hope to see you peaceloving music fans at the Leamington Peace Festival next weekend.

You’ll know that while I’m taking a break from myself and my own songs in terms of live performing, I’m filling that gap most enjoyably with the band Rich Man’s Ruin which myself, Vinny, Gabi and Scott play in.

We’re at Leamington Peace Festival on Sunday 20th June, so we look forward to seeing you. We have a great uplifting set prepared for you.

I am deeply proud to announce that my song The Limerick Soviet has been requested by the Limerick Council of Trades Unions to be entered into their official archives.

I consider this a huge honour. The Limerick Council of Trades Unions is the very organisation that is the direct descendant of those who formed the Limerick Soviet back in 1919.

I sent off a signed copy to Limerick earlier this week just as they requested.

Like I have said many times, this is the kind of thing that matters to me as a songwriter.

To hear the song and read up more about The Limerick Soviet, simply click here.

Tickets are on sale right now for this month’s Woody Guthrie Folk Club.

Buy them here.

It’s at the real ale haven of The Ship & Mitre pub in Dale Street, Liverpool.

As well as our floor singers, I’ll be singing a couple and so will Rich Mans Ruin, the fab band I’m in.

Tickets £3 advanced only.