I thought it would be appropriate for me to add a few (that’s unlikely) words on this point. As well as being one of the team who helped Mick organise the reunion, I also code the website (with massive input from Mick and Pete of course).

I also happen to be the venue manager for the STAGE 2 venue at Greenbelt.

After the band expressed a desire to perform after the reunion, it seemed to me that Greenbelt would be natural venue for the band. The festival played host to some classic ATF gigs, not least the last time they played in 1979.

The choice of venue was pretty much driven by myself who recommended the band to play.

Greenbelt is not the same festival it was 25 years ago. Most aspects of booking policy have changed and evolved with the musical climate. The music committee was really pleased to be able to book ATF, but admit that the emphasis of the booking is with current artists. And as much as even I am critical of some bookings, the figures speak for themselves. Greenbelt has grown from around 3000 in 1999 (first year at Cheltenham) to 17,500 this year. Whatever you think you can’t argue with bums on seats. The people who book must be getting something right (now Jamelia – now that was a coup!).

If Larry Norman were able to come to Greenbelt I am sure he would get a bigger venue, the difference is, that up until his heart problem his was still a current and gigging artist (as well as a GB legend). Unlike ATF.

The 1999 bash for Pete Banks birthday got around 300 people (is that right Pete?), some of which were family and friends. The reunion (which took a whole lot more work that GB) got only around 120 people (although that wasn’t a band gig of course).

I don't think we could say Greenbelt underestimated the support based on those figures.

Mine, and the bands hope, was that there are people in the GB audience now with families who come or would be happy to return to the festival because the band was playing and were fans or remember them from the time.

Well, we can discuss the whys and wherefores all day, but I personally think we got it right. The venue capacity was 500 and we just hit that mark. It is possible some people left the queue for other reasons, particularly the clash with other acts caused by the delay of the fire alarm earlier in the day. Sadly unavoidable.

The other options for venues were Centaur and Mainstage. The capacity for Centaur is 4000 and the PA would have been lacking for ATF. Mainstage could never have been a possibility. Far better to have a totally packed and buzzing venue than rattle around in a larger place and it look a bit sparse. Venues always generate there own audience so I am sure had they played any of those venues the audience would have been larger.

I don't want to get into huge debates about the habits of Greenbelters, but I think you are wrong about the amount of people who go home on Monday. Most people want to get full value from there GB ticket these days and I am sure any ATF fans would actually stay to see them (and by the way - one major bonus to having ATF on last was the freedom to overrun and do encores).

And I am afraid that I take great exception to the terrible acoustics comment. Because of the amount of bands we cram into STAGE 2, the sound can be...variable, but please also remember that the band also don't carry the same crew as 25 years ago, and Paul Ganney who did the sound (was MC at the reunion) did a stirling job in such a short time...for his first ATF gig (and hopefully that applies to myself who was also being compere and doing lights). We like to think STAGE 2 carries a vibe with it. It's up close and personal and generally the comments about the gig have been good. Certainly I thought it was a blast and so did the band.

So in conclusion, I don't think Greenbelt (and I count myself in the GB team) got it wrong…

"The Greenbelt team failed to recognize their loyal customers and need reminding us 40 something’s need catering for too"

GB had no way of gauging the loyal customers (where were the other 380 at the reunion then????) and to be fair they do try and cater for EVERY age group (e.g. Moya Brennan etc). You wouldn't believe how hard it is to try an cater for all us picky 40 years olds as well as everyone else!!!

Cleary you enjoyed the gig, but I am sorry STAGE 2 didn't quite make the grade for you.

But as for next year? Well I strongly advise that if you contact Greenbelt (which I do advise you to do) you pick your words carefully. If you want to see the band play again (which would be cool, eh!) I would be very polite and stress the good points of the gig and not criticize them, because I think they were very pleased with the gig and there is nothing worse than critical emails for something they actually got right.

Blimey, it's along way up on the soapbox!

Andy