August marks the end of my official year as The Manx Bard, although due to Covid-19, my term has been extended until this time next year.

Being the Manx Bard makes me extremely happy and is, without doubt, my proudest achievement.

Had it had not been for the unfortunate situation of the last few months, I would have achieved more, but I’m still thoroughly enjoying the experience.

My most nerve-wracking event was the Holocaust Memorial Service at St George’s Church in January, as the gravity of the occasion made me not wish to err.

The London Manx Society Mhelliah at St Bride’s Church and at the Punch Tavern (Punch Magazine) in Fleet Street, London, in October was wonderful. To be singing the Manx National Anthem in the heart of that busy city made my heart soar.

One of the joys is everyone I have met along my bardic journey, who has been so kind and supportive. I thank them for that.

I have written many poems in my tenure, to date and I have tried to engage with as many people as possible to encourage them that poetry can be inspirational and fun, and can open up such pleasure and creativity in our English, and Manx, language.

The theme of the poem (right) is something that I have been thinking about for years and probably crosses my mind each time I go to a gig.

Frustration

A well-known band’s coming! You’re already humming; you’ve always dreamt of watching them live.

Wear tight t-shirt, so that you’ll appear trendy and cool… you’ll be leaving work bang on half five!

Quite giddy you feel, as you bolt down your meal; soon be rocking down in the mosh pit.

The whole gig will be great; but you truly can’t wait for them to blast out their catchiest hit!

Warm-up acts boost the crowd, however slightly too loud, so you sneak off to grab a quick drink.

The auditorium goes black; rumbles sensed from the back. ‘They’ll be here any moment’, you think.

Onto the stage bound the group, to a roar and a whoop, with an energy magic and fresh.

Striking powerful chords, from guitars and keyboards, “It’s so good seeing them in the flesh!”

They continue to play, as the audience sway to a tune you, at once, recognise,

Though a few you’ve not heard; others – join in each word. Introducing, midway, “‘the band guys”!

And deep-down you’ll find, at the back of your mind, as you holler and boogie along,

That what matters to you – is that moment they’ll do their ultimate, much-cherished song.

Of course, without fail, they’ve an album on sale, so they’ll throw in a few of those tracks.

The atmosphere drops. Will these new ones be flops? Are they building up to the climax?

And they croon a folk piece they’re about to release, and it’s smooth; sadly doesn’t enthral.

Now, you’re secretly vexed, hope ‘the biggie’ is next. Is it really on the set-list at all?

If you pop to the toilet, could miss it or spoil it, though, by now, you’re in need of a break

And there’s always one ballad that’s boring and pallid, and your feet are beginning to ache.

“Fab! This one I know. Nightclubs from years ago!” You feel an instant revitalisation.

The mood that had dwindled has swiftly rekindled, but still underlying frustration.

The piece we adore, and the one we came for, will they bother to sing it tonight?

Getting flustered and stunned, you’ll demand a refund. Yet overall, it’s been such a delight.

What? It’s diminishing? Surely not finishing? Phew, they’ll perform just one more.

YES! YES! YES! This is it!! It’s their most famous hit! Saved the best until last - the encore!

It began when I went to watch Badly Drawn Boy in Hamburg. I was desperate for him to perform his one big success ’Once Around the Block’.

He teased us throughout the entire evening, starting its quirky and familiar introduction, and then stopping to go into something else.

KT Tunstall recognised this common sentiment during her Gaiety show.

For the encore when she announced she was going to do a folk number, the disappointing hum in the audience was palpable.

’Only joking’ she cried and broke into her crowd-thrilling hit, ’Suddenly I See’.

Bands mostly get it right.

They know that people often have to ’endure’ their lesser known music, but also want to create tension. The most important feeling is that the audience leave the venue on a real high.

by Zoe Cannell