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Megaliths, Monuments and Maltese Vistas - June 2019

It felt great to open the curtains to the hot sunshine of magical Malta, having arrived the night before. Then three days with the chance to relax and explore that incredible place was a welcome break for us all and it also gave the chance for wives and partners to join.

Promotor Nigel Camilleri with his wife Sharyn and son Max kindly showed Jo and me around the breathtaking historical walled city of Medina, with its huge ramparts, impressive cathedral and ornate balconies. You really feel you’re touching the past as you enter through the impressive gateway and sense the spirits in those atmospheric streets.

The following two days we hired a car, joined by our tour manager Adrian with his wife Andrea. Initially, we all headed off for the ancient Megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra. Extraordinary to think how many thousands of years old these places are, massive stone monuments to nature, seasonal cycles and the Mother Goddess.

We then headed off to Valletta, with its impressive harbour where the siege of Malta took place. Jo's grandfather had been involved with the British Navy, breaking through the blockade. It all feels so peaceful there today. We walked the streets, taking in the centuries old cathedral and buildings, ending up at a cafe set within Ancient Roman arches and pillars.

The following day we headed off across the water to the beautiful island of Gozo. First stop, Ggantija, oldest megalithic temple in the Maltese islands... built before the Egyptian pyramids. Next stop, the Citadel, another wonderful historic walled city, smaller than Medina, but a shining jewel on the island. It was good to hook up with old friend Paul Conroy there too, agent for many things including early Genesis gigs.

On both evenings special meals were laid on for the team to celebrate Jo's and my wedding anniversary, Nad's birthday and Brian Coles' birthday. It felt like a mini holiday for us all. It's been so special for Jo and me to share this magical place together for the first time...

The show was performed in the most amazing venue within a 16th Century Knights Hospitalers building. What an an extraordinary, atmospheric place! You could feel the ghosts...

A big thank you to Maltese promotor Nigel Camilleri for his terrific hospitality and organisation.

Thank you so much to Adrian Holmes, Brian Coles, Solo agency, the promotors and everyone involved as well as all the team on the road for all the hard work, making this whole tour such a success...