First of all, let's just have a look at the logo. Do you see what they've done there? Very good. We would have taken a photo of the actual performance but, frankly, life's too short for that sort of thing.
Things that were good about last night:
1. Some nice songs
These included 'Up All Night' and 'Hey Kid' as well as some other things whose titles we forgot to write down, but they were quite good too even if it all slowed down a bit in the middle.
2. It being at The Scala
The Scala is not quite as posh 'n' cultural as Busted's* choice of launch venue — The ICA — and there were no free school dinners. But The Scala is a good reflection of The Willis — it rocks, but politely.
3. It being six songs long and all over by quarter to eight
Surely the way forward for 'live music'.
Things that were bad and unforgivable about last night:
1. No Sea Breezes
Call us old fashioned, but Ye Olde Law Of The Showcase surely demands that attendees are greeted at the door by a tray of unpleasant free booze drinks. We were disappointed — in Willis, in his management and record label, and in all concerned — at this glaring oversight.
2. No goodie bags
Where were the t‑shirts, the notepads, the spuriously conceived 'Up All Night' promotional items for example Matt Willis-branded Pro Plus / Viagra etc etc? Their absence is inexcusable and eBay, certainly, is an emptier place this morning.
3. Too few TVs being hurled from hotel windows
In our day it was flying televisions as far as the eye could see. We've got a picture somewhere, we'll try and dig it out.
And that is that.
* Busted: three-piece pop group briefly popular in early part of 21st Century comprising James From Busted From Son Of Dork, Charlie From Busted From Fightstar, and Matt Willis From Busted From Matt Willis. Hits included 'What I Go To School For' — it was about going to school, 'for' something — 'Year 3000' — it was about the future, and still is — and 'Crashed The Wedding' — which had some sirens in it. It all seems quite a long time ago now, does it not?