Where /does/ the time go? It seems like it was months till Firefest 6, and now, at the time of writing, we are only two weeks ago. And once again, behind the scenes, in all hands to the pumps and 28 hours days. On the actually weekend, everybody watching only sees a smooth running, well organised show - never imagining, I'm sure, about all the months of hard work, toil, blood sweat and tears put into this event by our incredible team. So I'd just like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of them for their hard work and dedication to the cause. This isn't about money ... it never was. It's about keeping the music we love alive, and as much in the eyes of the public as we can. And in that regard, I'd like to think we are doing quite well.

One of the biggest surprises of recent weeks - if not months - has been the reformation of the original line-up of Unruly Child. It was thought that Marci Free had long since given up on the musical side of her career, and although there had been some rumblings about a possible solo album, very few people could have expected a fully-fledged Unruly Child reunion. I hope everyone can give Marcie the respect that such a wonderful talent deserves.

It's good to know that the artists read our magazine. We had an email from John Waite recently, telling us how much he enjoyed the interview we did with him, but wanting to set the record straight on something that was misquoted. Happy to do so, and we print John's letter here in full ...

Hello! I was reading the interview I did with your magazine. I thought it was honest and funny. I liked it. Thanks for the interest. However I think there may have been a misquote as I tend to speak quietly. It was about the manager of the Babys. I was really trying to say that if I hadn't met him I would have wound up meeting someone full of bullshit and either joining someone else's band or going back to Lancaster, not that /he/ was full of it! It's a small point but I owe Adrian my career. I was going out of my way to say so. Can this be put right? Best from here, John Waite.

Consider it done, John, and thanks again for a wonderful show at Z Rock earlier in the year.

Speaking of wonderful shows, if anyone hasn't yet got copies of the Firefest DVDs from Mitch Malloy, Loud & Clear and White Sister, please check them out. Very limited editions that will surely increase in value with time, a momentous memory of a wonderful event and, oh yeah, a means of helping us finance future Firefest shows! :-) Check out the adverts elsewhere in this issue.

Hope to see many of you at Firefest ... and beyond. This will be the last issue of 2009, so let me take this chance to wish you all a fantastic Christmas and an exciting 2010. For sure, I know it will be for us.

Until next year ... Jinglebell ROCK!!!

-- Bruce Mee