He’s not going anywhere else.
Photo: The year is 2011, the venue is 
Theatre Royal, Stratford.
So that was twelve years ago, but I started out doing this kind of thing a lot longer ago than that. I’ve been playing professional gigs here on the Isle of Wight since at least 2018, but way before that I spent a summer season playing in pubs such as the William IVth and others around Cornwall, all the while working night shifts at County Hall. Before that even, I busked every single day in the Paris Metro
for a couple of years as a young adult (1970s). That’s where I put the thousands of hours in learning my craft, really.
There have been quiet periods, when I was busy with family life and active interests unrelated to music. But even during those times, I kept my hand in by holding on to my special vintage guitars, writing songs 
and making recordings
(1980s). There were stints in clubs such as Truro the Swan, Deal Kent, Romford and eventually, the Isle of Wight. This is where I have settled down for good these last ten years. I’m not going anywhere.
It can takes a little while without any contacts to build up enough clients, but I often get asked back again and again. The Ship and Castle in East Cowes and the Waterfront Totland have been great since 2018, last year the Star in Ryde, Caffe Isola and locally in good weather outside the Travelling Tavern bus. This year I’ll be frequenting the Wheatsheaf Yarmouth, as well as all the others and more. 
I’m not setting off for anywhere further afield any more, just round and round the Isle of Wight with my backpack amps and guitar 
Andy Roberts 