One of the guitarists introduced himself as Ed and, with a one, two, three, they went into their first number, ‘Big Boss Man’. Soon people at other tables were tapping their feet, and a couple at the back even got up to jive. I was enjoying the chance to watch Stuart without embarrassment. I resolved to tell him that he had no need for nerves, he was good and the band had a great sound. I could also see how much he was enjoying himself; there was a great camaraderie between him and the other musicians. He glanced over at one point and grinned. I gave him a thumbs-up.

In the interval, Stuart came straight over. ‘How are you finding it?’

‘Fanbloodytastic. The audience love you. You’ve been holding out on me. I’ve seen a whole new side to you.’

‘I know. I don’t know why I let it go for so many years. Actually no, I do know. I wanted to pursue my music but Janet disapproved and told me to leave it to people who could actually play.’

‘About that, Stuart, we didn’t really get a chance to talk at the wedding but I saw removal vans outside your house and Janet told me briefly what was happening. What’s going on?’

Stuart looked embarrassed. ‘Ah. Yes. I’ve been waiting for the right time to tell you, been planning to tell you, but the wedding didn’t seem like the right occasion and before that … there was so much going on in your life, I …’

‘Are you OK?’

He nodded. ‘Yes, fine actually. Janet and I should have separated years ago, so in a way it’s liberating.’

‘But you were with Janet at the wedding?’

‘Janet knew Rob and Jess, so we went along together, and I’m sure there will be many occasions when that will be appropriate, but our separation is final and mutually agreed. Neither of us was happy with each other, nor had been for a long time. I’m looking forward to a new chapter, being able to explore what I want to do, play the music I want to play, spend time with who I want to.’ He gave me a meaningful look. ‘But mainly there will be the freedom to be myself for the first time I can remember in I don’t know how long. I feel like a young man again, released.’

‘And do you have plans?’

‘I do and I hope they will—’

He stopped abruptly as Ed signalled to him that the second set was about to start, and began pulling Stuart back towards the front. ‘Drink later,’ he called over his shoulder.

‘Sure,’ I called back.

The second set was even better; before long, half the pub were on their feet, dancing and singing along to old favourites – ‘Sixteen Tons’, ‘Dust My Broom’, ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You’.