After my first negative feedback (below), I only posted the correspondence because the complainant challenged me to, a lot of people came up to me at the wonderful Special Ed show and offered support. These comments came via email.

Very entertaining correspondence with the freeloaders. You should have offered them free tickets for Sunday night then charged them an admin fee when they get there to go in. August 2008

The rant you printed is certainly not representative of me and all the peeps who've been to your shows. Glad to see the bloke (?!) can't spell, either. Keep up the good work. August 2008

Just to say that I have been on the mailing list for years and have only just got around to attending my first 'Barn D'Or' to see the wonderful Jason Ringenberg. And it was great. I was amazed that you could have had such negative, even nasty, feedback to what was such a fantastic event. While I've seen Jason pull bigger crowds and I'm sure he's used to grittier locations, he won over everyone in the room with his wit and charm and especially with his ability to keep going through the power cut. The torchlit singalong in the thunder and lightning will not be forgotten easily. Don't take the comments of those deluded freeloaders to heart. Everyone in the room clearly had a great time. August 2008

If that's constructive criticism from those freeloaders I'd hate to be their victim if they were in a deconstructive mood! I have seen Jason play better gigs but him slightly off line is still far better than 'Take That' at the Brighton centre that those critics would probably think was great! August 2008

Thanks for a great night at the Anchor yesterday, what drama!!!!! I should think Jason will be telling the story of the night the lights went out for many a year to come. August 2008

A brief note to offer big thanks for your efforts. We only discovered your gigs commencing with Carrie Rodriguez, and wasn't she good. We caught Willie Clay, the excellent Rod Picott, Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack, and then last nights superb Sam Baker. We look forward to next years gigs. Thank you once again. Customers, after the Sam Baker gig. November 2007

His Anchor gig was superb, the night before was very good too but, I think he enjoyed himself more at the Anchor. I knew his music was good but his stage presence was much better than I remembered, hopefully he'll come back soon!. A Customer, after the Sam Baker gig. November 2007

We would like to say thank you for 2 great nights out in the last week. Eric Taylor was incredible and we also enjoyed Will Kimbrough & Tommy Womack on Friday. Keep up the good work and we'll see you next Saturday. Customers October 2007

What a great band, I knew I loved 'Rebecca Drive' but they were absolutley fantastic live. Thanks for another wonderful evening of live music. See you soon. a Customer (after the Willy Clay Band show), August 2007

We did really enjoy the gig, I think you have a lovely setup there. a Customer (after Tom Russell show), August 2007

Last night's gig was amazing, cheers Mike... make sure to book Tom (Russell) again some time - he's a legend! a Customer, August 2007

Just wanted to thank you for a really great evening on Friday. We so enjoyed the venue, and particularly the Peter Bruntnell Trio. Glad the water kept itself in the river, hope it didn't come over during the night? Definitely see you again real soon. a Customer, July 2007

What a great gig last night. Daughter's boyfriend enjoyed it more than the White Stripes they'd seen the previous night in London. Thanks for putting it on. a Customer, (after the Danny Schmidt, Paul Curreri gig) June 2007

Thank you for putting on a great Carrie Rodriguez gig at The Anchor yesterday. I’ve never gone before but the tent is a great place to hear music - especially music as good as this. a Customer, May 2007

Thought I’d write to congratulate you on the Carrie Rodriquez show. I hadn’t been to one of your shows before nor seen her perform before, but it seemed to go really well and everybody seemed to enjoy it. Put her on again, and I’ll go and see her again, I can’t say more than that, can I? a Customer, May 2007

Really enjoyable evening. Those sounds are never the same on a recording. And what amazing weather. Lovely venue. Hope it goes from strength to strength. a Customer, April 2007

I would like to thank you (and, of cause, John) for a brilliant John Otway gig. He's tremendous value. Keep it flowing and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. a Customer, December 2006

Came to Otway gig on Saturday night. Wanted to thank you for fantastic night Otway was superb as always and Adam was an added bonus. Came all the way from central France specially and it was well worth the effort. Good luck with venture at the Anquor hope to see you at another gig soon. a Customer, December 2006

A very happy Christmas to you and thanks for all your hard work on our behalf. a Customer, December 2006

Thanks Mike. Good on you! I gotta tell ya I so appreciate your work in getting this stuff together. Just thought I should say! a Customer, December 2006

Just a note to say how much I enjoyed the Fred Eaglesmith gig the other evening – despite the cold! Great music, and great story telling. It was also a nice change to see a good looking drummer behind the kit! This was my first visit to The Anchor although I’ve been to The Greys, in the past. Anyway, you’ll see me again, and keep at it. It’s much appreciated. a Customer, December 2006

John Otway coincides with a friend’s fiftieth b’day so will miss that ….rats! However I’m pleased it’s sold out and it will hopefully inspire you to keep going in the new year. Barcombe needs you! a Customer, December 2006

(forgot to keep these for a while ...)

Thanks very much for putting on Jackie Leven, great gig..and nice venue (I've only previously been to the Greys for your gigs). a Customer, December 2005

Couldn't let this sad historic occasion pass without saying thanks for many specal nights. Here's to many more at the Hanbury. Meanwhile, "Thaaaaanxx fooorrr thaarrr me-mor-reeezzz, etc" - a Customer, December 2005

Sad to hear you’re stopping gigs at the Greys. End of an era. See you soon though. a Customer, November 2005

As a punter I just want to thank you for all the excellent gigs you have put on at the Greys over the years. I have to travel a lot for my work and often wonder why I continue to live in Brighton. You outstanding concerts have long been a part of the reason I stay here and I hope to continue to support you at your new venue in the coming years. It is people like you who make this city the special place it is. a Customer, November 2005

Sad to hear you are giving up the Grey's Promoting - the end of an era. a Customer, November 2005

I was at the gig on Sunday and must say thanks very much for putting on such a good act, he absolutely blew me away!
after the Tom Russell gig, November 2005

thanks for all your hard work over the past few years. We have enjoyed some great shows and heard of some great acts who would have otherwise passed us by. Good luck with your new plans. a Customer, November 2005

Now that you won't be doing stuff at the Greys any more, I just wanted to say thanks for all the fab evenings and for introducing me to a range of superb music. In an indirect way also, for me starting to play the guitar,
although this is not necessarily a good thing! a Customer, November 2005

Good luck, Mike - end of an era however the Hanbury gigs should keep you busy. a Customer, November 2005

It was good to meet you at Andy White's recent gig.When I see what the likes of David Gray have
achieved I think it is criminal that Andy is not better known. Good luck at the new venue and please
keep me on your distribution list as it is almost easier for me to see a gig in Brighton than to get to
some parts of London. a Customer, November 2005

Wow! unexpected! Does this mean that you'll be going for bigger names? Is the Hanbury a dance venue? !!!!!

These below were sent while I was promoting at The Greys. All these comments are still on the greys website the only change is that the new new owners have added the words - 'Dear Chris & Gill' to the top of the page !!!!!!!

What a great show on Sunday night. THANKS! A bit like those stellar moments on the albums when The Stones were hanging round with Gram Parsons and Ry Cooder. after the Karl Broadie & Alex Ryan gig. (this show contained one of my favourite lines (from the Australian support act) : "This is a song about my best mate's girlfriend" !! July '05

Just a little thank you for Sunday night. Had a fabulous evening watching and listening to Tony and Andy.
Wonderful to meet Robin Driscoll too....bit of a hero. Keep up the good work and hope to be back at the Greys soon. after Tony Haase & Andy Roberts, from a customer from Birmingham! April '05

great show as I said well done you were really on form with the sound.The greys sound is always the best but last night was superb - it was probably better than that but words fail me. after Kate Campbell, April '05

Can I just say how much me and the missus enjoyed Mr Bruntnell last Sunday. An excellent gig.
It was my first visit to The Greys, and a welcome bonus was that you had Timmy Taylor's on tap. I'm glad I had 'er indoors to drive me home... Thanks, and see you again. Good Boy! December '04

Thank YOU for all the info and hard work. Have a peaceful and very Merry Christmas yourself, and a happy and prosperous new year. Cheers a very smart customer December '04

On behalf of JT Van Zandt, Sandy Watson and myself, Gus MacLeod, please accept a big "thank you" for all of your recent efforts. We met some wonderful people, enjoyed sterling hospitality and had one heck of a good time. I hope you (and those who came to the show) enjoyed it half as much. November '04

Thanks for the Anne McCue show. Surely Australia's most potent blonde export
since Shane Warne! She reminded me of Sam Phillips ... anyway, top show! October '04

... one of England's premier music venues where, once again, a who's who of primarily singer/songwriters on tour find a great audience. .... that night, it was not only a standing room only audience .... a "tour best nite" is the result of a group of converging factors such as a full house (although numbers don't always make the night), the mentality of the crowd (as in are they all there for that singular purpose of seeing the artist), is the artist in rare form that night (vocally and in terms of communicating with the audience) and very importantly has he had the right balance of Stella .... Well, on this night, there were more requests and more laughter and more warmth and unequivocal support all around...AND more CDs sold than on any other night. Damn...what a night. Life's a bitch, then ya go to The Greys in Brighton! Bob Cheevers 'Road Diary' - Part 45 Sept'04

Another great show. Probably the most untidy man I've ever seen, but what a musician and sense of humour. August 2004 after the Mike West gig.

Well I know he's one of your top five - but I'd put him at number 2, second only to a fantastic show a year or so ago by Kevin Montgomery. Keep 'em coming! May 2004 the Peter Bruntnell gig.

Thanks for putting on a great and, apparently undervalued act. Those beautiful songs definately deserve to be heard by a bigger crowd. I've never sat that close before. It was a bit of a master class for we struggling guitar novices ...Apr 2004 after the Paul Tiernan gig.

Excellent venue excellent gig - the world hardly seems big enough to contain David Thomas AND Jackie Leven, but somehow the Greys did.... Mar 2004

Just a line to say how much I enjoyed the Brian Houston / Chip Taylor gig. Thanks for putting on such a great evening... Feb 2004 got lots of similar emails after this show.

Thanks for bringing all the acts to the Greys - helps me plan my weeks in Brighton much more easily... received December 2003 - amongst numerous 'Seasonal Greetings' was this - he lives and works in Germany !!

Just a note to congratulate you on a great gig on monday night. Both acts were top rate, top draw, top of their game etc. And the sound was nice too! .......... after the Brian Houston / Greg Trooper gig Nov 2003

a truly excellent gig - let me know if you book him again! .......... after the Clive Carroll gig, received Oct 2003

Really enjoyed the PHIL LEE show shame about the locals not being clued up, well done mate for putting it on well worth the trip from Kent. .......... from Customers received July 2003

Great night - billiant performance from both Tom (Russell) and Andrew Hardin......... from 'A CUSTOMER' received July 2003

We had an absolute ball in Brighton and The Greys crowd were fantastic, you
really do have a great venue there...... Michael Carpenter (Sydney, Australia) received July 2003

Thanks for putting on another great Greys show despite your "retirement."
... received June 2003 (after the Woody Mann gig)

Howdy!! I had an excellent time last night. You have a very good thing going there. It's a wonderful gig. Many thanks for the years of work and attention that it has taken to build it so fellows like me can have a nice audience to play to!! Best - JASON RINGENBERG. ... received May 2003

Wow what a nite, thank you for everything. I enjoyed myself so much and you and your pub and commitment made it all possible. John Otway and Richard were brilliant and the venue is so intimate and makes for such excellent entertainment the beer is good too. ... received May 2003

Just a quick line to say great show from Michael Carpenter and Bill Mallonee on Sunday. Keep up the good work. ... received May 2003

Just wanted to say that last night was one of the best sessions I've been to at the Greys . Please book them both again soon. ... received March 2003 after the Pierce Pettis/Julie Lee gig.

Sorry to hear you are selling, myself and my friends have spent many a good evening listening to both the new and the familiar at your establishment. I'm glad though that the premises will be passed on to someone who will keep the successful format you have devised over the years, I'm also glad that your direct input will not be entirely lost. ... received January 2003

It's great that the music will continue at the Greys. ... received January 2003

Hey! Thanks for all your emails & excellent gigs. Your work in laying all this on is greatly appreciated. ... received December 2002

Coming to the Jackie Leven gig and I look forward to some more inspired bookings in 2003. Keep up the good work! ... received November 2002

Just a quick note to say I really enjoyed the Eric Roche gig the other night. I haven't been to your place before, but I really like what you're doing there. If I still lived down there I'd come along all the time! ... received November 2002

"Could you please let me know what wonderful music acts you have coming up, I am looking forward to making another visit to your brilliant pub!" ... received October 2002

"I was just in Brighton from the states and recently got one of the last tickets for the Jay Farrar show at your pub. What a fantastic show...nothing even compares to your pub in the states. Could you put me on your e-mail list of upcoming shows?" ... received September 2002

"We thoroughly enjoyed the Eleanor McEvoy show a couple of weekends ago. ... received July 2002

"Can I congratulate and thank you for being host of what is in my opinion the finest combination of food beer music and genial ambiance around after (in my case) a good 15 years of irregular patronage due to living in Hove." ... received April 2002