This performance took place 23 years ago today. It is a bit of a favourite of mine. On today of all days forgive me for being an old romantic…..

I am very much looking forward to seeing this band live for the second time in my life.

Robert Kennedy – firmly believed in decentralizing power and the importance of social justice. A strong advocate of civil rights.

Margaret Thatcher – for taking Britain from being a potential “basket case” to a position of international respect.

Otto von Bismarck – blessed with an array of diplomatic and strategic skills. Successfully managed the unification of Germany.

Winston Churchill – for obvious reasons.

Michael Heseltine – both a successful businessman and politician. Flamboyant, ambitious and principled. A lover of trees.

Benjamin Disraeli – the father of a political creed (One Nation Conservatism), a brilliant Commons performer, not to mention a colourful private life. Furthermore, he was the Earl of Beaconsfield.

William Wilberforce – for ridding Britain of slavery.

Clement Atlee – a Labour Prime Minister who undeniably transformed the British, post-war political landscape. Oversaw the creation of NATO.

Abraham Lincoln – a Republican and arguably the greatest American President. The Gettysburg Address alone would be a reason for inclusion. Brought about the abolition of slavery and managed to preserve the Union.

Thomas Jefferson – one of the “Founding Fathers” and Third President of the USA. The principal author of the Declaration of Independence. A strong advocate of the separation of church and state.

This is not an article about more woes at the Home Office. I am a long-time fan of this band, having been fortunate enough to have been taken to see them in Milton Keynes aged nine in 1980. According to the BBC, they are reforming for the Grammy Awards next month. There are also rumours of a tour to follow that appearance. For that reason, I have an excuse for posting the following live performance:

This time of year is always rather stressful for those of us who are self-employed, as Mr Brown wants our money. I recognise that a taxation system is a requirement of a civilised society, however, in an effort to make self-assessment form filling this weekend a more pleasant experience, I have compiled an accompanying song list:

Brass in Pocket The Pretenders

Taxman The Beatles

Money The Flying Lizards

Hand in My Pocket Alanis Morissette

Money PInk Floyd

Money, Money, Money ABBA

Money’s Too Tight (To Mention) Simply Red

Money For Nothing Dire Straits

Brown Sugar The Rolling Stones

Golden Brown The Stranglers

I am not bitter……honest. And, yes, it has already being pointed out to me many times, particularly by friends and family who work in the private sector, that the tax I pay this week will pay me this year to be an NHS doctor. I just wish there was a blue hand controlling the money, not a red one.