I got on the busy train and fought my way to a seat. I do not like brushing up against the general public, but needs must.

I took my seat and I noticed, almost immediately, that sat in the seat opposite me, or rather directly behind the seat opposite me, was Alex James off of Blur.

To his eternal credit, he did not react like some people do, even though I am sure it is not every day that he finds himself on a train with a blogging superstar.

As we trundled towards London I chose not to engage him with conversation over the shoulder of the lady sat opposite, even though I am sure he would have been happy to reminisce about our last meeting. This was back in September 1993 at the end of Freshers week at Aston University, where Blur had headlined. My flatmate John had ‘accidentally’ got into their tour minibus and demanded a lift back to his halls of residence, mistaking it for the student union bus. I think Alex’s exact words were, “Get off the bus you fucking twat.” Oh how we laughed as they tried to kick him in the head.

But this was not the time for a trip down memory lane, we both had important commuting to tend with, and I am sure that if I engaged with him in conversation that would lead to lots of people wanting to talk to me about the Internet. I do not have time for that.

I also chose not to share my story about how I had paid 4p less for my water than anyone else at Slough station, as no-one likes a bragger. When we arrived at Paddington we went our separate ways.

I am quite sure he was on the phone to Damon Albarn within minutes to tell him he had seen the guy from that gig in September 1993 with the drunken mate. I am glad I provided the opportunity for them to renew their friendship, it made it a good day, for a change.

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