Amsterdam performed two very special sold out shows last weekend. Tears flowed, new songs broke out and old ones sounded like they were written yesterday.

The choir were a magnificent addition as were Anna and Eimear on flute and violin. The ‘unplugged’ experiment was a complete success. The set list for both nights ran:

Takin’ on the World
Name and Number
The Lament
John
Don’t Worship Me or Fat Black Heart
New untitled song
Raid the Palace
Hey Hilary
Love Phenomenon
Arm in Arm
If I Should Fall Behind
Joe’s Kiss
Does this Train Stop on Merseyside
You’re a Phoney
The Pain of a Drinking Song
Feels like Growin’ up

The making of the new album continues into its seventh week. Watch out for more blogs in the forum.

Amsterdam have finally released the mini documentary that was made to accompany the original release of the classic single, Does this train stop on Merseyside?

To watch it, all you have to do is head over to www.myspace.com/amsterdamhq then click on ‘Videos’ under the main image. Enjoy Ian and Paulie’s trip around the city of Liverpool.

The boys Abbey Road show on Monday night was a roaring success. Read all about it at liverpool.com.

A further diary entry concerning the making of the making of the new album and and the trip to Abbey Road is also imminent so keep your eye on the forum and Myspace.

The boys will be playing a live set in studio one at the most famous recording studios in the world this Monday evening.

Taking a day off from recording the next album down in Somerset the boys will launch England Rocks for the Visit Britain website before returning to Charlton farm studios to continue work on the album.

Work on the album is progressing slowly but surely. Dr Kev and Anna Jenkins the violinist have both visited the studios this week to add their magic to the proceedings. Keep your eye out for the studio diary in the forum or on Amsterdam’s MySpace page.

The first ever Amsterdam unplugged shows are now sold out. The two night stand in the Rodewald Suite inside the Liverpool Philaharmonic Hall will begin at 8:00pm and feature The Prodigal Sons as support act on both nights.

Also, Ian will return from recording the new album in Somerset this weekend to take part in a brand new night at the Zanzibar club in Liverpool. The night is called ‘Classic’ and will be hosted by Pete Wylie.

Ian will join Pete Wylie and Ian McNabb as the house band. There are no tickets but you can pay on the door, price £7.50.

For extra info visit www.myspace.com/petewylie.

There is also a new instalment of Ian’s studio blog direct from the heart of Somerset – read it now at www.myspace.com/amsterdamhq.

Due to phenomenal demand a second night at the Rodewald Suite in the Liverpool Philharmonic has now been added.

The unplugged show will take in Saturday 17 February and tickets are on sale now from www.liverpoolphil.com.

Because the venue is intimate we recommend you purchase your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. What’s more, these one-off performances will include a guest appearance by a full choir as well as violins and flute players.

Amsterdam are currently holed up in the Somerset countryside for the next three weeks beavering away on the new album. Keep your eye on the forum for despatches from band members as things progress.