My dad let me into a little secret (which I found out to be fairly common knowledge) about shoes.

Buy Italian, they last longer and the handmade ones can easily be repaired.

My dress shoes have lasted for over 16 years now, and I can’t remember how long I’ve had my Scarpa boots for, I’ve got 3 pairs, and they’re nowhere near wearing out.

Tubthumping.

Metalheads I’ve known 20yrs ago vs now? Still generally lovely, kind and welcoming people. They can look fierce but I’d go to them in a crisis.