Whose coat is that jacket?

Mal Pope is a songwriter who co-produced the film Jack To A King, about the 10-year rise of Swansea City FC

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Mal (and his jacket) with the High Sheriff and Steve Balsamo.

T'S been a busy old week with invitations to sing at a variety of events but the question almost everyone has asked is will you wear the jacket? The second question is where did you get it?

If you live in the Greater Swansea Area and have been travelling along any of the major routes in and out of the city then you probably know what I'm talking about. This past month or so we have been running a major advertising campaign for my Homecoming show at the Swansea Building Society Arena and that jacket has been a regular feature at many a bus stop.

It all started just over a year ago as I was planning for last year's Homecoming. In amongst all of the preparations like booking venues and guests and hotels and equipment, not forgetting planning set lists and rehearsals, someone must have asked what are you going to wear?

In the past I've found it easier if I have a stage uniform, an outfit I always wear for a certain event. For years when we toured the clubs and corporate circuit as Mal Pope & The Jacks I always wore the same baggy black suit. It was a hangover from my HTV TV show days. I always wore the same round sunglasses as well. It became a ritual getting dressed before a gig and it also meant I had one less thing to think about.

In recent years I have tried wearing a bright red suit. It was one of those impulse buys from TK Maxx. I couldn't believe it was on the discount rail and rushed to buy it before anyone else snapped it up. When I showed the suit to my children they all laughed and were not at all surprised that it was so heavily reduced. Anyway, I've worn it enough times to get my money's worth so who's laughing now....