Meaning: This quote by Andrew Eldritch, a musician known for being the frontman of the band The Sisters of Mercy, reflects his band's decision to perform at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) in Birmingham, England. The quote suggests that the band agreed to the performance because they were asked to, and because they have a positive impression of the venue and the experience of performing there in the past. Furthermore, Eldritch mentions that the band does not often receive reasonable offers to perform in the UK, indicating that their appearances in the country are relatively infrequent compared to their performances in mainland Europe.

The NEC in Birmingham is one of the busiest and largest exhibition centers in the UK. It hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, trade shows, and conferences. The venue has a capacity to accommodate large audiences, making it an attractive location for musicians and performers.

Eldritch's statement about enjoying performing at the NEC in the past suggests that the band has had positive experiences at the venue. This sentiment may be influenced by factors such as the venue's acoustics, the professionalism of the staff, the size and layout of the performance space, and the overall atmosphere of the venue. Positive experiences at a venue can contribute to a performer's willingness to return for future engagements.

The comment about receiving "sensible offers" to perform in the UK implies that the band may face challenges in securing opportunities to play in the country. This could be due to various factors such as the availability of suitable venues, the preferences of promoters and event organizers, or the band's own touring schedule. It also suggests that the band's performances in the UK are relatively rare compared to their appearances on the European mainland.

The phrase "exotic detour" in Eldritch's quote hints at the band's occasional departures from their usual touring locations. This suggests that their performances in the UK are seen as unique or out of the ordinary compared to their more frequent appearances in mainland Europe. It adds a sense of novelty and special significance to their UK performances.

Overall, Andrew Eldritch's quote provides insight into The Sisters of Mercy's decision-making process when it comes to selecting performance venues. It also sheds light on their experiences and preferences as performers, as well as the challenges they may face in securing opportunities to play in the UK. The quote captures the band's positive attitude towards the NEC as a venue and their willingness to make occasional appearances in the UK, despite the relative rarity of such opportunities.