Bloody hell, last message you got said he thinks he can do the 23rd and he would check his diary and you decided to sit in all day thinking he might turn up.
He is alive and has had a number of large things on his plate with work so I would put the lack of communication down to that. When i next speak to him, which may not be until next year, I will get him to give you a call.
Why don't you drive up and get the seats, sounds like you have more free time than Lee does so would probably be easier and quicker for you.