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| This Side Two Tour Thread | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 21 2007, 10:58 AM (859 Views) | |
| Geo~Toni | Feb 24 2008, 12:46 PM Post #76 |
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Mystical being
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When i saw Tracy (Darren's PA) at Carling acad Brum, she seemed pretty happy. Even said hi to me as her Maggz and the stage prop guy where always right in front of us. She seemed nice. Kept walking around though with Darren's herbal tea though. LoL!
LoL! I'm gonna be good and not comment...
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Blessed be, Geo Toni x~X~x Visit my Livejournal & Myspace Pages ![]() 12th May 07 ~ Club Delicacy, London. 27th September 07 ~ Time Machine Tour, Birmingham 17th Feb 08 ~ This side 2 Tour, Birmingham | |
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| ginger | Feb 26 2008, 04:04 PM Post #77 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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Can't believe it's all over.
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| Geo~Toni | Feb 26 2008, 04:07 PM Post #78 |
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Mystical being
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(((Hugs))) |
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Blessed be, Geo Toni x~X~x Visit my Livejournal & Myspace Pages ![]() 12th May 07 ~ Club Delicacy, London. 27th September 07 ~ Time Machine Tour, Birmingham 17th Feb 08 ~ This side 2 Tour, Birmingham | |
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| aka_Wind | Feb 26 2008, 07:05 PM Post #79 |
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Unregistered
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjSeIZE1N2E creds to Maaike and Mike |
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| steph | Feb 26 2008, 07:21 PM Post #80 |
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don't be frightened of turning the page
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Oh man. I'm feeling sad now. Gonna miss him. Haha He stoles someone's pen. He sounded really english when he was talking about the tie.
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myspace livejournal | |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:40 PM Post #81 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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So I was lucky enough to be able to attend all of the gigs on the SIde Two Tour. I've been keeping a bit of a diary on myspace of my experiences of the shows, and as they're finally complete (!) I thought I'd post them here too. They're not necessarily 'reviews' as such, in places they're very personal, and a bit of a journey, but... yeah. Here ya go Day 1 – February 3rd. Location: the Lord Jim Hotel, Earls Court Time spent queueing: 3 ½ hours. Not bad Temperature: Cold I was already in London, and some shameless flirting with the guy on reception ensured that my bags would be kept safe while I went to meet Clare. So on the tube I jump, and away to King's Cross. I should mention my nail varnish disaster. It went everywhere the night before and I looked like I'd been an extra in a slasher video. After trekking up and down Earls Court Road for remover, I gave up and waited until I got to King's Cross. Ever travelled on the tube while trying to ensure no one sees your hands? Thank goodness for Boots is all I can say. The lovely Clare finally arrived, and can I say, travelling light is a concept alien to this girl. You'd have thought she was in London for a week! It was lovely to see her though. As always, our first plan was the cupcake shop in Notting Hill, via Portobello Road market for fake Gucci. Here, we met with Anna, who was poorly, and Lorna and Julie. Cake cake cake later, and we made our way back to the hotel. Got changed quickly and went down to the venue. The queue wasn't as long as we expected, and yay! It was undercover, so not that cold. Sooooo much fun in the queue, it was like the family was back together again. There were various trips to the loo, for food, for warmth, but mostly we hung around. Getting to about 7, CJ and her mum arrived. And I was stood there, looking at a certain someone thinking 'you look so like someone who isn't supposed to be here'. And I looked again. And then OMG Lou!!!!!! Can I tell you how happy I was this girl managed to be here? Then, on to the important bit. Inside the gig, after strategizing (I do coats, Clare does 'get to the stage quick'), surprise surprise we were stood to the side of the stage. Who's side? I'll let you guess. Anyway, was about 3 rows back, it was pretty damn good. I went to the bar (OMG HOW MUCH?) and the beer was shit. But it was beer, so it's all good. The hour before Darren comes on is so long. Yes, I know all hours are the same, but sometimes they're not, you know? It was worth every second though. On stage, the band looked good. And they sounded better. At the beginning of every song there was a little frisson of 'what's next', then 'oooooooh' as the song was recognised, and then a ripple of 'OMG I love this one'. In no particular order, Sense of Humor reminded me of Roth, who I don't get to chat to anymore but still adore. Hero just seemed like the perfect choice to start, Bombs is a personal favourite of mine that just makes me jump up and down. When the first few chords of A Conversation With God hit, shivers went down my spine, because that song both scares the crap out of me and says everything I can't. I never thought I'd have the privilege of Random Blinking Light live, A Hundred Challenging Things, I was so hoping for that, because it's beautiful, and to see how much it means to Darren is just incredible. Setting Sun, now that is a tune. I had no idea it was so 'simple', because it sounds so multi-layered. Dirty was always my guilty pleasure song, Maybe I had never been that keen on until tonight, but hearing it live totally transformed it for me, Mine was one of those songs where at least half the crowd went 'OMGOMGOMGOMG'. Casey, both times, was wonderful, but then that song means so much to me it's never 'not' going to be wonderful to me. Sing to Me was just anthemic, and I loved the vocals at the end from Steve, Shave and Darren, it was just a euphoric end. Except it wasn't the end because Darren decided to do a fake encore, chatted to us for a bit which was funny as hell (he didn't do I Want You lol) and then the song from the video. I Don't Care. One of my favourite SG b-sides. And party time for So Beautiful. It was like being transported back to New Year's Eve. Couldn't really believe it was all over. Little was I to know the party had only just begun. Stood outside the venue for ages chatting (and no Richard, you will not find me in a sex shop window in Hamster-damn, but with dancing like that you will no doubt make a fortune). When Adam spotted Lorna's Hummingbird bag I don't think I've ever seen anyone move so fast (aside from 'Clare, Steve'), and then someone mentioned Darren and Adam more or less launched himself down the stairs! Eventually we made our way back to the hotel, and CJ and Lou insisted that I had to go to their room to get something. There I was presented with a beautiful crane, as a birthday gift and a thank you for getting them the tickets (any time!). It really was stunning and I was touched beyond words. So then I went back up to our room, knocked on the door and eventually was let in, to find a party. Yep, an ENTIRE red velvet cake, crisps, coke, quiche.... Clare and Anna had transformed the world's smallest twin room into PARTAY CENTRAL! Clare had not only managed to carry round all this party food, but she had also managed to go into Hummingbirds WHEN I WAS THERE, get the cake and I still didn't notice. I impressed myself and didn't cry. A few minutes later, CJ, her mum, Karen and Lou came up and the party started. We were treated to auricular pleasure in the form of CJ's Darren mp3 collection, and I must confess I think we annoyed the neighbours. Such good fun though, and I don't know what I did to deserve such wonderful friends but I'm so glad I've got them! The party finished at about 2, but true to form Clare and I didn't get much sleep. Random giggling is entirely appropriate at times. We got up for breakfast (OMG Yes we did), but that's a whole other story.......... |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:41 PM Post #82 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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Date: Feb 4th Temperature: colder than yesterday Time spent queueing: 3 1/2 hours. You may need to have read part one for this to make sense. After about 2 hours sleep, we got up for breakfast. This was quite an impressive feat, and apparently we looked like we were still half asleep. Well, this is what throwing some clothes on and going in seek of large amounts of caffeine will do. Sadly, we had to wave goodbye to the departing CJ and her mum but we sent them off with cake so all was good (ok, so cake isn't quite as good as Darren, but it's a close second). After a refreshing shower and leaving our room in the safe hands of an 'in need of rest' Anna, Clare, Lou and myself made our way in search of Richard and Adam. The plan was simple. They were going for cake, and as it was a monday they'd have to head for Kensington. Then they decided they were going to the museum. Yes, that was the message. Because London only has one museum. But Russell Square was the stated destination so we went there. Any excuse for me, I love it there when the sun is shining. Lou came for the ride but megabus called, so we bid a brief farewell (but what a lovely surprise it was just to have her there). Just leaving Clare and me to go on a search. And what a search. 'We're waiting at the entrance', said we. Simple, you'd think. Noooooooo, because the British museum has several exits and entrances. So anyway, when we eeeeeeventually found the errant pair, we decided to make the most of it and take a wander round the museum. Which was cool, although I have got the most ADD attention span when it comes to museums. It's weird, apparently because I have a degree I should like museums. Noooooooooo chance. No attention span me. Richard seemed particularly entranced by *ahem* 'certain' exhibits, and he found a crocodile (an arm, but if he thinks it's a crocodile......). Food was calling, and a Pizza Express was located. You know when you're not really hungry, so you order something light? And then the plate turns up? It was huuuuuuuuuuge. A huge salad! How does that work? Clare and I didn't perve over the waiters (I'm saying nothing). But we did reveal the 'moist' story, which proved to be a mistake. Bidding farewell, Clare and I made our way to the queue. That was when the texts began. Me Myself and Moist was a personal favourite Queueing always seems to go so quickly when I'm with Clare. Natalie joined us soon after, having moved into PARTAY CENTRAL! Michaela arrived too, so it was like we'd never been away. After successfully finding the extremely cold Sabber's ticket, all was well in queueville. You know how you can never get in early to places? Well congratulations Islington Bar Academy for bucking the trend. Not that it meant we'd drink more. You can take your overpriced beer in a plastic glass. Bah. But there we were, Steve side again. Richard and Adam had by this point joined us again, on the dark side. Behind the world's tallest man, but a fabulous view nonetheless. Oh what a show. The songs, we already knew what was coming, but the performance was just incredible. On the first night, there was that sense of anticipation and delight at the beginning of each song, but now that the set list was common knowledge, it was more relaxed, and more fun, and more OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG. Casey was blinding, A Hundred Challenging Things has never been more beautiful, Sing to Me was anthemic, oh it was a wonderful show. We decided to wait outside for Darren and the gang afterwards, and in their usual and gregarious fashion, they signed autographs, chatted (OMG DARREN THE AMSTERDAM SHOW I'M SO EXCITED NOW) and made a few people's day. I, as is my way, hung back and didn't say anything (one day I will get over that shyness with Darren) but it was cool just to see Darren, and Natalie got her ticket signed, and Clare chatted to a certain someone for a while which made her evening. With great reluctance we returned to PARTAY CENTRAL and for once got a good night's sleep. That's a first for Clare and I. The next day we were at somewhat of a loose end, what with Clare's train being at 2, and mine being at 5 (well technically anytime, but I was waiting for Martin's train so I could sneak into First Class and see him at the same time). We considered cupcakes, but decided on a trip down memory lane for Clare, so Camden it was. It was just the perfect end to the weekend. Well, one thing made it better - bloody good fish and chips. Soooooo nice. It was a wonderful few days, with a wonderful lot of people and seeing a wonderful singer. Loved every single moment. And there was so much more to come. |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:41 PM Post #83 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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Manchester 6th February Time spent in queue: nearly 6 hours Time spent in pub opposite waiting for a queue to form: 1 1/2 hours My home town, and a totally tiny gig. It was one of those things I felt that I had to get their early for. To soak up the atmosphere. To just 'be' there. So I mooched around town for a while (found a totally gorgeous Therapy top in Kendals that I might just have to go back and buy for the 24th) and then admitted defeat and went and sat in Bar 38 opposite. Nice bar, just don't use the toilets. So anyway, I saw a couple of people kind of looking at the venue, then they walked away, so I thought 'that's enough of a queue for me' and went and stood at the doors. I've got a bit of a thing about queuing on my own. Don't like it at all. The absolute worst thing about this queue? There was a parking meter right there on the pavement, with the time on. And it was sooooooo hard to not stare at the time, watching the minutes tick torturously slowly by. Fortunately, Natalie, Hayley and Kelly were persuaded to arrive and queue early (texts going 'there are only 3 people in the queue and one of them is me' were apparently quite persuasive). But it was worth it in the end, right? Carefully planned trips to the toilet (hand dryers are a godsend, I've decided. Great for warming your feet) and to the shop made the time pass fairly quickly, and 'oh good', we thought, there was a bulletin on myspace that said the doors were opening at 7. So at 7 we stand up in anticipation and wait. and wait. Two guys with brews walked up to the door, and away again (oh to get my hands round that cup of tea). They did this a few times. Strange sense of humour I think. At twenty to eight we finally are allowed in from the cold, and take our positions at the front, immediately sitting down (I do like a venue where the floor is clean). I went up to the bar (you will sense a theme developing here) and got our drinks, and then we were stuck for the night. The theme for tonight's show was hot. It was seriously hot in that place. I mean like omgpassingout hot. And that included the band (!) From the moment Darren stepped on stage the temperature rose about 10 degrees. One of Darren's most wonderful charms is his ability to totally deal with hecklers and numpties (sadly, Manchester has quite a few of both). I mean seriously, how totally lacking in creativity do you have to be to come up with 'play insatiable Darren' as your best verbal joust? Clue to numpties - if no one laughs the first time, saying it again and again won't make it any more funny. I think the temperature rose another 10 degrees when Darren announced 'I would quite happily have sex with everyone in this room apart from you' to the hecklers. Hails has totally described how wonderful the performance was tonight, in a much more eloquent way than I could (and in much more detail). Highlights for me were Casey and Sing To Me. A tiny place like that, SIng To Me just echoed off the walls, especially the wonderful vocal at the end. We waited outside for a bit, Darren and the gang dived into the van. Except for a certain Mr Shave, who Steve announced 'had gone the wrong way'. Beer in hand, he soon arrived, chasing the van down the street. That just totally summed up the night. Hilarious, fun, mad. Amazing. |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:42 PM Post #84 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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Manchester February 7th Hours spent queuing: nil Hours spent in pub getting bladdered: 5 Probably the hardest blog to write, this one. A bit of context for anyone who doesn't know. Feb 7th would have been my dad's birthday. He died suddenly 8 years ago. He was my best friend, and I'm still not over it. He was also an alcoholic and could be abusive. My brother worshipped him, and resented me for not only having a closer relationship with him while he was alive, but also for acknowledging he wasn't perfect, and for refusing to move back to my home town. I guess he felt like I abandoned the family (which I kind of did), and for the longest time he was very angry. However, he is my little brother who I always adore and I always do anything I can for him. Recently, we've really reconnected, and today he agreed to come to Amsterdam with me. That meant more than I can ever express. We're also both adopted, which will be relevant information later. So anyway, the way I usually deal with grief (which hits at random times) is to get blindingly drunk. It works for me. So I met up with Martin, who had just flown in from Dublin) for lunch and drinks, and then later met up with my friend Paula, who I'd decided needed to come to this show so 'she could see who this Darren guy I keep going on about really is'. Several drinks later, and we got to the venue. Went over to say hi to Nat, Michaela, Hails and Kelly, who were near the front again. Then bumped into my boss from my placement, who I had no idea was a fan. She was with her daughter and that was a totally weird but cool moment. Spotting a balcony, we thought 'what a good idea' and mooched on up. And where did we end up stood? Behind Rich and Adam. Was very cool to see them, and Rich has apparently decided that my friend looks like someone from Corrie, which we were impressed with. Chatted to the cute girl who had been on the bar the night before (who said she was quite surprised at how good Darren was), and a really sweet lady called Jo who was getting her bump in training early by taking it to see Darren. Then we decided that standing on a chair was a good idea. Well, we did get a good view. Good job it wasn't the MEN as they tend to get a bit excitable about people standing on chairs (and at times, standing at all). As soon as Darren came on stage Paula turned to me and said 'wow, he's gorgeous'. And his voice just captivated her. Random Blinking Light was quite revelatory. Gunning Down Romance was right up her road, and by Casey I think we'd captured her totally. Casey. The song that totally reminds me of my brother. And makes me cry on occasion. This being one of them. And then Unlovable. The torch song for the adopted child. It's pretty literal for us - abandoned by mother, unwanted by father, feeling like you were created out of something cheap and everything you hold close is worthless. Well that song broke me and I have never felt so alone. Attachment issues are a bugger to deal with at the best of times. After the gig the conversation got even more deep, and although it was good to get it out in the open, it was also very painful. I'm very lucky to have some wonderful friends who are there for me when I need them. I was hurting and they were there. I will be forever grateful, and I hope that one day I can return the favour. It was emotional. Darren was fantastic. He can get into your heart in the most extraordinary of ways, read what's there, and lay it out for all to see. At least that's what it feels like. And I'd guess that's why we adore him. |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:42 PM Post #85 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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Tour Diary 5, Bristol, 11th February Hours spent queueing: about 6 Temperature: cold, unless under the heater Worth it? Totally After a well earned weekend's rest for Darren (and a weekend of working for me) the next destination was sunny Bristol. And sunny Bristol it was indeed, being bathed in glorious sunshine. After a slight delay at New Street and a subsequent horrendously busy train (I'm so glad I don't have to pay for this) the lovely Lou, tour guide for the day, met me at Bristol's very pretty station. A leisurely walk up to the travelodge via the venue (it really was a boat!) meant our timing was pretty much sorted for a walk back down to the station to meet Kelly and Hails. On the way back (via the venue again) I was dropped off on queueing duties, and Kelly and Hails went back to the travelodge with Lou to check in, get food etc etc. I must say queueing was most civilised. We found heaters, there was a bar, there were toilets - it was bitterly cold, but we had all the facilities we needed. And the sound check was pretty loud and even more impressive. More importantly, there were some lovely people in the queue and the atmosphere was friendly and fabulous. Finally inside, and what a venue. Into the depths of a boat indeed. Lou had ensured that her lovely sister and her hubby achieved a front row position (and me, and she would not swap with me despite my asking her many times, the love) and you could feel the excitement and tension. A trip to the bar later (first again, and the barrel had gone? How does that work?) and we were more than ready. From the moment Darren walked on stage I knew this was going to be a special gig. Everything gelled, the crowd was wild and crazy and respectful and knowledgeable. A little bit of Bleeding Love, a little bit of Prince, a lot of love. And a couple of Thekl heckles. Good natured, of course. Mr Young 'rocking with his cock out'. Mr Young rocking full stop. It's weird, because that was the coldest venue ever (yay for good ventilation) but at the same time the hottest ever. So Darren and Steve come back on stage for the encore, and a few chords on the guitar in and I almost died. Dublin Sky. I never even dreamed that I'd hear that song again. And I don't think it's ever sounded more beautiful, more emotional (thanks Lou you're an angel), more poignant or more wonderful. I'm honoured to have been there. Next was Unlovable. I turned to Lou and you can see why this song means so much to so many people. Even though so many different things can be drawn from it, I think Darren's voice just brings everyone to the same place in the end. This really was the gig that we didn't want to end. It was a special gig not only because of the performances, and the songs, but the people there. It was wonderful to see a certain person there and I'm sure he knows how pleased we all were to see him there and how much we're all thinking of him. This being a boat, it was pretty obvious where Darren would be leaving from, so a sizeable crowd gathered. Darren was very sweet in signing a few autographs for people, and I do believe Lou got a few pics of some guitars.... A trip to a chippy later, and back to Darren Central (travelodge). Half way through now, which is bittersweet. Already so many different emotions, and so many more to come. |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:43 PM Post #86 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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Tour Diary 6, Brighton, February 15th. Decided to make a weekend of Brighton, as it was almost as cheap to get a hotel for 2 nights as it was for 1. Plus, it was the day after valentines day, and as we hadn't done anything for that we thought why not? Sooooo, a nice trip down to Watford on the train, smoked salmon and scrambled egg for breakfast (mmmmmm so nice) and finally we reach Brighton about 4 hours later. Martin used to lodge overnight here in the good old days of British Rail so it was quite a trip down memory lane for him. We found our hotel (right on the front, and it was niiiiice which is always a bonus), and went for a wander. Can I say I love Brighton, loads of quirky little shops, good atmosphere, and pretty easy to find your way around. It took me a while to find the venue. But I found it eventually. So glad I didn't queue for long as it was so bitterly cold it was unbelievable. Was very glad to see CJ was at the front. Got inside and was only about 3 rows back so that was cool. What was not cool was the guy behind me who kept rubbing up against me and trying to get me to move forward. Personal space please! The crowd wasn't particularly fantastic, but it's not my place to judge how people experience music and I'd guess that some people have different standards of manners than others, but never mind, it's all good. Darren was as wonderful as ever, so that more than makes up for it. And was he just. I was never a big fan of Maybe before this tour, but live it really works, and sounds immense. Sing to Me is such a cool song. Random Blinking Light always has the crowd speechless, the only sound being gasps of 'oh my god'. No I Don't Care tonight, which was a shame because that's a favourite, but we did get a little bit of To The Moon And Back, another one I've never heard live before. And some of Strange Relationship. Oh, and Darren's wonderful impression of a heckler which had me in hysterics. Like I said before, every single gig has had a different personality. I would call Brighton the 'fuck you, I'm going to have fun' gig. |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:43 PM Post #87 |
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Tour Diary 7, Birmingham 17th February Weird isn't it, how wherever you are, you can bump into a Darren Hayes fan. While waiting at New Street for Anna, who should appear but Hails, waiting for Kelly. I guess if you want to find a Darren fan when on tour, head for the railway station or the nearest travelodge! When Anna arrived, we made our way to her lovely posh hotel (yay for perks of the job). Dumped our bags, and got to the venue ready for queueing. There were already a sizeable number of people there (lovely to see Suzz especially, and that drawing was beautiful, hun). Again very civilised queueing, with people holding spaces, a very relaxed atmosphere indeed. It was very very cool. Fortunately there was a Macdonalds down the road (even though it had weird unisex toilets). I've never had so much fun standing out in the cold before. We were let in early, so found our way to Steveside, at the front. This is the trouble with being short you see, you can't see much if you're a few rows back. So the queueing is totally worth it. One of the highlights of tonight was the statement 'I will be back' from Darren. That was reassuring. There were many other highlights, which included Kiss, a wonderful Unlovable, lots of dancing, Vogue (sadly not the dance moves to go with it, which would have been hilarious), another anthemic Casey (I will never tire of singing or hearing that song), more dancing, Steve rocking the show, Shave and his keytar totally stealing Setting Sun, and the wonderful Darren who will never be more heartfelt and wonderful than he has been on this tour. Really didn't want to leave that place.But we did. Waited outside for Darren (in the car park queue for a while, don't ask why. This queueing thing becomes a habit after a while) and chatted to some lovely people. Eventually, once the terrific trio (I was trying to think of something non-cheesy, but gave up after about 2 seconds) had left, we went back to the hotel. Where 'Don't mess me about' Anna made herself known. To cut a long story short (go read Anna's blog) they checked us into a dirty room so we ended up being given a suite. I've never seen such a huge bed. And ooooooh I could get used to that style of living. We had room service breakfast, and soooooo much food. Lushness to beat all lushness. All thanks to the lovely Anna. Day 8 - Birmingham 18th February Time spent queuing - 6 1/2 hours. Sooooo worth it. Temperature - probably about -5 by the time we got in. Sooooooo, woke up to a totally lush (and huge) breakfast. Room service rules. Didn't eat the sausages (one word. Snout). The lovely Anna and I walked up to my travelodge (slumming it this time lol) to dump my bags, and then town (and Primark) was calling. You see, I don't plan well. And ballet pumps may look pretty, but they don't keep your feet warm in a queue. Fake uggs were in order, and Primark obliged (although we had to fight our way through the summer stuff. Seriously, bikinis? What was all that about in this weather?). A scarf, and fighting the urge to buy duck ear muffs, and a mooch up to the Bullring was in order. Highlights of the Bullring (or Ballring, as Darren later eloquently put it - we're rapidly running out of body parts for him to discuss) included an 8kg easter egg and the Krispy Kreme stall in Selfridges, and the ultra-cute kids clothes in H&M. I needed a notepad (the plan was to sit in the queue and write up all the tour blogs I hadn't done so far), so I went into that 'what looks like a little WH Smiths but is actually quite huge', and eventually found the stationery department and a funky little purple notepad. Which remains unused. Walking out of what was apparently a Tardis, we discovered we were only mere yards from the Carling Academy itself. A solitary figure seemed to be standing outside. 'A queue!' I thought, and we walked down to see Ivana. Said a quick hello, went up to the conveniently placed Macdonalds with the weird toilets and then returned to the queue. The wonderful Anna decided to queue with me, even though, despite much persuading, examination of the train timetable, and possible scenarios, she wasn't able to stay for the show (damn night shifts). She truly is a legend. Holly arrived, then Michaela, then within an hour there was a substantially small crowd. Time went by soooo quickly, thanks to some hilarious conversation and a few well timed trips to MacD's/Cafe Revive to warm up. Sadly the lovely Anna had to leave, but not before she had almost mugged Steve and Shave (well kinda). So, into the venue (by a different door tonight, just to confuse us), and a well earned space at the front. First to the bar again (I'm such a lush) and after that time just flew. Chatting to Holly was wonderful, she's so interesting, friendly and fun (and it's so cool standing next to someone who wants to dance, makes dancing so less awkward). Steve and Shave came on stage first, then Darren arrived, everyone was looking very slick. Hero kicked us off with that spine tingling start right until you're anticipating the beat so that the dancing can start. And how can you not dance to Bombs? Such a tune, and it's so good live - love Darren's dancing too! Sense of Humor, ah, just blissful, and a certain line never fails to draw a laugh or 3. (just to note, these are not necessarily in any order, just the way they come to me). At the beginning of A Hundred Challenging Things, Darren asked if there was anyone who hadn't heard the story he tells before this. A few people shouted out that they hadn't, so Darren told us again. It never fails to be both touching and humbling. And the song itself is heartbreaking, inspiring and beautiful in equal measure. Darren offered what must be the most sought after piece of merchandise ever: does anyone want to buy a huge metal bird? Random Blinking Light is one of those transcendent songs that to me just fits, wherever it is. I love how Dirty is different every night. And I love Kiss - what an incredible voice! Setting Sun is such a good beat, Mine keeps revealing hidden depths, Steve was rocking out during Gunning Down Romance, Maybe sounds anthemic, Sing To Me even more so, and Casey is more fun each time I hear it. Unlovable in equal measure destroys and affirms me, I Don't Care always makes me grin, and then, a few bars in, I was both shocked and so happy beyond words. Truly Madly Deeply. As a fairly recent fan I must admit I never, ever thought I'd hear that live. Loved it (and I wasn't even massively fond of the song before tonight). Ending on a high with So Beautiful, it's hard to believe this tour is getting closer and closer to its conclusion. One of my favourite shows so far. Waited behind afterwards, and Darren was lovely enought to sign some autographs and have some piccies taken. I hung back, but it was fantastic to see the joy on people's faces as they finally came face to face with their hero. Back to the Travelodge, a brew and a biscuit, and sleep beckons. |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:44 PM Post #88 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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Tour Diary 9, Amsterdam, 21st February Time spent queueing: about 10 minutes, would have been less without the overstringent security. Temperature: raining, but not outside for long so didn't mind. Worth all the travel? Oh yes. As you know, Amsterdam was going to be special for me. My brother was coming with me. And you know my relationship with my brother and how it's been. Well he arrived at my house the night before very upset, and we totally reconnected. So we went out to Liverpool airport in the morning, had a lovely chilled out flight and then a quick train ride to Amsterdam Centraal. Our hotel was opposite the station so we checked in and found a coffee shop. I was a good girl (get drug tested at work, not worth the risk). We mooched around the centre for a while, walked around for hours, saw the sights, chilled out in the room a bit (niiiiice room) and then made our way to the venue. That was an interesting place. Never seen security like it for a nightclub, and the staff weren't the most customer-oriented I've ever met. Clearly the place was designed to make money though. Went inside and Adam waved in front of my face. Wow, I really didn't expect to see him, but he said that Rich had insisted. Was a lovely surprise. Went inside and there was a crowd around the stage already, so we stood at the back next to the sounddesk. Had a fantastic view from there. First song was Hero, and my brother was really impressed. He loved the dance vibe and commented that he thought Darren had a fantastic voice. He liked the second song too, Carry on Amadeus, recognising the fantastic 80s tune in there. Conversation with God rocked tonight (Steve really looked like he was enjoying himself), and then Insatiable (Time Machine Tour style). The Best Thing was a welcome favourite from the TMT, and I noticed the drummer for the first time (my brother is a drummer and noticed how good he was, I think Darren said at the end his name was Mark Preston or something similar). Shave was well and truly rocking the keytar during that one. Darkness when Doves Cry was another old favourite that brought back wonderful memories, Step Into The Light had the crowd jumping. Mine was greeted like a number one hit, Gunning Down Romance had Steve to the fore again, Dirty never fails to make me laugh and smile, Casey sounded incredible with the drummer there, I Want You was crazycool, On The Verge seems so long ago but was fantastic and Sing To Me was anthemic again. Unlovable was heartbreaking, and it was good to be with someone who understands why, Truly Madly Deeply was trippy and cool again, Affirmation Time Machine Style was even better than I remember it being, and So Beautiful was a partying end to the night. The crowd was small but loud, and persistent. Even when the stage equipment was being packed away they still wouldn't leave. We left and walked back to our hotel, via a KFC recommended by one of my brother's friends who used to live in Amsterdam. What a night. So worth going over for. The next day we made breakfast by 10 minutes. Then we checked out and mooched around the centre again, via a few coffee shops. Amsterdam is incredibly pretty, but the centre is designed to fleece tourists and is more or less Blackpool with weed. A bit tacky, if you know what I mean. Enjoyed it though. Enjoyed spending more time with my brother than I have done in the last 8 years. Enjoyed sharing an evening, a connection. Love Darren for bringing that about. Love Darren for being who he is. |
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| ginger | Mar 5 2008, 07:44 PM Post #89 |
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I bring the Drama Llama
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Tour Diary 10, London 24th February What an incredible day. There were train rides, tube rides walks, 9 people in a hotel room, a raid on an off license, meet ups, hugs, and an eventual arrival at the venue. You know one of those days when you never stop laughing? It was this day. And all of the wonderful people who were there have already shared their stories and photos of what was an unforgettable day, so what could I possibly add? I think everyone's emotions were heightened, there was a different tension tonight. It was a little rough in places, a little bitchy, but I still have good memories of 'Hush', the TV screen where James Blunt drew screams of horror, cookies (thanks Lorna), texts (what a wonderful surprise) and a lot of fun. I could say a lot about the queue and attitudes, but why bring down what has been an incredible month? It was lovely to meet so many new people too, especially Tiina, who I know had an incredible time, and Roberta, who is very very sweet. Once we did get inside, we got Steveside (it's the law), then to the bar (why are you surprised at me? First there again! and this time with Karen, on whom I think I'm a bad influence - this is why you end up with a pint of wine). Talking talking talking, and The Slips came on. Lou and I were dancing, and having fun, and I actually thought they were pretty good. Would see them again if they came to Manchester. And then Darren. The red shoes! Lou noticed them first and I squee'd! Hero, I finally got it. The theme for this gig for me is 'I have lost my illusions'. Darren has never come across as more human, vulnerable, flawed yet real as he did this night. And although it sounds bizarre, that means a lot to me. I was totally delighted by the impromptu acoustic Popular, which just goes to show how tight and how talented this band is. Sense of Humour was beautiful, which a real melancholy air. Casey was special. It was heartbreaking and wonderful and uplifting and touching and everything it should be. Can't wait to hear that recording. A Hundred Challenging Things was so emotionally charged. Everything was, I think. But especially this. Sing to Me signalled that we were nearly at an and, but the tears didn't come. I think because the illusions had gone. Darren needs the break, I can see that, and I'm glad that he's getting it. It was a beautiful performance though. The encore brought a surprise or two. Welcome ones, of course. Gorgeous and heartbreaking and at the same time a quirky and interesting choice. Not what I expected. I must confess, I really wanted Tuning of Violins, as an ending. Just a personal thing but I listened to it on my own a few days later and it was the closure the tour needed for me. It's been incredible, beautiful, personal, social, tiring, emotional and ultimately fulfilling and rewarding. The summing up of the evening? Was a party spent with the most incredible group of people a girl has ever had the privilege of meeting. So many highlights, I don't even know where to start. So much laughing, so much fun, so much alcohol. Spoons, broken beds, window bottle openers, a Darren playlist, reminiscing, beautiful memories. It was all over, but beautiful friendships were only just beginning. To think that a year ago, even just a few months ago in some cases, I never knew these people, and now they're best friends. I adore you all (you know who you are) and I'm forever grateful to Darren for bringing us all together. So, the tour is over. There were a few tears when the party ended, and even more tears as we slowly dispersed the next day.We'll be together again before long, but it seems like too long already. An amazing month. I've changed more than I can comprehend, I've laughed and cried more than I ever thought possible. I've spent more time in a queue than I ever believed I would. I've loved every moment. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. |
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| Geo~Toni | Mar 5 2008, 07:57 PM Post #90 |
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Mystical being
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Thanks hun for posting your tour journals over here, i hadn't read your amsterdam and final london shows yet, I'm glad both of them, esp amsterdam went great. So glad you and your brother got to spend a great evening and trip together. ![]() If i had the funds i would've done more than one of the shows. Would be incredible, esp after reading your takes of them all. ![]() Thanks again for sharring them here. |
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Blessed be, Geo Toni x~X~x Visit my Livejournal & Myspace Pages ![]() 12th May 07 ~ Club Delicacy, London. 27th September 07 ~ Time Machine Tour, Birmingham 17th Feb 08 ~ This side 2 Tour, Birmingham | |
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He sounded really english when he was talking about the tie.

