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Post by katie with a drink on May 23, 2005 17:01:08 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]does exactly what it says on the tin![/glow]
Please please please - if you see the brilliant waiting room and/or Fletch - Please write your experiences here!
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Post by Jonathan "Jonno" on May 24, 2005 18:49:15 GMT -5
...and please post pics! If anyone needs them hosted, let me know and I'll put them on my server so everyone can see.  Hope everyone at the gig tonight had a great time!!! |
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Post by UKNeighboursfan on May 27, 2005 13:27:15 GMT -5
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Chen
Junior Member
Posts: 82
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Post by Chen on May 27, 2005 16:08:35 GMT -5
Hey, thanks for the link to Radio 1 with Joe Whiley.
Was out celebrating Liverpool's team victory over AC Milan.
Go Liverpool!!! ;D
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Post by UKNeighboursfan on May 31, 2005 8:40:24 GMT -5
Just found this amazing review from nf.com ;D
Fletch for Secretary-General of the UN, Mayhem, rock and roll in Durham - by Lady*Anfield
Apologies for starting a new thread but I honestly feel that this deserves a thread of its own.
The last time I went to a concert where I had to wait uncomnfortably was two summers ago. It was a Bon Jovi concert and it was at the Milton Keynes Bowl. My friends and I were there three hours early. Already there were people crammed near the stage. The lesser mortals like us decided to sit down and wait. Lying on the uneven road, my head resting uncomfortably on my haversack, my sides being poked by sharp stones and getting wet by the cold trickle of summer rain, I promised myself that this is the last time I am doing this. Life is too short for this kind of discomfort...
....Yet here I was, two years later, tottering in my high heels, waiting for 40 minutes in an unsurprisingly cold summer evening, shivering. There was happy banter in the queue though and that helped. Somebody split lager on another woman and she groaned "There goes my chance of getting Karl Kennedy to fall in love with me." I said to her, "You have to beat Izzy". She replied "I can beat Izzy any time". Then I said "Ahh, but what about Susan though?"....at that, she nodded defeat ruefully.
It was 6.40 p.m. when we were allowed in. The Waiting Room was scheduled to appear ....at 11 p.m. I groaned. There was no seating place and I thought surely it is a fringe of one's human right to be deprived of the basic need to sit. There was no way however that we were going to give up our front positions, no matter how tired we were becoming. Helie, Nick468 and I had each other's company to amuse ourselves with - although when Nick split my last Sex on the Bondi Beach ****tail all over my gorgeous red and black sequinned punjabi suit, I was as amused as Chirac when the French said "non". (kidding, Nick - just be grateful that I am not revealing your other shenanigan ). My friend Angelo was quite disbelieving that there were people who were so crazy over a Neighbours star. I set him straight. Alan Fletcher is not a Neighbours star, he is the Neighbours star. He is also a talented musician, a brilliant photographer and has strong civic-consciousness. I have tremendous respect for those in the entertainment industry -Geldof, Bono, Sheen, Fletch - who could very well luxuriate in their own comfortable worlds but who have the guts and gumption to speak up and out against issues that trouble their consciences.
Alan must have been really wondering whether he was John Lennon or one of the Gallagher brothers - such was the hysteria and excitement that greeted him. By that time the crowd had expanded to gargantuan proportions and the security seemed ill-equipped to control them. Alan was told that there was no VIP facilities at the Walkabout either but when we came in, there was an enclave that was cordoned off. It was near the stage and again, I was not amused when it was filled with women who obviously came after us. (Yes, I used "women" on purpose.. ) Meanwhile we were crushed to the barrier and shades of Hillsborough actually entered my mind. I was scared at one point. I am not joking. My hands had purple patches when I went home. Even now I feel a slight discomfort around my chest, ribcage and back. I was being pushed either onto the burly bouncers or against the barriers. It was mayhem because the crowd just surged. Mainly made up of young energetic people (for that read students who had just finished their exams), they were robust in jumping up and down and pushing and shoving their elbows and arms into other people. A couple of girls pushed and shoved their way between me and Helie which annoyed us considerably. Subsequently one of them nearly fainted and had to be carted off!!! I felt sorry for some older people - I know a few left because they just could not have dealt with the mayhem. I feel battered and bruised. Was it all worth it? You bet it was.
Alan had to pass my way to get on to the stage and I wrote a note to pass on to him to tell him that Helie, Nick and I were there. He passed on so close to me that I could smell him, and the man smelt gorgeous!!! (I always say that men generally underestimate the aphrodisiacal power of a gorgeous aftershave!!! ). I could not pass the note on as he passed me by through a wall of heavily-built grunting Geordies. I wasn't too worried because I had a contingency plan, but Alan, bless his big heart, had already thought ahead.
So the crowd are jumping and rocking, some smart aleck using my shoulder as a bouncing pad for his arm. To be honest, I really was not noticing because I was so caught up with the star in front of me. I do not get starstruck easily, but there I was, stars shining from my eyes. I was trying to assimilate all that in when Helie shrieked, "He's asking for you". I could not believe my ears when he asked again "Is Lady Anfield in the audience?" OMG. I screamed "I'm here, I'm here". I wasn't sure that he had noticed me - but continency plan was about to put into operation. He started on Three Lions and I dug out my Liverpool scarf and started waving in the air. Alan had asked me to sing YNWA to identify myself to him. Since I cannot sing to save anyone's life, I did the next best thing, I waved the scarf of the Mighty Reds. He saw it, started smiling broadly and beckoned excitedly for me to pass on the scarf. I passed it on. He put it around his neck and screamed something about European champions - I was starstruck and now I was rendered dumb as well. I thought of giving it to him as a souvenir but he kissed it and threw it back at me, saying "Thank you B", I knew then it would be up there on my prized possessions list, next only to a BB King's Lucille lapel pin. What a sweetheart Alan is. He remembered my real name as well. I am not washing that scarf.
The man's stage presence is amazing. He was energetic, charming, gallant - he was climbing over barriers to kiss women on their hands!!! He got his bum slapped - oooh, you naughty man! I loved their music, it was my cup of tea, bottle of vodka etc etc. As much as I love Oasis, it's the classics that really made my heart expand with joy. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lyrnd Skynrd brought back memories as my friends used to dedicate that song to me - my real name is in the title of that song!! "Brown-Eyed Girl", "Hey Jude", "Living on A Prayer". Alan was jumping when they were playing LOAP, you knew he wanted to rock it up. Oh, and the crowd was clearly pro-Susan. The Izzy-lovers were outscreamed by the Susan disciples. Even the band screamed Susan. LOL.
The show was over in a blink of an eye. We stood again outside barriers to meet Alan and we were let in to meet him. When he saw me, he put out his hands widely and shouted "B" and I rushed and got enclosed in a heartwarming hug. I asked him whether we should wait until we finish and he said that he would take a long time. So we took photos but the man was on an adrenalin high - he was running from one end to the other, taking pics and signing autographs. Helie was very upset because her photo with Alan did not turn up well so I went up to him and asked him whether he could take another pic with her. The gorgeous guy did it again without complaint. He signed my CD "Love you B". I love you too Alan.
I managed to give my bag of presents to him - I had gotten little gifts - a desktop calendar of the Durham and other Cathedrals in the UK, a letter-opener with a Celtic design for him, a Celtic bookmark for Jackie W and a coconut ice from Durham for Nat B since I heard she had a sweet tooth. I hope he did not forget them. It is a pity that he did not have time to indulge in his favourite hobby of photography and take pictures of the most beautiful city in England.
Oh, and I have a naughty snippet about Alan but he was a gentleman. To the pathetic girl, Jennifer Hansen is a hottie. She is gorgeous, beautiful and d**n sexy. You can't hold a candle to her.
So, I finally come to the crux of the matter. I love, respect and admire Alan Fletcher. He is a gem. He is friendly, charming, has no airs and graces, a real people's man with a big heart. When he smiles, his eyes smile and that to me ia the definitive gauge of a person's sincerity. Australia should be proud of him. In fact I think he'd make a great UN ambassador and would solve a lot of world problems through his amiability, warmth, sense of decency and his music.
I am listening to his album now. The Waiting Room apparently was inspired by an actor who said that he only remembered the waiting.
I do not remember the waiting, Alan.
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Chen
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Post by Chen on May 31, 2005 10:01:01 GMT -5
Great review and it's going to be hard to top!!
Thanks for posting, NeighboursUKfans.
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Chen
Junior Member
Posts: 82
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Post by Chen on May 31, 2005 15:08:10 GMT -5
Sorry for the double post, but just reading them over again and have to strongly agree with this statement:
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rosie
New Member
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Post by rosie on Jun 1, 2005 5:20:00 GMT -5
I went to the Derby walkabout last night. After getting there without any hitches (miracle!) We got to the walkabout around 10pm. Not knowing what to expect, we waited while a dance group came on, yet couldn't see them as there were too many heads in the way!
There was a crowd surge as the dancers came off and we all positioned ourselves for the Almighty :-D And on he came, sending the crowd into euphoria with previous chants such as "WE WANT KARL" and "SUSAN! SUSAN!" Haha, brought a smile to my face!
I honestly can't remember the setlist(in order/entirety), all I know is that they played: Wonderwall, Don't look back in anger, Livin' on a Prayer, Brown Eyed girl, I'm a believer, 3 lions on a shirt and more. Can anyone else remember it fully?
Anyway, I had such admiration for the way in which the band were very much a team unit; each getting turns to sing and so obviously enjoying themselves. There were no airs or graces about this lot, they were out to rock and that's just what they did.
After the gig Fletch signed autographs in the beer garden. There were LOADS of people, but Fletch signed and signed and signed. I never thought we'd make it, but no, he continued on! I was all shaky by the time I got there (haha, wuss) and he signed my directions for me saying "Glad you got here rosie!" and we had a photo and a kiss! Wheeey!
Some celebrities would only sign around 50. It seems this man's patience and kidness knows no bounds!
Can't say enough good things about Fletch. To sum him up: talented, amazing, friendly, genuine and BLOODY LOVELY!
Come back soon!
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Post by UKNeighboursfan on Jun 2, 2005 5:43:46 GMT -5
Great little read - thanks so much for typing that up! |
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Post by UKNeighboursfan on Jun 3, 2005 5:51:48 GMT -5
Another review from Nf.com... Posted by Doh Well I've just come back from this utterly amazing evening (Being a student at the University it didn't take me long to get home  . Below is what some may loosely describe as a review... The short version? I bloody loved it! The evening started off as so many nights at the Union do, with the room gradually filling up and the bar queues quickly becoming ridiculous. Bumped into loads of people I know, cos I always do, and even ended up standing around with some of them. The crowd was in a Karl Kennedy frenzy, with face-masks and T-shirts of various varieties being the norm. After an hour and a half the time was finally here, and the man himself stepped up to bat, flanked by his band. This wasn't a crowd that needed working up, but he did it anyway with an energetic rendition of "I Would Walk 500 Miles", a brilliant cover which rather set the tone for the evening. As this finished and the crowd roared, the good Doc picked up the pace with his version of "I'm a Believer". It was during this song that it became apparent that this wasn't a man who was going through the motions, rather a man who was having the time of his life, and it was difficult for even the most ardent sceptic not to get caught up in his boyish enthusiasm. Whilst the evening was mostly about Alan/Karl (Forgive me if I slip between the two), he happily gave his band-mates their fair share of the limelight, beginning with a great version of "Wonderwall" by one of the other band members (I don't want to say which in case I get it wrong). The on-stage chemistry between these guys was fantastic at all times, and it was clear for all to see that they weren't just band-mates, they were friends. Karl was back to the front with his version of the football classic "Three Lions". It was, admittedly, a little strange to hear the mock English voice being adopted for the song, and I think that anyone without Alan's enthusiasm might not have been able to pull it off. But somehow it worked! After this it was onto "Fly Away", during which one of Alan's band-mates pulled out a stethoscope and placed it around his neck, attracting huge cheers from the audience. It was time for the part of the evening my less-educated friends had been facing with slight trepidation: The original musical stylings of The Waiting Room, as they burst into their song "Just Like Me". It turned out that they needn't have worried, and we were presented with a brilliantly energetic piece which the crowd went nuts for. After this it was back to Alan's band-mates for the one part of the evening I felt was slightly iffy- A slowed-down version of the hit "Livin' on a Prayer". It was performed flawlessly and was an interesting interpretation, but I wasn't sure it worked for me. Fortunately this feeling was incredibly short-lived, as the band broke into their song "Mattress on the Floor", a ditty about student life. After this it was time to really give the audience what they wanted, and Fletch came up on stage and told us "Many people ask me who's better: Sarah, Susan, or Izzy." This was met with chants of "Susan! Susan!", but the man continued. "Well if I wanted a kiss, I'd have to say Sarah." (A mixture of boos from the girls, cheers from the boys) "And if I wanted someone to go out with, I'd say Izzy" (Boos all round) "But" he pressed on, "If I wanted someone to do everything with, I'd choose Susan!" at which point the crowd went absolutely mental. To top it all off, he then broke into a short cover of the McFly song "Obviously", changing the lyrics to give it more of a Neighbours theme ('I know I always will be far too good for her' about Izzy!), which had the crowd roaring. After this burst of excitement, it was time to slow things down a notch for the Doc (but not the audience!), as his fellow band-members once again took pole position with a medley covering "Put Your Hands Up", "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Hey Jude". After some more words from the Fletch (During which he provoked an amazing reaction from the crowd by declaring that the gig was 'spigging awesome'!) it was time for the final two songs, top-notch covers of "Brown-Eyed Girl" and "Don't Look Back in Anger". If Karl was at all tired by this point he wasn't showing it, appearing just as excited as he had at the set's start. And that was the end. Or at least it would have been, but we Reading students weren't having any of it (Though I've never been in an audience that has, to be fair) and the band was coaxed back for one last song, "Satisfaction". I think a few of us were hoping for the Neighbours theme, but never mind! Afterwards Alan stayed behind to sign albums and meet his fans- A queue that was just a little too long for me, I'm afraid! Still, I can be content with the fact that I was the one who brought his tour to the Students' Union Exec Committe in the first place All in all, an utterly fantastic evening. Alan Fletcher, you are, as they say, the man. Never stop doing whatever it is you're doing, because you do it so well. |
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Post by UKNeighboursfan on Jun 3, 2005 5:58:08 GMT -5
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Post by Liz on Jun 3, 2005 6:27:09 GMT -5
My review of Reading:
It was a wonderful, wonderful night
I got there around 8 when the doors opened and it didn't take long to get inside the club. The queue wasn't very long. I got in there and found Denny, which was great. Really fab to meet you Denny!!! Fletch wasn't due on stage til around 10 30 which was fine with me and Denny. We just chatted about Fletch most of the night lol
I could not begin to describe the excitement that I felt at seeing Fletch. Denny, being the legend she is, had managed to get us in the front row. I was directly in front of Fletch's microphone and that really excited me. The idea of just being on top of the guy was BRILLIANT. Front row!! Of course the bouncers were quite annoying in so far that they kept clambering over the top of me to give people drinks. Funny at times but when Fletch came on, it got annoying.
We waited about two hours for Fletch to come on but that felt like no time at all. Denny and I talked, she showed me some pictures of Sheffield and gave me some DVDs etc. (Thank you soo much Denny). There were loads of people arriving and I'm still surpised at how many you could fit in that club. There were banners and t-shirts everywhere and I kind of wish I'd made my own banner but it didnt matter.
The CD's were selling like hot cakes and I had no intention of leaving my front row spot to get a CD. Fortunately someone came down to us and handed us CDs which was great. Meant I didn't have to go anywhere. The atmosphere even before Fletch came on was great. I could hear lots of 'We want Karl' in the back ground and it got me in the mood. My heart was all a fluttering
Then at last Fletch walked on stage with his band mates and I could not believe how close I was to him. He was GORGEOUS, dressed in a black snazzy jacket, white-bluish patterned shirt and jeans. HE was just.... The crowd was already worked up and excited but Fletch decided to get us going even more as he opened with " I Would Walk 500 miles". Pure class. From the start, his voice just amazed me. Fletch, you have real talent and you outclass so many singers I have heard. Just from this song, you could tell Fletch was going to be having fun. He was grinning that GORGEOUS SEXY smile that he has and instantly we were all swept up with him. His enthusiaum just captured my heart. I don't think there was anyone in the room who didn't feel like that.
Fletch then launched into his second song "I'm a Believer" and this was absolutely superb. Fletch is in a class of his own. His voice is so rich which really added to the song. God he was so good. He was dancing around, really getting into it, and that made it even more special. He came so close to us and we all reached out to touch his hand and he touched mine!!! I swear I never wanna wash my hand again but I will lol. But it was even better when he gave us that sexy look that he does so well. He smiled at me and blew me a kiss which was fantastic What a legend!!!!!!! I LOVE HIM.
The next song Fletch covered was "3 Lions." Denny especially enjoyed this because at the end Fletch mentioned Denny and he said hi to her It was soo good. This song really had me going, it normally does when I hear it but Fletch totally managed to make it even better. I think I prefer Fletch's version to the original!
During the evening Fletch got out his stehoscope which I loved and he listened to his bandmates's heart rates and even some of the crowds. It was fantastic. You could just tell Fletch was loving every minute. So was I Fletch, so was I! Fletch and his bandmates then performed a couple of their own songs which I LOVE. Having already listened to the samples on the site, I knew that it was going to be excellent. I wasn't wrong. They excelled themselves and hearing " Mattress on the Floor" was a bonus Like others have said, the chemistry between the guys on stage was so clear to the crowd. All of them was having so much fun and just having a laugh. Fletch, being the lovely man he is, didn't hog the limelight, he let his bandmates share it too. I love Chris Hawkins and Tommy Rando too. You guys are absolute legends!!!
The Mcfly cover was fantastic considering I don't much go for McFly's music. But Fletch and the guys pulled it off and I loved the Izzy reference!!! It was wonderful and as you might expect when Fletch asked who do you want Karl to end up with, Susan was the crowd's answer.
One of my favourite moments had to be when Fletch dedicated a song to "All the beautiful women in the front row". That included us!!! He sang Brown Eyed Girl, a song I love and know the words to. It was fantastic, beyond fantastic. He sang right to us in the front row and at one point, I think he was singing to me. Another truly awesome moment was when they did a kind of medley which included Hey Jude and Sweet Home Alabama. What a AMAZING mix!! I loved it soo much.
The band came back out for one more song, a true classic, I can't get no Satisfaction. This was just a top way for the band to end on. I couldn't think of a better song and as Fletch said, it is KARL'S song But the end had to be the best bit. Fletch was signing CDs and when I got up there, he gave me a big hug!! I HUGGED ALAN FLETCHER I told him I loved his show and passed on a few messages. The man was sooooo sweet and sooo kind. I honestly think Fletch is a shining example of how stars should be like.
Fantastic,
11/10
Liz.
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Post by UKNeighboursfan on Jun 3, 2005 6:41:58 GMT -5
Amazing story Liz - thanks for sharing |
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Post by Michael on Jun 3, 2005 7:34:45 GMT -5
"Did you ever know You Are My Hero?" -- Reading, 2 June 05 Apart from the constant ringing in my ears [if I have permanent damage, Fletch, I'm suing] I sit here now in the afterglow of a wonderful gig and almost religious experience. Myself and friends got to RUSU early, about 7.30. We killed time in 'Mojo's' (a bar in the union across from the club section), shooting pool and chewing the fat. 9.00 pm. we wandered along to the venue and got a place in the heart of the throng, about 6 rows back from the front. We expected Fletch to be on any minute and when the MC announced he'd be another hour and a half, it was like a veritable stake to the heart! It was like being told Christmas Day had been delayed. We were partially compensated by the fact of being in close proximity to some pretty girls, and to a bunch of rugger club boys whose energetic and faintly moronic dance gyrations were highly comedic. Then it came. The moment arrived. I felt the crowd draw in a sharp intake of breath, simultaneously, like. Fletch skipped on. "We've been looking forward to this night more than any other....there's been so much hype about this gig..." and then straight into '500 Miles'. This might have been my favourite moments of the whole gig, in an instance i realised how much fun he was going to be. He jumped up and down like a maniac. His stage presence was somewhere between Sinatra, Buster Bloodvessel and Ian Dury. He bounced up and down and flapped his elbows around, and delivered the Proclaimers tune with an extraordinary energy and strangling his voice to give the desired punch to the words "Hie vill walk a tousand miles, AND hie will walk..." It was immense. Right from the get-go some crackpot young men were initiating some crowd surfing and general over-vigorous bouncy dancing. But hey, everyone needed to express their Fletch-love in their own special way. The singalongs were ace. The whole evening had an air of karaoke, but not in a bad way. I disagree with Liz about "Livin' On A Prayer" with seemed totally appropriate for the occasion. "We've got each other, and that's a lot..." Everywhere you cared to look, people were belting out these profound phrases, arms in the air, in a beautiful harmony. We were bonded by Fletch. I imagine this is what the Woodstock crowd felt like when Hendrix was on the stage. Personally, I didn't particularly like how the MC etc were referring to Fletch as Karl (and the stethoscope was a bit twee too) -- he is the DeNiro of the small screen. I mean, you wouldn't call DeNiro Travis Bickle would you? His name was, is and forever will be Fletch. It was the name he was born with. That said, of course, the Neighbours banter was supremely good and funny. Fletch knew how to tease the crowd perfectly. Talk about charisma and stage presence. Somehow, it was like seeing a brother (or a mad uncle) on the stage in front of you, somebody who you have seen in your living room everyday for the last decade. It was a wonderful collision of the spectacular with the familiar. The most touching moment of the evening was when Fletch said: "This is the best night of my life." I know he is an actor but he had such conviction and boyish enthusiasm that I totally believed him. By the time of the encore I was physically drained. It was a superb finish, and I was suddenly very jealous of the front row as he reached out and touched sweaty palms with those lucky few. My tip to Fletch in the future would be to do a classic song that builds up all the drama of the occasion, something by Neil Diamond would be great. "Touching hands, reaching out..." I think it would be a great contrast to the rocking out numbers, and it would showcase his voice even more, allowing the audience to go on a little journey of discovery with him: The singer, The poet, The Lover, The Seer. My friend got his CD signed. I took snaps. Fletch gave off this overwhelming sense of goodwill throughout the performance and the meet-and-greet. I was desperate to shake hands with him, but the Security were only allowing those with CDs to go up (at least at first). I was saddened by this hint of commercialism, surely the logistics would have been fine if people went up as and when? Fletch is obviously a (very fine) actor who has dreamt of being a rock star. He acted so humbly, as though he was fortunate to have this opportunity. He seemed overwhelmed by the love and support. It was really sweet to see this one man live out his dream. I can imagine him now, back in Oz in a couple of weeks time, regaling Tom Oliver and Ian Smith with his tales of sex, drugs and rock n' roll, and showing round the photos of Britain's youth in ecstasy as he performed. Which reminds me, Fletch, that was my favourite bra and knickers that I threw it at you, so if you still have the items, is it possible you could send them back? In all seriousness, I am not suprised the tour has been based around student venues. It is not because Fletch is some ironic cult hero (ok, it's partly that). But mainly its because young people (like myself) have grown up with this man. He has been a wonderful constant in a scary, changing world. That is not to say he only appeals to the young: he has got something for everybody! He is an Everyman. He has shown us the whole range of human emotion, reflected a part of ourselves back to us. Shown us great human strengths, and more importantly, fragility too. This was all summed up in his mesmerising performance last night. He has touched so many of us for years. Long may that touching continue. [Insert Carry On style joke here]. Right, apologies for such a long post. I hope everyone from the forum had a wonderful time too. My ears are still ringing, Fletch, my ears are still ringing. All my love,  Michael |
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Post by UKNeighboursfan on Jun 3, 2005 7:52:09 GMT -5
"Did you ever know You Are My Hero?" -- Reading, 2 June 05 In all seriousness, I am not suprised the tour has been based around student venues. It is not because Fletch is some ironic cult hero (ok, it's partly that). But mainly its because young people (like myself) have grown up with this man. He has been a wonderful constant in a scary, changing world. That is not to say he only appeals to the young: he has got something for everybody! He is an Everyman. |
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. Below is what some may loosely describe as a review... The short version? I bloody loved it!
