Post by carol on May 9, 2013 14:41:53 GMT
Yesterday we went to the Ivory Rooms, which proved to be a very nice venue in the middle of nowhere, away from the shops and bustling crowds. It is a wedding venue, and car parking is free as long as you use the facilities.
We saw Sharon and Caitlin whilst we were parking, I must talk about the fact that Caitlin has been a fan of Gareth since she was 5, and this was her birthday treat. I think it's so lovely to hear of a fan who has literally grown up with Gareth, and remains faithful to him not just for his pop image, but also for any other Musical ventures he does.
We all agreed we would stay there and have dinner, it was a reasonable price for a 3 course meal including wine if you were a couple, and Vera, Mick and Robbie managed to sort out what they wanted too. We always have such a laugh when we go together, and I have to say the Ribeye steak was excellent, as was the whole meal, the waiter did his job properly, very attentive to our needs, it was a nice relaxed atmosphere, so we took our time , and finally left our table just after 8pm.
The dining room was supposed to be where Gareth did his set, there was a grand piano, and a man was playing to us whilst we were eating, it was very nice. Then panic set in, as apparently they had more people coming than ever before, so they had to erect a very makeshift stage in the bar next door so everyone could be accomodated.
Vera and I sat upstairs for a while, then came down about 9pm, as it was all running late. They had set up rows of chairs at the side, but not a good view of the stage up there, so we stood with Sharon, she had saved us a place, right by the railings where Gareth was going to perform. I will talk about the other acts in my blog when I post it later.
Unbeknown to me, Keith saw Gareth just before he came on, quite by chance, Gareth recognised him straightway and asked if I was there. Keith said yes I was standing with Vera at the front, so Gareth said " Ok good."
When he came on, there was so much love for him , it was like Skegness last year, they just went wild with delirium and happiness, such a wonderful atmosphere. He was introduced as "Gareth Gates, one of the most talented guys around." I am glad they all realise!
Gareth saw us and waved, and we were happy, but to my great surprise, he suddenly came right up to us, there were arms outstretched to him from all directions, ours were not, but first he gripped Vera's, holding her hand for quite a few second, and then that beautiful smile, and then it was my turn. That was so spontaneous, we both absolutely treasure that moment, and after that, it was lovely to see him react to the others, he had one girl up on stage with him wearing an I love Gareth hat dancing, and he kissed a couple of girls on the cheek, it was wonderful to see how much this crowd really adored him!
He sang DON'T STOP ME NOW, ANYONE OF US, SUSPICIOUS MINDS, LIVING ON A PRAYER, AND FINALLY SPIRIT IN THE SKY. Of course everyone wanted more than that, but I am just grateful the gig took place at all, as I knew there was some doubt about it. When he finished he said something about " See you in a Minute." and then disappeared, closely followed by an ardent fan, who was promptly dispatched back to the stage.
I spotted Elaine from GPG speaking to a man obviously about the meet and greet, then she headed out the door, closely followed by a whole load of us Then pandemonium set in, most of these Esssex girls were very loud and drunk, so maybe the security people feared for Gareth's safety, although I think all they wanted to do was meet their idol. Vera and I were in danger of missing out, as we don't push up the front, so I have to say a big thankyou to Sharon, who had the presence of mind to speak to someone, who could see we were sober, and got us in to see Gareth. He was unaware of what was going on, we all had a big hug, he thanked us for coming, I had a few words with him, and again Sharon saved the day cos our other halves weren't allowed in, and she took our pictures.
I haven't come down to earth yet, it doesn't matter how many times I hear Gareth sing those songs, every performance he gives is a unique experience for me. I am content to wait for his new music when it's right for him to release it, he will be playing new stuff at his gigs, trying it out on the audience, but I am more interested in what he picks for his album, the finished result is what counts, and knowing Gareth, he will make sure he achieves perfection before he releases it.
Thank you once again Sharon for all you did, I wish Caitlin every success in her exams, and Vera Mick and Robbie, what a pleasure to spend another wonderful Gareth meet up with you.
love Carol xxx
We saw Sharon and Caitlin whilst we were parking, I must talk about the fact that Caitlin has been a fan of Gareth since she was 5, and this was her birthday treat. I think it's so lovely to hear of a fan who has literally grown up with Gareth, and remains faithful to him not just for his pop image, but also for any other Musical ventures he does.
We all agreed we would stay there and have dinner, it was a reasonable price for a 3 course meal including wine if you were a couple, and Vera, Mick and Robbie managed to sort out what they wanted too. We always have such a laugh when we go together, and I have to say the Ribeye steak was excellent, as was the whole meal, the waiter did his job properly, very attentive to our needs, it was a nice relaxed atmosphere, so we took our time , and finally left our table just after 8pm.
The dining room was supposed to be where Gareth did his set, there was a grand piano, and a man was playing to us whilst we were eating, it was very nice. Then panic set in, as apparently they had more people coming than ever before, so they had to erect a very makeshift stage in the bar next door so everyone could be accomodated.
Vera and I sat upstairs for a while, then came down about 9pm, as it was all running late. They had set up rows of chairs at the side, but not a good view of the stage up there, so we stood with Sharon, she had saved us a place, right by the railings where Gareth was going to perform. I will talk about the other acts in my blog when I post it later.
Unbeknown to me, Keith saw Gareth just before he came on, quite by chance, Gareth recognised him straightway and asked if I was there. Keith said yes I was standing with Vera at the front, so Gareth said " Ok good."
When he came on, there was so much love for him , it was like Skegness last year, they just went wild with delirium and happiness, such a wonderful atmosphere. He was introduced as "Gareth Gates, one of the most talented guys around." I am glad they all realise!
Gareth saw us and waved, and we were happy, but to my great surprise, he suddenly came right up to us, there were arms outstretched to him from all directions, ours were not, but first he gripped Vera's, holding her hand for quite a few second, and then that beautiful smile, and then it was my turn. That was so spontaneous, we both absolutely treasure that moment, and after that, it was lovely to see him react to the others, he had one girl up on stage with him wearing an I love Gareth hat dancing, and he kissed a couple of girls on the cheek, it was wonderful to see how much this crowd really adored him!
He sang DON'T STOP ME NOW, ANYONE OF US, SUSPICIOUS MINDS, LIVING ON A PRAYER, AND FINALLY SPIRIT IN THE SKY. Of course everyone wanted more than that, but I am just grateful the gig took place at all, as I knew there was some doubt about it. When he finished he said something about " See you in a Minute." and then disappeared, closely followed by an ardent fan, who was promptly dispatched back to the stage.
I spotted Elaine from GPG speaking to a man obviously about the meet and greet, then she headed out the door, closely followed by a whole load of us Then pandemonium set in, most of these Esssex girls were very loud and drunk, so maybe the security people feared for Gareth's safety, although I think all they wanted to do was meet their idol. Vera and I were in danger of missing out, as we don't push up the front, so I have to say a big thankyou to Sharon, who had the presence of mind to speak to someone, who could see we were sober, and got us in to see Gareth. He was unaware of what was going on, we all had a big hug, he thanked us for coming, I had a few words with him, and again Sharon saved the day cos our other halves weren't allowed in, and she took our pictures.
I haven't come down to earth yet, it doesn't matter how many times I hear Gareth sing those songs, every performance he gives is a unique experience for me. I am content to wait for his new music when it's right for him to release it, he will be playing new stuff at his gigs, trying it out on the audience, but I am more interested in what he picks for his album, the finished result is what counts, and knowing Gareth, he will make sure he achieves perfection before he releases it.
Thank you once again Sharon for all you did, I wish Caitlin every success in her exams, and Vera Mick and Robbie, what a pleasure to spend another wonderful Gareth meet up with you.
love Carol xxx
