Yessss, my sister-in-law (TA) and I were rock chicks for the night. We and about 12k people were rocking to our favourite performer, the Canadian rocker, Bryan Adams.
His entrance was spectacular and took everyone by surprise. As the lights dimmed all eyes turned to the stage at the front, but it was at the back (in front of us!!!) that BA appeared in his trademark black shirt and jeans, a guitar swinging from his neck.
We were given a front row view of the man himself. BA played solo acoustic of his first two songs – Can’t Stop This Thing We’ve Started and Please Forgive Me. The whole stadium was on its feet.
We were in a frenzy. Man, he knows how to woo the crowd.
The lights lit up on the main stage to reveal the band - Keith Scott (guitar), Gary Briet (keys), Norm Fisher (bass) and Mickey Curry (drums). They got the sell-out crowd bouncing with delight. BA in true rock god style, mic in hand ran to the stage, kissing, hugging and high-fiving everyone along the way. Those lucky, lucky guys.
They rocked us with 2 songs, which I can’t for the life of me remember what they were. But I'm sure I was singing to all of them and then came 18 Till I Die. BA continued to weave nicely his classic tracks with songs from his new album 11.
Summer of ’69 soon appeared to much delight, and BA passed vocal duties to the enthusiastic crowd. TA phoned her daughter, Siobhan and let her listen cos it's one of her favourite songs.
Then came the main course, Everything I Do – a song forever associated with Robin Hood. The Arena nearly crumbled. Cuts Like A Knife followed with great BA anthems, again mixed in with newer tracks.
Our ears took a bashing from thousands of screaming women (and men) as BA announced someone will be up on stage with him to perform Baby When You’re Gone. Jenny from ‘a little village called Pelsall” (which BA cheekily misheard as Pants-off) was the envy of the crowd as she bumped/rocked word-perfect throughout the song.
BA continued to work the audience as he recalled his NEC debut 23 years ago supporting Tina Turner. He then performed with Scott a semi-unplugged version of It’s Only Love.
More songs from 11 followed and BA plugged his new DVD. Then came The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You. Yes, BA, how true :-). Run To You (what else?) signaled the end. (What? It was too soon!!!). BA introduced the band and left the stage momentarily to cue the obligatory foot stamping, a call back for more. Which of course, he did.
He finally ended the night with 2 solo acoustic performances. Heaven and a fantastic rendition of All for Love, the theme song from The Three Musketeers. Frankly speaking, we don't want him to leave the stage.
BA is just three days away of his 49th birthday. But, he pranced across the stage and let ripped with his distinctive raspy voice for two hours. We waved goodbye to such an incredible performer and decided there and then that we will be attending his future gigs at the NEC. We were so hoarse, my throat's killing me and our poor, poor feet. But we would do it again for BA.
TA and I planned to see BA last year but tickets were sold out. When I found out that he's performing again this year, we bought the tickets in July. TA and PA had a tough drive from Pembroke Dock. Their car broke down in Carmarthen and had to be towed back home. They used their other car and only left after lunch.
They reached Coventry safely at about 7pm. We chatted and exchanged news. Had lasagne for dinner and then I'd an early night cos I was nursing a very bad cold.
After breakfast, we showed them the delights of Coventry. I bought the train tickets first and then we did some shopping. TA and PA took the opportunity to do some Xmas shopping. At West Orchards, I found out that my favourite shop, Past Times has just opened. There were lots of bits and bops that caught my attention.
Went home and lunch was ready. Blessed the slow cooker. Before I went to bed last night, I put meat, potatoes, onions, aubergines, carrots and baby corn into the pot. Add a bottle of Sainsbury's Madras sauce, 2 vegetable stock cubes and a cup of water. Switch it on and about 12 hours later, the house smells delicious. We'd the curry with couscous. Then we got ready to rock n roll :-).
TA and PA left at 9 this morning. We gave them birthday presents for Holly and Jack, Xmas pressies and they also took our old tv which we have been trying to get rid for years. Drive carefully and hoped to see you and the kids soon in Pembroke.
Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton for capturing the 2008 world championship. The McLaren's driver became the first Black and the youngest world champion in Formula One history by the skin of his teeth after a thrilling Brazilian Grand Prix.
Last Tuesday, it snowed. Snow in October??? And it fell during the Festival of Lights, Diwali. I'd to walk to Cannon Park in
the snow to meet Kevin cos there was traffic chaos into the Uni. I think that's how I caught this horrible cold.
Also Happy xxth Birthday to my darling hubby. Showering you with all my love, hugs and kisses.
Didn't get the chance to experiment with pumpkin dishes for Halloween this year cos I was too exhausted. Didn't even see any pumpkins at all.
Prayers for my grandma who will be undergoing a major hip operation tomorrow. She fell down and fractured her hip last week.
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