Well the day has finally arrived and to say that we were excited is putting it mildly. I managed to persuade my doctor to give me an intermuscular injection as opposed to the usual drip today and then I was hoping and praying that the effects of chemo would not kick in until this night was over....and thankfully it did not!!
Trip to Manchester was effortless and actually becoming quite boring, but we listened to some Snow Patrol on the way just to freshen up on some lyrics of course. Found venue and most expensive bloody car park ever, but I suppose we cant have it all easy.
At the Ritz they escorted us to a different door as we were on Snow Patrol's guestlist. The lady handed me out two armbands and said to wear those if we want to get into the After-show Party. Ok I tried to look as calm as I possibly could, because after all this is nothing out of the ordinary for us...! ;-P
Found nice spot on the balcony right next to the stage and 2nd support band was on, I think they were the Ghears and sounded great from what I could hear. But we only saw about 2 songs. So perhaps worth a look.
Finally the wait was over and Snow Patrol was on stage and opened up the set with "Wow" followed by "Chocolate" at which point I was trying to call Helen, but to no avail :o), this song was superb and everybody was singing along.
A few tracks later was a very rocky version of "Hands Open" and now we were really dancing. Absolutely loved "Chasing Cars" live and I think that is absolutely my favourite song off the new album. We also had "Spitting Games", "Shut Your Eyes", "How to be Dead" but a definate and rare treat was an amazing performance of "An Olive Grove Facing the Sea" accompanied by wonderful Trombone sound, such a beautiful song.
Now it was definate "Goosebumps time" with the best ever ever live rendition of "Run". The sound in the Ritz was made for this song and the audience participation was tremendous - you could hear them sing ever single word along with Gary. Mezmerising stuff before finishing the set with new single "You're all I have" which is a winner for sure - so go and bloody buy it! The band's energy and presence sold this one totally. Gary Lightbody had so much fun out there tonight (despite the huge tear in his trousers) and it was so magical being part of this.
Snow Patrol left the stage to rapturous applause and screams for more. They came back and their encore consisted of "Open Your Eyes" followed by "Tiny Little Fractures" which was perfect end to a magnificent show!
Very excited we made our way to the After show party and sat down and sort of went over what we witnessed tonight and I had to pinch myself several times. I still can't get the smile off my face. We waited for a while for the band to make their appearance and as soon as Gary went for a drink I went over to talk to him.
He recognised me and we shared some hugs (I might say they were geniune hugs too). We spoke for a while about the show and how much I enjoyed it, then moved on to the Charity gig and he is very happy that things are going ahead. Such a nice man and of course I could not stop myself by doing the "mad fan" thing and asking for a picture.
Oh God I am never going to be able to sleep tonight!
Thanks to Snow Patrol for the beautiful music, Gary for putting us on the guestlist and thanks to anyone I might have disturbed tonight with excited phone calls and texts....thanks for putting up with me..........and roll on July......watch this space for exciting announcement next week!!!
PS: Pics are not the best, as the camera is some semi-professional thing and they would not bloody stand still - some people have no consideration...;o)
PPS: Its nights like this that makes me realise how lucky I am to be alive and makes me more determined to want to give this cancer a big kick up the arse! For everything tonight...........I am very thankful :o)
Ok will get off Myspace as I am now getting emotional and it aint pretty lol.
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