Southend, UK - October 14, 2004


Albums

Songs

Concerts

Press

Chris Raymond:

Hi All,

I hope that you enjoy my review of Southend!

Chris (my husband) kindly agreed to escort me to the Concert in 
Southend to meet up with Claudia and others and also visit the town 
again.  We missed a lot because of the constant rain  the time before 
when we went to see The Guarana Boys there last year!!  It began to 
pour down just in time for us to walk to the venue.... !!  

Chris de Burgh wasn't too late starting the show. I wondered what 
sort of audience he'd get in a place he'd never played before but his 
fans were there alright!  No problem there - not quite as noisy as 
some but very 'warm' and plenty of clapping.

The playlist seemed to be pretty much the same as the gig we saw in 
Birmingham.  It was good to be able to see the screens at the back of 
the stage from where we sat this time.  The images shown with 'Snow 
Is Falling' is very poignant.  It was wonderful to 'read my name' but 
I was just thrilled also to see the names of nine other friends flash 
up all in a row (Thanks a million Astrid) That is going to be so 
special at the Royal Albert Hall for 'The Gang'!!

Plenty has already been posted about various parts of different 
Concerts and I wouldn't want to spoil the jokes etc for those who 
have yet to attend but suffice it to say that Chris is just great at 
the chat bit!!  He's just so focussed - he doesn't miss anything ! 
How does he concentrate on singing every word during the medley 
whilst doing walkabout - ruffling hair, getting a fan to sing, 
getting grabbed, kissed, singing up close and personal ( heading for 
me ? oh yes!!!! )

I have some magic moments to cherish from the night but I'll always 
remember someone calling out for an encore after TLIR.  Well Chris 
had already left the piano and had his guitar ready for the next song 
but that didn't stop him from being spontaneous and singing a bit 
more to everyone's delight.

Now talking about being spontaneous I must take issue with Chris W. 
who called me a 'naughty girl' or something because I went to the 
stage before I was 'invited' by Chris !!!!  Well I have to defend my 
corner here and say that I just couldn't keep my bum on the seat any 
longer !  C de B didn't give me a slap and those I encouraged got up 
too - they know who they are Mrs W.!!  (Try it at your peril though - 
you never know if you'll get sent back!)

As I said the fans were there alright!  I never heard so many calling 
for "Patricia" as Chris was winding up the gig.  He couldn't have 
failed to hear but no she wasn't there - she's too old! :-((

I really love "Snows" to end the show - everyone up at the front of 
the stage held hands to sway.  Of course the lucky ones got to touch 
hands with Chris as he prepared to bow out.  'Timing is Everything' - 
as he returned to the stage for his final goodbye he sang the last 
few words of "Snows" to the background music which had been playing.

It was just great to have drinks with friends and chat after the 
Show!  I especially enjoyed meeting some nurses who live in Essex;-) 
- great to meet you!  Of course it was also really lovely that Al took 
time out to come and say Hello too!

Night , night!

Chris R


Questions or comments?

File last modified on November 21th, 2004