Hi everyone! So sorry for the delay. I got back from London only yesterday, sometime around midnight, had to work early today and am still in a bit of a hurry.
You all have probably seen the webcast on Saturday and experienced yourselves what a great performance it was.
I really enjoyed my trip to London - Meeting Jenny at the airport in Berlin (we were both a bit tired because of only 6 hours sleep - 3 hours for each of us, LOL), raving about John and his music throughout the entire flight (sadly, only 90 minutes, we might as well have made it to NYC talking that way
), then having a coffee and sandwich in the heart of cold but sunny Hammersmith before leaving for our hotels.
When I arrived at the Distillers at 6:45 Jenny was already there and so was John (for rehearsal). Later Napsi, Elodie and her friend joined us (no Kitine though
, stuck in the Eurostar I'm afraid).
Before we went upstairs to the Regal Room, John came and said Hi, accompanied by Chris Pemberton and Pete Wilson. The Regal Room has a really nice atmosphere - intimate and friendly, and an amazing sound as well. John came on first. It was such a great and moving performance, and - as ever - I LOVED every minute of the show. Also as ever, I got completely carried away by his genuinely beautiful voice and the equally beautiful music. So, as a result I hardly recall the set/order of the songs or can come up with some decent pictures or videos.
As far as I remember (vaguely), that's the songs he did play (maybe someone can correct!?):
Rendezvous
Cold Coffee
Alexander & Annabel
So Close
2nd For The 1st Time
I leave On Friday
I hope Gray will post some of the footage she took at the gig as I sooo want to hear/see it all again and relive the magic of those moments.
(Does anybody know if there's a way to see the webcast on the Regal Room's website? I registered but can't seem to get it to work!
)
Some pics:
John, Pete & Pembers onstage
Totally different feeling when being the frontman. I have to get into that place that only exists for a few moments in my life, but is where I am the most happy. Those allocated minutes where I am allowed to be myself and open my heart and soul for whomever wants to look and listen. The doors are only open for 30 minutes or so, depending on the set times. Thats the only time I am truly "me"
As a result, it can be quite difficult to get to that place and sometimes it can take a few songs to get the doors open. I usually just shut my eyes and forget where I am and just let the music tell me whats going on. Had to think of this statement during the gig, it definitely shows. Didn't take him long to get to that place I believe, was really nice to see.
i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/itsmejade66/LondonRegalRoom022.jpg Spontaneous 'joint venture' at the end of the webcast
i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/itsmejade66/LondonRegalRoom030.jpgAfter the webcast was done, John was still there, pretty relaxed and since we were only such a few people we got to talk to him quite a lot. He really is the most personable and down-to-earth artist imaginable. Gotta love him not only for his exceptional musical ability but also for his kindness and great personality that is far bigger than his ego. So sweet when he proudly showed us a little video clip of his 4-year-old nephew playing "Never Far From Me" on piano.
We got some pictures taken and our albums signed. To be able to buy it off the artist himself where it comes with a smile and a hug is what I consider a once-in-a-lifetime experience and so much nicer than to simply pick it up at some random record store.
Boardies & John, signing DEPARTURES
i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff339/itsmejade66/LondonRegalRoom033.jpgJohnnylicious...
THANK YOU so, so much, John, for the great show and for taking the time afterwards. 
Thanks to the fellow boardies for making this so much fun. More gigs to come I hope.
Missy - one day!!... hopefully soon!
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Oh, before I forget: Lucy, thanks again for the lovely badges, Gray got hers prior to the show and we all did wear them of course!
Sadly, I'm not as creative as you are, but at least I tried... cardboard cut-out (travel edition), still room for improvement ;D ;D... there you go:
), then having a coffee and sandwich in the heart of cold but sunny Hammersmith before leaving for our hotels. 
, stuck in the Eurostar I'm afraid). 
) 
- 
