by AnyOther on 14 Jul 2008 09:49
Just arrived back in Holland from the UK (2 weeks of Peak District before and after Hyde Park) and read all your adventures and impressions. Feels like a real warm welcome to me. I think we did see some of the Peak attractions, me and my daughter, but it was all in a blur - still in London in our minds...
A small contribution of my own experience of Hyde Park (not that it really adds anything after page after page after pic after vid after pic etc).
Arrived by train from Derby, hurried to our "hotel" (not worth the name, but with a place to sleep), and hurried to nearby Hyde Park. Realised we forgot something somewhat important...ran back to the hotel and retrieved our tickets, and back to the park we went. Arrived just before gates opened. Got to third row in front of the stage, a bit to the right of center stage. Waited. Waited (x100). Hated Micky Whatsit. Got bored by Arno Thingy. Liked Starsailor's James Walsh (both of us), who told he was to become a dad (and he now is). Couple in front of us left, after singing all the Starsailor songs wordperfect. Took their place, second row. Waited. Waited. Talked to a Policefan convinced that this would not be the last UK concert ("look at the Stones, they're still at it"). Looked for nutters, but it was too crowded. KT was alright, I think.
Stewart's drumkit appeared, and I started to feel wobbly. Didn't feel my feet anymore. Waited. Waited. And then the boys appeared, starting Message. Don't tell anyone, but I cried! Pulled myself together and absorbed the performance. Saw you nutters as the flag appeared on the screen. Many times, if I remember right. The songs were exactly right. Magnificent Don't Stand So Close To Me. Changed places with my daugter every two songs, so as to have a better view (even in the front rows someone in front of us is a problem, as we're both small girls). Gave my camera to my daughter in her dad's Police-T. Suddenly didn't know what to do with it anymore, and it somehow didn't feel right to watch all this through a camera. Sting was alright, and didn't use too many Stingisms. Stewart gave what looked his best, banging away at his kit, pointing, raising eyebrows, enjoying the audience. He looked completely at home, even though he left London many years ago.
And then a girl in the front invited my daughter to take her place at front. And my girl accepted and looked at me apologetic (it's more important to you, mum). And I was offered a place next to her by a very friendly girl (whoever you are, you're the best!) and we were as close to the boys as possible for the last three songs. Next to you indeed. Made my daughter embarrased as I pointed back at Stewart at the end (every move you make...). Which is not me. I'm a shy person.
And then it was over. Dark. Tried to buy a poster from a tramp who must have stolen it from a busstop, but he got mad at me çause I didn't want the first one that was dirty. So he tore it apart. Ah well, don't need a poster, do I? I've got my memories, and all of yours.
Thank you nutters - pity we didn't meet this time, and thank you Stewart.
Sobs and sighs.
I only stare this way at you