Here's my review of the concert:
Autograph
My day started at about 12 o'clock at the Conservatorium Hotel were the band was staying.
I sat down in the lobby and enjoyed some cappucino's and Fanta.
First I saw Jim and Guy, I had a little chat with them and got there autographs as well. They were heading to the Van Gogh Museum.
After a while I had to go to the toilet and when I came back I walked into Mark, who was in his training clothing, heading to the gym.
I said 'Hi Mark' and he smiled at me and politely returned the greeting.
Later on I also spotted Mike, Ian and Paul.
But at 2 o'clock one of the Range Rovers drove to the (hotel) entrance, it was Bernie.
15 minutes later a guy from the management (I believe his name is Pete) came into the lobby. My feeling said it should be for Mark, who had the jam-thing with the winner from the Radio2 contest. At about 14.45 Mark suddenly came out the elevator with a guitarcase and a bag.
I grabbed my pen and Privateering cover and walked towards him. I asked him if he could sign it. The managemant guy waved me away but Mark said: 'Sure! Let me get in the car first.' And so I walked with them towards the car and Mark gave his stuff to Bernie and sat down in the car, I had to give my pen and cover to the management guy and he gave it to Mark. Mark was very gentle and he asked for my name. I had to spell it for him but he put it on the cover with his signature under it. Have gave it back to me and wished me a good day and a nice concert.
Mark seemed to be in a hurry so I didn't ask for a photo and didn't made one when he was signing, also because the managemant guy was watching me tight.
But it was very nice though!
Fanmeeting
After that I went by train to the fanmeeting at the Grolsch Cafe. It was very cosy and nice to meet all these lovely people and sharing my story from earlier the day with them!
Ruth
At 7.45 Ruth Moody and her band came on stage to play. She played for 45 minutes and I think it was wonderful.
Her music seemed to fit with Mark's! At a certain moment se said this is a song you might know. I was hoping for a MK cover but it turned out the be a very nice cover of Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark, the song is also on her latest album.
It were 45 minutes of absolute pleasure and I was hoping she would join Mark&co on stage later, which turned out to be so!
Mark
After a 30 minute stage change, Mark and the band came on at 9pm. This is what we were looking forward to!
The usual first 5 songs were powerful and seemed to bring the audience in a good mood, but I certainly enjoyed it very very much.
Then Mark introduced Ruth and same came to the stage again. The did a wonderful arrangement of IDUAD! After that Ruth sang in the chorus on Seattle and KOG.
After 3 songs Ruth got of stage and Mark continued R&J and the whole audience seemed to love it, in my opinion he didn't make big mistakes and it was a great version. We were hoping for Sultans after that but they started IUTC. For a moment we thought it was a pity SOS was missing but actually we didn't miss it, IUTC was a nice rocker. Then Haul Away came, which isn't my favorite but I did enjoy it. The band intro is the best since years and I absolutely love it this way in Paraguay.
Following up was Marbletown, I don't peticuarly like this song, but when your there, it is great to see these guys play it. Speedway and TR were powerfull and they went of.
Something strange happened during TR, we went to the front to stand but security said we had to go back, but nobody payed any attention ofcourse. A minute later more security came and they forced us back!?
After TR we went again and this time they let us.
Mark played SFA and Piper and went back to the hotel. Piper was great because I like the waving during the end solo
All by all, this was a great day and a wonderful concert!
