So after a day in the mountains, it was an evening in the city that followed. Picked up by Clare, with the vicar and wife in the back and a drum kit in the boot, we were soon transported to the city of Liverpool for a VIP evening of rock and roll.
Rob had once again ensured that we got the royal treatment, with parking underneath the M&S Bank Arena at the docks in Liverpool. Security barriers moved aside as we approached and the tour manager was there to greet us, with an onterage of security guys. With appropriate AAA wrist bands attached, we were led through the underground maze towards the 'catering area'...
Rob had his own room with his warm up drum kit, sofas and bathroom, so after some food and drinks, we relaxed in there while the support band took to the stage. As the road crew had already eaten, the chef even came in to see if we'd like anything else 'rustled up'!
Having met the singer and caught up with Rob, when we were ready, we left him to get psyched up and were guided into the arena to some front row seats for the show. It was a funny thing, hanging out and chatting with the guys, who just seemed regular dudes hanging out with their families - in a few minutes, they'd be on stage as international rock stars, with thousands of fans chanting their names and singing their songs. We were just above the madness of the standing area and with great views of the stage. We had been offered 'a box' higher up, but Rob thought (quite rightly it turned out), that although rather comfy, they are a long way from the action! We felt like we we on the edge of the stage.
There were 12,000 screaming fans inside the stadium which was a spectacle in itself. When the band came onstage at 21:00, the cheering was louder than the music!
We were well glad of our safe seated area (although we were all stood dancing), as the main hall erupted once the music started!
It was a great show indeed. And even more surreal to afterwards be back sitting on the dressing room sofa, talking about the show with them. Felt rather lucky.
The road crew had to move the Skoda for us as it was blocking in the lorries that were already half packed up by the time we left. (They knocked and came into the dressing room apologising profusely for disturbing us as if we were the royal family!). What a day... Mountains and music - one for the memory banks.....
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