Take That Live from Milton Keynes Bowl

Take That Concert – Milton Keynes Bowl

Being that David, Emily and I are avid Take That fans when the group announced following the sell out of their Arena tour that they would be doing a date at Wembley Stadium we did all that we could to get hold of tickets. Sadly after getting 4 by the skin of our teeth the Stadium contractors announced that it would not be completed in time and therefore the gig was moved to Milton Keynes Bowl.

David had arranged to meet me at mine and then we would drive up while Emily & her friend Tracey met us at the Bowl.

According to the internet the journey of about 50 miles should have taken around an hour. So we set off at 1300 stopping for some lunch on the way. Neither David or myself had ever been to the Bowl before and were not prepared for the queues that we discovered on arriving in Miltons Keynes. We sat practically parked on the M1 for over an hour in 3.5 miles of backed up traffic then taking an additional hour to get into Central Milton Keynes. Not quite sure where exactly the Bowl was and not being able to find it on my Global Positioning device we were forced to follow the masses enroute via the “Bowl Parking Signs”. Stopping briefly at a Shell Garage to empty our bladders and stock up on more water we finally crawled in 28 degree heat all the way into the city centre. David quickly spotted a small retail park that we diverted to, avoiding the lines into the Bowl Parking field. The one thing that I had been warned of was that parking is literally just a field and as such exciting on mass could be a disaster.

We checked the car park of Wicks for signs against Bowl Parking, Police cones, possible barriers that could close and entrap up or any yellow lines or parking restrictions. With none visable and seemingly dozens of others with the same idea we parked and walked the final distance to the Bowl.

I probably had not thought of what the venue would be like as we followed thousands of other fans down through the fields to where the ticket areas were. Emily had called and said that she and Tracey were sat outside Gate 6. Lost in a mass of people we could see gates 3, 4 & 5 and had to ask for directions to gate six. Typically, gate 6 was on the farthest side of the bowl, necessitating a walk of about 15 minutes over a fence and around a perimeter footpath. Spotting several lurking chavs on the path at weak points obviously waiting for a quiet moment to jump over the fence and gain free entry.

Finally we were there.

The Bowl was quite literally a hole in the ground with steps leading up and hills dropping down to the main standing and seating area for the show. A lighting rig and two huge screens were around the stage and to our shock at least 3 quarters of the capacity crowd already sat within the Dome already. Every possible Hillside spot of grass was filled with Blankets & People as far as the eye could see.

Not to be deterred we headed straight to the bar and armed with either Pimms or Cider fought our way through to crowds to our vantage point to the right of the Stage.

With the sun still beaming down and thousands of more people pouring into the venue Beverly Knight kicked off the entertainment. David and I nipped off to the Loo and returned just after the Sugar Babes started their set of 7 songs and then just before 845 the boys of Take That, excluding Robbie came on for their Gig.

The first half of the show contained a lot of the slower numbers; Pray, Babe, It only takes a minute before the boys changed into smart Red Suits, left the stage for the catwalk out in to the middle of the crowd and began their rendition of the Beatles Medley. Unlike at Wembley Stadium where we saw them last month they didn’t make the walk back from the Catwalk to the Stage through the mass of people.

The Second half really livened up. One of my favourites, “Relight my Fire” got everyone dancing and then we were all surprised when Lulu herself joint the lads on stage for her duet. If Lulu were here, would Robbie show up too? We waited in Anticipation.

After the fire spectacular of Relight my fire the final three numbers began. Artificial Rain poured down on the stage soaking the boys and their danced to Back to Good and as “Could it be Magic” began we couldn’t help be a little disappointed that it was only a Hologram of a very young Robbie singing his heart away with the other boys backing. A shuffle in the crowd indicated to us and the rest of the masses that knew the play list that the final song, “Never Forget” would end in a mass exodus. We slowly made our way to the exits on mass with the crowds.

We could clearly hear the singing long after we left the Bowl and headed back out to the main road and then turned to watch a fantastic 10 minute firework spectacular directly above the bowl and hear the encore of the boys saying their thanks and goodbye.

Whether this chance Sell Out tour post the Christmas release and Top Ten Selling Greatest Hits Album is simply a one off, the Beginning or the End of one of the Greatest Boy Bands in modern day I guess it is too early to tell. What is certain is that of the 7 times I have now seen Take That this last tour was by far the best. The boys were still as fantastic as ever and the songs came back to us as did the memories. It was fabulous to be able to go with David whom I went and saw Take That with in the 90’s in our college days and Emily with her childhood friend Tracey. Lets hope they are back for good and thanks for the memories. The fans have now grown up and us with them. No longer children at a show but adults watching the grown up fabricated boy band that changed the face of music of a Decade. Hats off to Gary, Howard, Mark, Jason & Robbie for the happy memories both then and now.

Midsummers Day - Summer Solstice

Yesterday was officially the Longest day of the year. Apparently the sun rose at 4.58AM proving that we are placed, this fine small land, on a high lattitude. This evening I took a train home from London at 22:12 and the sun was only just going down.

As always thousands of people gathered traditionally at Stone Henge to see the Sun make its earliest appearance. From now on it will be later & later and get darker earlier and earlier. I have never worked out how the longest day can be in June yet it gets hotter in July & August. The weather has been perfect, in the twenties all Month. Everyone just loves the Summer. Just 8 Days until Pride. Like everyone else I am so looking forward to it. Pride just seems to be one of the funnest days of the year. Keeping my fingers crossed the weather stays fine for it all and counting down the days now until Dusan finishes his contract on the ship! Been desperatly trying to decorate the bedroom in preparation. Somehow pink & yellow wallpaper doesnt do it for me and im sure he wont like it either. When I told him the colour he laughed as I accused him of being a Lesbian when he painted his bedroom Purple when he lived in Borough. Its an old joke, Lesbian Purple. I dont even know where it came from. Amazes me how Dusan remembers all of these things. In his Email this morning he was talking about how we were drinking Absolute Vanilla back in 2003. Cant wait to be drinking it with you again babycakes. So cant wait for him to come back!

On this day in History in the year 2000

Six years ago, yesterday, to be precice, I had arranged with Anthony to go and see a show staring Paul Nicholls at the Bush Theatre in Shepards Bush, London. A very intimate venue seating maybe no more than 60 people. So small that those who sit in the front row have their feet literally on the stage.

It was an unseasonally hot day as we arrived at the theatre, early, so as to get good seats in an unreserved seating theatre.

Just prior to the doors opening there was a powercut causing us to be held in the queue longer than would have been expected. It was during this time that we got talking to 3 lovely ladies, Emily, Gill & Lisa. They being three girls out for a night to also see the lovely Paul Nicholls performance. Maybe it was the fact that it was virtually Summer Solstice but there was definitely something in the air that night.

The doors to the theatre opened and Anthony wanted to sit at the far back of the Stalls where the girls sat in the front row. I soon persuaded him to move closer so we could at least talk to the girls. I didn’t know why. Just that there was something special about them. We moved seats and so sat, no only with the best un obscured view of the lovely Paul, but also next to our new friends. It was just one of those times when you are drawn to someone and don’t know why? The show was fabulous, Paul was Gorgeous and we all shared not only a drink during the interval but walked back to the Tube together and carried on chatting on the tube home.

None of us really sure what the attraction was, we all felt it paramount to swap telephone numbers on that Central Line home. I can honestly say that in a weird Gay Boy, Straight Girl way it love at first sight. Since that magical June Day in the Millennium year Emily, Gill & Lisa have been both Anthony & My dearest of Girl Friends. Gill and I have taken a trip to Prague together; Emily & I did the posh trip to the Algarve earlier this year. We all spend every Birthday & Christmas celebration together and in just two weeks will be off to the Euro Pride show at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

I don’t think I have ever met anyone in quite the same way before or since. I don’t know what drew two gay boys to three lovely straight girls but I am sure as heck glad something did. For I love them dearly and am glad that they all now hold a special place in my heart & life, much like Anthony does and has for over 8 years now. Happy Anniversary Girls.







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World Cup Fever

I am 33 years of age and in my whole lifetime have NEVER watched a game of football. I don't know what it is about it. Maybe a phobia that was built in at a young age. The noise of the football fans in the stadium chanting with all that testosterone. You would have thought that it would have been every gay man's dream. But I, like so many of my gay brethren, have a Phobia against football.

I am guessing, an this is not concluded based on any evidence, but in my opinion its the fact that growing up, at junior school and Comprehensive I was always the last picked for the team. Gay Boys just don't usually excel at sport. Drama, Arts, but Sport? Always the last one picked for the games of P.E. at school in what became a torturous 2 lessons a week. Rugby I love. Getting down and dirty and in close contact with a bunch of fit lads. But Football? I just don't get it? Passing a ball around a field and only being allowed to touch it with your foot. I just found it boring and non stimulating. Of course there was always the post P.E. Showers, but that's a different story all together. Therefore, it would seem that most gay boys not only don't like football, but actually hate it with a passion.

So I have made it this far into my life without even watching a single game. The closest I have come is at my parents dinner table when Dad would have it on in the background and I would hurry away sick of the noise of it. Yes, sure as you can spot a gay man at the gym because he trims downstairs in the necessary department you can also spot a gay boy by his dislike for the national Sport.

Today, strangely I felt myself glued. Working out at the gym, 2 of the 4 televisions screens were broadcasting the World Cup. I found myself working out twice as long as usual as first the Pre Game build up was broadcast and was drawn in with patriotic Pride for our Boys.

Of course there are always some plus sides. The boys are far from Ugly. The England Team & Swedish are rather Hot.

England bought the score to 2 - 1 near to end of time only to have Sweden score in the last few minutes. Covered in Goose Bumps I was drawn in. Maybe I am becoming straight. Quick send in the Gay Doctor. Apparently England have not won a game against Sweden since 1968. That's 6 years before Abba won the Eurovision Song contest and 20 year before the first Ikea store opened in the UK.

Will I watch another game? I never thought I would watch this one. Come on England, you can do it. Post winning the 2012 Olympics the whole country was excited and enthusiastic about Sport. The July 7th and a Terror campaigns on the Transport Network bought it all crashing down. If we win, and I'm routing for our boys, I can only imagine what the atmosphere will be like in this fair land. Come on boys. Its a long hot summer, airport's, the World Cup & the Return of Dusan! Fingers Crossed on all counts. Now go get em boys. Kick Ball, or whatever you shout?

PS = As the final score was 2 - 2, a draw, what happens now? No extra time? I dont even know the game rules!


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The Queens 80th Birthday Party - Soho Square, W1, London

Today is officially the Queens 80th Birthday. As monarch she has her Official Birthday and her actual Birthday. I think today was her actual 80th. There were celebrations all over London including the tradional Birthday Honours List where the queen can bestow a nighthood o the worthy few that have made great achievements. Sadly I was not on this years honours list which clearly means I have far to go and need to do more to achieve something worthy of the Title. Arise Sir Neil. Sounds kind of cool doesnt it, especially as one has to Kneal to be nighted. Pun intended...(Neil V Kneal) :-)

This evening I had arranged to meet my friend Cadice in Soho. We went into our regular haunt at the Edge and then took our drinks outside to enjoy in the cooler evening air of Soho Square. London is completely transformed in the summer. From a drab and grey gloomy city to a buzzing give of festivals, parties, Prides and events.

In addition to the queens birthday today was officially the start of EuroPride. 2 weeks of Festivities in the build up to July 1st and the big pride March. A street Party on Clapham High Street. Wish I had heard about it prior to today. I was up far too late last night and then slept in until too late. Still at least I can say I attended the Queens Birthday party in a roundabout way. Happy Birthday Maam!

Mark & Richard tie the Knot - My First Civil Partnership

Since the law changed in the UK back in December it is now legal in the eyes of the State for same sex couples to be classified in Law as a partnership in the eyes of the State. Effectivly Gay Marriage but seeing as it is only the State that recognises the relationship and thereby providing equality for those in Sam Sex Civil Partnerships as those that are Married its still different. Couples still have to be married in a Registry office but instead of a Wedding its classed as a Civil Partnership. When Mark & Richard asked me to come along and be a witness at their CP, Yesterday Afternoon I was honoured. Stuart & I, the two witnesses, though Richard liked to refer to us as his Bitches) were advised it would be a no nonsense affair and only literally be a witness of the signing of the register. We were all in a bit of a Shock when the registrar made them face each other and read out vowels very similar to those you hear in any other traditional wedding. The wording being changed was to "Life Long Partner" over Husband & Wife.

The ceromony, at Southwark Registry Office, a Georgian Building in a rather dubious part of South London was gorgous and the ceremony really sweet and touching. Stuart and I had to struggle to hold back the tears. It was a small, intimate & special occasion with just Mark, Richard, Stuart and I plus the registrar in attendance. Over and done with in just ten minutes yet so meaningfull in the world of gay rites. The fact that two men or women regardless of sexuality can now be recognised by this great land as in a committed relationship shows how far we have come in forty years since they legalised homosexuality. Can you believe in this era of the Noughties that it was actually Illegal just 40 odd years ago? Seems madness when you see how liberal we have all become.

Mark & Richard looked dashing in their Suits and we pranced around like the the Butch beings we are in the Gardens of the Registry office taking pictures. Samantha, my beloved Mini, was the official chauffer driven car of the day.

We made our way back to their home in Surrey Quays for a small and fabulous party of their close friends. I am guessing that 40 people filled the garden and lounge and the weather was perfect. It would seem very apparent that Global Warming is in effect when its been in the high 20's most of the week and a mad 28 today in just mid june!


It was a touching and memorable day and so nice to be able to see a loving gay couple of some ten years plus commited and able to tie the knot in a modern world. It also left Stuart & I feeling very much single. Why is it that at weddings everyone is with partner? Stuart and I got asked if we were a couple like 3 or 4 times. We do have a lot of fun together. I often think we are the only two that are as naughty as each other and they invite us both to amuse each other!

Congratulations Mark & Richard. To your Health & Happiness and may you both be Lucky Bitches in all you do! X



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Men at Play @ Heaven Launch Night

Sam Vangeem had invited me to the Launch night of "Men at Play", at Heaven, and not being one who likes to turn down an invitation went along whole heartedly.

My friend Kenton and I had gone along to a friends birthday ealier in the evening at the Edge. Try as might, he would not come along with me and so I went alone. Queue Jump tickets from Kudos are fabulous!

Found Sam as soon as I arrived and we ordered drinks and headed to the dance floor.
Sam found Adrian, one the hosts, introduced me and soon we were stamped and ready with our VIP Pass to the Departure Lounge.

The Show was probably one of the best productions I’ve seen! Dozens of hunky masculine men in suits on stage in a dance routine as the clothes slowly slipped from their bodies and the audience was left with nothing but Flesh to be gazing at. Fan Bloody Tastic.

Kenton, having been on a bit of a pub crawl since six pm was well beyond fluffy on closure of the show and so we stayed on the main dance floor while Sam and the guys went back to the Departure Lounge. When did Heaven become so straight? Just four years ago it was mainly Gorgeous gay men, now it seems there are straight couples everywhere! Maybe it’s the west end factor? Still I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun we had at Heaven. I virtually had to carry Kenton out of the door and the walk back across the Humberside Bridge was slow and drawled but amazing to watch the Sun come up over the city skyline on one of the hottest days of the year.

RVT Wednesday Comedy Nights

Last night I had been invited by Sam @ Gaydar Radio to go to the newest night to arrive in Vauxhall. BougHaha, a new, Gay Friendly, Comedy Night. Considering that most comedy makes fun out of Minority groups, Gay people are used to being the brunt of many a Joke. The RVTs new night is Straight Friendly and was such a laugh (pun intended).

We were surprised at How different the Tavern looks from my regular visits there on hot & sweaty Sunday afternoons. Tables, Candles and Stalls are scattered around so that nearly everyone was seated as Four Acts came out to Stand Up and entertain.

We laughed so hard I was close to tears. Entrance is just £8.50 and was equivilent quality as you would easily pay £20 for in the West End.

The Highlight of the Show was miss Laquisha Jonez, with more Bling than an Essex Girl in Ratners and the attitude of a New York City Chav, we laughed till our sides were sore. Most deffinitely going next week.

For more details of the Tavern, click on the Title at the top of this Blog.

Ill be there next week :-)

Whos that Girl?

Hmm - No Comments - but Uma Therma Eat ya Heart Out.

Big Brothers Glyn & Nikki

Im just watching Big Brother. Is it me or are the contestants thick or what?

Nikki couldnt even answer basic trivia and today, in the Diary Room, Glyn, who got the highest score in the Big Brother Contestant IQ Test, stated, and I Quote "Im learning real life skills in ere, like how to wash my own clothes instead of just handing them to my mum and Today I learnt how to boil an egg and make Pasta".

I wonder if they will move onto Sex Education at any stage? The lad came into the house proclaiming to be Gods Gift, though I swear he could make money as the next Mister Muscle. Bless em.

Nikki had a screaming fit because Big Brother would not let her have Bottled water (Is it an Act or is she really a spoilt Bitch?) Slap her with a Wet Kipper.

Amazingly, on Gaydar, most of the boys dont like Richard. They seem to think he is Camp and are sick of the Camp Presentation we have on Television. I dont mind him Parse' maybe its cos he is a fellow Cowboy?

Personally I think they should bring back the Bars down the middle of the house and put the plastics on the poor side. Im sure they will quit without Makeup and Alcohol.

All said and done, I love it. Im hooked. I sky+ it every night on Link (Isnt Sky Plus the greatest thing since the Internet?) Love it - Big Brother Rocks.

Happy Birthday Jane

Friday evening was Jane French's Birthday. Ive known Jane since I was a child and she is one of my dearest friends of all time.

We went to a Restuarant in an Old Pump House in Hornsey. Couldnt find the place in my GPS at first then realised that I had typed it in as Horney. There were Eight of us in total, Jane, 5 friends, her partner Alun and I. Always feel like the Token Gay at these events and its like sitting in the hot seat in Mastermind as they fire off questions about what you do, where you go and how fabulous it is that you are gay! All I can say is, "I know". (Pronounced 'IIIIIIII Knnnnnnnnnnnnnnnowww'.

Poseidon

The Poseidon Adventure, circa 1972, has to be in my eyes, not only the first and original Disaster Movie of all time but in my eyes possibly the best. The Towering Inferno would be a close second. So the minute I heard they had remade it with modern day special effects I couldnt wait to go see it.

With an afternoon off I made my way to the movies to enjoy a afternoon matinee.

I forgot that the blooming kids were off this week and was surpried that the place was filled with kids.

The movie was fab, if you like remade disaster movies. The fact that the 14 Story monster Ship, Poseidon, never existed in the first place and I sat transixed for the duration of the movie even though I knew how it would end. I want to know the name of the Actor that played Valentine the waiter. He was Hot. I've never understood how Critics work, but I enjoyed it.





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BUFF

According to the Dictionary the word BUFF means ;
* A soft, thick, undyed leather made chiefly from the skins of buffalo, elk, or
oxen.
* A military uniform coat made of such leather.
* A pale, light, or moderate yellowish pink to yellow, including moderate orange-
yellow to light yellowish brown.
* A piece of soft material, such as velvet or leather, often mounted on a block and
used for polishing.
* Informal. Bare skin: swimming in the buff.

For todays Blog update it is the sense of the latter.

It seems that the Naked Discoteques are all of the rage in London.

I can remember when the leather queens, Mark & Richard, told me about Naked Disco and how bizarre it was seeing people in the all together dancing to the Tunes. Now just a year or so down the line it seems everyone has a Nude or Underwear Night.

I can remember my nerves the first time that Carlos asked me to go to Substation South in around 2002. I was so nervous in the line that the second i got inside I practically had to run to the bathroom and pee.

It all seems such a distant memory now. Underwear night at Substation South, was, back in its time one of the few underwear nights in the Capital. After a while of wearing nothing but boots & Calvin Kleins you do sort of get used to it. Dont worry, the heats always on nice and warm.

This evening, having done an hour of Cardio & Weights I made myself to meet a friend at Buff @ Central Station, Kings Cross, London (see Link Under Title for further details & Times). You arrive, pay your admission, and are given a big Bag, not unlike the sort you would see Dot Cotten using while dealing with a Service Wash at the Laundrete.

My friend didnt show up, the drinks were cheap, the men were cheaper and I had a great night! Im such a far cry from the 2002 me. Well, as mentioned Monday, according to Marcus I am an Essex girl!