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A Rather Special Night

Life got a little brighter this week when an unexpected email arrived, Yes the Mellenheads were unexpectedly back, here is a submission from the fan page which explains all, 

''So there I was typing away in front of the computer, doing the thing I dread most in the year, the tax return, not a great way to spend your day. Outside its cold and grey, as it has been all summer, and now autumn is here no one has really noticed. Ah bring out the Willard Grant Conspiracy album! (Sorry Robert!)The newspapers are even gloomy than usual and everyone is now looking at working longer years because all the pension schemes we have been investing in have gone belly up because the City cannot understand basic mathematics, whilst still paying themselves massive bonuses for orchestrating this chaos in the first place. Oh happy days.

All of a sudden an unexpected email arrives from my dear friend Cindy in the States enquiring if I had heard John Mellencamp was in London, and set for playing a small closed event for the London music press. The adrenalin started to kick in, and before I trotted out the usual pleading email to the ever suffering Tony, had reached boiling point. Begging and pleading I managed to negotiate an hour off work and sat back waiting for the all important response. By late evening good news had been confirmed and a mad scramble through the laundry found my Mellencamp T shirt. (Freshly washed, whoever my neighbour at the show would be happy to hear. Just as well it was going on anyway.) My wife who is ever tolerant of a near 50 old jumping up and down like a small child on his fifth can of Pepsi Max, and watching with complete indifference had one word. Where? And for once was quite happy with the answer.

So off on another Mellenadventure this time to Johns’ first London appearance since the Thames froze. (Ok slight exaggeration.)  was soon on Tottenham (Bottom of the league!) Court Road wandering through a pile of touts trying to sell me Travis tickets (They played the Apollo the same night, and I bet were bloody good, Travis not the touts.) The chosen venue was the Borderline, a small club, performance venue of a capacity of around 275.

The event was an industry album launch of Johns new album, with the very happy news that the great man himself would be in attendance to do a short set of five songs, with the CD played in full. No problems on arrival, I was on the guest list, and indeed as it was guest list only so no chance for touts or ebayers. I was third through the door and managed to snag three seats, just to the side in what looked suspiciously like it could be a VIP area. I awaited eviction but it didn’t come. Indeed I had the best seat in the house. (Ok there were only seven) My friend Perry returned from the bar, and if we didn’t think things were going well, the bar was free. How good!

John came on stage, cigarette in one hand, guitar in the other, striking a classic American pose, a little before seven. He was introduced by Paul Rees, editor of Q magazine, who gave a lovely introduction from a fans point of view. (I shall be renewing my subscription.) The crowd were encouraged to not do the London thing and hide at the back, and get down the front where the hard core of 20 real fans were gathered. The set extended to 9 songs lasting 50 minutes. John seemed to enjoy the very informal atmosphere and laughed and joked and chatted to the audience and responded individually to humour and comments as they were launched from the crowd. It really was more of a party than a concert, as I looked to my left were Paul from Q and Elaine (Johns’ wife), and no more than five yards in front of me John himself.

John mentioned at times he was a little too prolific at song writing, told a delightfully oddball story about his Grandmother and more worryingly the precautions that they have to take with Hud and Speck as a result of threats received as a result of his song writing.

Particularly nice to run into friends I hadn’t seen for ten years . We just picked up where we left off as if it only had been yesterday. To finish the perfect night I managed to find some quality Sussex ale, and supped one or two before heading home, though the bottle of wine on the train could have been deemed excessive, but hell I had something to celebrate.

We believe that there is a real chance of a full spring European tour. John if you are out there come to Brighton please. We would love to see you here. Lunch on me at Bill’s (http://www.billsproducestore.co.uk/) Real food that would do Farm Aid proud. 

There are many fan clubs out there, few work harder for their fans than ours. When they get you into such a special night, and one that you will remember for the rest of your life, you do appreciate it. Thanks Tony and Sharon and the rest of the moderators. See you in the Spring!'' 

If this link doesn't work go to http://www.etribes.com/video/mygallery/76335 

• Posted by albionvicar on 09/10/2008.
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