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Red Book tour 2006 by Wendy Ok so the past 10 days have possibly been the most fantastic ever! I’ll try and keep my review short since I know everyone has already posted theirs…! But thanks to Texas, and thanks to all the old friends & new ones I met along the way who I know I’ll be in touch with for a very longtime to come ;-) Well my Texas journey began in Glasgow on May 11th. It was a beautiful sunny day (yes we do have them occasionally in Scotland) and Texas came home to play a superb set. The crowd were really up for it as were the band, and everyone had an amazing time. Thus began the glitter/confetti trail across Britian and into France! I thought the 1st night couldn’t be topped, but the next night in Manchester it got even better!!! Even though the gig was seated we managed to work our way to the front and jump for the entire gig, by now the calf muscles in my legs were aching but you just keep going… the Texas feel good factor kicks in and everything else fades away. The appearance of Peter Kay was hysterical, and he even looked slightly nervous (which was a first I imagine). I then took possibly the longest train journey ever to Cardiff, but when I got there the adrenalin kicked in again, and I met up with some familiar faces. It was another amazing night, even managed to bounce the underwire right out my bra which provided hours of amusement to those who know me, but it was quite an astounding feat! Again the crowd were on form and spurred the band on to new dizzy heights. I’ll give Texas their due there was not one bad night on the whole tour, every night they consistently banged out a storming set, even nearer the end when they must have been getting tired (as I know I was exhausted by about the 3rd night!). I then had a day to rest and took in the sights of Cardiff which is a pretty cool place. I’m really terrible I never take photos at any of the gigs because I’m too busy jumping around, but the next day I made a point of taking a photo of the hotel across the road from the venue as it was called ‘the big sleep’ which was a Texas connection and made me smile. Monday 15th we arrived in Birmingham and the weather turned pretty grey for a while. I think this was probably the least strong crowd of the week, but still the faithful Texans were there and it was still an amazing night. Have to say I think having Michael alternating between the drums and keys really brought something extra to the tour, and especially at this gig. Tuesday 16th after a quick journey to London we arrived at the venue early, and got ready for a big night. I think the London crowd were up for it more than usual that night and another spectacular night followed, + the band looked like they were all really enjoying themselves too…! I suppose London has become a home town for them as well… Wednesday 17th Brighton. By this point I had a throat infection, a knee that felt like it was going to snap and bruises the entire length of my arms (from the front barrier), but God was I enjoying myself. One thing I love about Texas gigs is that you always meet the same people and Brighton was no exception…. Nearly fell over when I came out my hotel room and bumped into one such person! Texas fans just get everywhere…lol From Brighton I headed back into London and caught a flight to Paris. I arrived the day before so had time to acclimatize to the Parisian ways ;-) well sleep actually as that’s all I was good for by this point. Then the next morning other Texans started to arrive and we wandered past the venue at 10.30am and low and behold there were 5 people in the queue already (I had forgotten how early you French queue – Madness!) so at 11am we succumbed to joining the queue and a long, long wait ensued! One in which we got pelted with rain, and blasted by the wind… but it was all worth it! And finally the last gig of the tour started. It was amazing, and Ally’s guitar solo made my night! (we need more of them by the way!) Truly quality tour with a quality band! I have come home with the most fantastic memories…. Don’t leave it too long before the next tour guys!!! Although may need to save some pennies before then. Thanks x p.s - I found a piece of glitter on my desk today at work, not sure how it got there… but I’m sure it’s Texas fairy dust ;-) |