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by Vicky Someone once asked me how I could go to see the same Texas concert four nights in row. The answer is simple - No two shows are alike. The great thing about Texas live is that every show is different and has something unique about it. Tonight's Up Close and Personal gig at the elegant Hopetoun House in Queensferry was one of those one-off gigs that will never be forgotten. The "venue" was the stately home of the Marquess of Linlithgow's. The small crowd of just 250 - a mixture of radio show phone-in winners and web winners. And of course ten very happy In Demand members!! Simon Webbe was first up for a four-song acoustic set, followed by newcomers Kubb who did a five song set. Then it was the band that "needed no introduction" - TEXAS! The set was an acoustic one with Michael on piano, and Ally, Tony and Sharleen on guitar. And despite not being an "all-Texans" crowd, the band were given an amazing welcome. The set kicked off with Getaway then Black Eyed Boy, with the usual interaction with the audience in between. It was easy to spot the men in the audience who were seeing Sharleen live for the first time - anyone who has been before knows not to heckle her - as a couple of young men discovered. Next up was Sleep, Inner Smile and Can't Resist - I think by this point the people around us realised that we were die-hard fans and the Texas bounce was going on for the full show! Nevermind chilled us out a bit, then Sharleen was persuaded to do So Called Friend - although after repeating a verse, she admitted at the end "I'm a little rusty with that one". Summer Son (no beach balls this time) was followed by Say What You Want. The band returned to the stage for I Don't Want a Lover then the lads left the stage for Sharleen to take part in a question and answer session. She joked "Am I the only one in this band that can speak?" The questions came from members of the audience who had won a ticket and the opportunity to ask their question on the night - as well as being allocated the full front row! - standing in the cold in a queue didn't count this time!! Questions ranged from Live 8 to juggling a career and motherhood, to Shar's favourite album of 2005 (The Gorillaz). As usual Sharleen was articulate in her answers .... although "fuck it" did sneak in there at one point! The full show (probably majorly edited lol) will be broadcasted on Radio Clyde on New Years Day at 3pm - and for those of us suffering from pneumonia after the Hogmonay gig, what better way to spend the first day of 2006!!! |