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by Sheryl and Lorraine Arrived early Tuesday at Manchester (so proud that I actually found my way - not good @ city driving),as we are two Welsh Wales girls had to make the most of the city, we don't get that many opportuinities to shop you know!!!. Arrived at the Apollo car park - so excited the tour buses and trucks were there already, and of course the security guards - we were not cocky enough to ask if Sharleen and the boys were already in - just the sight of this made us happy enough, sang the "yeah's" from Inner Smile all the way to the.....bus stop (how glamourous!!). Did our shopping - loads of bargains from the wonderful "Primark", had lunch, then did the touristy thing - walked round Manchester city centre (arrived a bit too early - a bit bored by then!!). Had a couple of people come up to me askikng "are you going to see her tonight?" (pointing to my shirt - had my "Red Book" t shirt on, seen Texas week before at Liverpool Uni - fantastic as ever, good value for money Mr Peter Kay did a turn as well, and a song or two).Got a few stares as I was walking along!. Arrived back at the Apollo (all shopped out) in good time. Listened to Texas on the car stereo waiting for the doors to open. Excitement building up by now Got in, straight over to the merchandise stall, yes another t shirt to add to the collection (approx 25 now I reckon - me a fan?, really). Then off upstairs to find our seats. Listened to Robert Post, in all fairness he was very good, but like all other Texas concerts we only wanted to see TEXAS. Both had now reached hypertension level as Mr Post went off, and roadies came on to re - arrange the stage. Then at 9pm, the house lights dimmed and eveywhere went dark, and an excerpt from 'Paris, Texas' came on - then Ally's perfect, distinctive strumming echoed throughout the auditorium, then followed by Sharleen's equally perfect and distinctive "I don't want a lover" - yes Manchester, Texas are in the building. As usual I was up on my feet bouncing around like an over excited 'blob' - much to peoples annoyance, sorry to all behind row C, seat 32, I can't help it I was at a Texas concert - hadn't seen them for nearly a week???? (ha ha). Ripped into IDWAL, then Halo - brill,brill,brill (very happy bunny I was), then the new single 'Can't Resist' - again brill. The usual Sharleen appreciation of the audience and the venue - no thank you Sharleen and Texas, I think there's a soft spot for Manchester, stated that they had a great time last time they were up. The hits kept on coming Black Eyed Boy, When We Are Together, In Our Lifetime - honestly, the more I see Texas perform live, the better they are. Went nuts when Summer Son started, by now some of the upstairs audience were dancing. I really enjoyed Nevermind, Sharleen's voice was totally mesmerising and somewhat haunting, Lorrainne was totally moved by this - couldn't get over Sharleen's voice (1st time for Lorrainne at a Texas concert), then we had the brilliant Sleep (please release this as a single, I can't stop singing it!!) - Tony was excellent as he did a duet with Sharleen. Then the fantastic Inner Smile (the 'yeah', yeah's were coming thick an fast by now - 2 Welsh girls had reached to a frenzy, off the scale unfortunately for all around). Then into In Demand (saved a few 'ye,ye,ye,ye, yeah's). God on a high or what. Take Your Mama belted out - tears started to well, penultimate song, amazing - everyone on stage appeared to enjoy this one (and everyone in the audience). Then, enevitably it was time for Say What You Want - everytime the concert climax for me - still get goose pimples everytime I hear this one live - love the build up. Next tour I'm going on ALL dates, so hope it's soon. Good on Sharleen, gave as good as she got - picked this guy out of the audience (serves him right for throwing his knickers at her. The cheek of the man he threw his credit card (probably had a first instant savers account) at her, doesn't he know who she is?????. On the way home (got lost in city center! doh!), sang Texas songs all the way back to Snowdonia, Lorrainne all Texas'd out by me quoting all this Texas trivia (yes Sheryl, no Sheryl zzzzzzzz). Hopefully, here's to the next 25 concert. Thank You Texas. |