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by Dirk Due to circumstances, I couldn't go to Sharleen's Movie Songbook concerts in Scotland a few months ago. But I was more then happy that she also did a concert in Belgium, Oostende to be exact. So I ordered the tickets immediatly as I found out, Row 4, 4 seats next to each other, so not bad. Counting down the days to the concert. I don't think I ever needed a concert as much as this one, too much work, too much stress, too much happened the last year or so. I was in need of the vibrations from Sharleen's music, and maybe even more the vibrations and friendship from our Texas friends. SO, finally, July 23 was there. I know, I know, the concert starts at 20.00h. So Eline, our daughter gave me a strange look when I said we were leaving at 10.00h. But my wife was as anxious as I was so that was a good thing for me. Sofie, our other daughter would come later because she had to work. We arrived in Oostende around 11.30 and I parked my car under the Casino, easy and fast. There were a lot of posters for the concert hanging in the parking garage (which for some reason all disappeared about 12 hours later), so the intro was good to bring us into the mood. We went onto the dike and soon found our first friends, shortly followed by other old fans and friends, and new ones. Always great to see the family growing. We had some minor lunch, went for a walk on the beach, rented some go-carts (and the men had to do all the hard work of course), drinks, made a birthday cake on the beach which the seagulls were trying to eat, drinks, went to buy a kite and did some kiting on the beach. Yes, even someone couldn't resist a dive in the North sea. I even got cold just watching it. And then, ... ah yes, drinks. By then there were over 20 fans sitting on a terrace, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Denmark, ... even of course lots of Belgians were represented. After all these years still an amazing experience for me to be amongst friends, who share the same taste of music, have the same goal. I still haven't found a word to describe it, amazing might come close but it's an even higher level. And all thanks to Texas and Sharleen. Time for some pizza then. The pizzeria guy gave me a strange look and asked me if it was correct that I was the only guy amongst all those ladies? Jealous he was :-) And then time to stroll towards the casino. Once in the hall I really wanted to go inside the venue, a very nice venue btw, so I was happy when we found our seats, the most ideal ones you could imagine, right in the center of the stage. When Sharleen and the band come on stage (and after all these years), there's still these few seconds which hold a dozen emotions; happiness, gratitude, that you're on the most beautiful place on earth at that moment, the world around you that stops, the feeling that nothing can happen to you, nothing can touch you, ... just pure luck. It might sound weird to some, but at this time it was what I really needed. Ok, we were here to talk about the concert :-) Sharleen started off with "Halo" and when they hit their first notes, we left our seats and stood up. Well, from the 4th row on then. To be really honest I was a bit scared about the crowd because they seemed so quiet, but they got into it really fast. Most of the songs were amazing, although I'm not a fan of "What's new pussycat" and "Cat people" but we all have our favorites of course. My first goosebump moment was "Many rivers to cross", really amazing. In my opinion even better then on the album. And Sharleen's voice ... woow. But for me personally the highlight was "In Demand". That song still has 'it' for me. When I hear Sharleen singing it, I feel the shivers running down my spine. It's such a magnificent piece of art. But it was the sign for the last people who remained seated until then, to stand up. Sharleen's musical train kept on running over the Texas hits and her Melody and Movie Songbook tunes. The photographers were still at front and some others sneaked up there, so I thought to play a photographer myself and took place at the front row, trying to look professional. Nadine, my wife, and lots others followed shortly so we had our place to jump. Feeling my legs the day after, I would almost hope that the next album will be one with slows :-) Or maybe I have to practice a bit more again. They even played more songs then there were on the setlist, so you can imagine that both the crowd and Sharleen and her band were having a great time. The evening was closed off with "River deep, mountain high". And a fantastic evening it was, as always I guess. And Sharleen's last concert with her band. I didn't realized it until she mentioned it to be honest, but it was. Time for Sharleen and Johnny to write new Texas songs and bring back our guys who we all missed. We already look forward to it. BUT I don't want to end without saying a big thanks to Sharleen's band. I know, we were all sceptic at first and we couldn't imagine other guys being on stage next to Sharleen than Ally, Eddie, Tony and Johnny. But you all did a great job. All of you are great musicians. So thanks to George, Ross, Lewis, Martin, Ross, and the horn section ... ah yes and our Michael and Johnny who did an amazing job backstage, but they have never been away and we'll see them again of course. And maybe since Texas doesn't have a drummer anyway, we think Ross would be a great choice [hint hint:-)]. He would fit in perfectly with the other Texas guys. We closed the day off with a last drink with all the fans, it was cold outside but cosy. Thanks also to all of you of course. See you again next year or who knows, maybe even sooner on another occasion. Dirk |