The year was 2020 and I was ready willing & able to see The Boomtown Rats again. However a virus killed that dream. I saw the shows rescheduled and hoped beyond hope that we'd be able to travel overseas in time. I saw the notice about the added Crawley gig and was determined some how, some way I was getting on a plane.
Searched flights. Had a flight credit and got the flight ridiculously cheap. ($325 r/t) I knew it would take 3 Covid tests (one 2 days before, one two days after I arrived and one 2 days before I returned to the US) but I booked them all.
Crawley tickets went on sale and I managed to get 2 in 2nd row center. Result! I had no idea if anyone was coming with me but bought two anyway. That was the easy bit.
I was coming for two weeks and the search to find lodging began. I finally decided on a serviced apartment in Earl's Court. Turned out to be perfect.
My friend Joanna decided she'd go with me as she is in Dorking so I made my way to hers on the night. She had to work so unfortunately we missed the meetup beforehand. Found @Councillor Jules was seated in front of me so said hi.
The gig started and much to my surprise, people stayed seated. I looked around but, yes other than one or two behind me, everyone stayed seated. Awkward. I wanted to get up and dance! I had looked at the venue website and they said strictly no cameras so I didn't bring mine. Others did but I managed to get some good photos on my phone.
After the gig we just left. I never expected with everything going on to stay behind (as I usually would) and of course kicked myself when I saw people did.
I managed to get 5th row for the Palladium after waiting and watching ticket sales. This time I made it to the meet up and it was great to meet a few people before the show. Jules & her husband, @Councillor Col Dog and his family, @suss , @charlesfulcher (and my memory for names is crap as there were others!)
So we head to the venue, get drinks, say a quick hello to Pete & Simon and then head to our seats. Show starts and people are up. Yay! I didn't sit all night. More crappy phone pics. I did bring my camera but haven't looked at them yet. (Probably just as bad knowing me)
After the show I found @Councillor Col Dog again as I was going to hang out until they kicked me out. But thanks to the Boomtown gods we ended upstairs. Had a little chat with Bob, Garry and lovely banter with Simon (still have a crush on him)...
Stayed until they really did start kicking people out and as I was walking by Bob he gave me a squeeze and a kiss and I was out in the night.
Brilliant night and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait until I can start making plans to come back.
