The day started very early for me as I had to get to Glasgow central for the 8am train. Arriving in Newcastle I was met by Maureen and Norma for the drive to Nottingham. Once settled in to our luxurious apartment we showered and changed ready to make our way to the Royal centre for what was to be the first of 3 concerts we would be attending.
Once inside we took our seats and waited in anticipation for the evening`s entertainment to appear on stage.The show opened with the backing quartet welcoming song and then...WOW the opening bars of my favourite Russell song - Caruso!!The dark suit and the white shirt and tie Russell modelled was stunningly smart but was let down by the tan shoes he had chosen to match with the smart suit.Magia Sara followed and with that an array of Russell favourites as well as many from his latest album Amore Musica.Unfortunately, I did not get more than one or two photos as I was told(in no uncertain terms)by a grumpy security man to put my camera away. My feeling was "Who needs a camera - I have the best photo`s right here inside my head". We have a famous poem here in Scotland with a line that goes"the night drave on wi sangs an` clatter, an aye the ale was growin` better" Well it wasn`t the ale that was growin` better it was Russell`s voice.I could not believe just how well he sang and how happy he loked.He just seemed to just want to keep drinking every minute in. I don`t blame him! All I could think of was how it must be the best feeling in the world to stand where he was and se the audience moved by yur performance. To se an audience join in with such enthusiasm. I know I keep saying this but I realy do believe `our boy` has well and truly blossomed into a fine `man` Keep up the good work Russell!! Well done that man!!
EMMA/EAST KILBRIDE/SCOTLAND
WEll the day finally arived, my first indoor Russell Watson concert, and boy were we in for a treat, Robin and Natalie finally got home at 3.30 and by 4PM we were on our way...We parked the car and then phoned Amartis and Peter and met up at the rear of The Dome.No sign of Russell but we could hear him rehearsing and even his scales sounded amazing.Then it was off to queue up we were the first ones there.Although we were in the second row the view was fantastic,we stood and had a natter with Sonia and Suze and then it was time to take our seats...We were told in no uncertain terms that there was no phtography allowed and they would confiscate any cameras seen being used so no pics... sorry.
Russell walked onto the stage to huge applause looking lovely in a dark charcoal suit and dark blue shirt.The concert opened with Caruso followed by all our favourites Volare,Funiculi Funicula, O Solo Mio (no requests for icecream this time) at the end of the first half the lady sat in front of me presented Russell with a beautiful bouquet of pure white lillies they were lovely and smelt wonderful.
The second half opened with Gladiatore,the sound effects from the film,the smoke and the flashing lights set the scene for a fantastic performance.Russell walked onto the stage and made singing the track so easy(although I know it is not) it was my favourite track of the evening..Swing Low was lovely with a great part at the end with just Russell and his backing singers,Amore Musica (great memories of Chelmsford).There was a serious part where he sang I`ll Walk With God And Ave Maria..Pray For The LOve and Magia Sara,they were all there...We were treated to Russell singing a Queen track `Who wants To Live Forever` sat on a stoll which was a real eye opener.There was one funny part where Russell walked off the stage and when he came back he had left his microphone behind,a stage hand brought it he just smiled that cheeky smile and said "Oops"the audience laughed with him by this time everyone was in high spirits.Nessun Dorma WOW! what can I say?3 Vincero`s later and some beautiful red roses from Sonia and Suze,Russell stood there drinking in the atmosphere and grining from ear to ear,he knew he had done good...All too soon the orchestra struck up the chords to the final track of the evening You Raise Me Up what a fantastic evening,the crowd went wild they were all on their feet screaming and shouting for more,it was truly a memorable evening.The Voice is better than ever now and Brighton rocked that night..WELL DONE RUSSELL AND THANKYOU. I`m sure we all feel we have been through the good and bad times with Russell and it is lovely having him back with us all looking and sounding better than ever....TRACEY (WISLEY),ROBIN AND NATALIE /UK