We had wondered what sort of concert it was going to be. Would Benny just introduce his 'friends', they would come on sing their songs then leave, or stay and accompany him on duets, backing vocals etc. We had no idea what to expect, all we hoped was that Mary would sing more than just a couple of songs which is what we have been used to in the past.
We were not to be disappointed. Before I go any further, the we in question was myself, Chris my husband and my daughter Mary. We had arranged to meet at the theatre some other 'friends' we had got to know through the site and emails. Billy and his wife Mary who only lived a half hour drive away (lucky them), Alan Binks from Hampshire, David Stewart from Aberdeen and Brian Mercer who had travelled all the way from New Hampshire in the USA.
The show started a half hour late at 8.00pm, because of technical difficulties. Nobody minded, as we were stood outside, we could hear the unmistakable voice of Mary while she was doing a sound check, everybody was now very excited and all we wanted to do was get in and enjoy!!
Benny Gallagher walked on stage to loud applause and cheers, he then introduced Christian, Mary and Jim. All our wondering as to what format the show would take was answered, they would all be on the stage for the whole of the show, taking it in turns to sing their songs and accompanying one another, it was amazing, ...............
- Benny was fantastic, and obviously sang a lot of G & L songs although the first song he sang was one I had never heard before and did not catch the title, but I really liked it. Mary sang backing vocals on quite a few, but I think the highlight of those was "Stay Young" (I found myself wondering what a whole album of Mary singing all Gallagher & Lyle songs would sound like...I can dream can't I).
- Jim Diamond was staggering, I would have to do a whole page on him alone, I knew of him and had heard some of his songs, "Hi Ho Silver" from the Boon TV series, and "I should have known Better" but I was not expecting him to sound like that, he was great, I must buy some of his CD's...
- Christian Marsac, really was an incredible guitarist and he also contributed backing vocals, (and my daughter fell madly in love with him)
But.............. Mary sounded superb. I suppose anyone reading this is going to say, "but you would say that anyway, even if she didnt, " they will say "your biased, this is your fan site you wouldnt dare say anything else". She did sound good, she looked good, she had a natural rapport with the audience, she made them laugh, and speaking strictly for me, she made me cry when she sang "Aderyn Pur", and again on "Fields of St. Ettienne"
After Benny introduced her she sang one of her own compositions that is now, to me anyway, starting to sound familiar and comfortable, like one of her old songs its called "Painting by Numbers". She then sang with Benny and the others on "Stay Young", then, just as she was about to do another, a heckler started up in the audience, we were all a bit worried it might have 'put her off', but no chance, all she said was I dont think we'll bother doing harmonies with him!!! and proceeded to introduce one of my all time favourites "Sparrow". After that she then did a brand new song called "Tear Drops" a really lovely song.
The second half (minus the heckler, who had been removed from the building) was even better than the first, the atmosphere in the audience was great, Jim Diamond had everybody joining in and singing along, (I really wish Mary had done "Those were the days" because I wanted to sing as well, and I know all the words to that one !)
Mary introduced to us another 2 of her own compositions, boy were we being spoilt. The first was "Fair Weather Friends" and the other I think was called "Fresh out of Favours". These are truly very beautiful, I especially liked "Fresh out of Favours". I could even imagine that as a 'single' (I wish). After that we were then treated to "Aderyn Pur" and what a treat, again her voice soared, she sounded wonderful, and the audience loved her, I think she had her longest applause for that song, it was after this that Benny said to the audience that he has been trying to persuade her to do more of this!!!! Have'nt we all. They then sang together on "Fields of St. Etienne" again very moving. Then too soon it was the end, I had arranged for flowers to be sent back to Mary, and to my surprise they presented them to her on stage. She then sang another beautiful "Welsh Song" They then performed a final song together the 'McGuinness Flint' hit "When I'm Dead and Gone" which had everyone singing along, no one wanted the night to end.But end it did, although we were incredibly lucky to have her come and meet us afterwards, she spent 'a long time' with us, probably more than she intended!, she signed autograph after autograph smiled again and again for so many pictures, she was lovely. But she still would not commit herself to any future projects, recording or otherwise, so again we are all left wondering was that the last time.
I certainly hope not.
Pat Richmond
