It was time to say good-bye to the Premier Inn, and get on a train to my next destination, Hatfield. It left from King's Cross Station, of Platform 9 3/4 fame.
I had booked a room in the Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel. It was walking distance to the concert venue, the Hatfield (Hertfordshire?) Forum. I got a taxi to get there. It seemed easiest, and sometimes, that counts for a lot.
Once I got settled into my comfortable room, I went back to the lobby to see about food and drink.
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The Lobby Bar |
While I was in the lobby, getting a drink, and enjoying the day, I saw a
couple wearing band t-shirts. I asked if they were going to the concert. They
were. We made friends.
It was a lovely afternoon, but soon it was time to go to the venue to meet up with someone I had met through Facebook after advertising for a concert buddy on the event page. Doors open was at 4:30, since there were 4 acts, and I don't think any of them wanted to stay up too late. My buddy Melanie and her friends were very nice, and the show was promising to be terrific.
The first act to take the stage was The Beat (called The English Beat in Canada). They were terrific, and both Ranking Roger and his son were on stage. Sadly, this was the last opportunity I had to see Ranking Roger before he passed away. I didn't think to get a picture after they started, but you can see we were right in front of the stage.
It was a lovely afternoon, but soon it was time to go to the venue to meet up with someone I had met through Facebook after advertising for a concert buddy on the event page. Doors open was at 4:30, since there were 4 acts, and I don't think any of them wanted to stay up too late. My buddy Melanie and her friends were very nice, and the show was promising to be terrific.
The first act to take the stage was The Beat (called The English Beat in Canada). They were terrific, and both Ranking Roger and his son were on stage. Sadly, this was the last opportunity I had to see Ranking Roger before he passed away. I didn't think to get a picture after they started, but you can see we were right in front of the stage.
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| The Beat |
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Me and My Concert Buddy Melanie |
The next act was Buzzcocks, and again the memory is kind of bittersweet because I would never be able to see Pete Shelley perform again. They were, of course, fabulous. My new friends told the roadies that I had come from Canada to see the show, so they gave me one of the set lists. That was so nice.
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| Buzzcocks |
For me, the real attraction of the show was next. Stiff Little Fingers is my favourite band in the world to see live. And it's wonderful that no matter where they perform pretty much everyone in the audience can and will sing along with every song.
They were, of course, amazing, and the highlight of the show for me.
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Stiff Little Fingers |
The last act of the evening was The Selecter, and they were good, although I saw them at a distance because I had had enough of crowds. I moved to the back, and got myself a nice drink.
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| The Selecter |
After the show, I staggered back to the hotel, pleasantly exhausted and starving (no food at the venue, and the concert started before dinner hour). When I enquired at the bar, the bartender was apologetic that the kitchen was closed, but told me sandwiches were available. Perfect! I wasn't the only person who was going to come back hungry.
As I sat in the lobby, eating my late supper, I discovered that Buzzcocks were staying at my hotel. That was a nice surprise. When Steve caught my eye, I told him "Great show!".
The day wasn't finished giving me treats, though. As I lay in bed later, the most fantastic thunderstorm I have ever seen raged outside around me. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day.
Next - Part IV - In Which I Return to London and Meet Up with my Sister from another Mister
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