Marti continued with the first of his solo hits from Smile, Close To You.

There I was being swept away with the ever moving Close To You and willing there not to be anyone stupid enough to scream or shout out at the end of it. Just as the song was closing my attention was interrupted by a girl who had come down from behind casually heading for the stage, planking herself at the edge of it at our side. It all looked so innocent as she leaned her elbows on the stage gazing along at Marti, as if this was her favourite song. However as soon as the song ended her intentions soon became clear – she did want to get close to Marti – as she made a dive for the stage !

Thankfully the nearby security man had his eagle eye on her and had pounced immediately to take actions to stop her getting any further with another hot on his heels as backup. It was a brilliant rugby tackle he did bringing her down before cradling her down off the stage in his arms. He seemed to give her a little time to collect herself before letting her go, when released she only attempted to clamber on stage again, but to no avail once more. The security man wasn’t giving her any more chances and ushered her further back after which I believe she left the venue in tears. Somehow I think Marti (intentionally or otherwise) missed the whole incident which was just as well, he can do without that type of thing.

Leo on sax (above) / 2 Matts, Mark & James (below)

With A Little Help From My Friends almost immediately had everyone on their feet once more and we never looked back for the rest of the night.

Marti paid tribute to his inspirational songwriting friend, Willie Mitchell from Memphis when introducing I’ve Been Around The World, basically explaining what an inspirational person he is and how dedicated he is to his trade. You can see he holds Willie in very high esteem and thinks a lot of him. We were surprised during the song as Marti came over, luckily to our side, and sat down on the stage before leaning back and lying flat on his back. Then again as during the Smile tour Marti offered to teach us to sing and we gladly accepted.

Needless to say Lip Service also had everyone dancing away, then the pace slowed down again with Goodnight Girl drawing the show closer to the end.

I thought my camera was a goner at this point just after I’d got my sister to take a couple of pictures for me because my view was blocked at the time. Just after getting it from her I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned round to see one of the house male security guys. Through all the noise, all I could make out was, ‘can you come over to the side’, I thought oh no they’re going to take my camera from me. As I followed him I was so relieved when he pointed towards the edge of the stage and urged me to go in that direction to stand beside the other security man (the one who had come to Marti’s rescue earlier). I couldn’t believe it, they’d obviously seen I’d been struggling to see and wanted to get me in a good position again, it was so kind of them. I hesitantly lifted my camera towards the man as if to say is it ok to use it and he gave me the thumbs up. I smiled and did the same in return to say thanks, phew !!!

LOUISE, LESLEY, RUTHIE, CHARLOTTE, SAM & JACKIE

However as Marti walked off the stage taking the band with him we knew he couldn’t leave without doing ‘that’ song and sure enough he returned to do the very song to tremendous cheers and applause. Lesley, Ruthie and Sam came back on to join the backing singers which was a nice surprise too.

Towards the end of Love Is All Around, which was inevitably the last song of the evening Marti welcomed on stage a group of teenagers who had benefited from the Teenage Cancer Trust. They were all delighted to be with Marti and joined in for the finale of the song. One of them was even lucky enough to hold his hand for the remainder of the song as they all sang along backed by us of course.

I had already thanked the security man while Marti was off stage but nevertheless I thanked them again very much for getting me to the front and they said they had only been too happy to help. They had a laugh when I said I thought they were going to take my camera off me but they didn’t mind at all. So much for no pictures, luckily earlier hadn’t put me off totally and I certainly made up for it in the 2^nd half of the concert.

Marti was obviously revelling in the evening as several times throughout the night he said he was so happy to be there and involved in such an event. He thanked his band and also a special mention for James Hallawell for doing such a great MD’ing (musical director) job for the evening. Marti then turned to all of us and thanked us for coming along for such a good cause and being a wonderful audience.

‘Goodnight, safe journey home, God bless’. This really was the end of the show now and what a wonderful night it had been, I’m so glad I made the on the spot decision to get tickets.

I was a little disappointed in the lack of Marti’s solo material from Smile but I realise the night was all about making money for a good cause and having an enjoyable night out. With so many of the Wets hits included Marti maximised the entertainment value not only for all the diehard fans but for anyone else who had come along as maybe a fan of one of his guests or a supporter of the charity. I believe the show was filmed, there had been a camera crew cutting about in front of us for a short while just after all the duets, but it’s a great pity if it’s not getting brought out on video. The charity are missing out on an ideal opportunity to raise more funds.

Due to all the hassle before the show of not getting there till it was starting I hadn’t caught up with some fellow fans but that worked to my advantage, as, contrary to what I’d been warned by my sister that she didn’t want to do I now had the chance to hang around afterwards, speaking to everyone. While waiting for Marti I managed to get a few autographs; Jackie while still inside then Ruthie, Lesley, Sam and Leo outside.

LEO GREEN & CHRIS DIFFORD

After what seemed like ages Chris emerged so no doubt Marti wouldn’t be far behind. Just a minute or two later out came Marti finding his way through the crowd towards the waiting car. There had actually been a scream or two as Marti appeared which almost everyone, including Chris I think, who had turned to look, thought was a false alarm but no, it was Marti. As I and most others had anticipated Marti understandably wasn’t in a signing mood after such a demanding performance. By the time I realised he was there Marti was too close for a picture but thankfully my sister was just behind and caught him perfectly. As he brushed passed me to the car door I said to him it had been a great night just as everyone else was telling him and he thanked us all for being there. I took the fleeting chance to place my hand on his as I said it and only then realised how freezing my hands were, Marti was lovely and warm (sorry).

* OF THE NITE MARTI PELLOW

What an end to a perfect evening. Before heading back to the hotel we went in search of some late night food. A brisk walk on a chilly night in London was just what I needed to come down to earth and unwind after all the excitement.

Marti Index