Today was the start of a 3 gig escapade I was embarking on with the Dutch Clan and Emma for the next 5 days. I was so excited after the buzz from Glasgow the previous night.

I heard that Marti’s support band Riverway were on the verge of not making it south to Nottingham when their van broke down before even leaving Glasgow. Luckily for them though a very nice man from the AA soon came to their rescue and sent them on their way.

We had a long and tiring trip down but finally the evening was upon us.

Subsequent to Riverway and after a one track musical interlude, on hearing what sounded like Marti's voice coming over the PA system everyone promptly turned their attention to the big screens which suddenly had a picture of Marti on them. We soon realised it was a programme about him which turns out is the forthcoming Smile documentary due to be released on DVD in the near future.

Strange how they didn't show this in Glasgow, but hey I was seeing it now so I wasn't complaining.

Based in Memphis, the documentary covers Marti's life from before he was famous, through his time with the Wets right up to present day, featuring interviews with, amongst others, Chris Difford, Willie Mitchell, Billy Sloan and Marti of course. It shows part of his performance in BB Kings Beale Street club from May 2001 including a snatch of a relatively new and scarcely heard song called 'Still Standing'. I am very much looking forward to hearing this track in its entirety, especially live. It is certainly very catchy from what I've heard so far, an amazing song, this has to be on the next album !

We were fortunate enough to have front row seats again although on the right hand side block.

The first few songs were a bit of a blur for myself and the Dutch clan because as soon as the lights went down our space was invaded by fans from behind rushing down and standing in front of us which was annoying. We could hardly see, let alone try to concentrate on the music. Saying that it was worse for those at the front of the centre block. The security were being over officious and instead of keeping folk from getting to the front in the first place they began going along the line getting everyone to produce their relevant tickets to prove they should be there. Anyone found where they shouldn't be were being sent back to where they had came from.

What a cafuffle it was though, I'm sure Marti wouldn't have liked watching his fans going through this commotion. He couldn’t have helped but see what was going on and must have wondered what was happening. Then as if that wasn't enough security took things even further and weren't allowing the use of zoom cameras. As a result I decided only to take a handful of ‘normal’ photos as I knew they wouldn’t be that good. I find taking pictures is all part of the enjoyment of going to a concert then being able to look back at them and relive the memories. Photography is one of my hobbies so if I can mix two of my favourite pastimes, why not !

Anyway, I can't remember at exactly which song I started getting into the gig properly but after Sweet Little Mystery & Wishing I Was Lucky I might as well start with All I Ever Wanted. Its heavy tones certainly reflected how I was feeling at this point in time but once Did You Ever Wake Up lightened up I began to relax a bit and London Life brought me back into the world of a concert again.

A dancey number was what I needed to get me going now and East of the River did just the trick. This new version was definitely growing on me daily.

All set for hearing Marti’s new song My Love for the 2^nd time and the band’s music intro goes dead as Marti interrupts them to confirm something with the Nottingham audience by asking:

‘This is the home of Robin Hood, is it ? Tights and aww that ?? Then he jokingly goes on to moan about a reinforced gusset – ‘These tights are killing me man’. Yes it was more info than we required Marti ha ha.

My Love - stunning, the vocals echoed around the hall as everyone listened intently, mesmerised by the sheer outstanding power in Marti’s voice. Afterwards he told us about when he first introduced Eileen to the song and it was only when he sang the song title with much more projection that she had taken notice and agreed she liked it.

Fire and Rain, to me has a very country start to it. You could picture it being played over a dusty western desert scene with some guy sitting on a porch playing a moothie. Previously I'd only ever heard Marti sing this acoustic (Putney & Radio 2) but the full works production on it fits it just as well. It's an outstanding song and I can't get enough of it. This for me is in the same league as This Moment is OK.

The Wets number one hits of Goodnight Girl and With A Little Help From My Friends got a welcomed reception from the crowd who were only too happy to sing along. Then came what was becoming my favourite section of the gigs; Close To You, New York Vibe and This Moment is OK.

Marti’s voice shines through on The Missing Sound, this so obvious Memphis/US influence. With lyrics like this, they could be and I'm sure are very close to Marti, you can see why he would choose to sing it. I remember when I first heard it, in a way it reminded me of the theme tune to 'Moonlighting' as well as 'It Hurts' from 10.

Lip Service had lost the smooching at the start, thank goodness and the dancing continued with Marti’s new punchier interpretation of I Can Give You Everything. Everyone was on their feet for ‘that song’ - Love Is All Around, as the end was drawing near and yes that guy Hugh Grant’s name popped up. Nottingham was very loud while Marti was backstage for his breather, then he reappeared kicking off with I’ve Been Around The World, once again enlisting the audience to show him how they could sing. To Marti’s relief, I’m sure, there wasn’t a repeat performance of the previous night’s mic mishap during Temptation which was the ideal finale song for a very very cheerful and contented audience.

Just when we thought Marti was going to say goodnight he surprised Charlotte, one of the backing singers, who’s birthday it was, by getting us all to sing Happy Birthday to her. He called for a cake to be brought on which duly appeared. She was very surprised but obviously delighted. Marti gave her a huge kiss and cuddle as he led and conducted our encore, nice Pavarotti style finish Marti.

Outside, a certain person's Scottish flag got nabbed (against their better judgement) and tied to the fence. It was meant to have been used inside the venues and I had every intention of using it but when the time came I was too scared and too embarrassed to ask if we could put it over the barriers any occasion we were on or near the front row – chicken or what ! Saying that my sister may have disowned me at the SECC or Wembley if I had attempted it, plus I was quite happy to make do with my wee Scottish flag which I could easily tie round my wrist and wave as and when required. It hadn’t quite been finished for Glasgow anyway but with being up here I wouldn’t have used it – keep it only for when ‘abroad’. At least it had served its purpose one night !

We had decided to chance our luck and see if we could meet Marti ‘legitimately’ after the concert, before he disappeared off up to Scotland for Clyde 2’s ‘Cash For Kids’ lunch event in the Glasgow Thistle Hotel on the Friday. When Marti finally emerged out the back door we soon realised he was heading up to see us rather than towards Chris’s waiting vehicle ready for the getaway. Marti slowly meandered over, furry hat and all. Somehow I managed to completely miss Wil's incident of mentioning us being like monkeys, ie. the fence we were behind made it seem as if we were in a cage. That would have been a sight – Marti going ‘ooo-ooo-ooo’ while having his hands up under his armpits, trust Marti ! I can only come to the conclusion I was juggling all I had in my hands in preparation for Marti coming along the line - camera, picture, pen etc.

Moving along he was having increasing pen problems and asked if anyone had a pen, I offered mine, I knew it was reliable. He kindly signed a nice picture I had brought along in anticipation and I said a few words to him. Moos (being pregnant of course) asked, 'Marti, can you sign my belly please ? Oh what's that, what have you got in there, smiling and winking at her. Of course he obliged and signed her t-shirt where requested. Just as he was departing I put my hand out to claim my pen back. Not thinking what I was after Marti gave me a ‘low five’ then when I asked can I get my pen back please he replied, ‘Naw ah don’t want yer pen hen’ with a half smirk as he handed it back and I thanked him.

How else can you describe this other than FURRY !!!

I feel that meeting us outside that night was more of a chore to Marti than anything but a very necessary part of the job. We can understand how he feels though, after a hard 2 hours workout on stage, he must be exhausted and just wants back to the hotel to relax. It was however so kind that he took the time and effort to speak to us and we really appreciated it.

Thank you very much Marti, we all unquestionably had a smile on our face tonight !

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