It’s been a while since I last attended a gig, too long! I think it may have been to see Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience) at the Adelphi, Hull, September 20th, 1998, B.C. (Before Children)
The “BC” is important because after kids is when hip troubles really began and standing at a gig was no longer an option. Music plays a big part in my life and has done since I was 3 years old. My first stage performance was as a child of Siam in our local theatre production of “The King and I” – my stage career could be another blog post.
You can tell I wrote the introduction before the gig; it was full of apprehension. I decided to leave it in because it shows the contrasts with what I am about to write.
“Today I am more excited about attending a gig. We booked the tickets back in January, the day after I got my wheels. We checked with the venue, and they said they can accommodate chair users. I am writing this introduction before the gig, but I am seriously excited about attending. But truth be told I am also a little apprehensive after my recent experiences with accessible venues. The thoughts going round my head right now are “Is the venue really accessible?” “Will I be embarrassed again in front of strangers trying to get in a venue?” my head is spinning. I am trying not to over prepare but just getting to work this morning I had to make sure I had everything I would need with me for tonight as we are travelling to Sheffield straight from work.”
WHAT A NIGHT (though it’s one of seven) *
WHAT A VENUE!
WHAT A BAND!!
I have been blown away by the hospitality shown by The Leadmill staff. When we booked our tickets and asked about the disabled viewing platform, the venue contacted us with some instructions for the night. We were asked to turn up early and they would let us jump the queue. On arrival the queue was already down the street, but we just loitered by the door. As soon as they were opened, I was ushered in ahead of everyone else and greeted by a member of staff who was waiting to take me through the disabled viewing area. A whole section just for me! My own personal mosh pit. Situated stage right! I was told if I needed anything or any assistance just to let a member of the security team know and they would get a staff member for me. Personal Service! I could get used to this. A sudden flurry of activity on stage saw the crew remove a barrier at the side of the stage, intended to stop the crowd jumping on the stage, the guys asked me if it was ok? OK? My view was suddenly a whole lot better; I thought it was good before but now it was brilliant.
At this point, I really should mention the band, Magnum. They are celebrating their 50th year in the business we call Show! Robin and I have seen them live several times in the days of our youth but now just seemed like the right time to see them live again. You must admire them, the singer Bob Catley 75 and guitarist Tony Clarkin 75 were joined by fellow musicians Drummer Lee 52, Bassist Dennis 54 and the ageless Rick on keys. While the band rocked on, Bob was bouncing all over the stage, only occasionally showing signs of his 75 years catching up with him. When the band performed their song “Rockin’ Chair” Bob really meant it when he sang the lines “I need my rockin’ but I don’t need no rockin chair” meanwhile I am in me mosh pit rockin’ my wheelchair.
I could do a review of the whole gig, but I am hoping to keep these blog entries short and snappy and relevant to my life on wheels.
*a line from one of my favourite Magnum songs “Les Morts Dansants”
So how was my first experience of a gig in my chair? FANTASTIC! The staff at The Leadmill, Sheffield gave me such a positive experience that they set the tone for the whole evening. Instead of arriving inside a venue all flustered because it has been a monumental disaster getting into the place, The Leadmill have, at least by my experience, got it spot on.
I think for now though, my next adventures need to be a little more sedate, we need to do some running repairs on the chair. Apparently, wheelchairs don’t like it when you drop them on the floor when folded up taking them out of the car, between that and me rocking out at the gig I have broken one of the plastics panels on the arm rest. Watch this space for our version of “Pimp my ride”