Fan Tales
Weekend at Hammersmith
'Weekend at Wembley' fast forward too many years to 'Weekend at Hammersmith', who would have ever thought that all those years ago when David was so, so unattainable that we would be able to now have had the most fantastic experiences with David. I would not have missed it for the world. I once said to someone (and you know who you are) that I thought I would never get to meet David, well I have on a few occasions now but.... Monday night was by far the best and one I will never ever forget.
We had a terrific time on the Saturday and Sunday, meeting up with old friends, rearranging furniture in the bar so people could sit together. Both became very late nights for most people. Laughed and talked David a lot. 'Britain's got Talent' were using the hotel as a holding room for those auditioning, so during the days and evenings we were entertained by dance troupes, brass bands and all manner of acts.
Party day whoopee! ( We are going to apologise now just in case the following isn't as accurate as some people will remember, but things became quite surreal and hectic once it all started lol) We had all day to gradually get ready for the party. We watched David on 'The One" show at 7pm then went straight downstairs to the party. So great that it was in the hotel. We got drinks In the bar while we were waiting to get into the actual party room. There were party poppers on the tables, but don't think we noticed them until after the party. We caught up with a lot of old friends that we haven't seen for quite a while. There was a board outside with the seating plan. All the tables were called after DC albums. We were on table 2 which was called Cherish. There was a black and white theme, with candelabras and white tablecloths with a black runner, and little black tassel bag with little sweets in ( like wedding favours). It all looked really lovely. There were a few celebs there, Mike Reid who used to be a Radio One dj; Craig Phillips (I think) who was a big brother winner and is now a TV handyman, and Scott Wright who used to be on 'Coronation Street' ( one of our soaps).
There were three tables near us that were reserved; one was for David, his band and Mike Reid; the second one was for Scott and his band and the third was for Beau and his band. Unfortunately we decided to sit facing the stage but that meant we had our backs to David whilst he was sitting at the table, but we didn't know that at the time. Everyone came in and got seated and you could sense the excitement in the air. Then all of a sudden, they said David was going to be here soon and there he was walking through the tables and shaking hands with people. Scott was the live entertainment and the MC. He did a fabulous job and is a fantastic singer; so much better than having a dj. Well done to the organisers for doing that.
David stood at the mike on the stage and gave a long speech as we expected him to. He reiterated several times how much he appreciates us etc. I'm sure all the footage will come out soon lol. Then he said he would get round all of the tables and speak to everyone there but would we please just designate one person to take photos at each table because otherwise it would take hours. lol. David then headed towards his table and walked by ours where he shook hands with a few of the ladies on our table and said how beautiful they looked. David was his most charming the whole way through. Scott announced that the buffet was ready so everyone started to queue for food. Then David came back again so everyone stopped queuing for food and he talked to us again. Then we went and got food, which was really lovely and waited for David to come back to the front again.
David talked again then as he was getting ready to come out to meet everyone he looked at Scotts set list and said "are you singing that first?" and pointed. Scott said "yes", so David said "ok then let's do it" (or something like that). David proceeded to strap on a guitar and sing 'Aint No Sunshine'. I think he would have sung it all because he looked so in his comfort zone doing an impromptu song. About half way through he took off the guitar and Scott took over, and David started going around everyone and hugging them. We all got fantastic hugs and little dances with him. When Scott started singing 'Addicted To Love' David joined him on stage to sing a little bit of it. It was amazing just to see David so relaxed and happy. I never thought DC could surpass my expectations but once again he did.
Next was the cake cutting. It was a beautiful big red guitar and David cut it and stood whilst people took pictures. David left about 11pm after cutting the cake. Scott and his band then kept us entertained until 12:30am. They then played the Cherish album until 1am. It was a fabulous evening and we're still smiling.
Jan & Jane
