They are gorgeous photos, Yemanja

quote:

Originally posted by Finngirl:
They are gorgeous photos, Yemanja

Yes, they are. The one of Tim in front of the red background with his hands in the air...he looks like he is doing some kind of Enz-y shamanic faith-healing ritual!

quote:

Originally posted by gryphon:

One of my more fun jobs was getting the band in that sack from backstage to onstage. They'd all climb in, Nigel was always last... usually Michael B and Neil at the front.... that excellent red stage torch from my fave Frenz led the way... I'd call out the steps, ramps, speed bumps... it was like leading some blind alien creature from The Blob movie...

Now that would be YouTube worthy. (I'm sure the guys would have quickly nixed that however)

quote:

Originally posted by Semi-Detached:

quote:

Originally posted by Seany.:
Was that you singing along in the background there? A sterling vocal performance there by someone.

I had a listen last night and I think it is me, Seany! *SHUDDER* I'm also responsible for the most audible "yeah yeah!" and "woo!" when a song finishes! *oh God!* More coming up...

Well now that the Enz are in suspended animation for the duration Gav, what better time for you to start a Dunedin based "Enz Tribute Band". With vocals like that, people will think they never stopped touring.

Thanks Seany, I needed a laugh!

I just got home to my place today from the trip, although we got back from New Zealand on Sunday.

First I want to say that one of the absolute highlights of the whole Enz reunion thing for me was the people that we met. Semi Detached is a really lovely guy and it was a bonus to run into him in Cathedral Square (we could have done to have spent twice the amount of time chatting with you Gav ).

We also spent time with Treegrrl and Pez prior to the Wellington show. That was a highlight and a bonus.

We met Finngirl and yemanja prior to the Christchurch show, which was another highlight.

We met Flickr before the Auckland show, and met Jaffaman after the second Auckland show. Thanks again for coming up and introducing yourself Jaffa. I would have gone tearing straight past if you hadn't pulled me up. It was fantastic to finally meet you and Flickr in person.

Split Enz/CH etc have to have the best fans in the world I reckon.

I won't go through the dress rehearsal again, because I reckon Semi-D summed it up beautifully. My thanks again too though to Peter and the guys for letting/making it happen.

The first show in Christchurch really went off. Thanks to yemanja, we had really good seats, and the fact that the entire crowd seemed to be on its collective feet almost from the first note, set the mood for the entire show. The set-lists have already been posted, so I won't go through that again, but what I found to be absolutely brilliant, not only at Christchurch but all the shows, was the fact that old and young fans alike were singing along to the songs, and seemed to know all the words. And even better than that, Split Enz seem to be a band whose concerts you can attend without feeling daggy or outdated. They just rock.

So although the Christchurch concert was fast moving, and really involved the entire audience, we got such a thrill in Wellington.

We were walking around checking out the city, and had decided to walk down past the venue to see where it was situated in relation to our venue (and whether we needed to think about transport back to the hotel or not). We ran into Pez and Treegrrl in a park near the venue and they mentioned that they had seen Neil earlier on.

My niece and I decided we'd explore the city a bit more, then head back to the venue at more or less the soundcheck time to check things out.

We again waited around with Pez and Treegrrl, and sure enough after a while, along came Noel. My niece didn't seem to be able to believe that she was looking at a real live Enz walking along the road. Noel was absolutely lovely and stood patiently while those of us who were there had photo's taken. He chatted for a little while, then headed off into the venue.

Next came Neil. He was also very patient and chatty and was willing to stand and have photo's taken. My niece and I both had our pics taken with him, and I think it was possibly at that moment that a new Neil-Girl was born. I have to admit that I had a swinging moment myself.

After that came Tim. He said he was running late for the soundcheck, and seemed somewhat reluctant to spend any time, so although he did end up signing a couple of things for people, it was obvious that he wanted to move on, and Marie was kind of encouraging him to do that. So I nearly had heart failure when my niece sprang up next to him and said "can I please have my photo taken with you?". Tim actually surprised me by saying "sure". I got a fantastic picture of them. I didn't ask to have my piccy taken, because I had already got one with Tim after his show in February 2007 at the Forum, plus which I thought it would be pushing it, him being in a hurry and all, however I am very grateful that he took the time to make a 15 year old girl's day.

The Welly show itself got off to a fairly slow start crowd-wise which surprised me. The Christchurch crowd really set the pace and I had hoped that Chch was going to be indicative of New Zealand audiences generally. It kind of wasn't. Everyone sat down until Neil actually invited people to get up and dance.

That was all dA-buP (my niece) and I needed. We were in Row Z on the floor, and there were no seats behind us, so she was up and over the back. Me and my crappy back also went over the back of the seat but much more stiffly and carefully than she had done. We headed for the right hand aisle towards the stage, only to be stopped by a security guy telling us he couldn't let us past. I looked over at the left-side aisle only to see that they seemed to be getting down to the stage. I said to dA-buP that we should go and try the other side, so we took off down there. By the time we got down there I think that security in general must have realised that they could either get out of the way, or get trampled.

We ended up very close to the stage, and dA-buP actually stood on a seat to get pictures. I had been sitting in my seat kind of having a discussion with dA-buP about which aisle we'd aim for if we could get up, and what we would do about security etc. I like to plan. I was in the midst of this important discussion and dA-buP interrupted me and said "gee, Cak, you're such a pansy". We're just going to charge to the front. We had a good laugh about it, because I really am a bit of a pansy, but no one's ever said it to me quite like that before, however it was an eye opener travelling with her, because I realised that she's actually a bit of a rebel.

When we got down the front, she was up and onto a seat to get a better view for pictures. I would never have done that in a million years, and still wouldn't. However, no one complained so I felt that unless someone did, I couldn't be a kill-joy (or pansy ) and be asking her to get down.

Once we were all up it was so much more fun, and again the show was magic. More or less the same set list as Christchurch, but somehow you don't get sick of it when you're at a show and you're seeing and hearing it performed live.

After the show we again went to the stage door, where Eddie, Neil, Noel and Nigel all stopped to chat. dA-buP and I had decided that we needed a texta in case the guys showed up, so luckily we had gotten hold of one that day, because they all signed her red Enz t-shirt. I was wearing my black t-shirt that night, or I would have gotten their signatures too. Apparently Tim disappeared out a side door (possibly while Eddie was acting as (un)intentional decoy? I don't know where Michael went.

As we were chatting to Eddie, who seemed in no hurry whatsoever to depart, I took the opportunity of thanking his absolutely lovely girlfriend Maree for her patience. She seemed to really appreciate the gesture, and we stood and chatted for a while. I said to her that I had been at the Enz Melbourne shows but that the New Zealand shows thus far were so much better. She said that apparently someone else had also made that comment.

dA-buP also managed to meet Nigel, and asked him for a high-five, which apparently ended up a bit skew-wiff. He then said to her "how about a good old English handshake?" So that's what she got.

Neil again took the time to reinforce dA-buP's new crush by signing her t-shirt, just after she'd managed to get Noel to also sign it.

We both walked back to our accommodation on Cloud Nine.

I have to say at this point a very big thank you to Kim for the picture of dA-buP and Eddie. We had used up all the memory in my camera during the show.

dA-buP did the camera work at all the shows, however I noticed the camera constantly trained on Neil during and from the Wellington show. I told her that I was going to have to have a serious talk to her about who MY camera had to be aimed at.

We left Welly the next day, and saw Eddie, Michael and Noel at the airport. Eddie's girlfriend actually recognised us and turned to wave. All I could think of to say was "we're not following you" What a complete tourist. We immediately aimed at the camera display to prove it, and Noel nearly ran into the back of us.

It was a relief to get to Auckland, because we were both pretty tired by then, but it was also starting to sink in that we were nearing the end of the shows.

I had managed to get dA-buP into the Auckland soundcheck on the 28th, so we went sightseeing in the morning, and then arrived at the venue, actually earlier than the 3:45 pm which PG had requested. I always get everywhere that I need to go early, because I'm worried I'll be late. Guess what dA-buP called me?

The lucky duckies who went into the soundcheck seemed to be in there for ages, but I passed a very pleasant time outside chatting to Frenz.

The show once again was fantastic. We were in the 11th row, to the right of the stage as you stood looking at it, and it was a pretty good view. We sat next to Treegrrl for this show, and the 3 of us were pretty much standing right from the start. It was encouraging to see other people around the stadium also standing, and as time went on, more and more people got up. I sometimes wonder whether these shows should be started with Six Months, because when the first notes of that start, everyone always immediately gets up.

We couldn't actually go to the front for this show, but we had a good view and the guy who was sitting next to Treegrrl was going mad on an imaginary set of drums. It was brilliant.

We didn't wait around after either of the Auckland shows because I wanted to be able to catch a late bus back to our accommodation.

We were both eagerly awaiting the second show for Auckland because dA-bup had mentioned that at the soundcheck they were told that Carried Away would possibly be in the setlist.

Our seats for the second Auckland show were much better - Row 3. We got to meet Devil Abroad, and Melbournian, in her fantastic make-up. Such a pleasure to finally meet you Devil.

From where we were sitting, we could see to the side of the stage where the Enz would come on stage, and we saw various people standing around in there watching (family etc).

It was yet another brilliant show, and we did indeed get Carried Away and Titus. Loved them both. I had never heard either of them played live, so it was a very special treat.

The guy who jumped up on stage during I See Red did seem to leap onto the stage from down the front. He was kind of throwing his head around and rocking to the music and Tim and Neil just carried on. At one stage he kind of bent himself backwards over Neil's microphone, and just seemed to hang there, and it did make me wonder whether perhaps the smoke had been just a little bit special for him. The security guards had obviously seen him, and the one who had been stationed nearest to us, was walking along the front of the stage and holding his arm out towards the guy in a gesture for the guy to come over and get down. Yeah, like that was going to work buddy. Another guard did come over, and they kind of walked along the front of the stage, then one of them went to the side where the Enz entered, but no one seemed to be doing anything. They sure are quick enough when fans want to go to the front.

After the song was over two guys got up on stage and escorted the guy off. I actually saw Tim pat his arm (the intruder), as he was led off stage.

I kind of felt a bit embarrassed for the guys really, because they were kind of between a rock and a hard place. They could hardly acknowledge him, which could be seen as encouraging people to get up there, and then who knows how many would have tried it, and yet they couldn't really ignore him, coz obviously everyone could see him. I really felt for them, and thought that perhaps security should have been a little more proactive. I don't think he meant any harm, but it only takes one tiny rock to start the landslide afterall.

Anyway, dA-buP got more excellent photo's and will probably put them up somewhere at some stage.

As I've mentioned, we ran into Jaffaman after the show, and got a group photo.

Just a really brilliant trip. I was glad that I made the decision to go. I would rather have discovered that it had been foolish to try it, than to have regretted it for the rest of my life. I had to be very careful, and there were trips which I would have liked to have taken, but simply couldn't. dA-buP was brilliant and did not push for any more than what we did.

I've told her we're both going back and although it most likely won't be to Enz shows, we'll tour a bit more and see parts of that spectacluar country that we missed this time. And there won't be any trips to any incompetent physiotherapists before we leave.

Neither of us wanted to come home; we were both set to return to Christchurch, which we've both fallen in love with, but somehow the magic lives on long after the shows are over.

My sincere thanks to all the guys who took the time to make a 15 year old girl feel very special, and thereby make her (slightly older ) auntie extremely grateful for the courtesy.

Also thanks to the many Frenz and Fanz that we met along the way, and who allowed us the pleasure of passing time with them, and without whom the trip would have shone just that bit less.

dA-buP is now pushing to see Crowded House when they tour Australia, so I've promised I'll take her to see them. Gee, aren't I a britain?

My final thanks to Peter. The dress rehearsal was special, and so was the soundcheck for dA-buP. We are extremely lucky to have you running the fan club, and I do hope you know that.

PS. I've just posted this and realised how long it is - sorry!

I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous of you TR...I can't explain how much!

I was badly wishing you'd been there Gav.

You're not the only one!

Thanks for the great report, TR.

Hi Texas Rose,

Thank you for taking the time to do that lovely review.

I am glad that your back held up . It sounds like it was so worth it.

Gav's photo of you all is a nice one too. It worked well for others to recognise you all at the Auckland shows.

Sounds like a wonderful trip for you there TR, so glad you had such a good time (I knew it was going to be good, but sounds like a dream come true). The one thing I regret about the Melbounre Enz show is not being able to find you and hk. Next time

Camus wrote:

quote:

Sounds like a wonderful trip for you there TR, so glad you had such a good time (I knew it was going to be good, but sounds like a dream come true). The one thing I regret about the Melbounre Enz show is not being able to find you and hk. Next time

It was brilliant Camus, and made all the more so because most of the guys were willing to spend just a bit of time with their fans.

Even if we had missed out on that part of it, the shows stood alone.

We saw hk in Christchurch and she was right into it.

We did look for you in Melbourne that night Camus. As you say though, next time.

I did forget to add that we came back to Melbourne on the Sunday (Air New Zealand), and I was sitting there looking around, and who should walk past but Nigel. He was further down the plane than us.

Although we saw people talking to him on the plane and at Tullamarine, we don't approach the guys unless its in the context of work (or soundcheck ). However, be that as it may, when anyone approached, he seemed happy to have a quick chat. Lovely down-to-earth guy.

quote:

We did look for you in Melbourne that night Camus.

I know, I looked for you guys too. Looking at Gav's avatar, I'm not sure how I missed the hair and believe me, with the beard and hair I had at the time, you wouldn't have missed me Too many people I guess.

Minus the white makeup, I was looking a lot like Leon Russell back then:

Now it's all shaved off and I have short hair and look like every other corporate nobody

quote:

we don't approach the guys unless its in the context of work (or soundcheck ).

A commendable stance I must say.

Camus wrote:

quote:

I know, I looked for you guys too. Looking at Gav's avatar, I'm not sure how I missed the hair and believe me, with the beard and hair I had at the time, you wouldn't have missed me Too many people I guess.

The hair is hard to miss, and a couple of people didn't.

When there are that many people though, everyone does get swallowed up. If Jaffaman hadn't plunged out of the crowd, I simply would not have seen him, and I knew who to look for (thanks to the excellent picture Phil painted, and a couple of photo's I've seen ). It all just happens so fast.

I'm thinking of growing me hair out and changing the colour a bit, so we'll both be corporate (loved that comment btw).

quote:

quote:

we don't approach the guys unless its in the context of work (or soundcheck ).

A commendable stance I must say.

I've wouldn't want clients coming to me outside of work and wanting to be discussing their files, so I choose not to do that to others.

Hey guys!

My turn - landed back in England this morning and feeling fine after only having 12 hours sleep since last Wednesday!

Oooh, I have gossip! I know who the guy is who jumped up on stage on Saturday at Auckland - he is a young lad in a band, he is known to Neil, and he and the other guys were totally ok with him being there - in fact, they thought he did rather well! I'm not sure they would appreciate it occurring on a regular basis, especially with people they didn't know, but it was all good on the night as far as the band were concerned! So no worries there, then!

I cannot believe how incredibly friendly everybody in Auckland was! It was great to meet up with a few of you on Saturday at the Sky Cafe - shout out to Melbournian (and Katherine, and Mum and Dad! We saw you asleep at Kare Kare, Dad!) Pez and especially Treegirl, who was an excellent companion and tour guide throughout the weekend! Love ya girl! Fer sher! And I apologise to Auckland City Centre for having to flash my boobs to put my top on properly - apparently had been walking around with it on inside out! Thanks Melbournian! Did you jump? Forgot to ask!

The soundcheck on Friday at Auckland was indeed amazing, and fairly lengthy by all accounts! I was lucky that my plane landed on time to enable me to get there just in the nick of time! The guys just seemed to keep playing, and Peter was happy to let us stay until they were done - thanks, my darling! - and when they asked if there were any requests (I think they were joking!) I walked up to the stage and asked Neil to play Shark Attack! A personal performance for those of us lucky to be there on that day, and one which I shall never forget! Thank you guys! I did get up and boogy with someone, but I don't know her name - great swimming, whoever you are!

And as for the gig itself - well, I got completely caught up in the Friday night one, even managing to burst into tears like the girly wuss I am when they played I Got You (the song that started it for me - it just got too emotional for me to believe I was actually there!) but it did mean I could concentrate a bit more on the Saturday night! Pure heaven! Well done guys; you pulled it out of the bag yet again, and I think it's safe to say we're all so grateful we managed to get one more chance to get in on the act for this one last time.

Not going to bother reviewing the gig itself, as it's been done before. Just my personal experience, cos let's face it, all you need to say is it was BLOODY EXCELLENT! And well worth travelling 12,000 miles for!

______________________________

You're so damn pretty, and don't you know it!

I saw you dancing girl, but didn't realise you were you. If I had realised I would have said hello.

dA-buP had said that there was someone at the soundcheck from England who had come all the way from the England for the soundcheck but I didn't make the connection. My apologies.

I'd also like to send a shout out to The Visitor. It was fantastic to meet you B, but somehow I didn't make the connection - duh I start to get confused because people have a forum name and a real name, and for some reason, I was thinking that B was your forum name. What a dope. By the time it had twigged, you were gone. if I seemed vague it was because I was thinking and trying to make a connection. Plus which I always appear vague when I'm thinking.

I also don't know whether Koji is a forum member, but he was again at the shows. And he managed to get us a copy of a setlist from the Saturday night show. It was a pleasure to see him again - he had followed Tim around on his tour and I first met him at the end of 2006. He seemed to turn up at all the same bus stops as mummakook and I.

After the "guest" appeared on stage with the guys, security seemed to get really tight at the end. It was a bit late by then guys.

No one was able to approach the stage to ask for anything so the setlist from Koji was a real bonus.

As we were leaving I said to Koji "we'll see you next tour". He laughed and we got a great big smile, and he said "yes, yes". So my guess is we will see him next tour - in whatever form the guys take.

No worries, TR! I did see you bopping away on Saturday night's gig, so I was glad to see you were obviously feeling alright! Hope you didn't suffer too much after!

As for the security, well there was some poor teenager who was constantly telling people dancing in the aisle to get back to their seats! Much as I thought he should just leave them to it, I did feel sorry for the poor mite! He was getting some abuse! I mean, I suppose you need to have some way clear in case of an emergency, but what happens in that situation at standing only gigs? Surely it would be better to just let the fans get on and boogie?

As indeed I was. Apologies to those standing behind me! But I was a woman on a mission!

Mission accomplished!
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You're so damn pretty, and don't you know it!

Ooh, hoorah and tally-ho!

Just made Loungeroom Lizard! Very happy - didn't like the sound of Pitied Rhino!

Mind you, is this any better?

I think I'd prefer to be... trouser eating mare! And when I move up another karma level, I will be "samba and salsa goddess!"

Take note, Gryphon! For I will take over the world. Mwahahaha!

(in a small voice!) i have jet lag!

Oh, and if you'd have been in soundcheck on Friday, you'd have realised I was, indeed, Dancing Girl! Cos I was dancing! And I'm a girl!

(in a smaller voice!) very bad jet lag!
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you're so damn pretty, and don't you know it!

dancing girl wrote:

quote:

No worries, TR! I did see you bopping away on Saturday night's gig, so I was glad to see you were obviously feeling alright! Hope you didn't suffer too much after!

Nothing that a decent painkiller and a good lie down couldn't fix. I was really very lucky.

I was told before I left by various people that I was mad to be going because I hadn't sat down for 3 months etc. The reason that I hadn't done that was because I knew that sitting is the worst thing I could do, and by standing or lying down, I was giving the split disc in my back a chance to heal enough for me to manage. And it worked.

And boy was it worth it. The thing is that it wouldn't have only been me that missed out if I hadn't gone - dA-buP would have missed out too, coz there's no way my brother would have gotten around to see where the guys were, or all that sort of thing. Some people just lack commitment.