Well it has been a long time since I’ve seen Vanessa, but it was sure worth the wait. I went to see her at the International in Lilydale on the 13th of September 2003.
Being the mad Vanessa fan I am, I went extremely early. Soon after Andy and Lisa came. Vanessa was at the side of Lilydale making a phone call. We went inside to watch the soundcheck. About thirty minutes later Vee came. Not long the band came. Rod came up and started to talk to us. He asked how the site was going. I told him about amorosi.org and he promised to check it out soon. The best thing about Rod is that he treats me more like a friend than a fan.
Vanessa came last. During the soundcheck, we tried to take a few pictures, but Jack stopped us. Although it was only a soundcheck, Vanessa thrilled us with her brilliant voice.
After it was over, she stepped out to have a break. We followed her. Vee handed her the book she made, did it for her. Vanessa was thrilled to bits. She really seemed to like it. She made interesting comments like, “Is that me?” I asked her for an autograph for Tamar and myself and she was happy to oblige. Click here to see my copy of the autograph. After she’d had a look, she excused herself and told us that she had to be on her way.
At about six, Rebecca came. Unfortunately she didn’t have as good seats as we did. Having paid an extra $50, we had the best seats in the house right at front. There was another singer on first. During her intermission, we were able to get an autographed poster. It was the same one that was advertised on her site and $10 cheaper!
Vanessa finally came on at 9:00. What a performance! Her voice was as brilliant as always. To my delight, she did my favourite, ‘Tent By The Sea’. Her song list was a s follows: ‘Pray For Love’, ‘Every Day Is A Winding Road’, ‘U R Mine’, ‘Who’s Lovin’ You’, ‘I Wanna Be Your Everything’, ‘Suns Up’, ‘The Power’, ‘Every Time I Close My Eyes’, ‘Back In Love’, ‘Tent By The Sea’, Elton Johns’ ‘I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues’, Aretha Franklins’ ‘Evil Girl’, ‘I Just Want To Make Love To You’, ‘In The Basement’, Dusty Springfields’ ‘Son Of A Preacher Man’, Janis Joplins’ ‘Piece Of My Heart’, ‘Turn To Me’. During these songs, she got everyone to stand up and dance and she shook hands with the people in the front. Although, I gave up my space to the smaller children in front of me, I got to shake her hand too.
After these songs, she had a short interval. All she did was just take a drink and then she started singing again. Her next songs were, ‘Shine’, The Doors’ ‘Light My Fire’, ‘Take Me As I Am’, AC/DCs’ ‘Long Way To The Top’, ‘Natural Woman’ and ‘Have A Look’.
Of course she had to do an encore, but we had to clap and cheer our heads off before she would come out again. She came out and did, ‘Absolutely Everybody’. As he got off stage, Rod shook my hand, showing what a great bloke he is.
After she left, she went down the ground floor. She signed autographs and posed for pictures. After we let all the smaller children by, we got our photos taken with her. I even put my arm around her and she didn’t seem to mind. Click here to see the photo I got with her.
After, we talked to Vanessa’s Aunty Sam, proving that she IS real to all those people who thought was a fake.
I’d have to say that this would have to be one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. The only disadvantage was having to sit down. But I got closer to Vanessa than I’d ever been before and talked to her much more than I had before. I wouldn’t say it was as good as the Mercury Lounge concert, but being the first Vanessa concert I’d ever been to, I doubt if I’ll ever beat it. All in all, Vanessa was worth ever cent I paid.
Unfortuantly my camera jammed so I have no photos to show you. Click here to see Andy's pics from there.
Click Here to see my sixth Vanessa encounter!
