London 2008

OK - apologies that this is VERY late, but lots has been happening in my life, and quite frankly, that's more important - LOL! (Honest!).

Merrill had announced that he was going to do a THIRD get together, so that more people in England (and I use that word deliberately could go and see him! Honestly, you'd think there was a huge, unsurmountable wall between England and Wales the way people were whining! ANYWAY, I decided to be greedy and go to my second get together of the series - only for Merrill would I do this!

I had arranged to meet with friends in my building's car park the morning we were going, but hadn't heard from them in a bit, so was getting a bit panicky! Luckily they got in touch and we met up and got a taxi to the station together, which was great, as I am normally on my own! Whilst waiting for the train, I was looking in my purse and - couldn't find my train ticket down to London - I had grabbed everything else but my flipping tickets! Thank goodness for Fast Ticket machines - but not for my bank balance, my original ticket was less than £30, this one cost more than £50 - not doing THAT again!

Anyway, eventually Janette and Julie arrived and we all got on our train. Really uneventful journey, no bottles of wine being drunk (too early - even for....... not telling - ha!), we did have some cornflake crunchies though - yum!

Arrived at Kings Cross, and went out to get a cab. Fairly long line, but eventually got to a taxi. Now, normally I've found them really helpful, but this one was a really lazy so and so! He was reading a paper, we told him there was a person in a wheelchair, and his attitude was like, 'So!'. He didn't get out, he didn't get the ramp down, I had to struggle to get into the taxi, and we were not best pleased with him. Same when we got to the other end - all he was interested in was getting the fare! Luckily, I was helped out by my friends and others who had already arrived. We also found out there was a discrepancy in the fare as well, people who'd come the say way had differing amounts - naughty!

Anyway, we were there, that's all that mattered. We'd been told not to stick around until the time it started, but everyone still does - LOL! We went to the bar (!) for a drink (non-alcoholic thank YOU very much!), and I shared the rest of my cornflake crunchies around. Met up with friends who I hadn't seen for a while (or a couple of months since Cardiff!), lovely to see my London friends specially (even if they do have difficulty crossing borders - hehe!). Helped out a bit with the raffle tickets (I'd like to help out more with these, given my reception skills, but I'm never asked, so their loss is your gain - more time to do this - HA! Although you do see all sorts when you're doing that......!). Checked out the hotel facilities, if you know what I mean (!), went upstairs because I thought that's where they were - it was where M was, but that was NOT my intention - honest! Bumping into him again accidently would've been too much of a coincidence! Waited down in the lobby, people watching, hotel staff watching (I don't think they'd ever seen anything quite like it!). The main part of the GT was in the hotel's dining room. All the tables had been removed and it was set out theatre style. I was so busy helping with the raffle tickets, I was one of the last in, and Karen was ushering me quickly down the aisle - whoops! I took my seat and found I was opposite a speaker which was blocking my view a bit (whatever view that might have been - hehe!). Jenny came and asked me if I could see, and I was going to ask her if she could move it a bit (it wasn't THAT big) and she said I could move to the other end - on the aisle. So, as I always do as I'm told, I did - and, errrm, this caused all sorts of bother for me. A) I was near Jackie Gray, my fellow Vegas drinking partner, and a constant source of trouble with a capital T, and B) I was in someone's almost constant eyeline when he came on stage.......... oh dearie me!

Anyway, we waited for a bit, chatted with the people around us. And then one of the Karens came on stage and we did some audience participatory chants (you know, the Oggy one, and the Ooompah one!), she then asked if anyone had change for a fiver for some tablets! LOL! Whilst we waited, we listened to The Voice (get it, it's brill!). Well, I say we listened, we tried to, Osmond fans are incredibly noisy bunch when they get together! Anyway, eventually Mal Pope came on, he's really lovely. He told a bit of his life story again, he seems to have met quite a lot of famous people - the DJ John Peel invited him to come on his show, and he's done some stuff with Elton John. He told the story of his 'song for children - ha! And we eventually sang it together - the theme song to Fireman Sam! The things you do at an Osmond GT! BTW - I saw an episode the other day, the song has changed, same tune though - who the heck is Cameron Stewart anyway?! Mal talked about his work with Merrill over the past few months and he sang some songs, 'I Saw Her Standing There', 'Knock on Wood' and a couple of his own. I felt for him, I'm sure some people were thinking 'where the heck is Merrill?!' but I like Mal, he's very friendly, and very talented.

The introduction of Merrill had a bit of a false start which was really funny, but eventually Merrill appeared, to HUGE cheers, walking down the stairs to the side of the room, he came via the side of the room and I got a HUG hug! LOL!

He got to the front and 'Shake It Up' started - he forgot the words - ha! He then decided that he'd go down the centre aisle, closely followed by Heather, and was there so long I thought we'd never get him back! Seemed to be having a lot of fun though! We sang along to the Utah Saints version of CH whilst he was doing this (he was singing bits as he went along too).

When he came back, he asked how everyone was, and spoke of Mal (I LOVE the way he pronounced Mal - toooo funny!). He talked about being overwhelmed by the love shown, and that he'd already talked to a lot of people (some people had their meet and greets that morning). Happy to be here, and other such deep Merrill-like stuff!

He talked a lot about the 50th (and as I am writing this as the 50th Anniversary tour of the UK has started, you can compare what he said with what is actually happening - HA!). He said they were going to have fun, working with Donny on this has been therapeutic for him, exploring without any fear and doubts, there is a definate feeling of unity within the family. Songs we haven't heard for years, and the attitude of the brothers are pure and united. He talked about his parents and that he feels they are now giving blessing after blessing in their children's lives and that it had straightened up a few of them! He then asked if we had any questions for 'Uncle Merrill'(!). Someone asked where else they were going (I think some venues had appeared prematurely on the web). He didn't want to say as he thought that it should be announced on a united front, but then someone asked a specific question about Japan, and he said they should be excited (well, errm, unless I'm missing something, they aren't going there!). He said that there were fans calling out from all over the world (obviously not loud enough in the US then?!). Someone then said that they would like the songs to be sung by their original singer please - and whilst this got thunderous applause, Merrill said something like 'that's interesting', and 'I understand it's being designed like that', but also talked about pacing and production, and that each person would play their part. He talked specifically about Wayne being able to shine!

Talked of the closeness now between him and Donny, not that they didn't love each other, but that Donny had an independent way of living his life, he's very proud of him for doing that. Spoken to him a lot about the tour, wanting it to go right (Donny), talked of Jimmy's work ethic ('a genius'). Someone asked about Virl and Tom coming over, he didn't know, but he thought they should be.

The concerts will be very different from what was seen in LV at the 50th (rehearsed for starters, MY comment - LOL!). And you will never see anything like it again from the Osmonds (except when they take it to the States, maybe - ha!). Are the Black Bear Band coming? No, the band will be mainly Donny's band (the fact that the BBB aren't coming was very disappointing to those present). They will be playing their instruments. We then got onto the thorny subject of what are they going to wear? Merrill was adamant 'I ain't gonna wear no jumpsuit!' I started to flap a paper in front of my face and he noticed and laughed sooooo loud! I also got told off - hehehe!

He said that Alan was energised, a real buzz. Members of the family always thought something like this would happen, it just needed something to set it all rolling, he remembered that we all talked about it with him and other members on various occasions. Someone asked whether Marie was prepared for the reaction of the crowd, and Merrill said he was convinced that she wasn't! The show reflects the history of the Osmond family, jam-packed two hours (we want three, we said!).

He talked about what he was doing with Mal - he introduced it by saying I don't know whether I should tell you this, but I'm gonna anyway!' Mal interjected by saying 'You tell me, you know I won't tell anyone!' Mal said that Shiloh had got out of hand and that a film was now in the offing! 'The monster is bigger than the both of us!' They then sang some songs together, after Merrill joked about having to have the words for some of them, so he doesn't have to look over the edge of his glasses (which looks rather sweet, if you want my opinion - ha!). After singing You Take My Breath Away, he talked about how he felt there were no coincidences in life, the opportunities taken whilst working with Mal, what they'd achieved. Mal told the story of the writing of Coming Home. Then sang Proud One. Lot of laughs in it (he went a bit deep!). After this, we talked again about the tour costumes and Merrill decided to have a vote on each suggestion - I voted for everything except them wearing 'their' colour - bit 70s and a bit twee. However, I was the only person who voted for this and I got a 'GERRY!' when mine was the only hand that went up - very, very funny! We voted on leather, casual shirts/jean, shirts that do, do not tuck in, tuxedos (WHAT?!), Levis and nothing else except boots!!! (I'm sure that was NOT the vote, but it sounded like that!).

He said that Marie was doing great, despite all the stuff going on - great attitude. More songs - sung by the MASTER (Darlin' - hence my comment - Donny singing it indeed.....!). Talked about Belgium. Someone complained (!) that they couldn't get to Belgium, can we have one in the UK. He's excited about the creational therapy aspect of the weekend (so am I, I can't find anything about it on the Net!). He led Happy Birthday to someone who'd said it was their birthday the day before ( (((((HUGS))))) to Jenny ))))))) - dearie me!

Sang One Bad Apple, Havin' A Party (funky!), Mal told us that the vocals had been done in Reno, the rest in the Mumbles (near Swansea!). Merrill said that he didn't want to be uptight anymore, people looking at him funny (?!), he grew up so tense, so perfect. He said he's starting to grow up now he's 45 (then laughed and said, no I'm 54!). Mal was asked whether he liked the Osmonds music as he was growing up, he talked about all the boys being into Led Zep, and said that he liked the Osmond harmonies, but that to actually admit you liked it, would probably result in a kicking! Merrill then said, rather dramatically (!) 'I don't know whether I should say this, but I will' - dramatic pause...... 'BUT, there was a collection of Osmond albums in Saddam Hussein's house! LOTS of laughter. We then had some more songs, LMFAR (with a rather strange key change!). He said that he wants us to go WILD on the tour - TOO wild - naughty fella! (Like we need any encouragement anyway - ha!). He was asked do you talk about us? All the time, apparently (how boring for them - LOL!). Is Mary coming? Yes. Talked about being a grandpa six times over (it was actually four at the time, but now........ ;-)). Sang Yo-Yo, then Let Me In. Now, remember, me in front row, LOTS of eye contact, I decided to just sit and listen, as I KNEW that if I started to sing along, I'd cry!).

He then talked about liking to go fish (I have no idea how these subjects all relate to each other, but it was fun!). Caught a big fish recently (hmmmmm, really?!). He then said that we'd have one more song because he wanted a lot of time to talk to us individually. Sang He Ain't Heavy (with no speeded up ended - bravo Merrill!). At one point during this he grinned at me singing, and I pretended to zip my lips saying I wasn't going to do it anymore - he grinned even bigger!

Tremendous applause and cheers, standing ovation, during which he said 'I don't deserve this!' Yes, you flipping well do, Mr Merrill! He then, I think, had an indication from the back that he could sing some more, so he did! The intro to 'Move A Mountain' started - no lyrics appeared on his screen (x 2!). The tech problems were really funny, at the time. Sang Friends with us, with no music. Didn't sing MAM in the end, but Shiloh - Mal told us the story of how that was written, more questions, about getting Osmond songs in the charts (they have to actually release something first!). Merrill then had a lightbulb time - after the tour maybe? He then said that he's decided to not take any poo from people (that's not actually what he said, but it's what he meant), it may not be PC but he's going to tell it how it is, take the attitude or tell you what I think of what you've said, apologies but I'm growing up and getting a lot tougher (hmmm......). We then had Pure Glory, where he made up the words - really, really funny, even had a Michael Jackson 'ow' in the middle - brilliant! HUGE cheers at the end. Thanks to Peter and Mario for all their hard work! Mario had an accident during the show, he slipped on the stairs - someone had spilt a drink, if I recall, and he fell down and hurt himself quite badly and had to go off to the Emergency Dept of St Thomas').

After I'd calmed down from the show (!), we had a bit of a gap, and then we had High Tea - very posh, scones and cake on china plates and tea or coffee. This was upstairs and it was a bit cramped, people were sitting or standing everywhere, and I christened the carpet with a bit of scone, but hey-ho!

After tea, we had the raffle, and the numbers were relayed up and down the stairs - like fishwives (sorry! LOL!), but it was fun to watch - didn't buy any, so didn't win anything!

Then, suddenly, this strange noise started to sound. Everyone wondered what it was - and then it suddenly dawned on us - FIRE ALARM! Everyone out! I watched everyone leave, and pretty soon, as the last people went downstairs, one of the staff came out from nowhere, and told me to follow him. So I did (I can follow orders occasionally!). We went down one corridor, and then another, to a lift! Well, duh, it wasn't working! Soooo, we went back to the main lift, and he tried that again - idiot! He then disappeared, leaving me and another lady on sticks with Jenny, who very kindly volunteered to stay with us until it was all over, or until a hunky firefighter came to take us out. We didn't see him again (the staff member, not the firefighter, I didn't see one at all - unfortunately!). Eventually, the fire alarm was over and everyone came back upstairs, including Merrill - talking on the phone (what a shock! LOL!). After I got back home, I wrote and complained to the hotel about this, as not only did this staff member do this, but staff members downstairs didn't seem to have a clue there was anyone still upstairs. Extremely bad practice, IMHO.

Eventually, we started to get ready for our meet and greets. I was no 80, so I thought I'd have to wait ages. After a little while, someone had the bright idea of, because we had a train to catch, asking if we could go in earlier, so we did. We sat and chatted as we waited, and then it was my turn. I was escorted to the room (notice TO, not from, thank you very much - LOL!), went in, and Merrill promptly picked up a chair and pretended to be a lion tamer! Cheeky so and so! We talked a little bit, but I didn't want to take up too much time (honest!), so we then posed for the picture, three times. He's a real gentleman, he's got the hang of helping me out of my chair when I want to stand to have my piccy taken, and helped me back in again - what a guy! We said our goodbyes, I did actually say 'see you in Vegas!' but, as you will see in a future blog, he was slightly gobsmacked to see me there as well! Anyway, I went back downstairs, spent a bit of time talking to friends, and then we went outside to wait for a cab (actually, we had plenty of time, we just thought we wouldn't! LOL!). Cab came, female driver, VERY helpful, had a bit of difficulty getting the ramp up, but did it with a bit of initiative, and we drove back to Kings Cross. Went to Burger King (or was it McDonalds?!) and had something to eat before our train set off. Went to Customer Services - closed! And it wasn't that late! So, we went to the train, there were staff members on it, but apparently it's more than their job is worth to help me on, eventually someone did offer to use their phone to call someone. Eventually they sauntered on to the platform like they had all the time in the world, and got me on. Train journey was uneventful, but at York there was no-one to help me OFF the train, for quite a bit. Luckily the train wasn't going anywhere else, but I didn't fancy sitting in sidings all night long, ta very much! Eventually someone came (again, like they didn't have a care in the world!) and got me off, but we had to make our own way to the taxi rank (thank you JULIE'S husband!). Got home, said goodbye to my friends, whose car was still there, and all in one piece! And then - went to bed! A lovely day was had by me!