UK Show Reviews and Michael Moments - 13

Thanks to Barbara Vaughn a.k.a. "Babzee" for helping us compile this page.

saw the show at the Nynex Arena in Manchester. Brilliant show and a great venue.May you all live long and prosper
David J Haines 195.232.23.152 <Flapper@Compuserve.Com>
Wigan, Lancs U.K. - Monday, February 09, 1998 at 14:19:43 (PST)

H i gang. Just got an email from Dave Godwin in the UK. He's unable to get onto the VB due to an "Eagle Eye Boss sitting behind him at work who watches his computer screen" therefore he asked me to cut and paste this message and post it for him. If you wish to email him you can contact me for the addy since he didn't say if he wanted me to post that. Here's what he said: "My disappearance on the VB is because my boss sits right behind me and watches me and my screen like an eagle. It really gets on my wick and one day I'm going to give him a black eye so he can't spy so much. Talk about 'Eye In The Sky'?. However, when I do manage get on the VB again, I want to ask the band if they can prove they are playing live. That is in no way an insult. It's just with so much pre-recorded music going on during the show, it is difficult (even though I am a musician myself but nothing like their standard) to actually tell what is PRE-RECORDED and what is LIVE? . I mean say just before the Jam,if one of the girls just chucked a couple of notes (although it would perhaps break the seamless perfection that Michael demands), it would convince the musicians in the audience that part are REALLY live.Even Michael could chuck a few 'tuning'note on his flute. I'm there (Nynex @ Manchester) on Thursday (12th Feb)and Saturday (14th Feb)and I could listen for it if they could get this message beforehand(and if they agreed of course). Jan, I may not be able to get on the VB before I go so could you possibly cut and paste this onto the VB for me? Only asking. Cheers, Dave Godwin"
Jan Boux 207.161.166.34 <jboux@escape.ca>
Winnipeg, MB Canada - Monday, February 09, 1998 at 13:27:42

Saw you last Saturday 7 Feb '98 at Manchester -- lost for adjectives -- brilliant, fantastic, wonderful
Mr P. Breadmore 194.168.72.177 <paul.breadmore@virgin.net>
Northampton, England - Monday, February 09, 1998 at 13:02:07 (PST)

On behalf of my flat mates and myself, may I congratulate Mr Flatley and his cast for a superb show on the 26rd January 1998 at Wembly Arena. The dance was fantastic as well as the singing. Well Done .
Russell Dominey 195.99.44.249 <rcdominey@LineOne.net>
Bristol, United Kingdom - Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 08:50:56 (PST)

I went to see LOTD in Manchester NYNEX on Friday February 6th, it was the best thing I've ever seen!!! I had a great seat, and everyone who performed were excellent!
Sharon Evans 193.63.207.110 <S.E.Evans.01@Trinity-cm.ac.uk>
Wales, U.K. - Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 08:34:16 (PST)

I went to see the show in Manchester, U.K. on Firday 6th February, it was excellent!!
Sharon Evans 193.63.207.110 <S.E.Evans.01@Trinity-cm.ac.uk>
U.K. - Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 08:20:49 (PST)

I have just seen the truely amazing show in Manchester at the weekend. Please don't tell me that Micheal is going to disappear after this tour? Surely there's another show ready in the making? It would be such a waste of such an amazing talent if this is the end fir 'lord of the dance'?
Verity Stead 130.88.200.15
- Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 04:44:33 (PST)

Well.... my turn finally came around! I booked my tickets last June to see LOTD on Saturday 7 Feb and it was definitely worth the wait! In fact, now I feel so deflated because I have been waiting for so long and now it's all over! The show was superb and there were a lot of changes since the first time I saw the show in Liverpool when the tour first started. I even bought another programme because it was different to the first one. I spent up in the merchandise shop! I want to wear my baseball cap for work but I don't think it would go down very well. Michael was on top form - winding the audience up and teasing the troupe. Mind you, we only got 3 encores and then they went. We probably weren't making enough noise to encourage them! The fireworks were a lot bigger and louder than last time and you could feel the heat from them on your face as they went off. (We were very close to the stage). A lot of the costumes and routines had changed also. The jamming session with Michael on his flute was brilliant. I've never seen him do that before! Well - the show finishes in Manchester this Saturday and it doesn't look like I'll be able to get another ticket. Never mind - I've got plenty of video's to watch. Anyone who is due to go to the Nynex this week will have a brilliant time!!! Word of warning : don't take your camera or video camera with you. I had mine with me and they took it off me because of copyright rules. You will have to leave it at customer services and then collect it on your way out. The show finished at 10pm but I waited around by the doors until 11.15 and still no sign of anyone coming out! I was the only person there so maybe I was standing in the wrong place??? Does anyone know where the best place to wait is or which hotel in Manchester they are all staying at? This week is my last chance to meet Michael and I want to make sure I do!! Speak to you all soon..........Yvonne
Yvonne Howden 194.201.32.7 <yvonne_howden@rockliff.co.uk>
UK - Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 04:31:18 (PST)

Fantastic Show loved every minute. Michael Flatley is wonderful!
Barbara Steen 193.119.186.22
- Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 03:47:33 (PST)

Hi gang, Have any UKVBers got a copy of last weekend's Sunday People? I believe there is an article on MF's voracious sex life (with pictures!) in it. That would give one reason why observers at Nynex say he's looking tired, 'appen! Anyway, yes I went to the show and was, of course, subject to a whole wave of 'funny' emotions etc. It maybe because I've listened to the CD so often plus numerous video plays plays joining you lot of the VB. When I say 'funny' I don't mean bad or anything like - more a great relief after waiting so long to see LOTD live. I'm so glad I am going another 2 times because it will allow me to more subject and give a more constructive report. One down I got from the first show experience was my girlfriend putting on the VB that Mr Flatley was 'lacklustre'. I'm afraid we fell out over that comment, especially after I'd paid for tickets! I would say that Michael lacks NOTHING,least of all lustre and that if anything was LACKING it was the audience. They just sat and politely applauded - nowt wrong with that (and I know from speaking to many,many non-VBers that each and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Then maybe, a contributory factor is the size of the Nynex areana. As I mentioned days ago, it is AWESOME and I am taking binoculars on Thurday night. We were on the floor section first time and 17 rows back from the front. However, one cannot see the floor (save thru the video camera's). Maybe being further back (and thus higher up) will be better. People who I have spoken to who were on these seats said they had no problem with sight at all (maybe I'm going blind?). Anyway, before I go, can make one little request? Jan has already done it for me but allow me to repeat. The music is superb (as is everything else) but as a musician, I honestly can't seperate the Pre-recorded sounds from the Live stuff. If, just before the Jam, one of the girls (or anyone in the Jam)can give us an impromptu note and say 'yes, these are real live notes' or something like that, I'm sure it give an extra buzz to the fairly lucklustre Manchester audiences. Am I being hard on anyone? No, just thankful and very appreciative of LOTD and all it has done and how it has brought many people together in the harsh world. P.S. Around 20+ people throughout the States will be receiving their copy of the M.E.N. soon. I still have a stomach full of gum from licking stamps and custome labels! Enjoy.
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GodwinD3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 02:35:05 (PST)

a fab show seen at manchester feb 8th. Much much better live than just watching the video Just Wonderful
joan pringle 195.194.18.252
- Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 13:01:51 (PST)

THE SHOW AT WEMBLEY WAS EXELLENT!
TRACEY LEHEUP 193.149.76.20
ST NEOTS, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 12:58:51 (PST)

I watched the show at Manchester on 8th February and I thought the whole thing was brilliant. Thanks
Sharon Morris 194.238.50.11 <sharonm@mckey.co.uk>
ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 09:23:54 (PST)

The show was absolutely brilliant. Well done.
Lorraine Catterall 194.238.50.12 <lorrainec@mckey.co.uk>
Scunthorpe, England - Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 09:17:27 (PST)

I recently went to see The Lord of The Dance at Manchester in England. I thourghly enjoyed it and would love to write to anybody who has similar interests. My Name and address: Anouska Mills 62 The Bridle Path Madeley Nr Crewe Cheshire CW3 9EQ England
Anouska Mills 194.216.76.253
- Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 04:36:22 (PST)

My family and myself went to see the show last night at the Manchester NYNEX Arena - It was too good to put into words. Everything I expected and more! Thanks for the entertaining evening you provided.
John Strong 195.232.28.185 <HoltBaldwin@Compuserve.com>
Manchester, UK - Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 04:07:52 (PST)

Fantastic show last night (10 feb) at Manchester. When does the movie come out ? I love you Michael
Jayne Parrott 194.222.127.233 <steve@dn35.demon.co.uk>
Cleethorpes, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 02:08:52 (PST)

Thanks for signing the Fire Brigade Helmet, January 17 1998 at Wembley Arena Hopefully all monies raised will go to this worthwhile charity, the Fire Brigades National Benevolent Society Keep up the good work
Michael Frattini 152.163.194.236 <frattini@aol.com>
Tunbridge Wells, Kent United Kingdom - Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 10:07:08 (PST)

i am a young boy suffering with cancer,and saw lord of the dance in manchester for my 19 birthday in 1998. i have not got much time left and one of my dreams was to see you and your dancers perform 'lord of the dance'. I want to thank you so much for coming to Manchester and making my dream come true. i enjoyed it more than words can explain and the atmosphere in the finale and encore had me in tears! thankyo again,you and your dancers gave me hope. jamie.
jamie benoliel 193.237.98.139
- Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 16:09:22 (PST)
 

Went to see at Nynex Arena Manchester. The show was absolutely amazing. Both lost for words. Has to be seen to be known and appreciated.
Jean and Catherine Hincks 193.149.73.207 <0161-431-5570>
Stockport, UK England - Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 16:01:48 (PST)

Saw the show last night (my girlfriend talked me into it) - and I must say I was VERY impressed! I had only seen the Riverdance on the Eurovision and was not impressed by the Riverdance Album - but - LOTD has it all, Great Music, Stunning Dancing and a bit of a story! A very enjoyable night as a result of a stunning show! Well done! Carl.
Carl Jarvis 195.44.21.21 <carljarvis@mcmail.com>
Bebington, Wir England - Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 11:37:19 (PST)

MY SELF MY MOTHER AND BROTHER WENT TO SEE YOUR SHOW AT THE NYNEX LAST NIGHT 11 FEB, WE JUST WANTED TO SAY IT WAS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS AND ALSO WE READ WHAT THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS SAID ABOUT THE SHOW ALL WE CAN SAY ABOUT THIS IS THEY HAVE A BAD CASE OF SOUR GRAPES. THANK YOU AND ALL THE VERY BEST. TIA HIBBERT(20) KIM ROYLANCE(42) AND SIMON ROYLANCE(12)
TIA HIBBERT 152.163.194.237 <KROYLANCE@AOL.COM.UK>
G.MANCHESTER, PRESTBURY - Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 07:37:38 (PST)

we went to see the show last week in manchester and although we must have had practically the worst seats in the house it was the best thing we have ever seen! The dancing was great, the lights were fantastic, the music was amazing and Michael Flatley? well what can you say? the whole thing was slickly produced and was the best night out at a show that I have had for a long time. well worth the wait since we booked last april! WHEN CAN WE SEE IT AGAIN?????????????????????????????????
Clare Tilbury 148.88.16.207 <C.tilbury@lancaster.ac.uk>
lancaster, england - Friday, February 13, 1998 at 05:29:40 (PST)
 

1st saw it on TV then I bought the video then the cd then managed to get tickets to see the show at Wembley on 20 Jan98. The show was exellent it gave me a high for the next two weeks. The part in the show where M.F plays the flute and he has the band on stage was fantastic I couldnt sit still.Now Ive joined the web and found this site I realise just how many people love the show no wonder it was so hard to get the tickets.I just hope I can go and see the show again and that it isnt M.Fs last tour.
Dave Jones 193.149.74.16 <daveanthonyjones@msn.com>
cambs, England - Friday, February 13, 1998 at 04:45:49 (PST)

I WENT TO SEE THE SHOW ON MONDAY 19 JANUARY IT WAS EXCELLENT. I'M MICHEALS BIGGEST FAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD. I'M AN IRISH DANCER MYSELF AND I WOULD LOVE TO BE IN HIS SHOW ONE DAY. I'VE GOT ALL THE LOTD MERCHANDISE AND IT TAKES UP THE WHOLE OF MY ROOM. I WANT TO SEE THE SHOW EVERY DAY BUT UNTIL I WIN THE LOTTERY AND BY MYSELF TICKETS FOR EVERY PERFORMANCE I'LL HAVE TO JUST PUT UP WITH THE VIDEO. MICHEAL IF YOU READ MY MESSAGE I THINK YOU ARE GREAT AND I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK FOR THE FUTURE AND MAYBE I'LL BE IN YOUR SHOW ONE DAY, UNTIL THEN SEE YOU LATER BYE CHARMAINE
MISS CHARMAINE SIMMONS 194.82.168.30 <CHARSIMM@AOL.COM>
DOVER, KENT ENGLAND - Friday, February 13, 1998 at 03:07:21 (PST)

hanks for a great show in Manchester. Good luck to all for the future. Can't wait for the next show.
Sally & Trevor Sutton 195.232.6.125 <TCSutton@Compuserve.com>
LINCOLN, UK - Friday, February 13, 1998 at 14:37:57 (PST)

We went to Lord of the Dance last night, at the Nynex Arena. (12/2/98)yOU WERE ALL WONDERFUL.a SPECTACULAR SHOW UNLIKE ANYTHING i HAVE EVER SEEN... You took my breath away....May you long continue, and I look forward to the next time.
Lynne Bowker 152.163.204.140 <bopeep8@aol.com.>
Manchester, UK - Friday, February 13, 1998 at 14:30:18 (PST)

Well here we (Brian & Vanessa and our children Daniel (9) and Adam (6) ) are at the Cyberia internet cafe in Manchester. It's the morning after the night before. We went to last night's LOTD show at the Nynex Arena. After a fairly hectic journey from London to Manchester by train, we rushed to our hotel, flew out the door and caught a taxi, arrived at the Nynex at 07:30, and then bolted down a "Burger King" meal before taking our seats. Phew ! - we felt exhausted before the show had even started. We were sitting 19 rows back on the floor in front of the stage. We knew that Jeremy and Annemarie would be there and we wondered whether we would be able to find them, but we were surprised to find that they were about about one row behind us to the left ! How 's that for a coincidence ? This was the first time we had taken Daniel and Adam to the show, they have watched the video lots of times, and were really looking forward to seeing it. This was also the first time we had seen the show anywhere other than the Wembley Arena and so it was a new experience for all of us. The Nynex is a much bigger venue than Wembley, and we were amazed at the sheer size of it. It probably holds 15-20 thousand people. We were glad that we had not got seats at the back high up with the gods ! The show was the usual spectacular that we are used to. Kelly was dancing the part of Morrighan, she really was superb, she puts so much energy and enthusiasm into it (You may have guessed that Brian is actually keying this in at the moment). Michael seemed to be enjoying himself and was getting a very enthusiastic response from the audience. Technically I (Brian) prefered the Wembley show, the sound and lighting seem better there, but from the point of view of the performance it was as exhilarating as ever. During the interval we chatted with Jeremy and Annemarie. The crowd went wild when Michael did his flute piece, it's probably because they only expect to see him dancing and are amazed to see how well he plays. Vanessa remembers at this point she glanced round at Annemarie and Jeremy and gave each other a appreciative smile. Adam and Daniel were enjoying the show, we had to tell Adam to calm down every now and again, he kept singing along with all the tunes, and was jigging about. He particularly enjoyed the part from Victory onwards. Daniel sat a bit more quietly but enjoyed it all the same. There was rapturous applause and the encore ended with the inevitable standing 'O'. After the show we had the usual high. Jeremy, Annemarie and ourselves headed for the stage door exit to wait for Michael and any other cast members who might show. There were a number of other fans there including a couple of young children who were dancers and wanted to get Michael to autograph their shoes. Daniel had drawn a picture of Michael and wanted to give it to him. Adam and Daniel also each had a present containing Belgian chocolates which they wanted to give Michael. Whilst we were waiting we heard an American accent, Jeremy said "Have you travelled far ?" and laughed. It turned out this was The Other Suzanne from Massachusets (sorry if the spelling is wrong!) who we didn;t know would be there. It was a good humoured crowd. We didn't get to see most of the Troupe because they got on a coach behind the gates. (Vanessa now continues the story whilst I slurp a Guiness - what else - Brian) While we continued to wait Berni came out and Brian asked to have his pic taken with her she was only to happy to. Brian explained this would make and old man happy( he's actually only 36). Later Suzanne said quick Vanessa there's Kerrie Connolly and Dearhbla Lennon over there so I shot over and asked for their autograph. There were a few others chatting whilst the girls were busy signing. While I was waiting the lady next to Dearhbla introduced herself and her husband to me as Dearhbla's parents, they are lovely people. Dearhbla's Mother is a Dance teacher and taught Kerrie as well.They had unfortunately missed the performance when Dearhbla had danced the lead instead of Bernie. This was due to them having to attend the World Irish Dance Championships. As a matter of fact she told me she was present when Michael won his title all those years ago, she went on to say that Michael always remembers her, Her husband (also called Brian) said they had met him back stage that night and both said how nice Michael is. They were obviously very proud of Dearbhla and rightly so - they have seen the show about 20 times. We were all in agreement that the show always looks so sharp. About this time Brian came over (having recognised Dearhbla) and asked if he could have his picture taken with her (2 in one night eh ?) which she agreed to. Dearhbla is another of Brian's favourites. He told her he likes the "wind up doll" piece and she smiled. We also took a picture of her with her parents (we will put these on our website when we get them). We also spotted a TV crew leaving. Turns out this was an interview for Belgian TV (MARIA please note!). We were feeling sorry for Adam, he was getting very tired and I think he wanted to go to bed. Fortunately Michael then appeared. We pushed the boys forward so that they could get their moment with him. Michael signed the dancer's shoes and eventually Daniel and Adam got to meet him. Adam (6) was first and shyly gave him the chocolates and started to walk off. Vanessa said "Adam - Michael wants to speak to you". Michael called him back and held his hand and said "Thanks - Did you have fun tonight - did you enjoy the show ?" Adam said that he had. Then it was Daniel's (9) turn. Daniel had drawn a picture of Michael dancing and handed it to him, at first Michael thought he wanted an autograph, but then said "Is this for me ?". Daniel said yes. Michael studied the picture for some time and showed it to Ashley and Emma in the car. He then said "That's very good - and shook Daniels hand. Daniel then handed him the chocolates and Michael said "Thanks Mate - Cheers". Daniel noticed the smell of Benini on his hand afterwards and now wants to buy some! The rest of the crowd then had their moments, and Michael then left. We then said our goodbyes, and told Suzanne we would see her for tonights show. We then headed back to the hotel - all exhausted after a long, exciting but tiring day. Love to you all Brian and Vanessa.
Brian and Vanessa 195.40.16.1 <brian@brivan.globalnet.co.uk>
Hemel Hempstead, England - Saturday, February 14, 1998 at 05:25:18 (PST)
 

I went to see the show in Manchester. Absolutely loved it. Keep up the excellent work.
Matthew Flood 194.168.67.20 <Matthew.Flood@Virgin.net>
Halifax, W.Yorks England - Saturday, February 14, 1998 at 11:33:11 (PST)

Went to see the show tonight (14.2.98) at the Nynex Arena - WOW!!! Only problem was the show ended too soon!!!
Sharon Roberts 194.207.0.96 <sharon.roberts@pipemedia,co.uk>
Stockport, England - Saturday, February 14, 1998 at 15:21:24 (PST)

A relatively short post - by my wife's standard, anyway ---- MANCHESTER SHOW 12 February........Got home from work - showered and changed - picked up tickets - picked up map - set off for Manchester - 1/2 mile up the road I turned round, went back home - picked up Linda from doorstep (NOT amused)...............Got to the Arena, parked and went in............ ......In the Arena it was down to the Front Row, with me, dead centre! .......Lights down - show starts nice and quietly with The Spirit and all of a sudden BANG! - the first of the pyrotechnics goes off right in front of me. ....After recovering from the shock I turned to check on Linda and all she smugly said was that she was fine because she was expecting it. - Thanks for the warning darling! A little later during her first solo dance the Temptress beckoned me to her, as she danced at the front of the stage. ..Just as I was about to leave my chair and climb onto the stage I felt a familiar hand restraining me from somewhere and the words "In your dreams, lover boy". ........................Strings of Fire was great as was The Lament and Jamming with other members of the Band and Micheal. Later on the Temptress winked at me during another solo (Linda thinks I imagined it - but *I* know!) .... The girls were all wonderful - Cora, Bernadette, Catriona, Cora, Helen, Anne, Mairead, Cora, and all the girls in the troupe, not forgetting Cora of course. ....... O yes, Michael and the lads were not bad either..... I look forward to Wembley next weekend, with 10 VB'ERS in the front row and me in the beckoning seat again I hope!........ I look forward to the following weekend when I'll get to meet some more of Linda's partners in crime, especially Marty and Phoenix who I've spoken to on the phone. ... I have to close now as my allotted time for the week on the Michael machine is used up. ..... Bob - or should that be UKBob or BobUK?
BOB 194.168.69.186 <r.servante@virgin.net> DERBY, UK - Saturday, February 14, 1998 at 17:23:47 (PST)

Good Afternoon Flatleyland. I'm sorry for this show post being a day late but we had a minor domestic disaster yesterday, in the shape of Mum taking a fall. She's ok, grazing to hands and elbows and signs of some magnificent bruises to come, but ok. She was badly shaken so I'm sure you'll forgive the late post as I spent time with her instead. // Before Thurs. night I'd only ever been to Manchester once before in my life and that was some years ago now. Bob, myself and about twenty other nut-cases, as church tower bell ringers, decided to ring the bells of as many churches in Manchester as we could in one day, an occupation known as 'tower grabbing' and frowned on by the purists of our art greatly. Purists can be a real pain in the behind, as Michael knows only too well, doesn't he? (G) I had to smile when the show started as, of course, that includes bells too. Am I destined to have a ding-dong of a time whenever I go to Manchester, I wonder? Groan....... sorry!! // Anyway, back to the beginning. Bob and I were walking down the concourse of Victoria railway station in search of the bar to meet up with Dave, when I was surprised to see Ashley Thirlwell cross our path and approach the booking office. I communicated my surprise to Bob that, as it was 7.20PM, shouldn't she be helping Michael either in or out of his clothes or something? He was taken aback until I explained that she was Michael's dresser! He laughed and said that he'd probably sacked her. NOT funny Bob, so I dug him in the ribs for all of us!! He asked if I was sure it was her and, although I wouldn't gamble my house on it, I'm 99.9% sure that it was. // We made our way to the bar and were horrified at the number of people in there, bearing in mind that we didn't know Dave from a bar of soap and all we knew was that he was a large man with a bushy beard! We got in the queue for drinks; we didn't want a drink but if there's a queue a Brit will surely join it, it's in our blood! No seriously, it was a good vantage point to stake out the bar and, sure enough, a man fitting the description was seated close to the queue. It turned out to be Dave, his girlfriend recognised me from Wembley pictures on a web-site. He gave me a copy of the 'MEN' (thanks again Dave) and we had quite a natter. I told him we were in the front row and do you know what he said? "But you won't see their feet." God bless him, that proves how new to all this he is, LOL!!! They're nice people, it's a shame that they're not coming to Wembley. I'm not sure what our American contingent would make of his, typically northern England, sense of humour but it certainly would be fun to find out, hey Dave?? LOL!! // I really didn't expect to like the Nynex Arena at all, I'm not sure why. Michele called me from there earlier in the week and said that she was dreading the remaining shows because the audience last Saturday were the worst she'd ever seen and she's been to many, many shows! Maybe that was in the back of my mind, I don't know. Anyway the arena is fabulous, very new and absolutely enormous! Unlike Wembley, it's circular and as I looked around, I couldn't believe how high up the seats rose, now I really *do* understand what you all mean when you've been talking about 'nosebleed' seats!! // We found our seats and I was alarmed to see that many of the front row seats were occupied by lads in their late teens drinking pints of beer. Now, it's hard to impress teenagers, right? Especially lads? I had visions of them sitting through the show determinedly hanging on to their street cred and being laid back or even completely indifferent to the whole thing. WRONG!! They were brilliant, God bless them!! Up on their feet *before* me at one point, clapping along in all the right places, cheering and totally lost in that wonderful experience that is Lord of the Dance! Anyway, I'm jumping ahead again. // Also in the front row were a young couple with two adorable little blond girls, aged about four and six. They were jigging away to Liam's CD and having a great time before the show started. I said to Bob that Michael would probably acknowledge them and he laughed and said, "Well he'll certainly notice them if she does THAT during the show!" I turned and had to laugh when I saw that the smaller child had the hem of her dress in her hand and was lifting it up right over her head repeatedly! A lady from security approached and, for one awful moment, I thought she was going to tell them to sit down. She wasn't, not at all. She told the girls they were very good and she'd probably see them one day up there on the stage. She had actually come over to warn their parents about the pyro's as she thought it might frighten the girls, wasn't that nice of her? Bob said that as we were talking about pyro's, had I noticed that one of them was aimed straight at me? "Yes", said he, "I managed to get your seat number back stage to Michael and *he* took it from there." If anybody's laughing at that comment, consider yourself 'glared at' by moi (G) I slapped his leg, hard, much to the consternation of the old lady sitting on my other side! // Showtime finally arrived and off we went. Michael made his entrance and got a good reception from the audience, but I inwardly groaned when I saw his make up. You know how he varies the blue make up on his face for COTC? Well, I'm afraid that last night I thought he'd gone way over the top and looked awful. Well, as awful as it's possible for Michael to look anyway, which, when I think about it, isn't awful at all really, LOL!! About a third of his face was blue. It's difficult to describe but, imagine the shape of a German Iron Cross and put Michael's eye at the centre of it. The top bar of the cross went right up to his hair line and was very wide, with the side bars just as big. The bottom one came right down his face, tapering off to a point, yuk! At the end of COTC I was delighted to discover that I was among friends. The people alongside Bob in the front row (including the lads I mentioned earlier) and a large group in the rows immediately behind us, all cheered and clapped loudly. For a split second I thought that some VB'ers had turned up! They turned out to be a great bunch and I thought what a shame it was that these people weren't on the internet. As I've said before, it's not common for Brits to have computers at home at all........ sigh. Michael held that finish position longer than I've ever seen before. The audience sensed that he wanted more and obliged accordingly, despite the fact that they had already cheered. The applause increased in volume and they cheered again which, at last, brought a grin from the great man. // Anne Buckley sang beautifully, as always, but her microphone was a big distraction. I'd noticed it before but on Thursday it really bothered me, it's just so BIG!! With today's technology, surely she doesn't have to hide her beauty behind that huge black 'ice cream cone'? I wonder if it might be some sort of comforter for her, maybe she's 'hiding' behind it a little? I know that we have at least one professional singer in our ranks and I'd be interested to hear her take on this and anybody else who has an opinion, of course. // Catriona danced as Morrighan and made Bob a very happy man but I'll let him tell you about that as he's promised/threatened? to make a post! // Strings of Fire was brilliant, as always. I had warned Bob that I was going to try and start people clapping so that he wouldn't be embarrassed if nobody else joined in. I needn't have worried, he was on best Flatspouse behaviour and as soon as Mairead and Cora started walking up the stage HE started the clapping off! The folks around needed no encouragement, as I've already said, and so it was no surprise to me when I glanced to the side and saw that all the audience within my vision right up to the back row were clapping along too. After sitting in the front row twice now, I'm convinced that the musicians play to that row. I think that, perhaps, they are the only people who can clearly be made out from the stage. Mairead and Cora, in particular, seem to be looking directly down at that row for most of their number. I let myself go, safe in the knowledge that the people around me were like minded and wouldn't think me strange at all. I was conscious that I had a big, soppy smile on my face and when the number finished I cheered and clapped my hands above my head. I was chuffed to bits with the reward I got. The girls took their bows and smiled there thanks to the audience and then Mairead looked directly at me, bowed her head, mimed "Thank you" and gave me THE most wonderful smile. It was like a warm hug and quite made my evening, I can tell you. Bob said that he wished he'd been on the receiving end of that smile. I think he was quite taken with Mairead, to be honest! // Do you remember me reporting that Michael had different trousers on for one show in Warlords? They had silver Celtic designs down the side, like his others. He hasn't worn them since and I think it must have been a one off. I watched him strutting around the stage and laughed to myself when I remembered something once said to me in e-mail. Do you remember when there was some fun on the VB about how tight those Warlords trousers are? Someone e-mailed me and said that, in her opinion, they were too baggy, LOL!! I've never forgotten that, it really cracked me up at the time and, after watching him on Thursday night, I'm totally convinced that he has to have an anaesthetic before he puts them on! Having said that, when he was dancing right in front of me at the head of the triangle of dancers, it was his face that I couldn't take my eyes off (REALLY!) His eyes are just SO very intense, they're like magnets and I just couldn't drag my gaze away from them, I don't even think I blinked until it was over. When Michael was flirting with Bernie I watched the lads doing their stuff and I could pick out all those who had entertained us so well at the 'magical Monday' party at Wembley. When I spotted the one who dropped his trousers and saw the straight face, concentrating so hard, I couldn't help but smile, remembering his rousing rendition of Great balls of Fire!! // At the end of LOTD we stood up, (we being the group whom I now thought of as honorary VB'ers) and the people behind were calling for "More!" I was disappointed that the people in the front row along side of me didn't stand but what can you do, short of dragging them to their feet. The lady was fairly elderly, so maybe I'm not being fair but the rest did not have that excuse. Bob and I agreed during the interval that Michael was not on top form. He was dancing well enough but his heart didn't seem to be in it. He, clearly, had something on his mind and was going through the motions. There was no spark, none of that HUGE energy that we're so very used to seeing. He was also VERY intense, even more than usual. You must understand that this is not a criticism, merely an observation and I thought long and hard before posting it. Some of you will think that I'm wrong to post it and some will think that it's not really what VB'ers want to hear. Some things are best left unsaid but I really don't see the point in making a show report which is badly inaccurate. // The flute jam went down a storm and the people around us LOVED it!! They, clearly, hadn't seen it before and weren't expecting it at all. I was thrilled by their reaction and thought back to the first time I saw it in Birmingham just a short time ago. The difference was that I was expecting it, longing for it even. Can you imagine the effect when it comes as a complete surprise? These people would have seen the video, I'm sure, probably several times but would have no idea about the new piece. I think the 'WOW' factor kicked in big time here! I know that Bob was blown away by it, but then he was pretty excited by the whole thing. // During Victory the tassels on Michael's headband slapped him straight across the eyes. He carried on dancing but screwed his eyes up briefly and was in obvious pain. When the number finished we all rose to our feet for a standing O and Michael stood there in that, now famous, pose with his arms outstretched to take the applause. It upset me greatly to see him screw his eyes up for several seconds whilst trying to keep his smile fixed. As he turned away to start presenting the cast for their bows he rubbed his eyes furiously to try and ease the pain, blinking hard several times before leaving the stage to prepare for Planet Ireland. On his return it was obvious that he'd ducked his head in the water bucket as his hair was soaking wet. The water sprayed everywhere when he whipped his head to each side. I don't know if he always does that for effect or if the cold water was used as pain relief. One thing I do know though, is that out of the eight shows I've seen, this was the second time that the tassels had hit him in this way, although the first time was nowhere near as severe. I, for one, would be delighted to see the demise of the tassels as Michael's eyes are the most beautiful part of him, windows to his very soul, and should be protected from an obvious danger such as this. He had to rub them several more times during the encore. By this time it was all a bit much for the younger of the little girls in the front row and she was sitting on her Mum's lap, sucking her thumb, with her head buried in Mum's shoulder but peeping out looking at the stage. When Michael went over to that side of the stage to ask if the audience wanted "One more time", he spotted her, pointed and said "I can s-ee y-aa." Mum was delighted but the little girl had no idea of what an honour had been bestowed upon her. That the Lord of the Dance, THE artistic genius of our generation, the great Mufasa himself had singled her out and spoken to her from the stage, from 'on high'. // On the way out Bob treated me to Liam's CD, which is playing as I type this. I love it and can thoroughly recommend it to anyone who hasn't heard it yet. We didn't wait for Michael as we had a two hour drive ahead of us and Bob was working the next day. We drove home and the only topic for conversation was the show. I don't know what Bob will post, he won't tell me and he's a man of few words, the strong silent type, but I know he enjoyed it very much and is looking forward to the two shows he still has to see. I still wouldn't call him an out and out Flathead but let's just say that he looks just a little more like Herman Munster than he did before! Next stop Wembley!
Linda 194.168.69.186 <r.servante@virgin.net>
Derby, U.K. - Saturday, February 14, 1998 at 17:26:52 (PST)

wonderful show, tonight in Manchester. I have seen the show before, but like the new parts, like the band on stage. Brilliant!! thanks to the whole troupe, including the technicians!
The Ullmann & Barnes Families 194.42.231.202 <Ullmann@Netcomuk.co.uk>
Leeds, UK - Saturday, February 14, 1998 at 17:15:41 (PST)

Hello VBers !!!, Brian and Vanessa here again reporting on the Valentines Day show at the Nynex Arena in Manchester. We have just arrived back home after our "Flatley Weekend", very tired but happy ! Last nights show had to be one of the most atmospheric and exciting ones that we have been to so far. The crowd and the troupe were obviously out to enjoy themselves, and we are really glad we were there with our children Daniel (9) and Adam (6). Before we arrived at the show, we had met Dave Godwin and partner Sarah for a pre show drink. (BTW Nice to have met both of you). Dave proudly showed us the interview which he has done with Ronan Hardiman for Buzz, a folk magazine with which he is involved. Back to the show, we were seated in more or less the same place as the night before, about 19 rows back from the stage. After the marvellous suspense created by the introduction, we were into "Cry of the Celts". Michael made his entrance to a rapturous applause and loud cheers, I have to say quite a lot of them came from our block. Vanessa had a couple of young women sitting next to her who were definitely as keen as us and yelling, whooping, and clapping in all the right places. Brian also had another keen older lady next to him who was also very enthusiastic. Michael's makeup was different, but Brian noticed something else was different (through his binoculars), there was a girls name written in blue on his right arm, that girls name was .... I'll tell you later!!!! The voluptuous Anne Buckly then did her first piece. She really sang her heart out. It's the marvellous blend of dancing, music, singing, lighting, and drama which must surely make LOTD the Greatest Show on Earth ! Then came "Celtic dream", I love Dearbhla's (got the spelling right this time !)portrayal of the Wind up Doll. Warriors was stirring as ever, and got further rapturous applause from the audience. I like the way Daire does that nod of approval at the end, he really acts the part well. Then of course, the lovely Kelly danced Gypsy, she really has got what it takes, and has added something very special of her own to this part. Strings of fire followed, I felt sorry for Cora, because when she played her opening notes, her microphone was not turned up, but being the true professional she is, she just gave that lovely smile of hers and carried on unflustered until it was put right. Both Cora and Mairead played brilliantly and the the audience gave them a wonderful applause. Then to Brians favourite part of the show - "Breakout" - Still love the emphatic throwing down of the clothes and letting down of hair, in a direct "Anything you can do we can do better" show of defiance to Morrighan. Now enter Michael, and what do we see ... he has a RED HEART on his right cheek (face! ). How appropriate for the day. He also handed Bernie a Red rose when he greeted her at the side of the stage (How romantic!). Then Michaels "Warlords" did their stuff, again much to the delight of the audience. Anne Buckley then sang her next song delightfully. Then followed the climax of the first half, the electrifying "Lord Of the Dance". After the interval we were into "Dangerous Game", and "Hells Kitchen". Once again Helen Egan was fabulous as the little spirit and those real tears were in her eyes again when she was trying to get Michael to mend her broken flute, I love the way Michael tenderly wipes the tears from her eyes. The wonderful Kelly then reappeared in "Fiery Nights". Then we came to point in the show were I think things really began to heat up. Cora and Mairead played the beautiful "Lament", I think this is amongst the best pieces in the score which Ronan Hardiman has written. Then ... The flute jamming session. Michael was again greeted with a magnificent response from the audience and I think nearly everyone was clapping along with the Michael and the band. The atmoshere was truly electric. After more rapturous applause it was "Siamsa" which once again was well appreciated. Anne Buckley did "Our wedding day", another beautiful song, which set the mood perfectly for Stolen Kiss. I love the "dagger" looks which Bernadette and Kelly give each other during this piece, and the cameramen really picked upon this. The final look from Kelly of unquestionable jealousy says it all, and seems to be the trigger for Nightmare as she points Michael out to the Don Dorcha and the Warlords. Nightmare is a masterpiece of drama in its own right, I love the way it builds up the point when Michael is despatched to oblivion by Daire. The thunderflash is truly deafening. The little spirit frantically tries to stop him at the last minute but it's too late. (I owe Vanessa 5 Pounds as I bet her that the little spirit was NOT on the stage at this point - I stand corrected and poorer!) Then Michael's greatest entrance as he is resurrected by the little spirit at the beginning of "The Duel". The applause was deafening. The look on Michael's face as he confronts Daire is classic. The audience were now really beginning to scream (including our children - Daniel and Adam). Michael finally vanquished The Dark Lord, and you could feel the the relief and joy of the audience as they showed their appreciation. And so on to Victory and Planet Ireland. The whole audience seemed to be clapping their hearts out and Michael was clearly moved by the response he was getting. At the end the sound was deafening with applause from the Standing ovation, screams, and footstamping to get the encore ... which duly came. The clapping along etc. to all this was so enthusiastic that you felt that there was no place on Earth you would rather be at the time. By now we were on the Adrenaline high that we normally experience at the end of the show, only this one was higher than ever! And then, unfortunately, the show was over, we all started chatting to people either side of us, all had enjoyed the show immensely. Wow !!!! - What a show. we felt exhausted, this show had been one of the greatest, it was a truly great Manchester finale. We allowed ourselves to come down for about 30 mins, and then headed for the stage exit to wait for Michael and the Troupe. Vanessa had a Valentine card and a small teddy which she wanted to give to Michael. There were a lot of people waiting. It turned out that many of them were families of the Troupe members waiting to meet them. Many of the troupe were heading home for their break. We were careful not to be too intrusive because there were a lot of private moments taking place. Brian did mange to get a photograph taken with Kelly though. She is such a lovely friendly girl, and she seemed to recognise Vanessa from Wembley. Once again we met up with "The Other Suzanne". There were a number of fans waiting for Michael though. Unfortunately Brian had to leave before Michael showed because Adam (6) was just too tired to wait around, he had just managed it the night before until 12:30 am, but poor thing - he was exhausted. Vanessa stayed behind with Daniel (9) and the others. Daniel wanted Michael's autograph. Bernadette made an appearance, and Daniel got her autograph and had a photo taken with her as well (A chip off the old block there Daniel !) People started to dwindle away, trains to catch or long drives ahead of them. So there were about 15 of us left, and we were all chatting and getting to know each other. There was a young man (from Chorley in Lancashire) who had met Michael last week and is now hoping to audition for LOTD in Feb, I wished him well. Another young girl from Derby, who was ill and who had been doing Irish dancing for a year, was keeping warm by doing her Irish Dance steps. Michael finally came out about 12.30 (Emma was sitting in the front next to the Driver, Ashley and Michael in the back). The Rolls Royce just stopped next to the gate which made it a bit of a squash for us all to get near. The security guard also stood right by the open window next to Michael which also made even less room. Michael signed autographs for the people there and the Security Guard started to say "is that the lot then?", I (Vanessa) frantically said "Oh please could Michael sign my Son's programme" as we just couldn't get near to Michael before then. Michael beamed at Daniel and signed it for him and said "There you go Buddy." The Security Guard seemed to be trying to usher us away, and I hadn't had an opportunity to pass my card and pressy to Michael, this I had to do via the Security Guard and the people in front of the open window. Michael said "Ah isn't that cute(referring to the tiny Teddy) and said "Thank You". He then waved to us all and said "Happy Valentine's Day everyone". The car then sped off into the night, hopefully taking him to a well earned break. Oh !!! we nearly forgot to mention the girls name on Michael's right arm in COTC .... It was ASHLEY. Roll on Wembley, Front row seats here we come !!! Love Brian Vanessa and Daniel and Adam.
Brian and Vanessa 194.126.87.72 <brivan@globalnet.co.uk>
Hemel Hempstead, England - Sunday, February 15, 1998 at 09:23:12 (PST)
 

GREAT SHOW !! AMAZING!!
CLARE 152.163.204.140
LIVERPOOL, - Sunday, February 15, 1998 at 09:50:43 (PST)
 

Was the view @ N.E.C OR Manchester any different than that @ Wembley,i.e is the seating any higher so that the people on the floor can see all the dancers feet. Its a fantastic show if you have not seen it live you must put it on the top of your must do list.
Dave 193.149.81.249 <daveanthonyjones@hotmail.com>
England - Monday, February 16, 1998 at 03:48:47 (PST)
 

Hi gang - I'm back and am now 3 LOTDs wiser! I Know this is peanuts compared to some VBers but I know, for a fact, that I am 3x wiser than I was after having experienced the first one. Having just read Vanessa's & Linda's superb and extremely comprehensive reports there is not much I can add except to add my thanks to Vanessa's husband Brian for giving me the hint about binoculars (especially for the Nynex shows). I can also add that I am so glad I booked 3 shows instead of just one because there are so many people I know who just went to the one and came away with a fixed impression of LOTD for the rest of their lives. What I mean by this is there is no way anyone can soak all the show in one. Even after 3 I feel I only scratched the surface of an extremely dynamic, colourful, talented couple of hours and to those(few) I know who were not that impressed, they must have missed a whole load of things. And if they go round their lives like that, well.........? I will write more when I get time....even now I'm still getting my thoughts in order. Thanks to those who have acknowledged their receiving the Manchester Evening News copies.
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GodwinD3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Monday, February 16, 1998 at 04:18:01 (PST)
 

** ATTENTION BRITS!! ** Michael will be appearing LIVE in the studio tomorrow on "This Morning". Guess that answers Caeri's question as to where he is as the studio is in London. Setting up the new house, maybe? ALL - I don't know if this is old news or not but I know that, where LOTD info is concerened, I would sooner be told twenty times than have everybody assuming that someone else has already said it and not be told at all, so here goes!! I've received a copy of the Irish Independent, Weekender supplement dated Nov 1st 1997 and it has an interesting and exciting tid-bit in it. I can't transcribe the whole article for you because some of it is missing thanks to a careless photocopy attempt by a friend of a friend (GRRRR!!) "......Even if next summer's Flatley love-in at Croke Park, currently under negotiation, is his Irish swansong and the farewell gig he's suggesting, this is one dancer who'll never willingly abandon the euphoria of standing ovations. The Dublin show, by the way, is already being lined up for filming so it can be included in 'Dream Dancer'. Not only the prospect of another video of the show but, if the camera's turn on the audience at all, we could all be movie stars, LOL!!! On a personal note, I'd like to thank everybody who took the trouble to e-mail or post a message to Bob, he really was chuffed to bits! Apparently he told everybody at work this morning that he'd had a personal letter from the Prime Minister and they were most impressed, believing him to mean Tony Blair, of course, LOL!! He wasn't at all convinced that anybody would be interested in what he had to say but has now promised that next time he'll take a little more time and trouble to "Do a better job"! And to the person who suggested that he should call my Michael Machine HIS Gillian Machine? Well, I'll deal with you next week at Wembley and you'd better learn to duck! (G)
Linda 194.168.64.17 <r.servante@virgin.net>
Derby, U.K. - Monday, February 16, 1998 at 13:12:13 (PST)
 

If anyone is coming over to the shows at Wembley next week and want to meet up with us could you drop us an email (would appreciate it,even if you have done so already) so we know who to look out for at the Hilton, on what dates. Thanks alot look forward to seeing you all. Love Vanessa and Brian.
Vanessa and Brian 194.126.86.197 <VB@brivan.globalnet.co.uk>
Hemel Hempstead, England - Monday, February 16, 1998 at 15:07:38 (PST)
 

I myself am an Irish dancer and have seen the show twice at the NYNEX Arena in Manchester, it was fabulous !!
Rosemary Gratton 129.215.250.28 <9632505.mull@sms.ed.ac.uk>
Edinburgh, Scotland - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 02:42:43 (PST)
 

Whew - that was good. Just nipped out of work to the nearest pub and saw MF on the THIS MORNING TV programme. The funny thing was that it was delayed a couple of minutes while we watched LIVE the Queen Mother(97) coming out of hospital after her second hip replacement operation unassisted......and it was said that it looks as if she will be getting back into her Scottish Dancing soon! Anyway, back to the Irish form and MF looked immaculate in the studio. He said he'd just flown in from Dublin where him and his staff had arranged for a show(or was it two?) accomodating a 40,000 audience! He also said they had just added another extra night to the Wembley shows 23rd Feb Monday 'cause the rest were sold out! I reckon that one will be full up very soon. Indeed Michael reckoned(in the nicest possible way) that half the tickets will have gone by the time he gets back to his London office at dinnertime! He also mentioned (after being asked) that his legs were insured for £25 million. After further questions (one of which was EACH LEG?) he said no, it was in fact £25 million FROM THE WAIST DOWN! They also showed 2 clips from the video and it made a very nice short interview very enjoyable to watch. Wait for other UK VBer reports any second nows. Oh, almost forgot - Michael also dispelled this morning's report in the Sun newspaper that he was retiring soon - he said 'NOT YET'
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GODWIND3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 03:55:24 (PST)
 

More on the THIS MORNING interview with Michael. It was also nice to hear Michael confirm my thoughts in an earlier report i.e. that 'once' isn't just enough (depending on your wallet of course) because it is such a dynamic production. Indeed Michael said that every dance is DIFFERENT (albeit slightly) because it keeps the dancers "fresh". I seem to have a slight touch of that feeling you get at the end of a show! I suppose LIVE on TV is the next best thing. P.S. Last thing before I shut up - Michael also explained some of the mechanics etc behind his successful World Record attempt at the fastest taps and when Richard tried to work out what type of taps did Michael use to get the record(35 taps per sec), Michael replied "EVERYTHING I'VE GOT" slumping slightly back into his seat and arms outstretched(I think). Nice body language for the ladies to enjoy there(I think). Just realised something - although I might be slow with my show report (for what it was worth), have I made a world record with my TV interview report?
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GODWIND3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 04:31:51 (PST)
 

The sun is truly shining here after a lovely eyeball of Michael on ITV's This Morning programme. How he keeps up his schedule I'll never know, although he admitted that his best way to fitness was to just keep on dancing! Yes, of course he's retiring - but maybe in around 20 years time!! Another Wembley night added now for 23/2 and the box office switchboard is jammed. I thought that Michael looked facially weary but that smile and laugh was as wide awake as ever and the thought of US$25 million insured from the waist down, well, too much for a Tuesday morning! I do hope the other UK VBers caught the interview this morning - a great bonus during this fantastic tour.
Margaret Forrest 193.130.246.134
Markyate, Herts, - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 04:40:27 (PST)
 

Just saw M.F on this morning,thanks to everyone who made me aware he was going to be on as I didnt know untill late last night.on the show Michael said he had put another show on on feb23 so I lept out of the chair & got on the phone to the box office after about half an hour I got through but there was only limited view left & they reckon the tikets had been on sail for some time,anyway I managed to get tickets for the 22nd of feb instead,this time we will be right at the back of the arena which we dont mind as last time we managed to get seats in the secound row.The time will now go realy slow now.This is a great web site and I read the V.B evry day.See you all in the morning.
Dave 193.149.77.72 <daveanthonyjones@hotmail.com>
England - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 04:45:12 (PST)
 

Margaret, not whinging but just so other VBers know, he definitely said 25 million POUNDS which, I reckon is more than $40 million!
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GodwinD3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 04:48:37 (PST)
 

HOT NEWS!!!!!! AT LAST DATES FOR DUBLIN ARE ANNOUNCED!!!! Lord of the Dance will perform at the RDS in Dublin on June 26th and 27th this year!!!!!!!! Tickets are on sale after 28th February. But these will not be the last shows as far as I am aware, as the UK press is reporting that Michael Flatley will retire from the show (and let someone else take over) sometime in July, probably in London. The RDS holds somewhere near 40,000 so these will be two massive shows! Check my site to keep up to date!
Jeremy Gartland 194.176.64.187 <jeremy@gartland.octacon.co.uk>
Cleveland, England - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 04:48:57 (PST)
 

Have just reviewed my recording of Michael's interview on This Morning and yes Dave, it was 25 million pounds (not US$) that Michael said was the insured value of himself from the waist down! I stand corrected and even more in awe of Michaels' statistics than before!!
Margaret Forrest 193.130.242.204
Markyate, Herts, - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 05:42:45 (PST)
 

Thanks Margaret - mind blowing isn't it? On the subject of statistics, can anyone work out how much of each £1 ($1) we, as customers pay to see a show or programme or tee-shirt etc, actually gets to Michael to buy his pint of Guiness? Now this WILL take some working out but surely one of his accountants has got that info on his spreadsheet somewhere in a PC. Only asking?
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GODWIND3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 06:30:33 (PST)
 

FROM TODAY'S IRISH TIMES: A tigerish Flatley is bound for the RDS: However, he refused to say whether he would be hanging up his dancing shoes At a press conference in the POD nightclub on Harcourt Street, Dublin, to announce the shows on June 26th and June 27th, the "Lord of the Dance" demanded a great leap of faith from the assembled media, saying only that he was "feeling like a tiger" and was taking things "one day at a time". Flanked by the show's promoter, Jim Aiken, and publicist, Chris Roche Flatley parried questions about his plans, saying: "When I'm ready to tell you what I'm going to do, I'll tell you." He did not comment on rumours that he was going to retire after the show's current tour and he declined to elaborate on speculation that he was about to embark on a film career. Of his plans for this year, he said: "I've had offers from the White House and the British royal family. The schedule seems to be filling up quickly. We have a second company up and running in the US, and they've just sold out Radio City Music Hall. Soon we'll have a third company to perform in Las Vegas in May." He promised that the two Irish dates, in the outdoor RDS Showgrounds, would be "bigger, better, brighter and more exciting" than his previous shows at The Point. Lord Of The Dance is currently playing for a record-breaking 27 nights in London's Wembley Arena. "Coming back to Dublin is great. I feel proud - here is where it all started for me. I brought it up with the other dancers and there were lots of tears in their eyes. They want to come home and perform." When asked why he had previously said that Lord Of The Dance would not be returning to Dublin, he said: "I was under a lot of stress at that time - I had just had an exhausting tour of Australia and I didn't want to make promises I couldn't keep." Elaborating on the illness which put him out of action for part of his Australian tour, he said: "I had a chest infection which developed into pneumonia. That's because I was stubborn and kept dancing against medical advice." He said he was now fully recovered and fit and ready to keep dancing. "I'm feeling like a tiger," he said. Since its debut in Dublin in July 1996, Lord Of The Dance has grossed close to $100 million, played to over two million people worldwide and was the top-grossing show in the US last year. The video has also done well, selling 2.5 million copies in Australia alone. As he high-stepped out of the Harcourt Street venue, he seemed quietly confident that up to 30,000 fans would watch him dance on "home turf" one last time. (CLICK ON MY NAME TO GO DIRECTLY TO THIS ARTICLE...but I've included all of it here for you.)
Karen, FOF 204.71.8.43 <k_fof@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 08:57:01 (PST)
 

Many of you have been writing to us and asking who the ASHLEY we mentioned in our post on Sunday is. Well for those who don't know she is Michael's dresser Ashley Thirlwell. For those of you who didn't see our post, Michael appeared on stage at the Nynex Arena on Valentines Day in Cry Of The Celts with "ASHLEY" written on his right arm. Glad to see the news about the shows in Dublin. Look forward to going there !!! Love Brian.
Brian 194.126.87.162 <brian@brivan.globalnet.co.uk>
Hemel Hempstead, England - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 10:28:07 (PST)
 

Hello! Everyone is talking about the interview with Michael Flatley on UK TV today - if you missed it or are not in the UK you will be pleased to know I have added the interview to my site. So, if you would like to hear the interview (yes - listen to it!) go to my site and click 'other stuff'!! I'd be interested in comments on the interview and the audio system I've used.... if most people get good results I will add some more audio clips to my site! Roll on Dublin in June - we'll see you all there!
Jeremy Gartland 194.176.64.152 <jeremy@gartland.octacon.co.uk>
Cleveland, England - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 13:33:47 (PST)
 

Having been doing my VB duty for the past several hours in typing up a transcript of the interview shown here this morning for you to see, you'll appreciate how sick I felt when logging on to the VB and seeing Jeremy's message saying that he has the audio available on his site! Never mind, on the assumption that you might want a hard copy for your files, I'll post it anyway, as it's typed. Oh well, I daresay it'll give some a great deal of pleasure and a good belly laugh, anyway. (And I've a good idea who!) Heading off now to throw up and eat a great deal of chocolate, not necessarily in that order! ------ Transcript of "This Morning" interview with Michael Flatley shown on nationwide TV here in the UK today. I need to quickly explain something so that you'll understand what Michael means when he refers to it in his interview. At the start of the show they had a troupe of Flamenco dancers on and the star is only twelve years old. They performed and then, for some fun, two of the stage crew (men) dressed up in Flamenco costumes (one as a female) to be put through their paces. The idea was that they would have an hour's lesson and then dance for the cameras. Well, Michael came on to say "Howdy" and meet the young dancer. He made complimentary remarks about his attitude etc and then had a good laugh with the two stage hands about their costumes. He, clearly, thought it was a hoot! Everybody was very relaxed and laughing. The show's host, Richard Madley, asked Michael if it was true that he was retiring. Still LOL, Michael replied "Well I might do, depending on how this interview goes!" He looked HOT! Black shirt with white buttons done right up to the top, no tie, over a black suit. Beautiful clothes which fitted our beautiful man to perfection, yummy! Ok, here goes with the interview a little later in the show. (RM) Richard Madley, (JP) co-host, Jenny Powell and (MF) I don't know, some dancer or other with a funny accent (G) ------ JP - "Now, one of the papers today says that Michael Flatley is going to retire. (Pulls face and takes sharp intake of breath) So could we be seeing the last days of stuff like this?" (Cuts to COTC) RM - "We'll see some more later, actually, we've got loads of clips. Do you ever get bored with it now?" MF - "No, I love dancing, it's what I was born to do, it's my favourite thing in the world, you know?" RM - "So even though you're doing the same routines, I know you alter them a bit, but after fifty times, aren't you thinking....... 'sigh, oh yeah, I've got to go round here now, yawn.'?" MF - No, it's really not like that, I mean, I suppose, maybe in different shows, if you're doing the same thing over and over, but this changes all the time, we're constantly updating and changing it and adding new things. I mean, that's how we keep the dancing and all the dancers fresh." RM - " How do you steer clear of injury, I know you hurt yourself and you had to get back to fitness very quickly, but with all that strain, particularly on the knees, how do you keep fit?" MF - "Just prepare constantly, warm up enough and the most, believe it or not, the best way in the world is to keep busy, dance all the time, dance all the time." JP - " Are your legs insured, they must be?" MF - " They are, yes they are." JP - "How much are they insured for?" MF - "£25,000,000" JP (incredulously) "EACH!?, EACH!? PER LEG!?" MF (laughing) "Technically, it's everything from the waist down." JP - "Oh, wow! £25,000,000, ok!" RM - "So if you're ever short of money, you just have to get a hammer and WOP!! (mimes smashing hammer down on leg) MF (laughing) "That's right, call in Tonya Harding or somebody and make a deal!" RM (laughing loudly) "Whoa Hoa! Nice one!!" (huge laughter all round) MF - "Should I have said that? No, just kidding!" JP - "When I watch you dance, I mean, to me, you're an athlete or better than an athlete, would you say the same?" MF - "Well, it's nice of you to say that. What we do is definitely very difficult, very strenuous on the body. I mean, certainly, thinking about the number of shows we do in a year, we do more than any touring group in the whole world. I mean, er, we're doing twenty two nights at Wembley Arena, in fact we just added Monday 23rd, it just went on sale this morning and that's a lot of work to do in a row, constantly. But, er, it's the best way to keep fit. (Transcriber's note. The 23rd has been on sale for a while now. It, obviously, hasn't sold out yet and so Michael told a porky to plug it.) RM - "How soon before that sells out then? If you opened it up this morning, what, by the end of play today?" MF - "Uuum, it's anybody's guess. I'll probably check the box office at noon now and, I'd say, we'll be, at least, half way there, but, er, all the other shows are gone so they'll probably go real fast now." (RM then establishes with Michael that the best way to get seats is to ring Wembley direct) JP - "So it's all going so humungously well, is there any truth in the rumours then?" MF - "What rumours?" RM - "Yeah, The Sun says that you're retiring. Big story in The Sun this morning that you're out." MF - (laughing) Oh, is that what The Sun says?" RM - "True or false?" MF - Well, er, yes, I'm retiring but, unfortunately, you have to give twenty years notice in my business!" (all laughing loudly) RM - "That's an Irish answer, come on, give us a straight one, are you retiring or just resting or what?" MF - "No, I'm not retiring in the near future. I just flew in this morning from Dublin, Ireland. We had a press conference there and we're having two major shows, er, 40,000 people per night in the RDS in Dublin. Because all the cast, or a lot of them, are Irish and they want to go home and have a big, BIG final night there and then, er, we've had offers, everything from the White House and some of the Royals over here and we're going to S.Africa, Tokyo, a whole bunch of different places. (RM says in the background, "You're NOT retiring then") How long I'll stay with it, I'm not exactly sure, but, you know, watching that young man dance earlier on brings me to the point that there're so many fabulous youngsters coming up. Daire Nolan, John Carey, Damien O'Kane, some great guys that are following me that are stars in their own right, they deserve a chance too, you ought to see those guys." JP - "But a lot of it is down to you. I mean, I'm a great fan of dance and, er, am just totally inspired by people like yourself and there are a lot of young people out there who have also, obviously, been inspired by you, which is really good." MF - "It's exciting." RM - "Did you, in that period when you were, sort of, in eclipse, when it all went wrong with Riverdance (you've talked about that loads of times, you won't want to again) and you were setting up LOTD and looking for dancers and training them up, were there ever moments when you thought 'This isn't going to work, actually, i can't do this, I can't pull this off, what if it goes wrong.' " MF - "Well, I mean, it's like that in anybody's business. I mean, there's many times you get up and it's the twelfth round and you have to face the guy and you're thinking 'I know I'm behind on points, am I going to be able to pull this out of the hat?' But that's when you dig deep, you go inside of yourself and you count on yourself and if you believe in yourself you can do anything. There was a lot of times like that, sure, I mean there's no point in lying about it, certainly there was, but I always believed I'd be able to do it and, in the end, I did." RM - "The opening night, which was a triumph, an absolute triumph and everybody was there to see you fall on your face and you didn't. That must have been one of the greatest nights of your life." MF (who had been nodding all through this statement) "There's no question about it. Opening night in Dublin we got five standing ovations, uumm, I was one of the proudest people in the world that night, (RM in background - "I'll bet you were") I cried my eyes out in the dressing room afterwards and, er, going back to Dublin at the RDS is going to be a big return for us. But, also, I must say that I'm endlessly proud of this world record at Wembley Arena because so many of us are from England here, as well. My tour director, Martin Flitton, a lot of the crew are from London, so it's kinda like home for us. You know when we came to England we didn't know what to expect here in Wembley and they opened their arms and gave us fabulous receptions." RM - " Well, let's have a look, we've got about 45 seconds here of just you, no one else on the stage." (Michael LOL at this for some reason?) (Cuts to solo from COTC) RM - "You kind of put gravity onto half power, don't you? (Michael laughs) Gravity only works at about half strength when you start dancing." MF (smiling gently, obviously touched) "Thank you for saying that." JP - "You know, you say about breaking records at Wembley but you've broken another record, haven't you?" MF - "That's right, just recently, on the day after Superbowl Sunday, we had a big Superbowl party for some of the Americans in the cast and the next day I decided, er, I was so fired up watching the Denver Broncos, I decided I'd give it a whirl and try and break the world record for tap dancing and, infact, I did. I did 35 taps in a second, (JP gives a sharp intake of breath) here, I brought my shoes along. RM (incredulously) "In a SECOND!?" JP - "In those?" MF (picking up shoes) - "Yeah, these are custom made shoes by Ried's (sp) of London, here. The toe pieces are made in New York City and the heels were designed by British Aerospace, they're also custom made." RM - Are they steel?" MF - They're aluminium, high tech aluminium...... but, er, 35 taps in a second, that's the new record now." RM (takes a shoe) "Now Michael, is that (taps shoe on table, heel toe, heel toe) or is it (taps just toe on table, very quickly) which is it?" MF (laughing) "Are you trying to break my record?" (I LOVED the sound of that, 'my' record, it made me feel so proud of him) (Much laughter from all three) RM - "NO! I mean, is it heel toe tap or...... (Michael interrupts, still laughing) - "I'm remembering that little guy, how long will it take me to teach YOU how to dance!?" RM (laughing and tapping toe of shoe on table ) - "So tell me, tell me is it that?" MF - "No, it's just everything I got, as fast as I can go." RM - "I see, the whole lot. So how do they count 35 in a second? Do they film it and then roll the film slow?" MF - "Yeah, we have to have computers, you have to have DAT?? (couldn't catch what he said) tape because it has to be absolute. Then they have to count it visually, one tap at a time and we also had to have those 15-20 people there from accountants and lawyers to dignitaries to all those guys with the big titles and they all had to sit there, one by one , and count each tap to make sure it was unanimous." JP - "It must be bizarre to have so much attention on your feet!" MF (laughing) "Yeah!" RM - "What was it before? What record did you beat?" MF - "Uuumm, I believe it was 30 or 32 taps?" (transcibers note - it was 32) RM - "Oh, so well ahead then?" MF - "Mmmm, yeah, yeah." RM - "Blimey!" MF - "We did alright." RM - "Well, congratulations and...... " MF - "Thank you very much." RM - "It's good to know you're not retiring." JP - "Yeah, PHEWEE!" MF - "Well, not in the NEAR future anyway, but I hope you come to Wembley Arena, please be my guests, especially for Monday 23rd." JP - "Lovely!" RM - "In fact, if you want to ring now for tickets, here's the number for the box office." (much laughter as Richard can't read it and Michael helps out while Jenny offers Richard her glasses) Interview ends with RM - "Ok, good luck with it anyway and thanks for coming in." MF - "Thank you very much, cheers." ------ END Something's worrying me here. Did you notice in the Irish Independent article that Karen transcribed (thanks Karen) that it says that Michael parried questions about the movie? And there wasn't one mention of it in the TV interview either? What gives? He's been pushing the movie in every interview for, I don't know how long. He's never avoided questions about it before. I hope to God that he's not in any kind of trouble with it, uummm.
Linda 194.168.124.31 <r.servante@virgin.net>
Derby, U.K. - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 14:55:53 (PST)
 

Saw the show at Ninex arena, Manchester.3rd Feb. WOW. changed my life! Want t see it again. And again!
JUDTH D'VAZ 152.163.195.88 <SQUIDGI@AOL.COM>
- Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 17:25:40 (PST)
 

Postscript to the "This Morning" transcription. After the adverts Richard Madley made the point that Michael can tap faster than an Ouzzi can spit out bullets. Oh, and uumm, Michael was wearing his shirt UNDER his suit, not over it! This was, of course, a deliberate mistake on my part (G) Have eaten some chocolate, drunk some rum, spoken to Vanessa, who cheered me up ENORMOUSLY (thanks pal), and had a cuddle with Bob which cheered me up even more. Ah...... the understanding of Flatfriends, what can I say...... sigh. Oh, I didn't throw up, btw. Decided not to waste the rum and chocolate. Ok, ok, I'm sorry! I have an eleven year old son and most of our conversation centres around bodily functions at the moment, what can I say!?
Linda 194.168.63.219 <r.servante@virgin.net>
Derby, U.K. - Tuesday, February 17, 1998 at 17:30:50 (PST)
 

Having produced the headline 'LORD OF THE DO$H' the UK newspapers i.e. The Sun, has printed 'BORED OF THE DANCE' which I haven't got time to transcribe....yet. However, in the THIS MORNING interview of which Lynda did such a brilliant job of, you can see that he catagor...(lost that spelling)denies it. I will send photocopies to people with those who yet haven't received the Manchester Evening News. Stay cool, I'll try!
Dave Godwin 193.113.57.20 <GodwinD3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 01:51:39 (PST)
 

The SUN newspaper - Tuesday Feb 17th ****BORED OF THE DANCE*** "I'll quit the stage this summer" says Flatley. by Dominic Mohan, Showbiz Editor & Ally Ross. Lord Of The Dance Michael Flatley has stunned fans by announcing he is to hang up his shoes and quit the stage. Heartthrob Michael, 39, will stop touring in July to concentrate on his Hollywood movie career. The star, who has made an estimated £60 million fortune, dropped his bombshell during a press conference in Ireland when he admitted his current string of dates will be his last. Speaking in Dublin, he confirmed he will perform twice there in June and call it a day soon afterwards. He said: "I can only say that this is the last time I will perform in Ireland." "I'm just not sure to be honest with you how long I will be performing live". Michael's last ever show will probably be in London in July, his spokesman predicted. The aide said: "It is unlikely he will perform live again after that". Michael wants to move in a different direction and is keen to concentrate on his acting career. It was a difficult decision but he feels he needs a fresh challenge. He has a number of projects in the pipeline and is looking at options in Hollywood." Irish American Michael was a Chicago ditch digger before joining the hit Riverdance show . His parents had paid for him to have dancing lessons from the age of 11 and he was a world champion at 16. He quit Riverdance in 1995 and masterminded his own hugely successful Lord Of The Dance production. The Sun told how four Las Vegas casinos have offered him millions to set them up a permanent version of his show. Well, folks that's the Sun report for you! Re-read Linda's transcript of MFs THIS MORNING interview again to steady your nerve.
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GODWIND3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 06:15:34 (PST)
 

Just a thought - I wonder if that world record of 35 taps per second was recorded? From what MF said in the THIS MORNING interview it MUST have been, albeit at extremely high speed. There must be a version of it somewhere - pity they didn't show it on the programme. Now that would have been sensational! Will find time in the next couple of days to give you the transcription of MY interview with Ronan Hardiman. It is quite prophetic on reflection???
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GODWIND3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 07:42:49 (PST)
 

taken from the recently printed BUZZ magazine which specialises in the folk music world of the North-West of England. Besides the interview with Ronan Hardiman, there are lots of other articles about musicians and singers and folkie events etc. It is brilliant value at just £1 and I'll send you one if you want one. Margaret RainbowWeb has got one in South Australia because she sent me a load of photocopies of press cuttings featuring Michael. She may tell you what she thinks of it.....or she may not.... RONAN HARDIMAN in conversation with Dave Godwin.****In February 1998 Lord Of The Dance returns to Manchester(Nynex). Many of us folkies have watched the rise(the fall is yet to happen but I reckon Michael Flatley is well prepared) of the dancing phenomenon which has 'globalised' Irish traditional dancing and music at a rate even the INTERNET has yet to achieve! The brilliance of Michael Flatley may leave a puzzled mind in its wake, but as a musician of our local folk scene I have searched for something which I can relate to. That comes in the form of Ronan Hardiman, the man who was chosen from a wealth of composing talent to 'synergise' (business term) with Michael. (Riverdance didn't manage it!) By the time you read this, Lord Of The Dance will be sold out, but enjoy the reviews - I think this will be the last chance to see such 'live' energy....then the INTERNET will supercede. Now, over to Ronan HArdiman, who lives in Dublin.... DAVE: How is LOTD doing? RONAN: A year in the life of Ronan Hardiman! Whew! The Lord Of The Dance album is currently number one in the U.S. Billboard World Music Chart - platinum in Australia, gold in New Zealand, silver in the U.K. The Lord Of The Dance video has sold in excess of three million copies world-wide. The show itself is currently the biggest grossing touring show in the world. DAVE: How did you get involved? RONAN: The last fifteen months have been such a roller coaster of hightlights; I'm trying to remember how it all began for me. The first few months of 1996 were going particularly well for me career wise. In January, the theme music I composed for a high profile TV campaign for the Irish National Lottery had been released as a single and had gone Top 30. In February, the feature film My Friend Joe for which I composed the score won the prestigious Crystal Bear award in the Berlin Festival. Some months beforehand I had heard through the industry grapevine that Michael Flatley was planning to produce and star in his own dance show. I duly submitted a CV and showreel to his management and periodically telephoned to check developments. In the meantime a series of newspaper reports mentioning the involvement of a variety of composers including Andrew Lloyd Weber, Van Morrison and Phil Coulter. My assumption was that Michael was keen to commission a composer with an established international profile. The call from his management requesting a meeting therefore came as somewhat of a surprise. DAVE: Then waht happened? RONAN: We met at the Westbury Hotel, Dublin, where Michael was staying. The chemistry was immediate. He explained how my music conjured up strong images in his mind. He then went on to describe his vision for Lord Of The Dance - the more animated he became in his description of the various scenes, the more I began to actually hear the music.*****Will finish this off tomorrow if you want - it's getting a bit big for the VB, sorry. Just going to the Post Office to collect Ronan's latest CD SOLAS.
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GODWIND3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 08:42:33 (PST)
 

We saw Lord of the Dance at the Nynex,Manchester.....BRILLIANT
robert hancock 195.232.10.159 <113174.3044@compuserve.com>
manchester, United Kingdom - Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 11:04:51 (PST)
 

Did anyone see Michael on "Good Morning" yesterday???? HE'S NOT RETIRING!!!!!
Vikki 152.163.213.249 <Vixen1409@aol.com>
worcs, England - Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 11:34:12 (PST)
 

Dear Michael, thank you for the lovely performance,I love you very much. All my family who saw your play would like to thank you for all your hard work we thought it was wonderful. love from Elin Wilcox (aged 5)
Elin Wilcox 193.130.250.82 <pz40@dial.pipex.com>
Manchester, England - Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 11:50:34 (PST)
 

Saw the London show - brilliant. What's next? Rumours abound. Any news?
Tony Penman 194.168.101.144 <tony.penman4@which.net>
England - Wednesday, February 18, 1998 at 16:33:38 (PST)
 

Just a comment from my darling girlfriend about the comment I made after completing the first half of the Ronan Hardiman interview about going to get the SOLAS CD from the post office. Thought you might enjoy this one? You big LIAR!!! You NEVER go the postoffice for your CDs you send ME all the time. I have the most awful life running round after you doing this and that for you and you portray it like you do everything. I can't stand that. Get a life pal. Sarah Anyway, the boss is in today with his beady eyes so I will do RH2 tomorrow.
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GODWIND3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Thursday, February 19, 1998 at 04:04:51 (PST
 

Ronan Hardiman Interview Part 2 (Part 1 is a day down the stack or higher in RH's Website i.e.ronanhardiman.com DAVE:Then what happened? RONAN:We met at the Westbury Hotel, Dublin where Michael was staying. The chemistry was immediate. He explained how my music conjured up strong images in his mind. He then went on to describe his vision for Lord Of The Dance - the more animated he became in his description of the various scenes, the more I began to actually hear the music in the mind. By the ned of the meeting we both knew we were going to work extremely well together. The good news was that I got the job - the bad news wasthat I had approximately eight weeks to compose,amend,arrange and record 90 minutes of music! The task was daunting - not just because of the tight schedule, but at the time a certain other Irish dance show cast a long shadow. DAVE: I wonder which one? No comment...... RONAN: It was clear from the outset that this was going to be a very different type of show, employing the production values of a rock concert with a big light show, big sets,big PA etc. More importantly, it was going to be a drama. My approach was to treat the project as if I was scoring a film, with Michael's wonderful descriptions acting as the footage. As well as writing for traditional Irish instruments, I quickly decided to also write and arrange for a large orchestra underpinned by rock drums and a variety of ethnic percussion. Michael was incredibly supportive, encouraging every off-the-wall idea I had. Working initially from my studio at home, the average day for the next five weeks was as follows:Start work at 6am. Compose and record demos until 2pm. Meet Michael at the dance rehearsal studio. Return home at 5pm and make all the necessary refinements, redrafts and continue writing until 10 or 11pm. The final three weeks of the schedule were spent in Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin recording the score. DAVE: After all this work amidst all the pressure, it must have been daunting as your music etc. was introduced to the public? RONAN: Opening night at the Point Depot, Dublin was a night I will never forget. There was a full house - approximately four thousand people (full houses of 10-15 thousand we now take for granted!) but nobody was really sure how the show would be received. After the first eight minutes of the show, which climaxes with Michael's first solo, all four thousand were on their feet whooping and cheering - I was on my knees crying out with pride and relief! DAVE:So what now? RONAN: The last year for me has been filled with offers and opportunities. I have signed a recording contract with Polgram Records UK. My first solo album, entitled Solas, is due for release in November(well we all know now that that was carried forward to Feb 98 - I got mine yesterday in the UK Feb 18th). I will soon begin work on a feature film project with Michael Flatley - after that, who knows! DAVE: Thanks Ronan for your time. At the start of this interview I mentioned the INTERNET superceding such 'live' energy. Well, not perhaps in intensity but how often do you visit LORDOFTHEDANCE.COM??????
Dave Godwin 193.113.139.190 <GODWIND3@BOAT.BT.COM>
Manchester, England - Thursday, February 19, 1998 at 08:30:17 (PST)

YIKES - our plane to London leaves in 24 hours! We are soooooo looking forward to seeing VANESSA, BRIAN, LINDAUK (finally), KATHLEEN Q of D, JEAN KAIDY, and the RIDGELEY FAMILY from Canada at WEMBLEY. And that's just the beginning, cuz then there's DAIRE, HELEN, JAY DUFFY, LIAM, KERRIE, and many, many others - oh, yeah, and that MICHAEL guy, too.....!! We've got lots of VBers (in spirit) packed into all the nooks and crannies of our suitcase AND a few in my pockets (LOL). We may not have time or access to post while we're over there - but perhaps one of the Brit VBers could let you know that we made it over there in one piece. Take care everyone - JANICE M., I'm sending you a special HUG via the 'ol snail mail.....[;)
Cindy K and sister Diana D 207.229.149.78 <aufinch@hotmail.com>
Grayslake (north of Chicago), IL USA (London by Saturday) - Thursday, February 19, 1998 at 17:15:10 (PST)
 

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