December 14th 2002
We were not sure if we were going to be able to make it
this evening, because the weather was quite bad with warnings for icy road
conditions. In the end we decided to take the risk, so I picked Anita up and we
made our way to Baarle Nassau. We arrived nice and early, so there was plenty of
time to sample the local Chinese cuisine.
At 20.00h the tentflaps opened. It was literally a tent
put up in the middle of a small park. As we entered the tent the first thing
that hit us was the icy cold air. The Rubettes were in the middle of their
soundcheck, shivering in their coats. Of course we all said hello but there
wasn’t much time for a chat. We took our places right in front of the stage
and never left our spot for the entire evening. It took a while before the rest
of the audience started pouring in, but by the time Abba Gold made their
appearance the place was full up. Shortly after 23.00 they finished their set
and the stage was cleared for the Rubettes. When they arrived they got on stage
straight from the car.
There was a little bit of trouble because the keyboard
didn’t seem to be functioning properly. Mark was checking it over with a small
torchlight. We had a bit of fun saying he couldn’t find the keys, it did look
rather funny. Something was seriously wrong though and the Abba Gold keyboard
player had to come and help sort it out, as he had probably done something to
“sabotage” the instrument. At last the problem was solved and they could get
started with Foe-Dee-O-Dee. Mick, despite his cold did an excellent
version of Baby I Know and John was summoned up once more to sing Under
One Roof. I will always love that song! He also did the a cappella version
of Barbara-Ann. Their vocal harmonies are as great as they have ever
been.
Alan tried his best to make contact with the audience.
No one took any notice of him though. Half
of them were jumping around and the other half was boozing it up. At one moment
he asked if anyone at all was listening to him. When they started the Sha Na
Na Song Anita and I looked at each other and shook our heads; this wasn’t
going to work. And sure enough there was hardly any reaction to Give Peace A
Chance, they couldn’t get the audience to join in. So they stuck to a very
short version this time. The Soul Medley was great and everybody was
dancing around to that. As usual it was all over far too soon. My feet were
killing me from standing up for such a long time, but it was well worth it.
Nannette has spent some time concocting some bandmember
profiles. We wanted the guys to fill them in so we could place them on our
website. In Zoetermeer I had forgotten to bring them along, so Alan and I had
agreed I would hand them over in Baarle Nassau. I had already noticed that there
was no backstage area, just the stage. This made it difficult to have a chat, as
the disco show was in full flow. I noticed four security guards had taken up
positions to stop anyone trying to get through. However, I gave them my most
charming smile and had no trouble getting on stage what so ever! I handed Alan
the profiles and tried to arrange for him to fax them back to me after they had
filled them in. It was no use trying to have any kind of a conversation as the
disco was blasting out so loud you couldn’t even hear yourself think. With
some sign language Mick managed to tell us that his cold was not better and we
waved goodbye, got off the stage and fought our way back through the crowd to
the car. I think the party must have gone on until the early hours of the next
morning, but we had had enough. As I am writing this I am hoping Alan has got
the message and he will fax me the profiles.
Lucienne