August 19th, Bree Vostertfeesten

  This day we travelled to Bree in Belgium, Rob, Nannette, Anita and myself. Besides the Rubettes, Sweet would also play here. The Rubettes were due onstage at 18.00, so we left home early. You never know how long the trip takes and what you meet on the way there. But our trip went very smoothly and we arrived at half past four. Rob had arranged that we could put our car in the VIP Parking, so we were already backstage. We had a drink in the backstage bar. In the meantime I had spotted Gino and Tina and Roland from the German website. A van drove up the parking lot with the Rubettes inside. They came to say hello and disappeared into their dressing room cabin. As it had started to rain we went into the tent. Together with Gino I checked out the best place for our merchandise table. Gino assembled the table. The barriers were right up to the stage, but they had to be moved so the camera crews could move about freely. Because I had lost sight of Gino I went behind the barrier to see where he was. I met Pascale, who had travelled all the way from France. There were more fans who we had met during previous shows. It was nice to be recognised.

The Rubettes were standing backstage, waiting to go on. They looked very relaxed. Mark had something red in his mouth, it looked like a comforter, but it turned out to be a whistle that he needed for Ooh la La. They went on and started off with the Juke Box Jive. Everybody immediately sang and danced along. After that, Foe Dee Oh Dee. It was apparent that the guys were enjoying themselves.

We were standing at the side of the stage so I could take pictures from this one angle only. The part in front of the stage was off limits because of the television crews. I walked to the other side of the stage to take some pictures from there also. One of the security people allowed me to go front stage for just a moment so I could take at least a few photographs.

After Ooh La La they played Baby I Know, which is one of my own personal favourites. The acapella section went down very well with the audience. After that the drums were placed on the stage for the most spectacular part of the show. John had warmed up the audience with his Gauranga mantra. The Drum act is clearly an onslaught to the energy level of the guys. They cooled down by introducing themselves and then singing After The Gold Rush. This was followed by Barbara Ann.

The mood of the crowd was very good. After Tonight, the Soul Medley and I Can Do It, they left the stage. Not for long though, because the audience wanted more, so they came back for Sugar Baby Love. During this encore Gino, Anita and I started putting out the merchandise on the table. Tina came to give us a hand.

Alan was the first one to reach the table, Mark and John followed him and they were presented with all kinds of stuff to sign. Mick came a bit later and was put to work by us immediately. All of a sudden Mark had done a disappearing act. This meant we had to disappoint some people who wanted his autograph on their Photo or CD. When we were already backstage after clearing up the merchandise table he made his second appearance, he had changed his clothes. So we called that there was no use in going back to the table.

Afterwards Alan was interviewed by a crew from The red Carpet, a TV programme by the BRT. It was broadcast the following Monday.

After the Rubettes it was Sweet's turn to drive the crowd to frenzy. Their show was great and well received by the audience. After Sweet, Slade were to make their appearance. Rob wanted to stay and watch at least some of their set, but Nannette and I had had enough, so we left for the hotel where all the bands were staying.

As we entered the restaurant the Rubettes were just finishing their evening meal. We sat down at an adjoining table and ordered a round of drinks. Alan asked if the Sweet had been any good. Duh!! Of course they were! After a while I spotted Pascale who was having something to eat with some friends. As I went over to have a chat to her, Mark had joined them. As they were still in the middle of their meals I went back to our own table. John had had enough for one day and left for his room. Alan came over to us for a brief chat. He thought the evening had gone quite well and told us they were planning a British tour next year with Sweet and Showaddywaddy. Alan wanted to go to bed because he had been up since five this morning. In the mean time Sweet was also back at the hotel and Bruce came over for a short chat, He was tired too and wanted to hit the sack. By then we decided we had had enough too and wanted to go home. On the way out I chatted with Pascale for a bit until I discovered That Rob and Nannette had already gone to the car. I said goodbye to Pascale and Mark, Waved at Mick and off we went. Two hours later Rob dropped me off at my front door. It had been a wonderful evening. The organisation was good and everything had gone smoothly from beginning to end. Who knows, maybe till next time!

 Lucienne

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