Now it's almost 2 weeks since his first ever solo gig in London and a little over a week since his first gig in Dublin. And I still don't know how to put my feelings into words. Nothing seems right, nothing seems strong enough to describe what I feel.
When Mark announced his London gig, I just had to book tickets.
I would have preferred Dublin. London's too big for my liking and the venue isn't wheelchair accessible. But I still had to try it. I hesitated for a few days. Thinking it was crazy to fly over for just one gig. But in the end I knew I wouldn't forgive myself for missing his first gig. I've been waiting for this for so long.
Once I got my ticket, I've booked my flight to London. Two weeks later Mark announced a gig in Dublin!
I felt like crying *lol* London was already paid for, I couldn't cancel it anymore. But this was Dublin. My favorite city and my favorite singer... I hadn't been to Dublin for 3 years, I've missed it.
So in the end I decided to do both... on my own... in a wheelchair.
Every now and then I thought this was just crazy. And it did require a lot of organisation beforehand.
But in the end, it was worth it. More than that. It was the best week of my life.
I know my grandparents were worried. With my migraines, hypos and stuff usually showing at the most inappropriate times, I did understand that. But I just had to do it. I just can't stay at home for the rest of my life just because something might happen.
I've never travelled on my own. At least not completely. I've always met with my friends somewhere along the way. Friends my family knows as well.
This time it was different. I was hoping to meet a few of the girls but that's not the same as planning a whole journey with someone from start to finish.
So this was all very exciting. But in a very good way.
The only thing I was worried about was if my wheelchair would survive the 4 flights. Cos without him (yes it's a him
) I'd be stranded. Luckily, apart from a few new, deep scratches, he is still fine *phew* (thanks Hamburg airport... I knew it wasn't a good idea to leave him in your care 
)So on March 3rd, at 9am my journey began.
Of course, the biggest hurdle was waiting for me at the airport in Hamburg.
I really don't get why I can take my own wheelchair to the gate in Dublin, Cardiff and London but in Hamburg they always want to force me to check my wheelchair in as bulky luggage. Meaning I have to find my way to the gate in one of their wheelchairs... one I would fit into twice and that's missing my so loved e-motion drive.
Me being me, I said to them I'd get to the gate on my own. Yeah, right. Oversized and difficult to move wheelchair and JDMS... works great *rofl*
Underestimating the distance from check-in to gate B32 meant it took me half an hour to get there and it ended with a small but deep and infected cut on my thumb. Nice one.
But oh well, I had an amazing week ahead of me, I would not let german bureaucracy ruin my mood.
So an hour later it was wheels up, Hamburg!!!
About to touch down in London 80 minutes later:
In London they're used to collect wheelchair passengers with their own wheelchair right at the planes door... thanks to Hamburg airport that was not possible in my case and the guy collecting me didn't have a clue where my "Rolli" would arrive. For veeeeery long 30 minutes I thought they'd lost him.
Everything was fine in the end and my cab was already waiting for me at the exit.
An hour later I was checking into my hotel and after settling in, I had to get a bit of fresh air and something to eat... and I came by this. Uuuh, just one more day.
The next day I got up early. I didn't have any plans for the day. I was just hoping meeting up with Nat & Villy would work out somehow.
So I got out to get a hot chocolate and some fruits for breakfast and went to Scala to have a look if I can spot some familiar faces.
Nat & Villy were already there in the hope to see Mark arrive... so I decided to wait with them.
One of the best decisions ever
It was wonderful to spend the day with the girls. We were freezing our butts off but apart from that I really enjoyed waiting for Marky with my fellow Feehily-Lovers.
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| Villy, me & Nat waiting for Mr. F. |
We've waited for about 7 hours when someone spotted Mark. It felt so surreal. I've waited 15 years to meet him. 15 years!!
And there he was, standing right in front of me. And he looked goooood.
I'm still amazed at how much time he took for his fans. He made sure everyone got their picture or their autograph. Such a wonderful man.
I think I've asked him twice for a picture. There were so many people that the first time my voice just drowned in the growd. When I asked the second time I honestly didn't expect anything. There were so many people and I'm so used to getting lost in the crowd. But his reply was "Yeah, sure". He came over to me, asked in which camera to look and got down beside me. It was over within a few seconds but I was over the moon after that. And shaking like mad.
I still remember his soft voice and, it might sound crazy, even hours later I could still feel his arm behind my back. And it still impresses me that he got down beside me to be on the same level as me. It might sound stupid as this might be a small gesture for most but I don't take it for granted. It's a very small thing that means the world to me.
Just a few seconds, just a picture but he made my day or better, my whole year. I still can't believe it. After 15 years I've finally met him and got a picture with him.
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| Thanks Nati for taking the pix *hugs* |
Another thing to get my heart racing. I knew the Scala meant a lot of steps, no lift available there. And I'm scared of stairs. *blush* But in the end everything worked and I'm really grateful for the helpful people at the Scala.
The wheelchair area in the Scala was literally on stage. My place was at the right side of the stage, only the sound crew and the background singers between me and Mark. Amazing.
The view wasn't always the best. Cos when Mark moved back or forth, the mic stands, singers or the equipment were in the way. But most of the time I had a fantastic view.
From my place I had a good view at the setlist and all the songs sounded very promising and I had to stifle a little squeak when I saw "Talk me down" on there. One of my favorite songs that I always wanted to hear live.
Mark sang 9 new songs (which are all co-written by him) and 4 Westlife songs. It felt like heaven hearing a whole show just with this incredible voice. His songs show what a talented guy he is. The voice, the lyrics, the feeling... simply beautiful. The same goes for the new arrangement of the Westlife songs. They sounded wonderful. And Mark's smile, everytime the crowd took over, is one of the most beautiful things in this world.
It was over way too fast but one of the best shows I've ever been to.
I was already on my way to the front door of the building as that was the way back to the hotel, when some of the girls decided to wait for Mark to come out of the Scala. I would have never done this on my own but decided to stay with the girls.
When would I ever get another chance to see Mark that close again?
It was about 1am when he came out, a little drunk but still he took the time to sign some stuff and take pictures. So after 15 years I not only got my first picture with him but he also signed my photo book from 2012:
I only got about 2 hours sleep that night as my flight back to Hamburg was an early one but it was well worth it. One of the best days of my life.
I stayed in Hamburg one night. I didn't really know what to do with myself that day. But my body took that decision off me.
While waiting for Mark the day before, I had two smaller migraine attacks. I had some visual problems. Of course, always when I don't need it. If I don't act quickly then the splitting headache is just a matter of time so I took a painkiller. Usually only takes half an hour for the symptoms to disappear for weeks or months but that day they came back after 2 hours. After another painkiller the symptoms vanished for the day. But once in my Hotel in Hamburg they came back, with a slight headache this time too. Another painkiller. And even tho it was just 2pm my bed was calling very loudly. I've slept till 6:30am the next day.
Well, that's one way to kill the time between two flights.
But I felt great again that morning and ready for the second part of my journey.My flight to Dublin took off around 4pm.
Don't you just love the view when flying into Dublin?
It was an early night for me again and the next day I took an extensive stroll through my favorite city:
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| Trinity college |
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| Bank of Ireland |
St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre and Park
I had to stop by The Olympia Theatre of course
The Liffey, Half Penny Bridge, The Spire and Olaf (Frozen).
On the day of Marks Dublin gig I decided to go to the venue a little early again. I didn't know what to do with myself the last few hours before the doors opened and I knew a few of the girls would be at the Olympia. I thought it really wouldn't matter where I'll wait for the last hours to pass and at the venue I might see him again.
I wasn't expecting anything there. No pictures, no autographs. Just seeing him up close once more and seeing everyone else with a happy face after they got their picture.
In the end I stood right next to the stage door and when almost everyone else got their picture and Mark, again, took so much time for his fans, I though it couldn't hurt to ask if he would mind another picture with me.
And again he said yes. I couldn't believe my luck.
Again he went down beside me for the pictures. A security guy took the picture of us.
Mark was already on his way to the next fan, when the guy with my camera said it didn't work. He didn't know how to zoom out so the picture came out "too" close up. So Mark went down beside me again for another picture.
Isn't he an angel? I've never expected him to say yes in the first place as I've already got a picture in London. I feel so spoilt. He really is one of the nicest people I've ever met.
And all I was able to say was "Thank you very much."
It doesn't feel like it's enough.
Once inside the Olympia I was impressed that it's completely accessible. I had to use the back entrance but from there I could go right up to the front of the stage.
And one other, totally amazing thing at the Olympia: as a wheelchair driver I had the choice between front row and a more protected place at the back of the venue.
Well, three guesses what I chose
It only worked because I can stand up during the concert. Holding onto the barrier at the front and sitting down every now and then works great for me. For people who can't stand up the spot at the back would work better I guess.So the Olympia gave me my 2nd ever front row. The view was even better than in London.
It was another amazing show. Maybe not as many people as in London. But I love these more intimite gigs. And I was quite sure Mark felt the same (he confirmed it a few days later).
My flight back home took off around noon the next day. And this was how Ireland said goodbye:
Marks Setlist:
Wash the pain away
Cut you out
Sirens
What makes a man
Butterfly
Only you
Fire
Talk me down
Back to yours
Flying without wings
Love me or leave me alone
You raise me up
Love is a drug
To finally end this review I have to say a big thanks to Mark.
I know you'll probably never read this but still I have to say this.
I am so so sooo proud of you. You really are one of a kind. These shows have once again proven how talented you are. Vocally and lyrically. There's not one song I don't like but so many I really love. Fire blew me away. When I first heard it in London all I could do was stare at you in awe. This voice, this sound, these lyrics and the feelings conveyed by you... I still don't have words to describe what I've felt. Just incredible.
I can't wait for the album.
Thank you for sharing your songs with us first. Thanks for making a dream come true. And thank you for being such a kind and caring person.
Going on a journey like this completely on my own for the first time was an adventure but one very much worth it. I'll never forget this week and I'll be forever grateful I was allowed to be a part of this.
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