Brentwood

[paul and sue]

I tell you I was still buzzing after Dartford when we set off for sound checks in Brentwood. The Brentwood Centre is a rather cold building and seats up to 2000 people when full, so I knew we would be working to a smaller audience but it just didn't matter. The people there had come for one reason only and that was to see Matt and they were there to enjoy themselves and I don't think they went away disappointed.

Zac stormed the first half, he seems to get better as we go along and he really is a nice guy, he reminds me a bit of Freddie Starr although he is not travelling with any hamsters that I can see. Matt was his usual - great. I have to be careful not to say to much about the content of the show as I don't want to ruin it for anyone.

Tony Clayman, the tour promoter appeared brining with him a couple of important guests, Geraldine arrived to promote the fan club and the foyer was full of friendly people. I met Jack Jackson who has been a staunch fan for years, apparently his whole house is awash with memorabilia, pictures, albums, Cd's and the like, of only Matt Monro & Frank Sinatra, he has a whole room dedicated to just the albums. He is booked to come to several more shows as he did last year, so he is obviously enjoying the younger Matt's music. Jo Farnell introduced herself which was lovely. her husband Lenny had appeared on "Matt's This is your Life".

We were due to go back to "Monro Towers" but by the time we were finished it had gotten quite late, so at the last minute we went off to find some digs (showbusiness term for room, see I'm learning a whole new lingo).

I have to mention that although I am responsible for packing up the merchandise and Matt's stool and personal luggage, it is nothing compared to what the sound and lighting crew do every night. These rigs are massive and they get to each theatre hours in advance of us - when we arrive everything is all ready for the sound and lighting checks - then after each show they have to pull everything apart again and go onto the next town. I have to say they have it down to a fine art and everyone knows their thing, it really is like a close family. Gus, the tour manager is also another amazing part of this family - he is the head hocho and what amazes me is that whatever little space there is back stage, he always manages to set himself up a small working office, computers, printer, mobiles, sound decks, walkie talkies, it is a hive of industry. he organises everything, even things like allocating dressing rooms for everyone and labelling the back areas up so everyone knows where to go. Coffee urns are always on the ready, directions, maps, hotel arrangments, timing sheets, whatever it is, Gus is in charge. Great guy. He has worked for many of the big names, Phil Collins and Jack Jones this year alone, he is known in the business for his skill and is in big demand.

I must not forget to big up the musicians, Matt has the same ones on every show throughout the year, he is more comfortable knowing that they know the exact running order and that way there is little chance of error or unexpected surprises. Colin Keyes is a brilliant guy and one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is so calm and unruffled, he just strolls on in and does his thing - and boy does he do it well.

Great family, great tour, great night.
See you next posting
Paul