Matt Monro Forum

I'm sure The Last Shadow Puppets may not be the forum's cup of tea, but they have produced my favourite album of 2008, "The Age of the Understatement". The band is a side project of Alex Turner (from the Arctic Monkeys) and Miles Kane (from The Rascals). Their album has a real retro space-age, James Bond theme feel. I just adore it.

I was desperate to see them perform the album live. They only had two dates in the US: Los Angeles and New York City. Los Angeles was Election Day eve, so that didn't work. I really can't stand New York and the hotels are so expensive. Then I considered Copenhagen, but the exchange rate is especially terrible with the Euro.

Then the puppets opened up more dates in the UK. Leeds was very convenient for my schedule. Guess who is going to the concert with me? Yes, our very own Gray!

This will be my very first visit to 'God's own country'. I'm spending my first day in Harrogate which I've wanted to visit for many years. Then I will be in York for a few days and I'm sure Amanda and Gray will be excellent hosts with exciting events planned like a fish & chips dinner, sheet music shopping, one hour history lesson, Sunday roast at a country pub in the Moors or somewhere else rural, a musical extravaganza (which I chose over a Leeds United game!), home-cooked meal, and ... my first ever British brass band concert. (Can't wait for that!) Then the Yorkshire visit will capped off with The Last Shadow Puppets concert in Leeds on Monday.

I will return to Manchester on Tuesday to hopefully purchase a John Lewis shower caddy, which Michael has helped me locate. (We don't have such nice shower caddies in the US.)

See all of these great benefits of the Matt Monro forum: personal tour guides, personal shoppers, and great friends.

I must admit to have not heard of the Last Shadow Puppets Paul, but to travel this far to see them, they must be good.
I'm sure you'll have the most wonderful time with Gray and Amanda as your hosts. I hope you have packed your long johns for your first trip up North!
We wish you a fantastic time, your plans sound great.
We look forward to reading all about it on the forum. Safe journey over.
Marian and Peter

Hope you have a great time Paul.

That sounds a fantastic trip for you Paul--you will love York and Yorkshire , I'm sure --apart from the weather, maybe!

And how wonderful to have 2 ready made hosts in Gray and Amanda--I know they will look after you and give you a great time. I will be really looking forward to hearing all about it--even though I have never heard of The Last Shadow Puppets!

I am desperate we avoid the gales, snow, hail and blizzards Yorkshire usually has in the late summer.

Hope you have a good time, Paul, and Gray too. I've never been to Yorkshire myself; must do it sometime. I'm not familiar with The Last Shadow Puppets, but I guess they must be good.

That sounds like a dream few days for you Paul, and what nicer hosts could you be with than Gray and Amanda.
There is nothing like a traditional Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding lunch.
Harry's mum always served Yorkshire pudding with onion gravy as a starter before the main meal. Not sure if they still do this now, even up North.
We are not familiar with the "Last Shadow Puppets" , but we are sure that you will enjoy the Brass Band Concert.
Have a lovely time Paul, and we'll look forward to hearing all about it after.

Thanks for the kind wishes, everyone.

You have got me concerned about the weather. I just checked several forecasts and they have highs in the 50s and even 61. That's not too bad. Sunglasses and shorts!

I'm sure I will have a great time no matter what the weather will be.

Hi All

Jeff's arrived safe and sound.
It's lovely to see him again.

Amanda, Gray & Family.

That's good to know Gray.
Have a GREAT time guys, and Amanda too.
I'm sure we are all looking forward to your tour reports!!
Marian

Ah.. that's lovey to hear Gray amd Amanda , pass on our good wishes to Paul/ Jeff. We know you will all have a great time together.

Hi All

I had the most wonderful afternoon yesterday as Jeff played piano for me.
He really is a superb pianist and it was such a treat to listen to him.
Jeff plays with much love and passion and conveys a song as Matt sings it, with feeling, with emotion: the music really speaks to you.
How I wish you could of all heard him.

Maybe one day...?

Pleased you are all having a great time, Gray.

What did Jeff play on the piano, Gray? The suspense is killing me.

Wish we could have heard Paul play too Gray. As you say, maybe one day..
Like Jon, I look forward to hearing what he played?

Marian.