Numerous friends have come to Rod shows with me. My two older boys called it a day after Earls Court so to say I was thrilled, when my youngest Joe (aged 7) loved Rod at Birmingham and wanted to come again, is an understatement.
The only problem with taking a child is you need to be in a block next to the stage not too far back. I’d managed it for Birmingham and was thrilled when we managed to get two tickets for block 112 row G for the O2. They must’ve been good seats, I looked across and there sat the lovely Mary and family and later they were joined by Kelly! God I feel fat!
The best bit about going with Joe is he’s up and dancing, like no one is watching, straight away. He loves the ‘show’ and the atmosphere and the first sound of Maggie and he’s on his seat. Having witnessed the balls during Hot Legs he was keen to say the least. ‘Pick me up, pick me up’! Rod had already seen him and tried to get a ball to him but there were bigger people which meant we were getting nowhere fast. Rod beckoned for us to come down. Usain Bolt wouldn’t have got out that seat and down those steps any faster but we were met by the ‘delightful’ security. A ‘lady’ with anorak and Hitler ‘tache and absolutely no heart whatsoever. Rod was over the other side of the stage and Joe got anxious when she threatened to throw me and cute blonde kid out! Up stepped knight in shining armour. I’m guessing he was Dutch (orange tshirt??) but he was certainly tall and that’s what we needed!! Joe on his shoulders….Rod comes back across to our side of the stage asking where ‘the little boy had gone’. We screamed, he was seen, ball was thrown, ball smacks Joe on the nose, rebounds onto floor and then a grown man, who should know better, took it and legged it. At this point two wonderful ladies sitting in the front block retrieved the ball and gave it back to Joe. Huge smile from Joe and huge relief from me!
We went back to our seats and were happy dancing away again when Ian Cady beckoned us over and asked if it was just the two of us. ‘Follow me’ he said. Christ we are getting thrown out I thought! We walked to the side of the stage and the barrier moved back revealing BACKSTAGE! I looked across and smirked at the security lady. She didn’t smile! We were back stage……standing with Rod’s family. Kimberley, Ruby and Renee were there, god I feel old and fat! At this point I text my husband to say we were backstage…….the reply said ‘haha’!
I followed Rod family back to the reception room and waited for the man himself. I feel very privileged to have been able to see Rod the family man. His obvious love for his extended family and their affection towards him. Before rushing off he made a point of coming to talk to Joe. Congratulated him on getting the ball, shook his hand and made a little boys year! His mother however was completely star struck and stood there drooling like a fool. Thank you Rod….you’re a complete star.
Words by Delyth Gamlin
Photo by Delyth Gamlin