The Dream Line-Up: FM, Europe and Foreigner. Completely live and in person.
7 April 2014 marked another historic moment in the rock diary of Nicky Wells, author of romance with rock stars! Not only was I lucky enough to secure front-row balcony tickets for one of the best gigs of the year… but I also got to take my entire family. Yes, husband and kids. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. It’s almost like I’m bringing my love for rock full circle as it’s blossoming in the kids. I don’t know if that makes any sense, but it was just beyond words to take the kids and see them enjoying themselves so much! But I’m getting ahead of myself here…
Now I know my boys are only seven and nine respectively, but they do love their rock music, and they had been begging for months to see a ‘real bona fide’ gig, especially one that would involve the band that plays “Tough It Out” (that would be FM) and the “Rocket Song” (otherwise known as “The Final Countdown”–yes, that would be Europe!). So when this opportunity in Nottingham offered itself with no age restriction for the venue… we jumped at it. And my goodness gracious me was a good time had by all!
First of all, we got the chance to meet up with the lovely Andie and Caroline Farren whom we had met at an FM gig in Nuneaton last year. I’m telling you, folks, rock friendships last a lifetime! We started the evening with a pizza dinner together and then were delighted that, by pure fluke, we even only sat a few rows apart from each other in the venue. Awesome stuff!
Wells and Farren families in the Royal Concert Hall…ready for the show!
FM took the stage and owned it, playing as many classics and all-time favourites as was possible to ram into a forty-minute set. “Burning My Heart Down” practically burned the hall down, the fans loved it so much!
Europe absolutely rocked. There really is no other way to describe the magic they performed last night. My boys were more or less out of their seats, and my little drummer was drumming along ferociously on the balustrade. When the band eventually closed with ‘Final Countdown’, everybody–and I mean everybody–in the entire hall was on their feet.
In between sets, we managed to do a tiny little bit of hobnobbing with FM, introducing them to the next generation of their fans…
Foreigner was a new experience to me. As in, they are one of those bands that I’d always meant to see but never previously managed. Sadly, guitarist Mick Jones had been taken ill for the evening, but the show went on anyway, and the remaining band members did their music proud. Front man Kelly proved himself a star entertainer and had the crowd eating out of his hands. It was mind-blowing!
And the all-round verdict? Let’s do this again soon!
No, I’m really not superstitious! And neither is one of my favourite bands. I know it’s not Music Monday, but this is such an obvious thing to share, I couldn’t help myself. (…again! If you’re a regular visitor to my blog, you might just have seen this clip before… on a different Friday 13th!)
Happy Friday 13th, and don’t you go crossing the road left to right now….
PS: This post went live at 9:13 on 13.9.13. That’s pretty cool, right?
This week’s song choice is an appropriate theme song for one of the subplots of my new WiP, aka Book 4. I even have two interpretations for you! Here’s number one; it’s a classic and you’re bound to know it.
Aha, and here goes the second. You’ll need to click through but it’s well worth it. It’s hard and fast and lyrical and one of my ALL TIME FAVOURITES!
I’ve always adored the metaphors in these two songs; the idea of flying again, of starting afresh, of never giving up. The whole ‘broken wings’ idea just gets me, appeals to me and gets me writing.
So. Broken Wings ~ what do YOU with yours?
And how do you think these songs are inspiring my writing? What am I ‘on’ about?
And it’s launch week for Sophie’s Run, whoohooo! In keeping with my rock theme during the countdown to Sophie’s Run, I’m bringing you another one of my favourites. However, today I’m keeping it a little mellow ~ giving myself, and you, a little breather before the madness of Wednesday and Thursday. This is one of my favourite ballads and it is quite fitting for Dan and Sophie’s circumstances at the end of Sophie’s Turn.
Have a sit back, enjoy and… get ready for the rest of the week!
Now I’ve seen Europe many times… but actually meeting the band is still on my bucket list!
I’ve been dreaming of this day since I was ten, and now I’m lost for words?
What can I say? Words aren’t adequate. I’m whooping with joy and clapping my hands and jumping up and down. I’m whistling and cheering and clapping. And finally, I shout.
Hooooooray! It’s publication day for Sophie’s Turn!!
Sophie’s Turn is now available in Kindle edition from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk and many other Amazon sites. The paperback edition is also available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. In addition, you can obtain Sophie’s Turnfrom Barnes & Noble. Yes, you can grab your copy now! And then… let’s party!
If you wanted to order 10, this is what you’d get… a whole box full!
I’m expecting quite a few guests throughout the day. There’ll be music, and dancing, and food. Come and join me as I go into party rock chick mode! I’ll update the post as new things happen during the day… it’ll be amazing.
Nicky’s Launch Party for Sophie’s Turn…
OMG, I am so excited that I can barely contain myself. What will the day bring? I have, however, breakfasted in style: a special treat courtesy of the kids.
Wow, Bucks Fizz Muffins! Didn’t know these existed…
Oh… they’re yummy! Thank you, boys!
The complete works? For me? Because it’s such a big day…? I’m touched. Tuck in!
Next job… Decorate the house!
Let’s have bunting (handmade)…
…and balloons, too!
Is that the doorbell? Already???
My goodness, the guests are arriving… must hurry!
Here’s Shaz, my first ever blogger-reviewer! She says: ‘Am honoured to have been a small part of your writing journey Nicky. You deserve all the success, not only for your skill but for all the work you put in behind the scenes. Have an amazing day with the re-launch of Sophie’s Turn and here’s to your continued success… **clinks champagne glasses** Rock On!’
And Sue, my writing buddy! She says: ‘Huge congratulations Nicky! All your hard work rewarded. Can’t wait to have a paperback copy of my bookshelf! XXX’
Linn, fabulous loveahappyending.com and Sapphire Star sister, is here, too! She says: ‘When it comes to rock chicks Sophie is IT! She might be in a quandary – Tim or Dan? – but she’s sure as hell going to have some fun! Wishing you all the best Nicky and congrats on a fab-u-lous party!’
OMG, all of the Romaniacs have arrived: I’m bowled over. They say: Happy Publication Day Nicky! So glad we could make it to the party – it’s certainly busy here. Have a great time and thank you for all your support. Love ~ The Romaniacs x
So many people here… that deserves a little song, right?
*Nicky sings** I’m walking on sunshine… yeah-eah…. And thank you for coming, yeah-eah-eah….
Heading into the afternoon… let’s have some lunch first!
Well, I had to, didn’t I? Sophie adores seafood… as do I!
More guests… the photographer is here! Welcome Debbie!!
Cheers!
Ooooh! And my publishers are here: that’s a really early start for them. So thrilled they made it!
So it’s lunchtime… we must be half-way there! That reminds me of a song. What was it?
**Sings along with Bon Jovi** …we’ve got each other, and that’s a lot, for love… we’ll Give It A Shot!
And hooray, right on cue, Jessie D. is here too! We are totally rockin’ and rollin’ over here.
I am so excited for the re-release of Sophie’s Turn. I can’t believe it was just a year ago when I first read this incredible book. It was my first Kindle read, and I stayed up late into the night unable to put it down, wondering what would happen next to poor, sweet, confused Sophie. And the opportunity to do some armchair traveling along with Sophie’s own adventures was so fun. I couldn’t be more happy for author extraordinaire Nicky Wells! I’m not just a huge fan of this book because of Nicky – I’m a huge fan of Nicky’s because of this book! She’s woven a fabulous, fun tale, and I can’t wait to share this book with my friends and family… and then find out what happens next for Sophie in the rest of the trilogy! Best of luck on the re-release, Nicky… and Sophie!
This Joint Is Jumping!
Apparently, I have to do the rock chick thing now. Well, if you’re sure… You did ask!
**Strums and sings** More than words… is all you have to do…. to make it real…
What do you mean, speech, speech?
**muffled heckling from the sofa**
Oh, alright. But I’ll have to put my glasses on first… and my speech dress.
OK, then, let’s hear it…
This is a really big day for me and it wouldn’t have happened without a number of amazing people in my life. So in true Oscar style, I’d like to thank my Mum, for always believing in me, and my gorgeous husband, for ditto. Thank you to all the many fantastic people who are continuing to help me along the way, not least: Amy and Katie at Sapphire Star Publishing; Jessie Dalrymple; Shirley Mukisa; Shaz Goodwin; Sue Fortin; Linn Halton; everyone at loveahappyending.com; Deborah Smith; and the many, many wonderful bloggers who support me: know that you make this author’s world go round! You rock, one and all. Thank you!
Changed back into my party gear. Ready for a song and a dance… and some air guitar, perhaps?
And I will dance the night away….
Oh hello! My husband is back from work…
Big hugs for my lovely, smiley husband. We’ve missed you at the party!
…and he’s brought me flowers!! Time to dress up for the evening, it appears…
Now I do feel like a celebrity!
How do you know that you’ve arrived? You know when the rock stars turn up at your party!
Give it up for: THE HUSH!
WOW! Look what special guests have arrived now… IT’S THE HUSH BAND! I am absolutely and complety overwhelmed. What a party! THE HUSH also have a message: “What an honor to be Nicky’s special guest for this momentous occassion! We wish you all the best. Sophie’s Turn is a terrific read.” OK. Now I need to sit down quietly for a moment or I am going to explode….. Whoooop!
They’re setting up stage… they’re going to play. WOW! I am beside myself with glee and excitement. Rock stars a the rock star romance lauch party. AWESEOME! THE HUSH totally rocks!
Now it’s definitely CHAMPAGNE O’CLOCK!
I did it! I did it! Didn’t spill a drop!
Say ‘Sophiiieee’ for a picture with the star of the day.
(The BOOK, not me!)
‘Sophiiieee’: Me, my book, and a glass of pink bubbly. Rock on!
Whoa. So much bubbly. So much dancing. So much day left to go… Time to stock up the energy reserves. Happy eating!
Let’s have a party spread… Bon apetit, help yourself!
How and when will the party end? Will it end?
Actually, all good things come to an end.
And this, as they say, is it for this feature!
Aaaah… End of a long, happy day. CHEERS!
Thank you all SO much for coming to the party, for joining in, leaving comments, partying with me and my guests. It’s been really special and I couldn’t have done it without you. It’s been an absolute blast!
Please keep tweeting, keep visiting, keep rocking: that’s the spirit. I’ll be out and about for a long while yet, tweeting you, saying ‘hi’ on Facebook and responding to your much appreciated comments. 🙂
Thus, with the party only very nearly over,
the motto for the after-party is…
Rock the night! Rock on my friends, and happy reading.
I’m off.
Folks, I need a break. A breather. Like my laptop, I’m running low on juice.
From today and through next week right up onto and including Monday, 13 August, I shall take myself into a voluntary, self-imposed, absolute and complete Internet blackout. I won’t be blogging, tweeting, or Facebooking. Or emailing, for that matter.
Drastic, huh? Four weeks before my book launch, too.
Bad timing, perhaps?
Nah, perfect timing! This is the creative break before the storm. Batteries on charge, and then full speed ahead…
PLUS!
It’s the school holidays. So I shall have a holiday! 😉 I am going to get up late, make lazy breakfasts, go to the park, take the bus into town, drive to the seaside if the fancy takes us. I envisage evenings spent barbequeuing and sipping wine until late sitting in the garden. Making cakes and playdough and lego houses and playing games. Hooray!
With that, my friends: Hasta luego! See you soon, properly rested and in high spirits. And then it’ll be all systems go until launch (and beyond)!
No, I’m really not superstitious! And to prove it, I shall post an ACE song by one of my favourite bands, thereby telling you quite a bit about myself! I know it’s not Music Monday, but I’m in a rocky kind of mood. So here goes.
Isn’t this a blast from the past? I mean, obviously Europe is still around, very much so, going stronger year on year, in fact. Must be all this being not superstitious! But what I meant is… dig the hair! And the outfits! They take me right back. Boy, did I have a crush on these guys, lead singer Joey in particular. And to show the world, I even had a near identical hairdo. Oh yes I did! Want to bet? Here it is. Feel free to chortle–but it was way cool at the time! Rock chick me, huh?
Happy Friday 13th, and don’t you go crossing the road left to right now….
Photos and images used on this blog stem from one of two sources. Either they are Nicky Wells' own images or photos, or photos and images supplied by, and used with permission of, the author(s) featured in a given post. Logos and blog award images are used with permission of the originating organisation(s). Occasionally, the blog will feature images used under a Creative Commons license, which will be clearly indicated and credited. Copying, sharing or distribution of these photos and images is not authorized unless prior written permission is given.
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