As you know from previous posts, Bananarama is my all-time favourite group. They kicked off this year by celebrating their 30th anniversary with a new greatest hits compilation called 30 Years of Bananarama that also had a DVD with most of their videos. They followed that up with a brilliant digital EP called Now Or Never. As the icing on the cake, the group did a tour of the US for two weeks in early October.
The tour was promoted by the Hard Rock Café as part of Pinktober ... raising money for breast cancer charities. The tour started in New York and moved to Boston, Tampa, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Las Vegas. I couldn't believe that they were NOT coming to San Francisco!
Since they weren't coming to San Francisco, my hubby (Arturo) and I decided we would go to the last show in Las Vegas. The show was on Monday, October 15th. Our flight out of San Francisco was at 8:30 a.m. Unfortunately, there was so much fog that morning that the morning commute was at a snail's pace, even in the carpool lane. We missed our flight. We got on the next flight at noon. And that flight was delayed for 2 hours. Perhaps life was foreshadowing for me? I was a bit anxious.
We finally arrived at our hotel in Las Vegas at 4:30, we had time to eat and get ready for the show. Doors opened at 7 p.m. We got there fashionably late at about 7:45. There was an opening act band playing. Their music was rock, and they were cute, but not my thing.
We noticed the the guys from Bearnanarama at the front of the stage. We went up and stood directly behind them and introduced ourselves.
Before Bananarama finally came on stage around 9 p.m., we saw the setlist taped to the floor ... Click on the name to see the video from the show.
Intro
Venus
Now, we knew ahead of time that every show they had invited fans up on stage during "Venus." So when they asked for volunteers to come up, I raised my hand and moved forward. Sara said, "Of course, Dave." Keren said, "Come on up!" I really wanted to stand in between Keren and Sara, but someone was already there by the time I got on stage. So I walked over and stood next to Keren.
The music started and we all went into dance routine mode. I could probably do the dance routine in my sleep. However, I think when I learned as a teen, I guess I learned starting on the wrong hand first. Whoops! So I ended up watching Keren a lot to make sure I was in sync. Keren and I kept singing to each other. And I even looked down to Sara a couple of times and caught her eye and smile.
After the song was over, I went to get off stage in a timely manner. To my delight, Sara came over and gave me a hug! I felt so happy!
The show ended, and I was in awe. I had only seen them once in concert at the 20th Anniversary Show in London. And they sung to backing tracks then. This time, they were singing with a live band. Keren and Sara sounded great live! I was very impressed.
After the show, the fans hung around waiting to get back stage to meet Keren and Sara. Apparently, a few fans did get back. But at the end, there were 8 fans left: Mike and Andy from Bearnanarama, Yas from Australia and his friend, a straight couple from the UK on their honeymoon, and Arturo and me.
The tour manager didn't really want to help us get back stage to see Keren and Sara. At last moment, he told Bearnanarama and Yas and friend that they could go back, the other four would have to leave. It was the worst feeling.
We went outside and Bearnanarama and Yas arrived shortly after us. We took some photos and walked around a bit. But at the end, I was too bummed about not being able to go back stage, so Arturo and I left the group and went back to our hotel.
Bearnanarama, Davearama and fans.
Overall, I had a great time at the show. It was nice to be recognized and called out on stage. It was super nice of Sara to give me a hug. I'm sure we'll meet up again.
And now ... for the most embarrassing video ever ... here is me dancing on stage with Bananarama during "Venus." Enjoy!~
Cheers then,
—Davearama
I love love love the video, Dave! You rock!
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