André at Eastland
I spent this morning at Eastland along with about 3000 others!
It was a very interesting experience. I was there at 1000 but some had arrived at early as 0530!
There was a small stage and video screens showing selections from Andre's DVDs. There was a promotional DVD for his 2008 tours, including Melbourne, shown several times. Master of ceremonies was Alan Pearsall from radio 3AW.
Andre appeared on time at 1200 and played "My Way" with some backing from the DVD. Then he played Waltzing Matilda with Alan Pearsall holding the sheet music in front of Andre!
The performance was very short. Andre spent an hour signing autographs. A couple of us timed he was signing at the rate of 16 per minute giving each person about four seconds!
There were three "minders" for Andre and many security people. One woman tried to kiss Andre and she was promptly removed by the minders. That was the only incident I observed.
About 1315 Andre said farewell to his Melbourne fans and the entourage left through a staff exit.
The crowd seemed mostly people middle aged and older. Many I spoke to had come from distant suburbs.
The acoustics were poor and it was hard to see Andre from the balcony where I was standing. Several times he gestured to the people on the balcony.
It is a delightful day in Melbourne today (Saturday 22 September) so we gave him perfect weather! He must be impressed.
The wait was long but people didn't seem to mind. J&B Hi Fi, who appeared to sponsor today's promotion, were doing a good trade with Andre's DVDs on special at $17.99.
I was pleasantly surprised at how many fans Andre had gained simply by people stumbling on his performances on Ovation or DVDs on sale at the likes of J&B Hi Fi.
I hope the acoustics are better at Warringah Mall to tomorrow for Andre's Sydney fans. Be prepared for a big crowd and a long wait for a short appearance.
But it's worth it!
Paul in Melbourne
Read the story and view all the photos at:
Paul & Andre at Eastland
Categories: Australia,Andre Rieu,Featured Fans
Hi Paul! More and more excitement! It just keeps getting better. We can hear Kate on the first interview, you and others have told us about being 1 of 7 in a room with Andre as he plays 'My Way' and now this!
What a fantastic greeting Australia is giving André. He must be feeling very
happy and welcome.
Bravo to you and all of OZ.
send those photos and I'll upload them.
Thanks Paul for the update. I am off to see Andre tomorrow. Hope it is worth it. Did you get an autograph?
Hi -
I was at Eastland to see Andre. I almost didn't go because I thought I would never see him, however I braved it and arrived there at 11.30am. I burrowed and squirreled my way through because I am quite thin and not tall, and was able to see him but couldn't hear him very well but just being able to see him and hear him play My Way gave me goosebumps. Then after some time I got his autograph on my copy of his book as a lot of people had left and I also took about 8 photo's of him as I was only about 6 feet away from him. I am so glad I went and he looks just as good in person as he does on his DVD's. Will definitely be at his concert in 2008.
Pauline - Ringwood North - Melbourne
Well done Pauline. Was the queue very long for his autograph, did you line up and wait or did you watch him play and then join a queue. just wondering what they are going to do in Sydney. Did a lot of people not bother to get his autograph. Kate
Trés Bon Pauline ! Your bravery paid off.
Sorry for a few typos in my earlier item; the balcony was a good place to see Andre despite the crowds.
I decided to concentrate on the video (dusted it off) and still digital photos. But most of the people seemed to opt for getting an autograph.
Yes Kate, you watch him play and then get the autographs. The security people had organised barriers so you went through what I call a "turkey trot" to get to Andre; it was full when I arrived at 1000!
Another comment for discussion among the people near me was the expected price for tickets to next year's concert in Melbourne. Any thoughts?
Great to hear you enjoyed seeing Andre at Eastlands yesterday. as A Queenslander I'm wondering if anyone can tell me where he will hold his concert in brisbane and if anyone has any idea of cost of tickets - best seats possible!! Anne
Hi. Yes I was one of those 3000 people today. Such a small area. And very hard to see. I came from Geelong, and met some fans on the suburan train travelling to Ringwood. Still was good to see the "Grey haired Groupies"
enjoying themselves. I was also talking to one woman who came from Adelaide this morning just to see him here. Was nice to hear the crowd join in singing when he played Waltzing Matilda. We didnt stay around to meet him. But sure will try our hardest to see him in concert when he comes back.
Thank you Paul for the writeup and photographs. They are great! How exciting!!
Pauline now aren't you glad you went
You're welcome Jeanine Ann!
Maybe some of our American readers might consider coming "down under" for Andre's concert tour next year?
The people here are friendly and Australia is generally a safe and welcoming country.
November-December, when Andre will be here, is a great time to travel in Australia; between the end of the Spring Racing Carnival (8 November 2008) and the start of the school holidays just before Christmas. The weather is good and the days are long.
On my several trips to the USA many people (those who know where Australia is of course!) told me "I've always wanted to go there!"
Maybe in late 2008 Australia will be a good alternative to Florida?
Come on down!
Paul in Melbourne (Australia)
PS: Like the people on Andre's DVD who didn't know where he was from, I found many people in the USA had never heard of Australia; apart from the accent, I am sure they thought I was somewhere down the Interstate!
...I am sure they thought I was from somewhere down the Interstate!
Paul, you got some excellent shots!Gosh if only I could win a big lottery I'd be in Australia in a flash! I'll bet there will be quite a few to come to your lovely country. Everyone is so thrilled and excited over the excitement of the Australians.Hope you get some of the best seats, I think they are to go on sale this Nov.? The best seats may cost more but it would be worth it. The highest price my husband & I ever paid was about $500.00 for two tickets, but that was for the "meet & greet" after the concert, plus we had 3rd or 4th row center seats.I think on one concert, me only, I paid about $120.00, so I guess it will depend on the seats you get and what they will charge for the arena type setting.Keep watching Andre's agenda for sure and maybe even you Ovation channel. Thank you for your story & your pictures. I am thrilled for all of you!
Paul if I could I would be in Australia next year for the concerts but alas the budget will not permit. We are going to Toronto for 2 concerts and next year we have two in Florida in the Spring and one in Reading, Pa. But I am so happy for you and all the fans there. Maybe one day we will get there when we don't plan too many concerts here in America. Thank you again
Hello Paul: Here I am reading again your happy story and looking at your fabulous fotos. I am pretending I am there with all of OZ and seeing Andre! I am having Fun Too!
Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Great report Paul. We arrived about 900 and joined the queue. We were handed tickets (ours was259) We were told there was not much hope Andre would sign after 200. We perservered & were thrilled to be included. I had just received Marjories book from the Boutique so it now has a lovely big signature on the first page. What a Day!
This week's Melbourne Observer newspaper has a feature on Andre Rieu's visit to Melbourne:
www.melbourneobserver.com.au
Also check out Keith McGowan's (radio 3AW overnight presenter and a big fan/supporter of Andre Rieu) web site:
www.overnighters.com.au
The Melbourne Observer is $2 a copy anc can be purchased at 400 newsagencies around Melbourne.
I guess this week's issue will probably sell out quick!
Paul in Melbourne
I enjoyed your experience Paul, and the photos were great. Thanks so much for sharing! I'm sure you are looking forward to seeing André when he returns next year. The photos were so enjoyable.