On Friday we were in Wales, Cardiff to be precise. Miel was opening for Wet Wet Wet again. I arrived after a long 5 hour drive. It should have taken 2.5 hours. But traffic was rather bad to say the least. I got there just in time for sound check. The band were all on stage and just about ready to go. Miel was chatting to Andy Wright at the front of stage. Lewis Chapman had set it all up as usual. He is the first one to arrive and the last one to leave and busy, busy, busy all the way in between. So, there they all were ready to start the sound check. I grabbed my cameras and got myself ready. It was a very brief sound check as it was all so well set up and everyone seemed very happy.
The big difference between this gig and all of the others on this tour, was that it was standing only. There was a photo pit and a barrier. So, I was thinking to myself, well, this is standing only, a barrier at the front. Lots of security the big bar was open and prepared to sell lots of booze and this was Friday night in Cardiff. What could possibly go wrong? I must say a few thoughts were going through my mind. I thought, could this be the gig that goes a bit off piste with the lovely local Welsh people who are out for a great night with their hero’s Wet Wet Wet and won’t take kindly to the opening act (whoever that might be). But, this evening’s opening act was our Miel. I have to say that everyone with us in the Miel camp Cardiff feels the same about her and we are VERY supportive and dare I say protective of her. So, with a little trepidation on my part I took my place in the photo pit and then the show started at around 7pm. As normal on came Miel’s band, swiftly followed by Miel. There was a big crowd in there and obviously most appeared to have already had a drink or two! After about two songs, the crowd, all standing right behind me were becoming more and more supportive of Miel and the band. There was a crowd of women right behind me who told me after Miel had finished, that they all LOVED her and thought the songs were great. They were asking lots of questions about her, which I happily answered. They were genuinely interested in her and what she has done. It was lovely hearing what they were saying. During her performance, the crowd were singing and clapping along. I can safely say that Cardiff LOVED her. So, the fact that the crowd had arrived at the venue possibly not knowing anything about her and yet giving her such a warm Welsh welcome and being so supportive and nice was wonderful. So, what on earth was I concerned about when I arrived at the venue and why was I worried? What a great show! Miel and the band were amazing and no doubt have gained some lovely new fans! This was my favourite gig of this tour and the best performance! Roll on London and the Adelphi theatre later today!
