Hello Dear Reader It occurred to me earlier this week, while seated in the hairdresser’s comfy chair waiting for the hair dye to develop, that I hadn’t written to you in some time and if ever there was a week to write to you, it was this one. I can’t think straight, though. I am a ball of anxiety and coffee and ibuprofen and while I know it will all be alright on the night because Denis Norden said so*, right now I feel like a passenger in the runaway car of my nightmares.
We set off for London early Saturday morning.. even my 14 yr old daughter who hasn’t left the house in months is pulling on her big girl pants to come and see you. After years of mental and emotional turmoil we can’t wait to come into the out and see you. Her favourite song is Late Starter which for a teen with neurodiversity the irony isn’t lost on me. Anyway good luck, break a leg and remember the Palladium is lucky to have you. See you on the ice ma lovely x
I am old enough to remember Denis Norden but not remember which of your songs are on which album. As long as you turn up, tinkle the ivories, strum a few chords and sing more or less in tune we will all have a great time. We are looking forward to the train journey down and a night in a hotel.
Best wishes and I hope you enjoy it as much as the rest of the audience will.
Sitting here chuckling over another one of your lovely newsletters, I've had a couple of thoughts. Firstly, I am extremely glad you are not a potato, my record collection would be a good deal smaller, I would be even more grumpy (according to Susie) and this weekend would be pretty empty! Secondly, I do indeed remember Zsa Zsa Gabor. I have checked with Susie and she confirms that I am still alive, just. ♥️
Well, what a lovely post. Saturday at the Palladium will be such a rush because (a) it’s you and (b) unlike most other gigs, this will be full of people who love you for some important reason and only want you to be you. I’ve probably mentioned this before, but one of my favour live moments EVA was at the Trinity in Bristol around Fires time, when you mucked up the intro to Sophia and recovered your composure for it by singing Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer. I’m hoping for similar moments on Saturday. I realise this might have inadvertently added pressure instead or providing comfort, for which I apologise.
Our lives would all be the poorer without you Nerina, your musings are wonderful and I’ve heard that you quite a big cheese in the entertainment world! Dashing back 640 miles from France early to be with you on Saturday - I would say “break a leg” but the youngsters in the audience might accuse me of something…..xx
I think I will be a weeping mess on Saturday - although who am I kidding, I used to regularly cry my way through your gigs - because this whole rebirth of Fires feels so beautifully nostalgic and magical, almost like travelling back through time (that doesn't exist). But, although I will no doubt be emotional, I am so excited, not just to be back at one of your shows, but also to be reacquainted with the troop of kindred souls who have become dear friends over the last two decades, all through the power of your music. What a joy - I can't wait. See you Saturday x
Nerina.... well first class rail tickets are booked and tomorrow we set off from the Yorkshire Dales to the city.... I feel like a young boy again and on my walks with my four legged friend (Eddie) I have played a couple of tracks each day (only when he wanders off to sniff the grass and the walls and jump in the beck)
I suspect you only have a little idea of how much your music has brought to people.... I attend your gigs when you play up north, I have introduced 3 girlfriends to it (2 are now ex's but hopefully still enjoy your music and dont associate it with me thus hating it!) and will bring the latest to indulge my fix of the Pallot!
I come heavily laden with brass in my pocket and will be purchasing all signed vinyl that you have on offer - along with quite a lot of other things too!
Excitement will grow and we will be there early to ensure we savour ever last minute... and as you say.... it will last moments that you want to last days.... I hope you enjoy playing as much as we will enjoy listening and that your family are proud to see you there and what you have brought to the world....
I do offer however a solution to the expected low that will immediately follow such a massive high.... book more gigs ... especially in Yorkshire and feel that rush again and again.... what can i say... I'm a fixer and perhaps it's full of self interest but it will make many happy!
Now as my late mum and dad used to say to me.... go be brilliant because you always are to us!
I know who both Denis Norden and Zsa Zsa Gabor are, so by definition that probably makes me a vampire!
And I quite agree re: The Range. They have just opened one in Chelmsford where the big Debenhams once was. The only real downside to it is that, like Woolworths in the 90s, it is stiflingly hot in there, and instantly makes you regret wearing any coat that is thicker than a sheet of A4 paper.
Looking forward to Saturday! Just wondering what I'm going to wear for such a momentous occasion.
I really wish I could come to this show. Sadly I've been in and out of hospital (currently in) since December with severe pancreatitis and associated complications. I'm missing so many things. I hope you have so much fun and feel absolutely loved xx
Ha ha - I read your message and wondered how many people would know who Dennis Norden was and then saw your PS at the end - Raised a smile - Have a great time on Saturday. I can't make it, but look forward to seeing and hearing you again somewhere soon!
I missed this post when it came out due to some international travel. But, as promised, I brought the family from Poland and we all immensely enjoyed Saturday at the London Palladium, though I might have enjoyed it a bit more than the others in my group. I am so glad for us all that enjoy your music that you gave us this opportunity and for you and your family that you got to enjoy such a wonderful evening! The surprise visit from mom was a thrilling and lovely plot twist! (And I knew who Norden and Gabor were, though I am still alive!)
I love reading your email as they always leave a smile on my face.☺️
We set off for London early Saturday morning.. even my 14 yr old daughter who hasn’t left the house in months is pulling on her big girl pants to come and see you. After years of mental and emotional turmoil we can’t wait to come into the out and see you. Her favourite song is Late Starter which for a teen with neurodiversity the irony isn’t lost on me. Anyway good luck, break a leg and remember the Palladium is lucky to have you. See you on the ice ma lovely x
I wish I could be with you Nerina but many things prevent it, not least, being able to remember Zsa Zsa Gabor x
I am old enough to remember Denis Norden but not remember which of your songs are on which album. As long as you turn up, tinkle the ivories, strum a few chords and sing more or less in tune we will all have a great time. We are looking forward to the train journey down and a night in a hotel.
Best wishes and I hope you enjoy it as much as the rest of the audience will.
Once again I’m having to recharge my phone after reading your ‘little’ message.
How thrilling to walk onto a stage to an audience who only wish you well and whatever happens will have a lovely evening…
Many thanks
Sitting here chuckling over another one of your lovely newsletters, I've had a couple of thoughts. Firstly, I am extremely glad you are not a potato, my record collection would be a good deal smaller, I would be even more grumpy (according to Susie) and this weekend would be pretty empty! Secondly, I do indeed remember Zsa Zsa Gabor. I have checked with Susie and she confirms that I am still alive, just. ♥️
Well, what a lovely post. Saturday at the Palladium will be such a rush because (a) it’s you and (b) unlike most other gigs, this will be full of people who love you for some important reason and only want you to be you. I’ve probably mentioned this before, but one of my favour live moments EVA was at the Trinity in Bristol around Fires time, when you mucked up the intro to Sophia and recovered your composure for it by singing Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer. I’m hoping for similar moments on Saturday. I realise this might have inadvertently added pressure instead or providing comfort, for which I apologise.
Our lives would all be the poorer without you Nerina, your musings are wonderful and I’ve heard that you quite a big cheese in the entertainment world! Dashing back 640 miles from France early to be with you on Saturday - I would say “break a leg” but the youngsters in the audience might accuse me of something…..xx
Thank you for the considered update it’s always a joy to hear your thoughts.
Don’t be concerned about painting and/or writing in your room. It’s obviously your creative den.
We all possess this self examination, isn’t this why the no fucking clue club exists ?
Wish I was there with you on Saturday ..but I’ll be there when I can, next time you bring your guitar out
Oh dear. I am sufficiently old for it not to have even occurred to me that some readers might not know of Denis Norden.
Bon courage for Saturday! I predict a little magic will fill the Palladium. ❤️
I think I will be a weeping mess on Saturday - although who am I kidding, I used to regularly cry my way through your gigs - because this whole rebirth of Fires feels so beautifully nostalgic and magical, almost like travelling back through time (that doesn't exist). But, although I will no doubt be emotional, I am so excited, not just to be back at one of your shows, but also to be reacquainted with the troop of kindred souls who have become dear friends over the last two decades, all through the power of your music. What a joy - I can't wait. See you Saturday x
Nerina.... well first class rail tickets are booked and tomorrow we set off from the Yorkshire Dales to the city.... I feel like a young boy again and on my walks with my four legged friend (Eddie) I have played a couple of tracks each day (only when he wanders off to sniff the grass and the walls and jump in the beck)
I suspect you only have a little idea of how much your music has brought to people.... I attend your gigs when you play up north, I have introduced 3 girlfriends to it (2 are now ex's but hopefully still enjoy your music and dont associate it with me thus hating it!) and will bring the latest to indulge my fix of the Pallot!
I come heavily laden with brass in my pocket and will be purchasing all signed vinyl that you have on offer - along with quite a lot of other things too!
Excitement will grow and we will be there early to ensure we savour ever last minute... and as you say.... it will last moments that you want to last days.... I hope you enjoy playing as much as we will enjoy listening and that your family are proud to see you there and what you have brought to the world....
I do offer however a solution to the expected low that will immediately follow such a massive high.... book more gigs ... especially in Yorkshire and feel that rush again and again.... what can i say... I'm a fixer and perhaps it's full of self interest but it will make many happy!
Now as my late mum and dad used to say to me.... go be brilliant because you always are to us!
I know who both Denis Norden and Zsa Zsa Gabor are, so by definition that probably makes me a vampire!
And I quite agree re: The Range. They have just opened one in Chelmsford where the big Debenhams once was. The only real downside to it is that, like Woolworths in the 90s, it is stiflingly hot in there, and instantly makes you regret wearing any coat that is thicker than a sheet of A4 paper.
Looking forward to Saturday! Just wondering what I'm going to wear for such a momentous occasion.
I really wish I could come to this show. Sadly I've been in and out of hospital (currently in) since December with severe pancreatitis and associated complications. I'm missing so many things. I hope you have so much fun and feel absolutely loved xx
Ha ha - I read your message and wondered how many people would know who Dennis Norden was and then saw your PS at the end - Raised a smile - Have a great time on Saturday. I can't make it, but look forward to seeing and hearing you again somewhere soon!
I missed this post when it came out due to some international travel. But, as promised, I brought the family from Poland and we all immensely enjoyed Saturday at the London Palladium, though I might have enjoyed it a bit more than the others in my group. I am so glad for us all that enjoy your music that you gave us this opportunity and for you and your family that you got to enjoy such a wonderful evening! The surprise visit from mom was a thrilling and lovely plot twist! (And I knew who Norden and Gabor were, though I am still alive!)