Part 2
The MCAT/MCAG congregating continued in the foyer and I saw/was introduced to lots of other familiar names/faces, and it really did feel just like a reunion, even though we had never met before! The excitement level was mounting so I felt the need to see how poor my view was going to be from Row S and went into the auditorium towards the end of the interval. Seat found (was delighted to be next to Gail Graham who had ‘upgraded’ her seat via Sara (Norris Cole from Twitter) and Tracy of ear muff fame was just two seats along. I went down to the front just to get an idea of how fabulous a view Wkd ,Sam, Pie, Cat and of course Cardie would have and, well just WOW - amazing! Cardie has already covered the chat we had with a couple of the ladies on one side of her – who were essentially XF Matt fans (but had at least bought Letters) but really knew very little about what Matt has been up to, and there they were in centre Row B – how does that happen??!! Anyway, I won’t dwell on that, my impressions on the music...
When the house lights dimmed ready for Matt & Band to come on you could almost hear a collective intake of breath, such was the level of excitement and anticipation from the entire audience. When Matt did come leaping on stage, evidently TOTALLY fired up for this the welcome he got was phenomenal. By the time they’d completed S&L it was blatantly obviously that he was soooo much more in the zone than he had been at Portsmouth (breathtaking as that was).
As they progressed through the set list Matt’s euphoria was radiating like an aura ... he was clearly having the time of his life up there, he was where he belonged, doing what he loves to do in front of legions of adoring fans who – I am sure like me – felt privileged to be sharing this very special evening with him. Despite being choked with emotion
throughout his vocals were, as ever, flawless, the notes as pure and clear as those of a Westminster Choir Boy, despite the fact that when he addressed the audience between songs there was a noticeable huskiness in his speaking voice.
I can only agree with what has been said by many before me, in that his performance of FTEISYF was quite simply jaw dropping.
emotionally charged, the atmosphere was incredible and I like many others in the audience, found myself in knots, hands clasped tightly in front of my face as he fought his way through what in my opinion was probably one, if not the most difficult performance of his career. Yet it was nothing short of perfection. The acoustic tracks were more haunting, the upbeat tracks were rockier, or funkier, and every single song literally came into its own on this very special occasion.
I too thought that Uninvited would have just been the ultimate with which to have finished this epic tour, but I absolutely agree with those who said that at this point he was indeed both physically and emotionally drained and had nothing left to give. So I left happy in the knowledge that I had been there to bear witness to one of the most exceptional vocal performances I could ever imagine, and that this tour must surely now silence the doubting Thomases who believe reality show contestants cannot deliver a live performance without all the bells and whistles of backing singers, dancers, special effects etc. Pure talent doesn’t need it.
I’m sorry there doesn’t appear to be a live DVD in the pipeline, I think the PTB have missed a trick there ... this boy was evidently born to perform live and with a band of this calibre who have all clearly forged a very special relationship in a relatively short time. Roll on album number 2, I can’t wait to see where he takes us next on this exciting musical journey – and I for one want to travel along too, for the long haul!
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