Hope I’ve recovered enough from the swooning, bosom heaving, forgetting to breathe moments that The Gorgeous Mr Wainwright engenders in his fans to write this blog
Yes I know he’s gay- and I could be his Mum.
To be honest, there’ve been many times on this trip when my thoughts were decidedly maternal, wondering if Our Rufus was getting enough sleep, eating well, being moderate in all things, looking before he crossed the road and making sure he didn’t swim too soon after eating- and all those other Mum homilies we feel bound to espouse to protect our young.
AND SO IT BEGINS—
( well begins again)- because after spending nearly 3 bleeding hours typing this on my myspace blog page- the whole bleeping lot disappeared when I changed the batteries in my mouse!
So I think this magnum opus will be done piecemeal- and you might just want to check in every day to get the next bit. When I fly back from Perth- we’re done!
SUNDAY 27th JANUARY
Off to the airport to catch the 8.00am flight to Brisbane- landing at 9.00am. Which is weird – because it takes longer than that to get to Sydney- which is half way there.
The reason being that for some reason Queensland chooses to not wind the clocks forward one hour for daylight savings like the rest of the country. Some say it’s because the extra hour of sunlight fades the curtains - others because it confuses the cows.
Anyhoos- I catch the train from the airport because the google map shows my motel to be not far away. You Dog- Google Map!- fooled me again! Here I was traipsing uphill quite a ways- in the blazing sun (without a hat –what an idiot!) dragging my suitcase behind me. The suburb is named Fortitude Valley- so what terrain was I expecting- the Nullarbor Plain? (Valleys = up/down… idiot-again)
I’m in luck and can get into my teensy tiny room right now -but it’s only one night so that’s OK.
Back to the station and a train to the Andy Warhol Exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art.
Asked the station master about the stop to get off- and Portrait Painter from the Rufus Forums, that I was going to arrange to meet later- (we’d not clapped eyes on each other to this point) asked if it was me! Maybe my orange Rufus T shirt- and that I’d said I was going to the Andy Warhol were the clues. We chatted on the way to the gallery. PP had been there the day before-and was checking out the other gallery.
I loved the Exhibition. I’d no idea Andy Warhol had such a diverse body of work.
I was especially interested in the selection of ephemera from his vast collection.
It included menus- invitations- programs- accounts from tradesmen, letters, all manner of things.
I was fascinated by the letter from someone trying to track down ’a friend.’ After hearing from an acquaintance that they’d met up with the friend ( whose whereabouts weren’t divulged by the acquaintance- as they didn’t want the letter writer to know). Mr Letter Writer wanted Andy Warhol to send him his subscribers list for his "Interview "magazine because Mr LW knew his friend would be on it. Even though he knew it would be under a different name-he was sure he would be able to track down his friend. So please give me the list .
I’m hoping Andy Warhol never came face to face with Mr LW. And I wondered if this might be the first documented case of a
’ wannabe stalker.’
Took a few snaps from the gallery – looking across the Brisbane River.
Headed back to the motel to get ready for the concert. Was intrigued by the art deco style building with the for sale sign next door- with beautiful frosted glass and leadlight features. Couldn’t imagine what type of business it had been- perhaps someone in Brisbane can tell me what Bell Bros was.
Met up with portrait painter ( from hereon in known as pp) and we wended our way through the narrow streets of what seemed to be the commercial/industrial part of town to a B and B with a beer garden around the corner from the venue. Had a drink- then joined the large queue outside the Tivoli- and our evening with Rufus was soon to be underway.
This venue was a sort of traditional theatre/nightclub sort of thingy -
Here’s a picture of the foyer-
My report as posted on Rufus’s forums:
Oh My Lord.... what a night!! Just got meself settled in to Sydney after a day of waiting... flying...waiting... bussing.. setting up my laptop in the hotel room.
May post this in segments as the stoopid cursor is quite demented.
Nothing could have prepared me for the stupendous and awesome experience last night.
I’d been too busy to read all the reviews of his other concerts- so really -apart from printed reviews - knew little about the gigs.
I’ve seen so much of Rufus Doing Judy the past 18 months- I’d forgotten how GOOD Rufus doing Rufus is. (Saw him doing a solo gig in Sydney when he was out here doing Leonard Cohen all those years ago.)
What a show- there was barely a second when he wasn’t on stage- talking- singing- such a fast paced show.
Rufy’s usual humour showed out as he tried to talk strine (Australian) - but he does have one word down pat,and he really does- as he said " wardah" (water)
"I need some wardah!!!"
He really is the most awesome performer in the world. Such a diversity of sounds- tempos- moods-
"Leaving for Paris" and "Not Ready for Love" just leave me forgetting to breathe....
I was near to tears as he sang Poses- at the piano- such a beautiful song- so simple-pure and clear after he’d just sung ’I Don’t Know What It Is’ with all the bells and whistles.
What struck me is how he absolutely duplicates on stage his vocals as they are on his cds. Such a pure and true voice- not many performers can pull that off.
And I had no idea the Band was THAT CUTE!!!
BONUS OR WHAT!!!
All I could think of was- I get to see this all over again times six !!
Just an awesome experience watching a truly great composer and singer. The man’s brilliant- words really can’t describe the experience of seeing hin perform his works.
And he has to have the BEST LEGS IN THE WORLD!!!
Sorry I have no photos- after getting growled at twice by security at Carnegie Hall- I have well AND TRULY BEEN WARNED OFF- and there were spotlights at the front of the stage that were swinging round and seemed to shine on us- (the front row) and there was a burly security guy on the stars at the end of the row.. so I was very cowardly.
PP and I floated back towards my motel- where we said good byes til the concert in Sydney on Tuesday.
MONDAY 28TH JANUARY
Off I go again with the suitcase to the train station to get my plane to Sydney. On arrival- I opt for a shuttle bus and soon am tucked up into my lovely Mercure Hotel- near Central station ..with INTERNET!!
This is my home for 3 nights- and what a great deal I got- way back in September – had to pre-pay- but at $79 a night- nearly half price- it was doozy of a bargain. Lots of take away and convenience stores around. The bus terminal just outside the door.
TUESDAY 29th JANUARY
Wandered around the city centre- again after walking FOREVER- because the google map seemed to show just 3 or 4 small blocks -..pfhhht!!! Will I NEVER learn not to trust these maps!
Didn’t really do any sight-seeing- or visit the Harbour. I think flying up here and back again on some Saturdays last year to see the Opera matinees at the Opera House has made the harbour precinct feel very familiar- and while I have no contempt- I guess I feel like it’s part of a neighbourhood I hang out in from time to time- not the special place I managed to visit very infrequently.
Walked past the theatre and took some pictures of the venue-
then headed back to get ready for the
Concert and to meet up with LittleLiz, melampus, PP and DitsyCarol at a pub near the theatre.
Had a leisurely meal- then headed down to the venue.
What a beautiful venue it is. Managed to take 2 snaps before I realised I wasn’t supposed to.
Why can’t I be that cavalier when it comes to Rufus concert snaps.
Ahh – Siddeney- you sure can give a great welcome.
My report from Rufus’s forums:
Wowie!!!
What a night!
A different show- a different crowd from the Brisbane one.
Macushla and the Consort were new additions- not sure what was dropped from Brisbane.
The crowd were more effusive in their applause.
I swear- after Poses the roar and applause was like what you hear at a Grand Final (football)
Rufy’s patter changed- he was very taken with the beautiful theatre.
Barrie Humphries was in the audience - looking quite Rufish in a white suit with pink and white stripe shirt.
Before the show LittleLiz, Portrait Painter- Melampus and I met up with DitsyCarol and her partner and sister for a drink.
Then AFTER the show PP,LL M and I hung out on the street outside the theatre- and managed to catch a chat with Louis (French Horn player)- and later on Rufus came out and had photos and signed for the dozen or so people waiting.
I have a very precious signature on my skin that I’m trying to preserve ’til I can get it tattooed tomorrow...
We managed to catch a chat with CJ and Cameron and then their wheels came.It was a fabulous end to a fabulous night...and we do it all over again tomorrow night!
Bit of Goss: Told one of the band members that the show should be filmed and put on a dvd - as I’m sure everyone who’s seen it would buy a copy.
He said it had been filmed in Milwaukee by someone who’d done other groups- and I realised he meant Albert Maysles of Grey Gardens fame- but the next step was getting it financed.
Maybe as fans we could send a loud and clear message that we would DEFINITELY BUY THE DVD OF ’RELEASE THE STARS’ LIVE
I can’t imagine anyone who saw the show not wanting to see it on dvd and be able to see it again and again.
The orchestrations of the songs- the lighting - the musicianship- Rufus’s performance-
The show is absolutely flawless on every level - and to have it not available for people to see would be shameful.
Maybe we could all put a deposit on a pre-order for the dvd.
I said that as a bit of a joke- but maybe that’s what it might take to get it going!
Here’s the Between My Legs contest winner for the first Sydney concert- Chantelle. We met up with her again in Adelaide.
And I might just leave you in suspense as to what happened when we waited outside the stage door for Rufus and the band to come out. Would they rush past everyone? Would Rufus sign things- pose for photos- stop to chat ? Would he be accosted by strange women with strange requests? Stay tuned….
INSTALMENT 2.......
Well, that wasn’t much of a cliff hanger was it- I gave the game away in my Concert report.
Yes, I asked Rufus to sign my chest- and apparently the look on his face was priceless- but I was too busy checking out where he was signing- "No! That’s too high!" As I frantically tried to rub it off- and got him to do it lower. Sweet boy obliged-
And I spent the next 13 odd hours trying to not smudge it or let it fade away.
WEDNESDAY 29th JANUARY
Wowie- still on a high from the concert the night before- and can’t believe I have Rufus’s signature!
He had been so gracious with the people at the stage door last night- signing and posing for photos.
We had initially meant to just stand there and wave- but you get pulled into the vortex of Rufusness!
Spent the morning on line- because the first order of business is off to The Illustrated Man and a date with Johnny Casino to preserve my treasure from last night!
Done – and done- and so it was off to the big shops again- where I’d decided I was going to buy ’stuff’ to make Rufus a Rufy Ted- with bright suit- necklace and bling and brooches. As well as buying ’stuff’ to make up bags of Aussie choccy goodies like Caramello Koalas- Strawberry Freddos- and Cherry Ripes for the band and Rufus - to say thanks for all the joy they bring.
Hard part was finding something to make up into small bags- containers. In desperation- I bartered with the man at the Sumo Salad bar- and bought his little cardboard takeaway salad boxes!
Then had to cut up hand made paper from the Uni stationery store round the corner because I couldn’t find little cards- sheesh!
Finally – got ready for the concert and headed back to town on a bus- and met PP and LittleLiz and partner for a drink and a meal. Liz was going to have her Big Moment on stage with Rufus tonight – and was remarkably calm I have to say!
Wandered down to the show- and so it began again-
I’d be happy to have a Rufus Concert as MY Groundhog Day! Pure bliss!
I managed to hand the choccy ’salad’ boxes to one of the stage crews- at interval.
Liz reported that when she was backstage she saw the box in Rufus’s dressing room and it was open- so I know they got where they were going.
The Forum Report:
Hi All
I’ll leave the main concert report for others- but have to say- seeing multiple gigs allow you to really soak in the multitude of songs.
For me- tonight I loved Noel Coward’s ’If Love Were All’.
Rufus mentioned the irony that ’Matinee Idol’ had been written about River Phoenix’s death- and recently the loss of Heath Ledger- also that both had played gay men in films.
But he explained with the intro to Makushlah that "Makushlah’ means hearthrob-
and he dedicated the song to Heath Ledger- as he could be described as a hearthrob.
Oh Boy- that song has taken on a whole new meaning- I couldn’t stop the tears- and I’m sure it had that effect on many people.
I will never ever hear that song again without thinking of Heath Ledger and shedding a tear- it’s always been a close call anyway- now it’s just going to be a done deal that I won’t hear it without a silent weep (hopefully silent) and a sad memory of Heath Ledger and the loss of him to the world. Having a cry as I type thinking about it.
Macushlah was very very moving and heartwrenching- I think it tapped into the Australian psyche that’s been suffering such a sense of loss and disbelief since the news broke of his death.
As I said- it has changed forever my feelings when I hear the song in the future.
Saw Rufy and the band at the stage door and (almost literally) grabbed CJ and Louis for a photo with me.
If I’ve learnt anything from my road trips - it’s Seize the Day - or moment!
Have to say I’ve become totally besotted with the band. They are such a big part of this whole experience. They’re brilliant!
Two thirds of the Horny Boys and me.
What with being such a cowardly and poor concert photographer- I’ve taken the liberty of posting some photos from people on the Rufus Forum with a flare for the art-
Here’s some wonderful pictures of the 29 January concert- courtesy of :
Lemonsunrise of Flickr and Sarahfer ( from Rufus Boards)
Macushla (My heart/Darling)
Macushla! Macushla! Your sweet voice is calling,
calling me softly, again and again.
Macushla! Macushla! I hear its dear pleading.
My blue eyed Macushla, I hear it in vain.
Macushla, Macushla, your white arms are reaching,
I feel them enfolding, caressing me still.
Fling them out from the darkness, my lost love, Macushla;
let them find me and bind me again, if they will.
Macushla! Macushla! Your red lips are saying,
that death is a dream, and love is for aye.
Then awaken, Macushla, awake from your dreaming.
My blue-eyed Macushla, awaken to stay.
Words by Josephine V. Rowe
Music by Dermot MacMorrough
c.1910, Boosey & Co
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U9ay-2DF0s
This is probably my favourite picture of the whole tour…. Exquisite!
The Judy "Get Happy " Thing
Had managed to get a set list for the concert- and got Rufy to sign it. Showed him my now ’permanent’ Rufy signature from the night before.
He laughed in disbelief and said’ That’s wonderful!"
Met up with a lovely Rufy fan- George- a fantastic guy- and we took pics as we said goodbye.
And here’s a picture of the tattoo of Rufy’s precious signature - bless him.
Liz was saying he almost had a look of horror on his face when I presented it for signing- (sorry- it’s the top of my left boob)-Like "Oh My God- I’m not touching that!"
And to make it worse- I made him do it twice- because the first one was too high ( and I do want it to be a discreet tatt) and so he signed again a bit lower down! poor boy... what he does for his fans!
Maybe he was mentally noting that expression he used later in Tasmania- "The Tit Train" - when talking about his sisters ’( Martha and Lucy) pending amazing cds:
" I’m retiring- I’m getting out of the way of "The Tit Train" – I’m gay - I know what I’m talking about-!"
Liz on stage
I love this suit- it’s literally a Glowstick! And glows in the dark when the spots and lights are off!
Rufus at the stage door with fans
THURSDAY JANUARY 31ST
So it’s back on the plane and back home.
But it’s one more sleep- and I get to see Rufus in my HOME TOWN- MELBOURNE.
At this stage –I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind- make a complete *** of myself- and make a video for the competition to perform with Rufus in Adelaide.
My initial idea was to have my two dogs as an audience- but this was rejected as they’re too fickle- too demanding- too unpredictable.
Plan B came into play when I remembered my son had custody of an old dressmaker’s dummy from the 1920’s or earlier- that had belonged to my grandma.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1ST
So off I went to Melbourne with my props in hand- for my debut video appearance.
I have a renewed respect for anyone involved with film/video production!
After numerous takes- when I
· fluffed my lines-
· performed inappropriate crotch grabbing of my prop-
· or after a perfect take- uttered the lines-"was that OK?" a nanosecond after I’d finished- thus rendering any edit impossible-
I finally nailed it- but with yet another crotch grab – but c’est la vie!
It’s probably not like it’s never happened to Rufy!
Here’s the final result-
My Youtube Audition video
The concert was at the Arts Centre precinct-
Hamer Hall- where it’s all happening: Hall- where it’s all happening:
OK- enough about my hometown venue.
I meet up with melampus in the foyer- and we bump into Al- who was in Sydney- first night concert. It was Al’s pen that I borrowed so Rufus could ink his signature. He seemed impressed with the final results- and I chatted to Al’s friend while melampus chatted to Al. They wanted to see the tattoo- so I told them the history of them all- and showed them the Japanese "David" and David’s siggy.
She said "Oh- it says Davido !" I was so pleased- because I have never ever had the Japanese characters authenticated since I downloaded them from the net- and always presumed they said what they were supposed to- and not someone’s idea of a rude joke!
It was great to know that yes it did say "Davido!"
Found my seat- front row to the side-
Didn’t do a review- just lived for the moment I guess.
From memory the Melbourne crowd went wild- best response to date-
clapped and cheered each song as it began-
clapped and cheered each anecdote-
clapped and cheered at the end of each song!
GO MELBOURNE!!
These photos courtesy of mspalonka- as posted on the Rufus Boards:
Between My Legs competition winners
MONDAY 28TH JANUARY
Off I go again with the suitcase to the train station to get my plane to Sydney. On arrival- I opt for a shuttle bus and soon am tucked up into my lovely Mercure Hotel- near Central station ..with INTERNET!!
This is my home for 3 nights- and what a great deal I got- way back in September – had to pre-pay- but at $79 a night- nearly half price- it was doozy of a bargain. Lots of take away and convenience stores around. The bus terminal just outside the door.
TUESDAY 29th JANUARY
Wandered around the city centre- again after walking FOREVER- because the google map seemed to show just 3 or 4 small blocks -..pfhhht!!! Will I NEVER learn not to trust these maps!
Didn’t really do any sight-seeing- or visit the Harbour. I think flying up here and back again on some Saturdays last year to see the Opera matinees at the Opera House has made the harbour precinct feel very familiar- and while I have no contempt- I guess I feel like it’s part of a neighbourhood I hang out in from time to time- not the special place I managed to visit very infrequently.
Walked past the theatre and took some pictures of the venue-
then headed back to get ready for the
Concert and to meet up with LittleLiz, melampus, PP and DitsyCarol at a pub near the theatre.
Had a leisurely meal- then headed down to the venue.
What a beautiful venue it is. Managed to take 2 snaps before I realised I wasn’t supposed to.
Why can’t I be that cavalier when it comes to Rufus concert snaps.
Ahh – Siddeney- you sure can give a great welcome.
My report from Rufus’s forums:
Wowie!!!
What a night!
A different show- a different crowd from the Brisbane one.
Macushla and the Consort were new additions- not sure what was dropped from Brisbane.
The crowd were more effusive in their applause.
I swear- after Poses the roar and applause was like what you hear at a Grand Final (football)
Rufy’s patter changed- he was very taken with the beautiful theatre.
Barrie Humphries was in the audience - looking quite Rufish in a white suit with pink and white stripe shirt.
Before the show LittleLiz, Portrait Painter- Melampus and I met up with DitsyCarol and her partner and sister for a drink.
Then AFTER the show PP,LL M and I hung out on the street outside the theatre- and managed to catch a chat with Louis (French Horn player)- and later on Rufus came out and had photos and signed for the dozen or so people waiting.
I have a very precious signature on my skin that I’m trying to preserve ’til I can get it tattooed tomorrow...
We managed to catch a chat with CJ and Cameron and then their wheels came.It was a fabulous end to a fabulous night...and we do it all over again tomorrow night!
Bit of Goss: Told one of the band members that the show should be filmed and put on a dvd - as I’m sure everyone who’s seen it would buy a copy.
He said it had been filmed in Milwaukee by someone who’d done other groups- and I realised he meant Albert Maysles of Grey Gardens fame- but the next step was getting it financed.
Maybe as fans we could send a loud and clear message that we would DEFINITELY BUY THE DVD OF ’RELEASE THE STARS’ LIVE
I can’t imagine anyone who saw the show not wanting to see it on dvd and be able to see it again and again.
The orchestrations of the songs- the lighting - the musicianship- Rufus’s performance-
The show is absolutely flawless on every level - and to have it not available for people to see would be shameful.
Maybe we could all put a deposit on a pre-order for the dvd.
I said that as a bit of a joke- but maybe that’s what it might take to get it going!
Here’s the Between My Legs contest winner for the first Sydney concert- Chantelle. We met up with her again in Adelaide.
And I might just leave you in suspense as to what happened when we waited outside the stage door for Rufus and the band to come out. Would they rush past everyone? Would Rufus sign things- pose for photos- stop to chat ? Would he be accosted by strange women with strange requests? Stay tuned….
INSTALMENT 2.......
Well, that wasn’t much of a cliff hanger was it- I gave the game away in my Concert report.
Yes, I asked Rufus to sign my chest- and apparently the look on his face was priceless- but I was too busy checking out where he was signing- "No! That’s too high!" As I frantically tried to rub it off- and got him to do it lower. Sweet boy obliged-
And I spent the next 13 odd hours trying to not smudge it or let it fade away.
WEDNESDAY 29th JANUARY
Wowie- still on a high from the concert the night before- and can’t believe I have Rufus’s signature!
He had been so gracious with the people at the stage door last night- signing and posing for photos.
We had initially meant to just stand there and wave- but you get pulled into the vortex of Rufusness!
Spent the morning on line- because the first order of business is off to The Illustrated Man and a date with Johnny Casino to preserve my treasure from last night!
Done – and done- and so it was off to the big shops again- where I’d decided I was going to buy ’stuff’ to make Rufus a Rufy Ted- with bright suit- necklace and bling and brooches. As well as buying ’stuff’ to make up bags of Aussie choccy goodies like Caramello Koalas- Strawberry Freddos- and Cherry Ripes for the band and Rufus - to say thanks for all the joy they bring.
Hard part was finding something to make up into small bags- containers. In desperation- I bartered with the man at the Sumo Salad bar- and bought his little cardboard takeaway salad boxes!
Then had to cut up hand made paper from the Uni stationery store round the corner because I couldn’t find little cards- sheesh!
Finally – got ready for the concert and headed back to town on a bus- and met PP and LittleLiz and partner for a drink and a meal. Liz was going to have her Big Moment on stage with Rufus tonight – and was remarkably calm I have to say!
Wandered down to the show- and so it began again-
I’d be happy to have a Rufus Concert as MY Groundhog Day! Pure bliss!
I managed to hand the choccy ’salad’ boxes to one of the stage crews- at interval.
Liz reported that when she was backstage she saw the box in Rufus’s dressing room and it was open- so I know they got where they were going.
The Forum Report:
Hi All
I’ll leave the main concert report for others- but have to say- seeing multiple gigs allow you to really soak in the multitude of songs.
For me- tonight I loved Noel Coward’s ’If Love Were All’.
Rufus mentioned the irony that ’Matinee Idol’ had been written about River Phoenix’s death- and recently the loss of Heath Ledger- also that both had played gay men in films.
But he explained with the intro to Makushlah that "Makushlah’ means hearthrob-
and he dedicated the song to Heath Ledger- as he could be described as a hearthrob.
Oh Boy- that song has taken on a whole new meaning- I couldn’t stop the tears- and I’m sure it had that effect on many people.
I will never ever hear that song again without thinking of Heath Ledger and shedding a tear- it’s always been a close call anyway- now it’s just going to be a done deal that I won’t hear it without a silent weep (hopefully silent) and a sad memory of Heath Ledger and the loss of him to the world. Having a cry as I type thinking about it.
Macushlah was very very moving and heartwrenching- I think it tapped into the Australian psyche that’s been suffering such a sense of loss and disbelief since the news broke of his death.
As I said- it has changed forever my feelings when I hear the song in the future.
Saw Rufy and the band at the stage door and (almost literally) grabbed CJ and Louis for a photo with me.
If I’ve learnt anything from my road trips - it’s Seize the Day - or moment!
Have to say I’ve become totally besotted with the band. They are such a big part of this whole experience. They’re brilliant!
Two thirds of the Horny Boys and me.
What with being such a cowardly and poor concert photographer- I’ve taken the liberty of posting some photos from people on the Rufus Forum with a flare for the art-
Here’s some wonderful pictures of the 29 January concert- courtesy of :
Lemonsunrise of Flickr and Sarahfer ( from Rufus Boards)
Macushla (My heart/Darling)
Macushla! Macushla! Your sweet voice is calling,
calling me softly, again and again.
Macushla! Macushla! I hear its dear pleading.
My blue eyed Macushla, I hear it in vain.
Macushla, Macushla, your white arms are reaching,
I feel them enfolding, caressing me still.
Fling them out from the darkness, my lost love, Macushla;
let them find me and bind me again, if they will.
Macushla! Macushla! Your red lips are saying,
that death is a dream, and love is for aye.
Then awaken, Macushla, awake from your dreaming.
My blue-eyed Macushla, awaken to stay.
Words by Josephine V. Rowe
Music by Dermot MacMorrough
c.1910, Boosey & Co
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U9ay-2DF0s
This is probably my favourite picture of the whole tour…. Exquisite!
The Judy "Get Happy " Thing
Had managed to get a set list for the concert- and got Rufy to sign it. Showed him my now ’permanent’ Rufy signature from the night before.
He laughed in disbelief and said’ That’s wonderful!"
Met up with a lovely Rufy fan- George- a fantastic guy- and we took pics as we said goodbye.
And here’s a picture of the tattoo of Rufy’s precious signature - bless him.
Liz was saying he almost had a look of horror on his face when I presented it for signing- (sorry- it’s the top of my left boob)-Like "Oh My God- I’m not touching that!"
And to make it worse- I made him do it twice- because the first one was too high ( and I do want it to be a discreet tatt) and so he signed again a bit lower down! poor boy... what he does for his fans!
Maybe he was mentally noting that expression he used later in Tasmania- "The Tit Train" - when talking about his sisters ’( Martha and Lucy) pending amazing cds:
" I’m retiring- I’m getting out of the way of "The Tit Train" – I’m gay - I know what I’m talking about-!"
Liz on stage
I love this suit- it’s literally a Glowstick! And glows in the dark when the spots and lights are off!
Rufus at the stage door with fans
THURSDAY JANUARY 31ST
So it’s back on the plane and back home.
But it’s one more sleep- and I get to see Rufus in my HOME TOWN- MELBOURNE.
At this stage –I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind- make a complete *** of myself- and make a video for the competition to perform with Rufus in Adelaide.
My initial idea was to have my two dogs as an audience- but this was rejected as they’re too fickle- too demanding- too unpredictable.
Plan B came into play when I remembered my son had custody of an old dressmaker’s dummy from the 1920’s or earlier- that had belonged to my grandma.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1ST
So off I went to Melbourne with my props in hand- for my debut video appearance.
I have a renewed respect for anyone involved with film/video production!
After numerous takes- when I
· fluffed my lines-
· performed inappropriate crotch grabbing of my prop-
· or after a perfect take- uttered the lines-"was that OK?" a nanosecond after I’d finished- thus rendering any edit impossible-
I finally nailed it- but with yet another crotch grab – but c’est la vie!
It’s probably not like it’s never happened to Rufy!
Here’s the final result-
My Youtube Audition video
The concert was at the Arts Centre precinct-
Hamer Hall- where it’s all happening: Hall- where it’s all happening:
OK- enough about my hometown venue.
I meet up with melampus in the foyer- and we bump into Al- who was in Sydney- first night concert. It was Al’s pen that I borrowed so Rufus could ink his signature. He seemed impressed with the final results- and I chatted to Al’s friend while melampus chatted to Al. They wanted to see the tattoo- so I told them the history of them all- and showed them the Japanese "David" and David’s siggy.
She said "Oh- it says Davido !" I was so pleased- because I have never ever had the Japanese characters authenticated since I downloaded them from the net- and always presumed they said what they were supposed to- and not someone’s idea of a rude joke!
It was great to know that yes it did say "Davido!"
Found my seat- front row to the side-
Didn’t do a review- just lived for the moment I guess.
From memory the Melbourne crowd went wild- best response to date-
clapped and cheered each song as it began-
clapped and cheered each anecdote-
clapped and cheered at the end of each song!
GO MELBOURNE!!
These photos courtesy of mspalonka- as posted on the Rufus Boards:
Between My Legs competition winners
Met up with portrait painter ( from hereon in known as pp) and we wended our way through the narrow streets of what seemed to be the commercial/industrial part of town to a B and B with a beer garden around the corner from the venue. Had a drink- then joined the large queue outside the Tivoli- and our evening with Rufus was soon to be underway.
This venue was a sort of traditional theatre/nightclub sort of thingy -
Here’s a picture of the foyer-
My report as posted on Rufus’s forums:
Oh My Lord.... what a night!! Just got meself settled in to Sydney after a day of waiting... flying...waiting... bussing.. setting up my laptop in the hotel room.
May post this in segments as the stoopid cursor is quite demented.
Nothing could have prepared me for the stupendous and awesome experience last night.
I’d been too busy to read all the reviews of his other concerts- so really -apart from printed reviews - knew little about the gigs.
I’ve seen so much of Rufus Doing Judy the past 18 months- I’d forgotten how GOOD Rufus doing Rufus is. (Saw him doing a solo gig in Sydney when he was out here doing Leonard Cohen all those years ago.)
What a show- there was barely a second when he wasn’t on stage- talking- singing- such a fast paced show.
Rufy’s usual humour showed out as he tried to talk strine (Australian) - but he does have one word down pat,and he really does- as he said " wardah" (water)
"I need some wardah!!!"
He really is the most awesome performer in the world. Such a diversity of sounds- tempos- moods-
"Leaving for Paris" and "Not Ready for Love" just leave me forgetting to breathe....
I was near to tears as he sang Poses- at the piano- such a beautiful song- so simple-pure and clear after he’d just sung ’I Don’t Know What It Is’ with all the bells and whistles.
What struck me is how he absolutely duplicates on stage his vocals as they are on his cds. Such a pure and true voice- not many performers can pull that off.
And I had no idea the Band was THAT CUTE!!!
BONUS OR WHAT!!!
All I could think of was- I get to see this all over again times six !!
Just an awesome experience watching a truly great composer and singer. The man’s brilliant- words really can’t describe the experience of seeing hin perform his works.
And he has to have the BEST LEGS IN THE WORLD!!!
Sorry I have no photos- after getting growled at twice by security at Carnegie Hall- I have well AND TRULY BEEN WARNED OFF- and there were spotlights at the front of the stage that were swinging round and seemed to shine on us- (the front row) and there was a burly security guy on the stars at the end of the row.. so I was very cowardly.
PP and I floated back towards my motel- where we said good byes til the concert in Sydney on Tuesday.
MONDAY 28TH JANUARY
Off I go again with the suitcase to the train station to get my plane to Sydney. On arrival- I opt for a shuttle bus and soon am tucked up into my lovely Mercure Hotel- near Central station ..with INTERNET!!
This is my home for 3 nights- and what a great deal I got- way back in September – had to pre-pay- but at $79 a night- nearly half price- it was doozy of a bargain. Lots of take away and convenience stores around. The bus terminal just outside the door.
TUESDAY 29th JANUARY
Wandered around the city centre- again after walking FOREVER- because the google map seemed to show just 3 or 4 small blocks -..pfhhht!!! Will I NEVER learn not to trust these maps!
Didn’t really do any sight-seeing- or visit the Harbour. I think flying up here and back again on some Saturdays last year to see the Opera matinees at the Opera House has made the harbour precinct feel very familiar- and while I have no contempt- I guess I feel like it’s part of a neighbourhood I hang out in from time to time- not the special place I managed to visit very infrequently.
Walked past the theatre and took some pictures of the venue-
then headed back to get ready for the
Concert and to meet up with LittleLiz, melampus, PP and DitsyCarol at a pub near the theatre.
Had a leisurely meal- then headed down to the venue.
What a beautiful venue it is. Managed to take 2 snaps before I realised I wasn’t supposed to.
Why can’t I be that cavalier when it comes to Rufus concert snaps.
Ahh – Siddeney- you sure can give a great welcome.
My report from Rufus’s forums:
Wowie!!!
What a night!
A different show- a different crowd from the Brisbane one.
Macushla and the Consort were new additions- not sure what was dropped from Brisbane.
The crowd were more effusive in their applause.
I swear- after Poses the roar and applause was like what you hear at a Grand Final (football)
Rufy’s patter changed- he was very taken with the beautiful theatre.
Barrie Humphries was in the audience - looking quite Rufish in a white suit with pink and white stripe shirt.
Before the show LittleLiz, Portrait Painter- Melampus and I met up with DitsyCarol and her partner and sister for a drink.
Then AFTER the show PP,LL M and I hung out on the street outside the theatre- and managed to catch a chat with Louis (French Horn player)- and later on Rufus came out and had photos and signed for the dozen or so people waiting.
I have a very precious signature on my skin that I’m trying to preserve ’til I can get it tattooed tomorrow...
We managed to catch a chat with CJ and Cameron and then their wheels came.It was a fabulous end to a fabulous night...and we do it all over again tomorrow night!
Bit of Goss: Told one of the band members that the show should be filmed and put on a dvd - as I’m sure everyone who’s seen it would buy a copy.
He said it had been filmed in Milwaukee by someone who’d done other groups- and I realised he meant Albert Maysles of Grey Gardens fame- but the next step was getting it financed.
Maybe as fans we could send a loud and clear message that we would DEFINITELY BUY THE DVD OF ’RELEASE THE STARS’ LIVE
I can’t imagine anyone who saw the show not wanting to see it on dvd and be able to see it again and again.
The orchestrations of the songs- the lighting - the musicianship- Rufus’s performance-
The show is absolutely flawless on every level - and to have it not available for people to see would be shameful.
Maybe we could all put a deposit on a pre-order for the dvd.
I said that as a bit of a joke- but maybe that’s what it might take to get it going!
Here’s the Between My Legs contest winner for the first Sydney concert- Chantelle. We met up with her again in Adelaide.
And I might just leave you in suspense as to what happened when we waited outside the stage door for Rufus and the band to come out. Would they rush past everyone? Would Rufus sign things- pose for photos- stop to chat ? Would he be accosted by strange women with strange requests? Stay tuned….
INSTALMENT 2.......
Well, that wasn’t much of a cliff hanger was it- I gave the game away in my Concert report.
Yes, I asked Rufus to sign my chest- and apparently the look on his face was priceless- but I was too busy checking out where he was signing- "No! That’s too high!" As I frantically tried to rub it off- and got him to do it lower. Sweet boy obliged-
And I spent the next 13 odd hours trying to not smudge it or let it fade away.
WEDNESDAY 29th JANUARY
Wowie- still on a high from the concert the night before- and can’t believe I have Rufus’s signature!
He had been so gracious with the people at the stage door last night- signing and posing for photos.
We had initially meant to just stand there and wave- but you get pulled into the vortex of Rufusness!
Spent the morning on line- because the first order of business is off to The Illustrated Man and a date with Johnny Casino to preserve my treasure from last night!
Done – and done- and so it was off to the big shops again- where I’d decided I was going to buy ’stuff’ to make Rufus a Rufy Ted- with bright suit- necklace and bling and brooches. As well as buying ’stuff’ to make up bags of Aussie choccy goodies like Caramello Koalas- Strawberry Freddos- and Cherry Ripes for the band and Rufus - to say thanks for all the joy they bring.
Hard part was finding something to make up into small bags- containers. In desperation- I bartered with the man at the Sumo Salad bar- and bought his little cardboard takeaway salad boxes!
Then had to cut up hand made paper from the Uni stationery store round the corner because I couldn’t find little cards- sheesh!