Remember my blog confession about my dream to watch a Matt Goss show? Some might say ‘It’s easy – Fly to Vegas and catch one of his shows at Caesar’s Palace!‘. It’s not that easy for a Philippine passport holder like me. My only hope to see him is if he gets a chance to do a show in Manila (although I am aware that the probability of this thing to happen is just 10%) or just pray that he’ll do a show in London while I’m still here.

Then something unexpected happened. There were rumors that Matt Goss might visit London to do a show to promote his new album. No specific date given, but the show will take place within the year. Hmmm… When will I, will I see him in person?

While waiting in NAIA – 1 Boarding Gate for my flight to Birmingham, I saw a tweet confirming that tickets to the Matt Goss Album Showcase will be on sale the next day! Wah. Imagine how excited and at the same time anxious I was. With a note that there will be limited tickets for grabs, I simply couldn’t keep still. I NEED TO GET A TICKET AND WATCH THE SHOW!!!

Despite the jetlag and switching of time zones, I still managed to get one ticket for the show. I panicked when Matt tweeted that the tickets for the showcase are sold out. Damn. Of course, I am happy for this achievement. It simply shows that Matt Goss is truly loved by his fans and supporters. In fact, the tickets are considered sold-out in a few minutes!

I’m glad that I was able to get a spare ticket from one of the fans. It took days before I received the real ticket via post and I am more than relieved to know that I got it from a legit seller 😀

Thanks to MGA, I was able to imagine what a typical Matt Goss show in Vegas look like. It seems like every member of the audience sees to it that they arrive in the venue with their best formal attires on.

That Wednesday afternoon, my uncle and I strolled around Piccadilly for me to familiarize the directions. I was surprised when I saw a long queue outside Café de Paris. I think Matt Goss has the most loyal and sweetest fans. I admire their dedication!

I took this opportunity to dress up a bit – black dress, high-heeled shoes and a bit of make-up. I enjoyed talking to my cousin that I almost didn’t make it on the show!

I arrived in Café de Paris just a minute before they closed the main door. Quite overwhelmed with the number of security personnel and yes, the venue is jampacked with VIP’s, media personalities and the loyal fans. For some reason, I end up staying at the VIP balcony area. Wearing high-heeled shoes is the best decision I’ve made.

When Matt Goss went onstage to sing ‘Lovely Las Vegas’, the crowd went crazy! It is his signature song as a Vegas headliner. He wouldn’t be called the ‘British Frank Sinatra’ for nothing. Although I was struggling to get a good view of Matt, it didn’t deprive me to see how powerful he is as a performer.

The second song is ‘Mustang’, which is his personal favorite in the upcoming album. The song describes Matt’s personal view on love and letting go.

He also sang the ‘perfect FU song’ called ‘Evil’, which is included in the Gossy album. I am not sure if a new version of the song will be included on the next record.

‘I Do’ is the perfect marriage proposal song. If Matt Goss chooses to release this as a single and promote it heavily, it will surely be considered as a favorite wedding anthem in the years to come. The British Gentleman serenading for wedding bells? Perfect!

‘Strong’ is my personal favorite from the showcase. I just love the lyrics, his voice, the melody, the arrangement and the choir singing with Matt in the chorus. Matt Goss is truly an epitome of a British Gentleman, who managed to stand up despite the highs and lows of life. It feels good to be Strong!

As expected, the crowd favorite is the new version of the popular Bros hit ‘When Will I Be Famous?’. The lyrics of the song is more applicable in the present than it was in the past. I smiled upon seeing a lot of women sing and dance with Matt like teenagers again. I wonder how it was way back in the 80’s. How does it feel like to be a Brossette?

To end the show with a bang, Matt Goss performed his rendition of the classic hit ‘Hotel California’. I heard that in some of his previous gigs, some girls would throw their knickers onstage when he belts out the first line! What an intriguing finale.

I went to the toilet at the middle of his Hotel California number because I had to pee (sorry I can’t stop it! LOL). Imagine how star struck I was when I saw Matt on my way out! I wasn’t expecting it because the band’s still playing the instrumental parts of the song. What to do? Should I say hi? Hello? Welcome to your home country even if I am just a visitor?

The security team grabbed him to the backstage before I even thought of doing something crazy.  Tsktsk. Oh well. Maybe later I’d get the chance and the courage to approach him for a photo or autograph.

Later on, drinks and canapés were being served to the guests. I need to meet Matt. I need to meet Matt!

Out of boredom, I decided to just roam around the venue. I eventually met someone whom I had a very interesting conversation with.

Then I realized that people were slowly evaporating from the venue. Where are they going?

 

Apparently, Matt Goss left. 🙁  No more meet and greet since he needs to catch up on another commitment. Wah. I was a bit disappointed, but there’s nothing I can do for now. At least I get to watch him perform live!

I’m happy when one of the staff approached me and handed me the MG Goodie Bag – What are the contents? The Matt Goss Official Calendar 2013, an autographed poster and an exclusive VIP pass.

^ Matt Goss: Life You Imagine album preview

There are rumors circulating that Matt Goss will be back in the UK before the year ends to do a full-length concert gig. I’m skeptical if I can make it to the show, but I will surely get a copy of the album! ‘Early Side of Later’ and ‘Gossy’ surpassed my expectations and I know ‘Life You Imagine’ will be better 😀

‘Life You Imagine’ will be available in UK record stores starting October 7. Pre-order now and get a limited edition signed CD!

Video Credits: gossygalgez, hayley h and Bluehaysee