2014

I've been lucky enough to travel the country to different gigs and events this year, so I thought I'd do a little throwback post and look at ten of my favourite events from this year! (These aren't in order and technically there's more than ten oops)

Manchester/Birmingham Social

During 2014 I've been to 4 Kingsland socials, all of which have been amazing but the two that stick in mind are the Manchester bowling and Birmingham Bingo ones.

Going to the Manchester social was a last minute decision following the London bowling. The night before we went to The Wanted's gig in Cardiff and Tom's DJ set in Tiger Tiger afterwards so myself, mum and Dannii were so wrecked going there but had so much fun! Unlike the London social where you had to pick a band member's team, here we got to bowl with all members although I didn't actually bowl at all oops. I enjoyed this social because we had lots of time with the boys and Dannii was like a personal pap taking pictures haha.

The Birmingham social will always be one of my favourites as I got to take Em to her first social. I loved our little Team Thompson's Topknot as we won the quiz and played bingo which I LOVE ha! 

The Wanted Tour

Considering this was a sad occasion as it was their last tour, it shouldn't appear on the list but through the tears there were also plenty of laughs and smiles.

I went to Manchester, Cardiff and Nottingham to see them. Along the way I was reunited with some of my favourite people as well as finally meeting some of the girls I've known for years! In Manchester I also got to meet The Wanted again - they are always so precious to meet. It was the best thing being able to get Jay hugs again! The day after, myself and mum also got our Siva follows! 

As the tour dates went on, more tears were cried. Nottingham was heartbreaking to say the least. Every person in my row were absolutely beside themselves and it was so horrible to see the boys so upset too. I wouldn't have missed it for the world but it was actually emotionally draining. I will always love those boys to the moon and back. They've given me so much happiness for over 4 years and I can never thank them enough for that. I miss them every day and I do hope that one day they'll return (as a five piece) as their journey ended far too soon.

Meeting MKTO

This was one of those things that I never thought would happen. I've loved Tony Oller for seven years since seeing him on As The Bell Rings and being an American star it seemed unlikely that he would ever come to the UK. I started supporting him and Malcolm Kelley in 2013 (known as MKTO) and it's always been a dream to meet them.

In May they announced that they were coming over here and it was so stressful as it was so last minute but eventually I met them in Manchester! It was so incredible and they were just as perfect as I imagined! I really hope that there'll be a next time and that they do a gig over here too. 

Big Reunion Boyband Tour

This was a night of pure fun and reliving my childhood! 90's music just makes me super happy, and getting to meet the boybands of my childhood allowed to me to tick another thing off of my goals list!

The main boyband in question were A1, finally getting to meet them after 15 years! I most definitely embarrassed myself in front of all the boybands as I was super excited, most specifically in front of Mark from A1, rambling on about how I'd waited 15 years to meet him oops haha. This was by far one of my favourite gigs of this year, few hours of good fun, singing along and having no worries in the world.

Showcase Live @ Thorpe Park

This is pretty much in my top three of places I've been this year. As a rollercoaster-phobe, I basically only went to see Concept/Canary Swing perform and to be reunited with my twinny Mim. However, she managed to drag me on a few rides which was actually super fun!

Concept were my highlight, purely because they had a really good set including covers and originals, most importantly their amazing cover of She Wants To Move which is one of my favourites of all time!!! I also still laugh at myself for practically dying on the barrier from certain stage love, don't judge ha!

Capital Summertime Ball / Jingle Bell Ball 

Capital always put on the most AMAZING gigs with some insane line-ups. This was my third STB and first JBB. I got to see some incredible artists perform live! STB highlights included Jessie J (with Nathan Sykes), Ed Sheeran, The Vamps, 5SOS, Miley and Pharrell. JBB ended my year on a high with Take That as the headline, One Republic, Union J, The Script and more. I can't wait to go again next year :)

Kingsland's Tour

This was Kingsland's first headline tour and we decided to do all six dates, which included visiting Newcastle and Glasgow for the first time.

As well as seeing the boys perform every night, one of the best things about the tour for me was getting to see pretty much all of my favourite people across the different venues and radio stations that they visited. It was so good getting to spend time with old friends as well as making new ones along the way. It was definitely one of the most memorable weeks for me and I can't wait to repeat it again next year on their second tour :)

Live and Loud

This was a festival based in Castle Vale and one funny afternoon/night. I had such a laugh with the KL girls and this is when I became close to a few of them. Instead of watching the acts we actually stood outside all day waiting for Kingsland but there was banter with the security and we became #KittyDivas before eventually getting to see the boys.

We went in to watch them perform and moments before they went on stage it was said on twitter that there'd be an announcement on stage for the boys. Ever the worrier, I automatically thought they were going to split or something and I remember panicking so much. Turns out, the event organiser presented them with an envelope which had details about a record deal in AMERICA! Needless to say, plenty of happy tears were shed - so proud of those idiots!

Showcase Live @ Under The Bridge

Again, this was a sad occasion as it was Jay's last gig and shouldn't really be on the list but there parts of the night that were enjoyable!

Firstly I got to meet my favourite Australian Jakie! It was so good to finally meet her after so long and she got to meet the boys and get the most precious photos!

I also spent most of the gig with Dannii, which is always fun and games! We had plenty of bants with the boys before and after the gig haha

Whilst it was sad that it was Jay's last gig, looking back at the night now (having cried too many tears on his shoulder) it was an end of an era and the start of something new for him. He has since launched his solo career and he seems to be really happy, which makes me happy too.

Meeting Take That

The main highlight of my year/life was meeting Take That, in particular my idol Gary after well over 15 years! I also got to be barrier at their intimate Radio 2 gig which was a dream come true! (I won't rattle on too much about it, but you can read about it in my previous post :) )

No matter how many times I put it into words, it still feels so surreal to me. As sad as it sounds, it's literally one of my biggest life goals crossed off and a day I'll never forget!

This year has been one of my favourites for many reasons. I've been so fortunate to be able to travel the country, seeing the bands that make me happy and meeting the most amazing people along the way. 

It gives me the biggest buzz doing this, and whilst I may be deemed as too old for all this "fangirling", I work hard full time and this is my release and what I enjoy doing in life. At the start it used to be just about the music, then getting to see the bands. Now it's getting to spend time with people that I have things in common with, making friends with people, a lot of whom I consider family.

I also learnt this year that you should NEVER give up hope on meeting your idols. I am one of many people that met their idols this year - in fact I met three of whom I've been waiting 7/15+ years to meet. Just keep trying and it will happen, trust me. 

This will be my last post for this year! If anyone is still reading my ramblings then thank you for letting me bore you with my memories haha. I keep this blog as a memory box for myself really, so I hope to continue in 2015 so that I'll always have something to look back on in years to come.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Happy New Year!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

Tonight we're gonna live for these days!

Recently Radio 2 and the red button on BBC broadcasted a special concert that Take That filmed at the BBC theatre a few weeks ago. Myself and mum were lucky enough to win tickets to this gig and it was the start of a very momentous weekend for us!

When we won the tickets, it stated that entry would be first come first served, so knowing how some fans like to camp out, we decided to queue at 8am to get a decent spot. To our bemusement there were only two ladies in front of us (that had been there since 3am!!!) meaning that we were third and fourth in the queue.

It was a strange day altogether as we started to queue outside in the cold, the security couldn't believe how early we'd arrived and told us that we could queue inside the BBC media centre cafe. After the arrival of a few more people, we started a number system which the security actually listened to! We had such a nice afternoon queuing indoors, with food, drink and toilets at hand and once our tickets were validated we were told that we would definitely be let in to the theatre in number order.

Once the doors opened, we excitedly ran to the front and all got a spot on the barrier, myself and mum placing ourself right in the centre where Gary would be standing.

After nearly 12 hours of queuing all day, the show finally started and I genuinely couldn't believe how close we were to Take That! We've been to their shows before but never been anywhere near the front (I have been fourth row at a Gary concert once and it took all my strength not to cry through the first half, so I'm not sure how I managed to keep calm during this concert!). It was such an incredible experience to be one of 400 people in this tiny room with Take That, when over 268,000 people had applied for tickets!

It's always my favourite thing to see the fans getting so involved, hearing lyrics being sung back to the band and everyone joining in with some of their famous moves always gives me goosebumps! Mark was as fun as I imagined, participating a lot with the crowd. Howard was just so striking in real life, he's so beautiful!! As for Gary, well I was just in awe. He is an incredible man, my idol and to be so close was just a dream!

Luckily for us, the next day we had tickets for their signing which meant we would finally get to meet them after all this time. Signings are known for being a bit rushed sometimes so we also took our chance and went to try and meet them at Radio 2 early on signing day.

This is where my dreams came true and I first met Gary. It is still the most surreal thing in the world being able to say that!! I wouldn't have had a picture if it wasn't for mum asking him, I was literally rendered speechless as soon as he stood in front of me and the second he walked away I looked at my picture and cried haha (happy tears of course!).

Later that afternoon we headed to HMV to meet the whole band. To our surprise, it was brilliantly organised, each member standing with an individual podium next to them ready for signing our album, whilst a member of staff took pictures for you.

It didn't feel rushed at all! Mark was very friendly and we spoke about the gig from the night before. Howard was really nice and again ever so striking in real life! This time I also managed to speak a little to Gary and made the most of the photo opportunity by getting a Barlow hug ;-)

I was so overwhelmed, it was a brilliant day where all my dreams came true. Never in a million years did I think I would get to meet them - having been a fan for over 15 years, it's been a long old wait but worth every second!

I'd like to believe that I can reassure people who haven't met their faves yet that it will happen one day - never give up hope!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

'Once a #tred, always a #tred'

Two years ago today still remains a very special night for me. It was a night of firsts which all surrounded a band called Times Red.

It was the first time I got to meet them, having supported them since the September of that year after their short stint on X Factor.  I've loved X Factor bands since the show began, I always end up supporting someone every year but the love and support I had for Times Red was in a league of it's own. My bank account STILL weeps at how many votes were cast for them during wildcard week haha.

After their exit they announced that they'd be performing in a Cardiff club called Fat Cat. Our first time meeting them would also coincide with our first time "clubbing" in Cardiff haha, although it was more of a chilled place really. It makes me sad how the club has actually closed down now :(

posh hotel, us four and Lukey

Before hand, myself, mum, my friend Sarah and Chuns went for food. It was the first time for us to meet Chuns after speaking on twitter. We had a few hours to spare before the club opened and that's how my first hotel stalking experience occurred!!! With the help of Google Maps and Lukey openly tweeting their location, we made our way to their hotel and hovered in the bar. Me and Sarah being nosy little things, we went to the toilet then went into the lift to have a look around the hotel.  As the doors were closing we looked into the reception area and there stood Scott! Obviously we immediately ran out and thanks to Chuns' ninja skills, she made the first move in speaking to him.

Scott and Lukey

The four of us then spent an hour talking to Scott in the foyer, he was so lovely! Lukey also came down for a while and they certainly made me feel more comfortable about meeting them. He's bonkers in the best way possible! It was amazing being able to speak to them properly before going to the club.

My favourite little weirdo always <3

The club was where we met Staz for the first time, where I managed to excel myself at being embarrassing. I will never forget going to hug him and blurting out "omg you're even more beautiful in real life" (which is true but so unnecessary to say, I wanted the ground to swallow me up there and then!!!)

making a fool of myself in front of Mr Carved by Angels ;)

We got to see them perform live for the first time too, they were incredible. We were also some of the first out of our friendship group to see them live so we were responsible for taking pictures and videos to share with everyone.

Attempting Lukey's famous pose...

What made my year of supporting Times Red as a band special was the fact that they were the first band that knew me on a personal level in terms of knowing my name and recognising me. They were always more than just a band to me and I'm forever thankful for the brilliant experiences I had because of them. Helping to promote them at Clothes Show was the craziest and most precious experience that will always mean a lot to me. They're also responsible for my favourite song of all time which is Patience - have a look for it on YouTube/iTunes! 

Along with all of this came a bunch of amazing people into my life. When the boys split up, we were told that the friendships created because of the boys need to continue. Unfortunately some of the friendships have passed, some of them still exist but only two friendships have grown since then. They know who they are - I speak to them on a daily basis and they're not even friends anymore, they're my family. I got to do some amazing things and visit new places when I supported Times Red but nothing will ever top the fact that they introduced me to some people that changed my life. I know that sounds so bloody dramatic but it's true - they keep me smiling always. I don't say it enough but I'm forever grateful for my Twinny and my sis :)

I would not know these two if it wasn't for those three boys <3

I would do anything to relive the year I had with Times Red before they split - they're well overdue a reunion in my opinion ;)

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

Biggest Turnaround Award goes to....ME!

A few weeks ago, I went to Rixton's last tour date in Cardiff. For anyone that's known me a long time, you'd never ever ever expect to see me say that, which makes this one of the biggest turnarounds in history!! 

I've known of Rixton ever since they were Relics. I remember seeing some of The Wanted fans tweeting about them and at the time I had enough on my boyband plate and I wasn't interested (oh how I regret this now!!!). 

Fast forward a while, they became Rixton and due to some silly online poll on Celebritain, they were up against Kingsland which caused a lot of agg online and subsequently made me 'hate' them (had to stay loyal to my boys, obvs!!!), especially that lead singer of theirs, cocky so and so ;)

Fast forward to summer 2014 when Me and My Broken Heart started playing on the telly. I resisted for so long but finally caved in and watched it. Within three seconds I was hooked. I loved the song and the video and that day I became a fan. I rambled on about them to Twinny but made sure to mention that I would "never fancy Jake" (the lead singer) because he was a "lots of unnecessary bad words" - ten points to anyone who can guess how I long I kept that up for haha!!!! (Clue: not very long)

Needless to say, when they announced their tour I immediately bought tickets. The gig was in CF10 in Cardiff's Students Union, quite easily the worst venue I've ever been to as the stage was so narrow that the small crowd went back for miles. I was stood at the back and literally barely saw anything for the whole night (caught a glimpse of Jake in a grey jacket at the start which was good enough for me haha!).

However it was a really great gig - they are absolutely brilliant live! Jake has an insane voice and Charley, Danny and Lewi are phenomenal musicians. Their on stage banter was hilarious and you can tell that they are like brothers. They performed a mix of old and new songs as well as some covers. Their cover of Problem by Ariana Grande was one of my favourites, as well as their songs Make Out (check out the hilarious video online) and Wait on Me (available to download now on iTunes!!).

We didn't have VIP tickets so I wanted to hang around afterwards to try and meet them. I don't think I've ever successfully met anyone outside a venue, but after over two hours in the freezing cold and running from one side to the other, we met the boys!

Charley was so lovely, he literally treated everyone as if he knew you already and pulled you in for a big hug. He was my original favourite when I became a fan, and he proved me right by being so awesome!

I made sure I went to Jake next as I was most keen to meet him. He edged his way over and was just as I imagined him to be haha but everyone loves the lead singer right? ;)

Danny was a real cutie as well as Lewi!

It was so nice to see them live and meet them, although it made me feel so stupid for being so stubborn for so long. I ALWAYS cave in when bands are concerned, it's just a shame it took so long for me to fall in love with Rixton as they are brilliant! I really hope I can see them again soon :)

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

Adventure Island

A few weeks ago I went to Adventure Island theme park in Southend, to watch Kingsland perform at the last 'Big Night Out' of this year. This was the first gig as a four piece for me to go to so I was a little bit anxious if I'm honest!

Both myself and mum were lucky enough to win a competition on Facebook which meant that we won free ride bands and meet and greet tickets. We got there early and had a nosy around the place, as it was just after Halloween, all the staff were still in costumes and I was particularly creeped out by a werewolf cleaner lurking around the place haha!

Partners in crime ;)

We got to the barrier with Summer and her friend and watched the boys soundcheck. They probably travelled more than we did that day, as they had a gig in Blackpool the night before and had to use the train like is fangirls (now they've had a taste of how everyone has to travel to see them!).

Once it was time for them to perform, they shook off any travel tiredness and absolutely smashed it on stage! It was so strange seeing them as a four piece and even stranger to hear Jay's bits being sing by Josh or Thomps, but they did a brilliant job. Getting to see them perform on stage is one of my favourite things, I adore their music so much and getting to see them doing what they love on stage makes me happy!

Afterwards we went to the meet and greet. The boys were on top form, having a joke about how we probably tour more than they do (which sounds legit considering that we like a lot of bands and singers!!). Beforehand I was sad knowing that Jay wouldn't be there and I wondered what I would do without my swaying hugs but I didn't need to worry - Thomps seemed to channel Jay by swaying me and subsequently spinning me around which was hilarious to everyone apart from me!!

They know how to make a m&g picture cute ;)

Matt laughing at me :/

It was a cute little gig despite the fact that it's going to take some time getting used to them as a four piece. They're so talented, I never get sick of seeing them perform! This week was my two year klander anniversary which is madness - the same day, they announced their US tour dates! They deserve the world and I'll always be around to support them no matter what.

Two years of madness. Proud of my boys :)

Currently a little bit sad because I don't actually know when I'll be seeing them next which is strange for me, hoping they announce some gigs I can go to or fulfil some of my pledges soon! (However that means this blog will also have a little break from rambling on about them all the time haha!!)

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

"Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end, they simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again"

A week last Monday, I went to Showcase Live in Under The Bridge, Chelsea. I was really excited for this gig as I was looking forward to seeing Kingsland perform in such a brilliant venue. However a few days before, we found out it would actually be Jay's last gig with the band. 

It's taken me so long to write this as I wasn't really sure how to say what I wanted to, I still can't put into words the impact Jay's had on my life, he really is one special lad.

(first and last picture with Jay)

When I found out Jay was leaving, I cried for two days straight. That sounds so silly as he is of no relation to me, nobody had died and he was leaving as he wanted to be happy elsewhere. Nonetheless, I've met Jay countless times, and there's never been a single occasion where he hasn't been more than lovely to me. I spend most of my money on Kingsland and over the past two years I have gotten to know them well. Whilst I'm just a fan, I think the world of them and would do anything for them.  The boys are like brothers and I'm used to them as a five piece, which is why I found it hard when hearing Jay's decision.

Jay is always the one that can make you smile, personally just hearing him say hello in his Wolverhampton accent makes me happy. He is always so appreciative towards the fans, I can't remember a single time where he hasn't thanked me for "coming all this way" when he knows that I wouldn't do it if I didn't love doing so. His hugs are literally out of this world cos he sways you from side to side and you feel really safe when you're with him (soz cringe haha).

Surprise surprise, the night of the gig, my tears kept flowing. As we waited to go into the meet and greet, he came outside to see the fans. All he did was hug me which was enough to start to set me off. Once we went into the meet and greet, I managed a few words at most, grabbed two hugs and smiled for our last group picture with the boys before I burst into tears - his father was on hand to cheer us up, such a lovely man (you can see where Jay gets his kind nature from).

The gig itself was horrendously emotional - most of us cried during Shoreline. SHORELINE. The most upbeat and happy song of theirs, yet we were all messes (most cried during the words "for one last time" whilst I just sobbed every time Jay had a solo as it would be the last time he's sing his parts). It was horrible to see the boys getting emotional on stage too, when they're normally very upbeat. It didn't help that they sang Try and Heaven Knows, both of which make me emotional under normal circumstances!

As soon as their set ended, all the fans flooded outside and it must have been the most mind boggling sight as everyone was sitting on the floor or huddling together crying, it looked as though the world had ended to be honest haha. 

Eventually we got our final goodbyes with Jay, he was ever so precious. I actually managed to say what I wanted to him, whilst casually sobbing on his shoulder, not embarrassing at all ✋ I made sure I had my final hugs, they're going to need to keep me going for a while.

I'm going to miss Jay so much, he was a literal ball of sunshine in the band and was a favourite to everyone even if he wasn't actually their favourite. He always treated everyone so nicely and had time for each person, no matter who you were. I really hope he finds his true happiness, he deserves it for being such a special person. I will always treasure the memories I have with him. Whilst I know it will be a long time before I see him again, I hope that saying goodbye won't be forever.

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

7 boybands and me.

On Monday I went to the Big Reunion Boyband Tour in Cardiff, one of the concerts I've been most excited about all year!! Featuring 90's faves a1, 911, Blue, Damage, 3T, Five and Fifth Story (made up of Dane Bowers, Kavana, Gareth Gates, Kenzie and Adam Rickitt), it was a chance for me to completely re-live my childhood! I was most excited about seeing a1, as they were part of the first concert I ever went to at eight years old and I haven't seen them live for over 15 years!

Me and mum were lucky to have VIP tickets which included a meet and greet with the acts, which was an overwhelmingly brilliant experience. There was no guarantee who would be there but on the whole I was ecstatic! As we entered the room we were greeted by a signing table with eleven band members which was both bizarre and a dream come true! We met Lee and Antony from Blue, Jimmy from 911,  Taj from 3T, Sean, Scott and Ritchie from Five, Ben and Christian from a1 and Andrez and Rahsaan from Damage. 

I managed to ramble to every single band member on the table, to the point where Andrez thought I'd been on the wine before coming....! ("Nooo I'm just excited omg!!!!!"). The most I managed to ramble was to Ben and Christian from a1, and I barely stopped for breath as I explained that I'd waited 15 years to meet them and that they were at the first concert I ever went to and that when Ben had a solo career I won a stereo signed by him on CBBC (yes, I felt the need to tell them all of this, they were very very lovely in return so it's fine haha!)

As we went round the corner to the picture area I was praying that Mark from a1 would be there as he is my favourite member, to my elation he was! The picture section was a but of a blur as I was so intent on getting to Mark! I quickly hugged Duncan from Blue before pointing that I was going to the end of the line (accidentally walked past Simon from Blue as well as everyone in the middle, of whom I wasn't even certain had been there until I looked back at the picture haha!). As soon as I got to Mark, I hugged him and just said "I've waited 15 years for this" and some of the other lads were making a fuss haha, Mark was so sweet and made room for me next to him in the picture. At that point, TJ Jackson was stroking my back to calm me down because I was so hyped, AN ACTUAL JACKSON I JUST :O I also hugged Lee from 911 on the way out (nearly missed him as he is literally TINY and I was so flustered haha).

(Simon and Duncan from Blue, Taryll from 3T, Noel and Jade from Damage, Mark from a1, TJ from 3T and Lee from 911).

After having food it was time for the gig and we had front row seats for it! I was so excited for it and I wasn't disappointed at all! 

a1 opened the show, singing Take On Me and Caught in the Middle. They were incredible, busting some boyband moves and I got stage love from the boys which made me happy! I really hope that they will do their own tour as they really are phenomenal!

Five, now a three piece, went down well despite another member leaving this year. All their old classics got the crowd going!

911 are one of my favourites to watch purely because it amazes me how agile Spike and Jimmy still are haha, I wasn't particularly a fan when I was younger but Bodyshakin' is my favourite!

3T had one of the best receptions all night, no surprise considering they are the nephews of the late great Michael Jackson. I wasn't very familiar with their music but it got me very emotional, especially when they played a tribute to Michael on the screen.

(photo by @helz999)

Damage were really good, but again I wasn't particularly familiar with their music as I wasn't really a fan when I was a kid but nonetheless they were amazing!

Blue were incredible as always, such good showmen! It really made me crave for another tour, as their solo tour last year was one of the best shows I've seen!

(Photo by @helz999)

Last but not least, Fifth Story. They were one of my highlights as they performed the most notable song of each member's career. They sang Freak Me by Dane, which is one of my favourite songs and his voice was so on point! Kavana did I Can Make You Feel Good which got everyone going, whilst Kenzie did a medley of Flip Reverse and Crossroads which made my inner 12 year old come out as Blazin Squad were one of my original faves back in the day! The best crowd reaction went to Adam's Breathe Again, everyone went mental! Gareth got the honour of closing the show with Spirit in the Sky which was brilliant.

(Kenzie and Dane, two of my faves!)

I wish I could relive the night as it made me so happy! Going to gigs always puts a smile on my face but this was something else - 90's music was so different to now but never gets old and always gives you that feel good factor!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️