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This page is for you the Fans to write a review of one of Joe's shows. Some fans might not have been able to go, so share your experiences here.

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The Friendship Club Bash @ The Imperial Hotel- Sunday 2nd September 2007

We arrived at the Imperial Hotel around 1.00 ish because we wanted to secure a parking spot which we did no problem. I had forgotten just how grand the Hotel was until I stepped inside again. I noticed since the new manager, Alison had taken over there had been improvements since I worked there. I caught up with some friends who still work there and went up to see my room. I had been given a double which was nice enough. We eventually checked in and went to the rooms. I had been for a look in the Lancastrian Suite where the Bash was to be held but there wasn’t much to see really until much later on.

I noticed a few fans checking in as the afternoon passed and then I went to get a shower, etc. We made our way to the main entrance around 5 ish and stood chatting to other fans. Then we moved to the Aperitif Bar for the champagne reception. I didn’t have any and decided to queue to go in the room. Mum and I were chatting to John Boy about the Walsall gig and London next year. Seems Joe wants to go back to the London Palladium instead of the Albert Hall.

A few fans were asking us about Keep Shining and what shows we were booking, etc. Then Teresa made her way into the room and we were pushed that much we ended up almost in the room! A man came looking for mum and took her in the room to see Teresa. I waited outside and then Dad appeared. We had been there almost an hour if not longer so I tried to get in the room. Someone tried to stop me but I explained I knew Joe’s mum so he let me through and then I saw Alison who said it was ok as she knew I knew Joe. I was really pleased with the table, right in front of the stage. I didn’t know anyone else on the table though although they seemed to know me!

Tony Jo appeared and we chatted and then whilst he was doing a speech Joe wandered in. He wasn’t due until 9pm so everyone was shocked at his entrance. He very quietly took his seat with Pat Mancini and Bobby Ball. Nobody approached him which was nice as he was eating a meal too. Joe seemed very quiet to me and once or twice he went out for a smoke.

There were merchandise on sale and raffle tickets, also a ticket to meet Joe behind the scenes at the Grand or any theatre on the 2008 Tour. I bought one but didn’t win.

It was announced about Church on Sunday in Blackpool and also the Opera House re-scheduled show on 14th October.

The meal was lovely and I would expect nothing less for the best hotel in Blackpool.

I knew Joe would like it and it seems we could be going back in 2008.

Bobby Ball came onto sing “Fly Me To The Moon” which was excellent and he sang with a lot of feeling. He even got a standing ovation after it. Buddy Lee was the comedian and he was very funny even though he picked on Mum and me. I have seen him before and he is always worth seeing.

Joe came on stage in a new suit, he had been drinking but you couldn’t tell by his voice at all. He sang River, For Once In My Life where he sang “I have someone who won’t desert me, his name is James Moran” to which we all cheered and then he dedicated “You’ll Never Know” to Teresa after mentioning his father passing away. The songs followed including How Do You keep The Music Playing?, Love Is All, Mack The Knife and Joe ended on We Don’t Cry Out Loud. The fans surged to the stage although I didn’t move, Dad took his present up and Joe was mobbed! He seemed sad although he looked better than I have seen him for a while. The suit was gorgeous and he looked well.

Joe never appeared again after he went off and made his way to the Queens.

We went to sit in the lounge area and saw Diane and everyone and then headed off to bed after a brilliant evening. Roll on next year.

Miss Michelle Jane Backhouse

Part 2 Les Dawson Charity Show

(Part 1 on Karen’s site).

The second half was just as good as the first with Joey Blower and Maurice Grumbleweed heading the comedians. Lynda McMurray sang Send In The Clowns. She sat at a mirrored dressing table and dressed as a clown as she sang, also putting on clown’s make -up- very entertaining. Leanne Fury sang a couple of songs with her usual talent and Ricky Tomlinson told a few more jokes. .Mooky the clown had 4 gentlemen up on the stage, sat them down on 4 stools in a square, then lay them down backwards across each others knees and took the stools away! A great party trick they were all supporting each other and couldn’t move, though nearly collapsed laughing!

P. .J. Proby was brilliant singing songs we all knew well like Hold Me and yes - Somewhere! Again just as good as the old days. Well the show had to end sometime and it did - but it was about 11:45 or even nearer midnight- so much for a 1 hour second half- good job I’d moved my car! Leanne Fury led the Finale and it was time to go upstairs for out bacon butties.

I had a wee chat with Tracey Dawson who said that Mo had had to jump up quick and get changed for the finale, she’s forgotten about it! I said she must have been pleased with the evening and she said yes. I asked about the statue and apparently it’s probably going to be of Les in Blankety Blank mode and half gurning, It’s hopefully going to be near Fairhaven I think she said (or maybe Lowther Gardens?) and she’s hoping royalty will be unveiling it next year ( I’m sure she said Prince Philip, not Prince Charles) Well all the folk with VIP passes then went upstairs to a charming room. It was like being in a fairy tale, I think it’s called the Spanish room, with pretend castle like ‘buildings’ on balconies across each corner, a large dance floor, a stage at one end of the room, and a bar at the side. I guess it’s used mostly for private functions, but a pity not everyone gets a chance to see it. I saw Geraldine & her mum at the foot of the stairs, asking if there was any other way up, maybe mum couldn’t manage the stairs? I didn’t see her later. I joined the queue for the buffet, saw Shelley and her mum. Sat at a table witt a couple from Chesterfield, as already mentioned on Karen’s site. Well after eating it was time to do the rounds - as I’d bought 2 autograph books prior to the Variety Club Gala do (1 each for Judith & David) and wanted to add a few more to my collection! I approached P.J.Proby and said how much I’d enjoyed his performance and it must be great to still be getting such a good response from the audience, after all these years. He said he was grateful that he was still able to perform ( I got the impression that he may be religious) Mo Moreland kindly signed both books asking how old David was and writing ‘the world is your oyster make good use of it’, wasn’t that nice of her? I approached David Copperfield and joked that like our Joe I’m sure he’d love to watch himself perform and have a laugh - he said he’s probably be embarrassed! (I forgot to mention he sang Finccaro (?spelling) at the end of his at and he’s got a pretty good voice!) Lynda McMurray was grabbing a bite to eat, saying she’s only had a sandwich all day and was starving! Apparently she was then shooting off to go home to a puppy that she’s just got which would be wondering where she was! She was glad I’d enjoyed her spot - that’s what entertainment is all about she said. I also approached Tom Collins and said how refreshing it was to see someone of his age singing the old songs - he replied the old ones are the best! Watch out for this name, he reminded me of a young Tony Christie, and later I heard Tony Jo giving him some advise about the nature of show business ups & downs - I think he might take him under his wing! Before I left I approached Tony Jo and got a lovely big hug off him as he said ”we pulled it off” I presumed he meant even without Joe. I congratulated him on the show before taking my leave, and arriving back at Carol’s home at approx 2am, where I relived the whole evening before going to bed with a smile on my face!

Cheers Chris xx

Gala review by Christine

Variety Club Tribute Review

Where do I begin – to tell the story of how great a night can be? -----

Well I’ll try to do as good a review as the others, and do the night justice!

I drove over to Manchester, from Preston on the Saturday morning, having stayed over there on Friday night. Carol and I were hoping to see her daughter run in the ‘Race For Life’ at 11a.m. but unfortunately as I’m not used to driving in Manchester city centre, we didn’t arrive at the Palace Hotel until 11: 30a.m. so missed the start by ½ hour. Anyway, I parked the car and we left our luggage at the hotel, as we couldn’t check in until 2p.m. We then went for a walk around the shops in Piccadilly and had a bite to eat before returning to the hotel at around 3p.m. when we went up to our room to rest before getting ready for the evening. Well, Carol fell asleep, I read a book and relaxed as it had been quite tiring trecking around the shops in the heat – and we hadn’t had much sleep the previous night! Then, before we knew it was time to get our glad rags on! We actually made it to the ballroom on time, which is a major feat I can tell you with Carol! We were directed out of the lift at ground level, which I thought was a bit odd, as the ballroom was a further two levels down! Anyway following instructions we ended up in the V.I.P. room, where I saw Johnnie Casson but no-one else I recognised as I was busy guiding Carol, but I soon realised we shouldn’t be there! One lady in front of us grabbed a glass of wine off a tray, before we honestly left the room! That’s when I briefly saw Dave with Tony Jo, I think he was heading to the room we had just left! I didn’t see Dave again all night! Unfortunately we then had several flights of stairs to go down to our correct destination, but Carol soldiered on – we would have had to go back through the V.I.P. room to get back to the lift, so we thought better of it!

The function room was already quite full when we arrived, found our table and looked around. Didn’t really ‘know’ anyone at the table, though had seen the lady sat next to Carol before – Peggy with her son Keith, but of course we soon got chatting. We had pre-ordered our drinks and the ‘cheeky’ man next to me had started drinking our orange juice before we got there! (He did apologise and refilled my glass later when he’d bought a jug!) Then another gentleman came around the table and tried to take our bottle of wine, which I had to point out was ours, then a waitress tried to do the same! It became a talking point and was quite funny really! As we were talking and settling down the D.J Peter Price (Radio City) was announcing the arrival of all Joe’s special guests, which was quite exciting, until the man himself arrived and the place erupted with the sound of cheering and whistling etc. as one would expect!

When everyone had settled down again the meal was served, which was nicely presented and served quite quickly with lots of staff on duty, Like Shelley I didn’t eat much though what I did eat was OK considering the numbers of folk catered for. There was something going on the whole evening but I won’t duplicate too much who was there or what was going on. It would have been nice to have a lull in the proceedings, as even if you went to the loo you missed something! The singer Victor Michaels was on his second song when I came back from my loo stop so I had to ask who he was! For a young man he was very talented, with an amazing vocal range, so watch out for his name! Saw Gary Lovini with Roy Walker on my way back to my table, he was in the bar – which was very, very, smoky (at least that won’t be the case again after 1st July 2007!) Bless him he greeted me like an ‘old friend’ (not OLD friend!) and we chatted several times throughout the evening, I do think he’s a lovely man (smitten can’t you tell?!). He was sat with his the darts player Phil Taylor (The Power) and their wives. Sadly Gary lost his mum in April and I think this was his first opportunity since then to ‘let his hair down’ – as his wife Emma said, away from the children, and staying overnight, he was taking advantage of the fact and I didn’t blame him one bit!! Also spoke to Ricky Lane in the bar.

Saw lots of people I knew by sight, but didn’t see some folk I knew would be there like Babz, Poochie etc. Saw Barbara (Joe Fanatics) chatted with Geraldine and her mum, and my friends Lozza, Diane and Ann, who were on the next table. The majority of people had really made an effort, so it’s no wonder Joe thought the view from the stage was beautiful! Billy Butler did well introducing the folk giving their tributes to Joe and commented on ‘blinkered’ TV producers. The speech by The Mayoress of Hull/Lord of The Humber (what a title!) was lovely and the tributes came thick and fast. Of course Tony Jo’s tribute was spot on as was Dr Guy Lucas’. It was a bit like ‘This Is Your Life’ only in more glamorous surroundings and of course the ‘audience’ consisting of Joe’s loyal fans. Lord Archer ‘conducted’ the raffle, but I never saw Shelley raising her flag and when I spoke to her afterwards she said she hadn’t performed that duty after all! To be truthful whilst over £20,000 was raised I kept thinking “get Tony Jo up there in charge” but I guess he wanted a night off from that chore! When Joe did get up onto the stage to do his spot the place erupted again. He did very well considering he was half cut as he put it, and saying it was his night after all, and it wasn’t like a show! I don’t think anyone in the room gave a hoot – it was great to see Joe performing and enjoying himself, and many of us were in the same state I suspect, LOL! Lots of people did go up to the stage though at the end and he did get his usual flowers and gifts!

There was a queue of folk to speak to Joe, and on the first occasion I joined the queue John Boy stopped at me and said “that’s enough, let him have a break” so I dutifully walked away. I did manage to have a wee chat with Joe later though, he signed his autograph and chatted about how he was glad so much money had been raised for the children. Chatting to Joe, for ages, in front of me had been Matt Munroe Jnr and I told him off for monopolising Joe! Matt said he was meeting with Joe later to discuss touring with him next year. We spoke for a while and I said I remembered his dad had connections (through his illness) with my local hospital and he said I had a good memory. He also said Rhyl had a lovely theatre – but no one came to it! By this time the majority of the celeb’s had left, so I didn’t get all the autograph’s Id hoped, no time earlier and couldn’t keep leaving Carol anyway! Well, as the staff got ready to put up the bar shutters I nipped up to the hotel room with brochures etc (and yes I too had the red ribbon gauze from around my chair) so that my hands were free, ready to move upstairs to another bar.

Ordered yet another drink (wait for it £13.50p for 2 large glasses of wine, wont’ be doing that in September!!) and got chatting to two lovely ladies (a mum and her daughter -in-law) who believe it or not had been to the event for FREE, including the drinks !! The older lady’s brother was the event organiser, weren’t they lucky? Don’t blame them for taking advantage, would only comment I didn’t think it was fair they were sat behind Joe, as not regular fans etc! Anyway, we enjoyed their company, plus several different gentlemen who attempted to chat us up would you believe? We all thought it was hilarious. Chatted to Matt Munro Jnr again for a while, saw Shelley and parents, plus Geraldine and mum again. Ricky and Jamie were hovering around, plus John Boy, but I didn’t realise, until we decided to call it a night, that Joe was sat around the corner of the bar, it was such a big room! It was nearly 5a.m by this time and I still didn’t want the night to end but knew I had to be sensible (well reasonably!) and get some sleep. Popped over to say good night to Joe, who was still going strong despite everything, plus Jamie etc. and headed up to the room on a high. Luckily breakfast was served until 11a.m so managed a few hours sleep. Saw several fans again in the morning and we all commented on what a great night it was. It took me until late afternoon to feel human again (I know self inflicted, I’m not looking for sympathy, LOL) but it was with it! I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Having wandered around the shops again, I treated myself in Lush, we left Manchester at around 4.pm when I took Carol to her daughter’s in Sale. I left there to drive home to Rhyl, arriving at around 8p.m had a luxurious Lush bath then headed for bed, still on cloud nine! Really looking forward the Shayne Ward tribute now but I’ll definitely be going on the train, no more driving/parking in Manchester for me! Oxford Road station is literally just across the road from the Palace Hotel for anyone thinking of gong next year! Roll on!

Hope this isn’t too long? Cheer Chris xx

St.Helens review by Michelle Backhouse

We set off for St.Helens and I was landed with the AA route map to give directions from the back seat. (I wonder why - yes, so I get the blame if we get lost!) Anyway, I directed perfectly until we came to the town, the theatre was in the middle of a one way system and houses. Luckily, I spotted Joe’s camper van and realised we were outside the theatre. We parked up and went into the theatre.

Terry was poised to sell his wares and John Boy came over for a chat and said they had just returned from having had a Chinese in the town. Meanwhile, we were munching bags of crisps and chocolate éclairs, not quite the same!

The drinks in the Bar were the cheapest we have ever had and whilst sat we spotted a few familiar faces which made a change.

I would guess it was almost a sell-out and the same kind of theatre as York, Opera House in that you couldn’t get to the stage at the end.

We haven’t seen Joe for a while and having heard reports from Grimsby the night before weren’t sure what to expect.

Ricky did his spot and said Joe’s management would collect presents, etc at the end of the show as Joe couldn’t get to collect them - well that was obvious!

Then it was time for Joe - he came on and looked smashing and was in a good mood from the moment he appeared singing Somewhere.

He definitely got through lots of songs, impressions and comedy routines which included For Once In My Life, Mary In The Morning, Mack The Knife, If you Love Me…………, As I Love You, We Don’t Cry Out Loud (my favourite and Joe sang it ever so well), I will Drink The Wine and the final song was If I Never Sing Another Song. All sang with emotion and word perfect.

There were countless impressions including David Bowie, Tony Bennett & Max Bygraves, Shirley Bassey & Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis, Gene Pitney, Elvis, Rat Pack, Ken Dodd & Dorothy Squires, Baby Jane, Neil Diamond, Des O’Connor and friends, Barry White, Marlene Dietrich singing Fallin’ In Love Again, Barry Manilow and a show stopping Mario Lanza - Be my Love.

There were also time for the Antiques Roadshow, Joyce - car park attendant and Bingo calling, Elephant Man and Phantom Of The Opera. The list just goes on and on and on really.

He really was amazing.

The highlights were for me when Joe sang We Don’t Cry Out Loud for obvious reasons, Barry Manilow singing I Can’t Smile Without You and Mario Lanza.

It was just like the Easter shows at the Grand and they were superb but Joe definitely matched the standard in St.Helens.

The Camper van drove away just after we had got in the car so Joe was off on his way to the Isle Of Wight. He did 1 hour and 45 minutes which shocked him when they told when he went off but he didn’t appear tired and could probably have carried on had he not been catching the Ferry.

A night I wouldn’t have wanted to miss.

Well Done, Joe - You are a STAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

St. Helens review by Christine

18/05/2007 St Helens Review

My friends and I had decided we’d leave early – around 3p.m. for St Helens, as we’d never been before, and have a meal when we arrived. Well, I managed to finish work only ½ hour late for a change (1:30p.m.), but before I left I thought I might as well have lunch courtesy of a ‘drug rep’, to save me making anything! Would you believe the rep’ was from St Helens and had been held up in traffic on her way to Rhyl, but told me all was quiet in the opposite direction, phew! Also would you believe, she didn’t know Joe was on there that night – how bad is that? Can you imagine not knowing Joe was on in your hometown and missing him? She said her mum would’ve loved to go, then admitted so would she! I suggested checking at the box office, but didn’t see her there, so I’m pretty sure it was sold out.

Well Sue, Mave and I got on the road at about 3:20 p.m. and Sue had borrowed a TomTom to help us navigate! At first se couldn’t hear it, (all going deaf you know, LOL) but eventually Sue managed to turn up the volume, then it made me jump every time it gave directions until I got used to it! After an uneventful journey we arrived in St Helens, went through lots of rows of terraced houses, thinking this must be wrong, then the TomTom told us we had “arrived at our destination”, which was quite funny as we couldn’t see a theatre, but we were by a small car park. We asked a lady where the theatre was, and she pointed ahead to a corner of the street, and there it was. Well we wouldn’t have known as we were at the back of it, plus that street was ‘no entry’ so I wondered if one is always guided by the TomTom to the nearest parking area to your destination? Anyway we parked up, only had to pay for an hour, as it was free after 6p.m. and went off to look for somewhere to eat. Joe’s camper was parked outside the stage door and Jamie popped his head out as we passed (well I had said in a loud voice ‘get the kettle on Joe’! –but as we wanted to eat too, so we declined the invite LOL!) John Boy and Ricky Lane were standing there too and Ricky said –‘you ladies were at New Brighton (once seen never forgotten springs to mind!) and I said ‘ yes, we get everywhere like you!

We met up with a couple of friends, quite funny finding them using the mobile ‘phones to say which shop we were outside of, until we ‘literally’ bumped into them. We managed to find a great place to eat called The Assembly, - 2 main course meals for £4. 95p and the portions were excellent. Drinks were reasonable too. Another couple of friends joined us later for a drink, it was good to have time to catch up on the news, as it’s usually just a quick natter before and after a show.

Then we were off to see the man himself. Had a quick with Terry Lodge who said he had two new dvd’s on sale when we said we had them all, sadly I wasn’t tempted - usually there really is nothing new – is there? We hadn’t gone in to se Ricky, so straight to our seats for Joe! The St Helens theatre is only small compared with some, and it was packed full. There was only one ladybird singing (wonder where the other one was?) Then the crowd stood and Joe walked onto stage before the usual medley was finished. He’s still thin, but otherwise he looked well and happy, Bless him, and his hair was back to the length I like, when it flops down onto his forehead. As at Grimsby Joe talked a lot between songs, but the songs he did were excellent. He did a lot of spot on impersonations, including Mario Lanza which I haven’t heard for a while (we’ll know he’s feeling 100% when he does Pavarotti again won’t we ? ) Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Dorothy Squires, Ken Dodd, Gene Pitney, Johnnie Mathis, Andy Williams, David Bowie, Elvis, The Rat Pack, Barry Manilow, and more He sang a few songs as himself, and finished to the usual standing ovation. Sadly the crowd couldn’t get near the stage, so flowers etc were collected by the ushers. I saw few regular fans, Shelley with her parents plus June and Philip from Chesterfield, but it was obvious the crowd loved Joe. The mature man next to me couldn’t stop singing along during the show, not like Good Friday at Blackpool when the young man next to me had to be prompted to applaud! Joe did talk and tell jokes a lot, and talk about TV programmes etc. I guess he’s pacing himself now at this late stage in the tour, but he was on stage for nearly 2 hours, saying he was in no hurry to leave. He did say his pins were still a bit shaky, but it didn’t really show. It was really funny at one stage in the show he asked Stretch to stand and said come on down Paul, before realising it wasn’t Paul Smith on the drums! He lost the plot there, but us ‘regulars’ just laughed with him when he realised, the other folk just laughed at Stretch’s height! All in all another good night, and if New Brighton and Easter were better it was only because he did less talking, and we love to hear him sing don’t we?

We didn’t wait at the stage door Sue and her mum wanted to get off, and Joe would probably already have made a quick exit into the camper, though I think the lights were off. We had a word with Stretch, who’s car was in the same car park, and he said he was heading home to Leeds then setting off early the next day for the ferry from Southampton to the Isle of White. Wonder if Joe set off straight from St Helens?

As we found such a good place to eat and I was home in bed before midnight, St Helens is definitely we’d go to again if Joe visits. Now can’t wait for Manchester! Cheers Chris xx

Southsea review by Jean Madgwick

Hiya everybody,

Just had to say I had the most FANSTASTIC night when I saw Joe at The King's Theatre, Southsea. Front row seat, right in the middle. It couldn't have been better. I have had the tickets since last year and as I hadn't seen Joe for ten months I just couldn't wait. I wasn't disappointed. Joe was absolutely FABULOUS. Sang all my favourite songs, did all my favourite impressions. As far as I am concerned he can't put a foot wrong, not that he ever does, but I was a bit worried how he would look after not seeing him for so long. He looked really well, but a little thin, still he must be fit to have stayed on stage for about one and a half hours, giving his all, as he always does. I met my friends at the theatre and the atmosphere was so wonderful. There is a barrier at the front of the stage so I couldn't get to shake his hand but that's OK, I had enjoyed the night so much. He did look tired at the end but that is to be
Expected. I didn't go to the stage door at the end, I thought Joe deserved to get straight into his motor home and put his feet up - and relax. After all, he had given me a night to remember, and I just can't wait to see him again. The best night of my life.
Thank you Joe for coming back to us and please God, you stay fit and well now.
I really enjoyed reading all the comments of other fans, we are all 'one' really, Joe is definitely my man in a million.
Jean Madgwick
Rowlands Castle.

Southsea review by Ann Woodside, Southampton

Well, after having my ticket for quite a few months at last the day had arrived & I was going to see Joe again and I was really looking forward to it. It was a really lovely day here in Southampton as well, and Southsea is a drive along the M27 for me, about half an hour or so by the time I found the theatre as I hadn't been there for a long time.

Having parked my car I made my way to the King's Theatre, which I have to say reminds me quite a lot of The Grand in Blackpool. As I passed near the stage door I noticed a large motorhome parked up outside and realised this was probably Joe's "residence" that he's been using as he does the 2007 Tour. I was very tempted to knock on it's door & say a quick "Hello Joe" but of course I didn't lol. Anyway I'd arrived at the theatre about twenty minutes before the start of the show so I made my way inside. Terry Lodge was there with his stall but having looked at what was available I realised I had it all so I decided to wander inside & make my way to my seat in the front row.

Ricky Laine kicked off the show and told us all that Joe was in the building [I don't think he was to be honest, I think he was still resting outside in his motor home & probably watching the TV ....lol]. His act was more or less the same as when I saw him at the Paradise Room last August so I knew what to expect. Anyway, he was on stage for a while and then there was a short interval and then it was back to our seats with that familiar feeling of excitement beginning to build..... soon Joe would be on stage in front of us. All was quiet for a few minutes, then the safety curtain went up... and there was Stretch and the orchestra... great I thought... here we go, this is what we've all been waiting for !! They played their music which as always is great... but I have to say that although I was in the front row it was at the end and I did have a bit of a restricted view of some of the orchestra. Anyway, all too soon Joe's usual themse music started and you could feel the anticipation of the audience and then, enter stage left .... ... and there was Joe himself walking on and the audience just stood up clapping & cheering & absp;ite;u delighted to see him and he looked really pleased to see everybody. I thought he looked really good, I loved the haircut, although I wish he'd put a bit of weight back on.

He launched into For Once in My Life... and his voice was sounding great. Then came my favourite, Mary In the Morning. By then I thought that although his voice was fantastic he wasn't too strong on his legs bless him but he stood at the mike, chatting away for a few minutes like he does. Then walked over and sat on his stool he uses so I knew he must have been feeling a bit unsteady on his legs. The next number was If You Love Me Really Love Me... I just love that song the way Joe sings it. Then came the impressions which were absolutely spot on as usual - Mack the Knife... Arthur Askey, Leonard Rossiter doing his "Miss Jones" routine... and a really funny Daniel O'Donnell impression which I'm sure I've not seen before but he was so funny. Then the usual, Tommy Coooper & Fanny Craddock then his Shirley Bassey routine.... Big Spender & then Tom Jones and Shirley.... he was really great. Then followed [if memory serves me correctly] I will Love You [yet another favourite of mine!] and Julio & Willy Nelson with To All The Girls I've Loved before].

Then was a brilliant Mick Jagger impression - again, I haven't seen this and we were really laughing our heads off. He had real fun as well with Johnny Mathis, messing around talking in Johnny's voice and then singing When a Child is Born. Then came You're the Best Thing that Ever Happened to me [yet again, Joe's version was brilliant} then the Barry White routine... Tony Bennett, The Rat Pack... Elvis of course and then Andy Williams. Joe's talent is just amazing. He was asking the audience who they wanted him to sing as next.. and people were calling out "we want to hear you sing as Joe Longthorne"... which I think he really appreciated.

Then all too soon came that familiar music that signals the end of the show...... If I Never Sing Another Song..... absolutely brilliant to listen to. Joe was very tired but bless him, he was superb. He bowed and left the stage, and came back on again ... bowed and went off again. and that was it. It was very obvious to me that he was worn out but he gave us a fantastic performance.

In front of the stage at the King's Theatre is the orchestra pit - Stretch and the band were up on stage behind Joe - and I'd realised there was no way Joe could collect his usual flowers and presents unless he came down into the audience. But it was obvious that Joe was not coming back onstage although some fans were hoping he would. It was only when the safety curtain came down that they accepted he wasn't coming back on stage.

We slowly made our way outside and I decided to go and join some other fans waiting near the stage door by Joe's motorhome. I think he'd come straight offstage and into the motorhome to rest. Sadly he never came out to speak to fans or collect flowers but I think he was just exhausted. A member of his team came over and asked if any of us would like him to take things for Joe so I handed over the present I'd got him [a nice bottle of wine which I hoped he would enjoy] and peoople were asking for their love and good wishes to be passed on to Joe. He has a lot of fans here in the South who care a great deal about him and his health.

So then I made my way back to the car.... and fought my way out of Southsea and Portsmouth... which was full of traffic would you believe at that time of night.

I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Next stop... is seeing Joe at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight shortly. Not long to go ..........

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Stevenage review by Lyn Perkins

THE JOE LONGTHORNE SHOW HITS STEVENAGE !!!
23rd March 2007

Having promised my nephew [aged 8] that I would take him to see a real live show
Before Christmas, I had to keep that promise. I was thinking ‘Panto’ – but he was one better than me!!!!!!!! He asked me to take him to see Joe sing ‘Mac The Knife’ live!
BONUS……….No wonder I love that boy so much!!!! As he is still at school, we couldn’t take him to a Sunday performance – because he wouldn’t get up for school on the Monday, so we had to checkout the venues and eventually we found Stevenage was on a Friday – so we booked. We were so lucky as we got three former cancellation seats in the front row, which added to Andrews excitement and delight.
My sister in law collected him from school, and brought him along with his change of clothes etc. to my house, where we ran round like headless chickens and got ready. My partner ‘did his thing’ with the sat nav – and we were away……..The journey was horrendous – traffic all the way and it took 2 hours to do a 45 minute run, thankfully with Joes relaxing tones in the background Andrew slept all the way there, so no travel sickness!

We arrived and the show was in the Stevenage Leisure Centre complex, the main Audotorium – it was packed – a Full house!

Lights went down, deep voice over the mic welcoming us all – and on walked Ricki Lane, comedian for the tour.

Mr Ricki Lane obviously thinks the world of Joe Longthorne – he gave a very moving and heart wrenching tribute to Joe, describing him as ‘the perfect Ambassador for anyone suffering from Cancer’ – he said that Joe has given hope, faith and courage to all sufferers and their families – proving ‘that this disease can be beaten!!’ The audience ‘s applause rocked the stage!!’ Then complete change of atmosphere – Joke after joke, story after story, laugh after laugh !! Rick has that unique way of telling jokes/stories that is just Rick’s – he can tell a story with a straight face and yet at the same time gives his own little grin, and that is totally infectious.
Andrew was under his spell from the beginning.
Joke after joke, story after story, came out and we were all in fits!
About half way through his performance Ricky mentioned that it was nice to see youngsters in the audience – that did it – Andrew beamed and was totally engrossed.
Ricky even put in a couple of jokes for the kids [although we could only see one]
And he went on to mention that all the staff were campaigning to bring back family entertainment – and as he put it – with ‘ Joe at the helm – we gotta win’ and about time too I say.

We broke for the interval, and then back to our seats – ice creams in hand – for the Main Man..Joe himself!!!!!!!

Joe came onto the stage ….the audience went berserk ……and we were transported..
From ‘sooty stevenage’……..to Las Vagas ……..With the big band sound, and that larger than life presence on stage…….Andrew face said it all – awe inspiring!

Joe bounced on stage, immaculately turned out as always, with a glow that radiated health and happiness - the voice was stronger than ever, and as always was superb!
Incorporating in his act a few ‘newer’ or perhaps different ones than usual he held the audience in the palm of his hand – From faves like Shirley and Tom [listen to me with the first names!!! Ha ha] Frank, Dean, and Sammi [who he described as probably the most talented entertainer in the world in the past – and probably the future] to Ricky Nelson, Dorothy Squires and Ken Dodd……..he was chatting away to the audience in that manner which makes us feel as if we are privy to his confidential thoughts….and then lapsing into impression after impression……we were all ‘up there with him’.Early on in the performance [about 4th I think] he sang ‘Mac the Knife’ Andrew was spellbound – that made his night!!! But all too quickly the lights dimmed and Joe sang his fathers favourite – Dream the impossible Dream, [I will never forget the night he sang it as tribute to his father when he passed away] then we knew that the show was coming to an end. With ‘If I never sing another song’ as his closing tune – I looked at my watch – Joe had been on stage for over 1hr and 35mins, and guess what??????? He looked fresh enough to carry on for another 95 mins!!!!

WELL DON’T JOE – GOOD ON YOU – All that pain and suffering had paid off –
He was well on the road to recovery – if not totally recovered already;

So to the man that ‘beat the odds’ and fought back to become THE LEGEND THAT IS JOE LONGTHORNE ………WE LOVE YOU JOE!!

No sleep for our Andrew on the journey home – he was busy singing – to Longthorne of course!!!
Eight year olds view of the Joe Longthorne show – fabulous, definitely want to come again…………please Auntie Lyn can we??????????……only next time can we take a cushion!!! Kids eh? All black and white.

Miscellaneous details from Easter LOL!!

Well better late than never – but I have been away to Bonnie Scotland for a few days!

! I set off for Blackpool at 6:40p.m. as I stopped off at Preston for a meal at my friend’s house. I never intended to be late and though I knew of the accident on the motorway I didn’t know the road had been closed! I had to go all around the houses –through Poulton Le Fylde to get to Blackpool. It was guess work really, - I just kept trying to head for the tower, not as easy as it seems with one- way streets etc! Anyway, I didn’t arrive until 7:50p.m. I had a chat with Terry who said a lot of people had been delayed on their journey. I went into the theatre and stayed at the back so as not to disturb anyone as I thought I was on the second row. Caught the end of Maurice Grumbleweed’s spot then headed for my seat- and guess what- I was on the front row and there was a man in my seat! He must have thought I wasn’t going to arrive – but I did. We had a bit of an ‘argy bargy’ with him saying I have got a front row ticket and me asking to see it! Anyway, it turned out he was sat next to me so he moved along- well I had to be nearer the centre of the stage didn’t I? My friend Lozza then came over to chat which was a nice surprise as I didn’t know she was going to be there. Then I whizzed around saying Hi to everyone – good job it was a decent interval period. Saw Mary, Candie, Babz, June & Phil, Carol & Colin, Dave and of course Irene & Jean Then it was back to my seat, to find Michelle and her parents sat behind me, and another friend Linda (who’s just moved to Blackpool). The man I’d ‘sorted out’ was quite a larger than life character and when he asked Joe to do Danny La Rue later I thought to myself I think you could have shot at that impersonation too! He chatted about Joe, asking did I know he’d been on tour (as if!) and he’d seen him at different venues. Then unfortunately he started on about Iraq so I then politely ended the conversation. I was there to enjoy myself after all wasn’t I?

Well, again the moment we’d been waiting for arrived and Joe came onto stage looking as good as ever. His performance was exceptional, he really is back giving it his all and enjoying himself. I won’t go into all the show details as others have done so before me, but it was good to see some old favourites – like Danny La Rue as mentioned, and to hear one of my favourite songs I Will Drink The Wine – which I aven’t heard for a while. It was great to be on the front row, lots of eye contact (well a girl has to dream!) and I glanced across to Dave every now and then to see him singing along, and Shelley behind me had a good laugh at Joe’ jokes. I managed to shake Joe’s hand at the end, which proves he’s getting better – he actually bent down to reach out to me!! Off to the bar then for a wee chat with everyone again –I still had an hour left on my parking ticket so wasn’t going to waste it! Chatted with Johnnie Casson(cheekily gave him some jokes I’d printed off the Internet but he accepted them graciously!) and Tony Jo who said Joe was much happier and glad to be back at the Grand. Joe came out after a while and went along the full length of the barrier shaking hands and talking to folk, just like the old days. I’m sure Joe gets as much of a buzz from these ‘meet and greets’, as we his fans do. I agree with Diane it’s great to know that now when we see Joe we don’t need to worry about him in the same way as we have in the recent past. He’s happy and healthy and can mingle with his fans without a care in the world again.

Must give a mention to Easter Saturday1 Popped over to Blackpool to give my friend a treat at Harry Ramsden’s – where else? LOL! As luck would have it I figured it was interval time’ at The Grand when we had finished our meal (or was that good timing?) So I dragged Carol up to The Grand to find Dastardly and his Damsels in the bar of course! Had a wee chat with everyone – Diane could not believe I did not have a ticket, and had only called in to see her and Denise. She even asked Terry if he could ‘do something’ and get me a ticket, but he said no ‘the show was a sell out’ (so how did Dastardly mange to exchange his ticket for front row?) By the way Dave thanks for not spilling the beans about why I was really there – the ‘meal’ at the Greek restaurant was fun wasn’t it? LOL!! Diane tried to persuade me to have my photo taken with Chubby Brown, but I declined (told off by my daughter as she’s a fan!) Colin took my photo with Dastardly and Dozy, don’t know when I’ll see that? I missed Joe being filmed and didn’t see Lucy, but not to worry. Then it was time for everyone to go into the theatre to se Joe. Diane said ‘aren’t you jealous?’ – I said ‘no, I had him all to myself last night on the front row!’ (All that eye contact I mentioned remember?)

Anyway, I had a lovely time up in Scotland revisiting all my old haunts. I found out there is a Welsh man living in my old house – how strange is that? I even came across what I call ‘Joe links’ up there! Lisa Martell was on at the Stirling Opera House, and the hotel I stayed in was selling scenic cards on behalf of the Anthony Nolan Trust!!

Cheers Chris xx

My reviews for Blackpool Weekend by Mary

My review for Blackpool weekend by Mary

Candie and Paul picked me up on Friday at about 6.50pm and Paul dropped us off outside the Grand Theatre. There was a queue outside but the doors were not open. We made our way to Matchams Bar and the first person I saw was Babz who asked us to sit down and have a drink but the doors were about to open so Candie and I made our way to our seats. We were five rows back but being centre aisle, were brilliant seats. Babz and her husband were sitting next to us and Jean and Irene were behind us.

The show opened with Maurice Grumbleweed and he introduced Leanne Fury who sang three songs Next on was Carl Schofield. He is a very funny man and always wears brightly coloured suits. Maurice finished off the first half then there was a 20 minute interval.

There was a barrier up in front of the stage on the Friday night which made it difficult to get to the stage but it was removed on the Saturday and Sunday. The Band struck up and very quickly Joe came on stage when it seemed as though the whole audience were on their feet. He looked well, so relaxed and absolutely gorgeous and so much younger than of late. Joe started with the usual songs, For Once in my life, Mary in the morning, As I loved you, If you love me, Mack the knife. Then came the spot on impressions and Joe ended with The Impossible Dream which had everyone on their feet. He collected his presents and cards and went off stage.

Paul was picking us up so Candie didn't wait to see Joe come out so Jean and Irene said I could wait with them. On the way to the stage door, Sheila Carver introduced herself to me, what a lovely lady. Joe looked happy and came to talk to the fans then drove away. Got a taxi home looking forward to the next night.

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On Saturday I met up with Diane, Denise, Jean, Irene, Carol and Colin in Matcham Bar. Very shortly Dave joined us and we had a really good chat. After a while Lorraine (Lozza) and Poochie (Jane) arrived. I hadn't met them before only spoken to them on chat. What lovely girls they are. Shortly after, Sue and her husband joined us also Barbara Spooner, really nice people. As we hadn't met Lorraine and Jane before nor Sue to speak to, we decided to miss the first half. The bar had filled up with celebrities, P.J. Proby and Chubby Brown. Lucy was filming them all for a conservative party thing and they stayed in the bar until Joe arrived. We went out to see Joe and he came forward to speak to the fans before the filming. Lucy will let us know when it is going to be on TV

The bell rang and it was time to take our seats in the theatre. We were on third row tonight but very good seats. Lorraine and Jane were behind us. The Band struck up and on walked Joe looking as gorgeous as the night before. I didn't think it was possible for the show to be better than last night but my was I wrong. He seemed to have such energy, dancing and bouncing around the stage. He did his usual songs and impressions and had the audience in stitches and finished with The Impossible Dream. Joe collected his many flowers and gifts then went off stage. We were sat right next to the exit by the stage door so were lucky to get at the front of the barrier to wait for Joe to come out. There were loads of fans waiting. Joe came out quite quickly really and looked so well and worked his way along the barrier to have a chat with us all.

Another night over and Diane, Denise, Jean, Irene and myself got a taxi home

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Sunday morning Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene called round to see us so we sat for an hour and a half talking about the previous nights show, probably boring Daryl to tears. Roy popped in to say hello but soon disappeared, ha ha.

I picked up Diane and the gang in a taxi and made our way to Matchams Bar where very soon we were joined by Carol and Colin, Lorraine and Jane, and Sue and John.

Joe came on stage looking gorgeous again and was bouncing with energy. He started with Somwhere, followed by the rest For Once in my life, etc, the impressions Ken Dodd and Dorothy Squires, Tom and Shirley, and his Barry Manilow was fantastic. Joe finished with The Impossible Dream. He then collected all his flowers and gifts
and it was the end of a brilliant weekend, one I will never forget

We waited at the barrier for Joe to come out and when he did he was in no rush and stopped talking to everyone near the front. We all then got a taxi home.

What a fantastic weekend. It was so nice meeting old and new fans

Mary

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Michelle's review for Saturday night

I was sat three rows back tonight and didn't expect a show again like Friday but dare I say it was even better than Friday night.

The atmosphere was brilliant and Tony Jo opened the show briefly saying how great we were for supporting Joe and how well Joe was doing, etc and that the Box Office would stay open until 10:15pm tonight so anyone could get tickets afterwards and not miss out as they are selling very well. No surprise there then.

Maurice did a spot and Leanne followed by Carl Schofield who did a Rap song in tribute to Joe. I couldn't explain it but he brought the house down. I don't know how he remembered the words but he was brilliant and you could tell he meant what he was saying. Although, it was that long I couldn't even remeber one line at the moment!

Joe appeared once more looking younger and fresher than ever. He looks like he could face anything at the moment and was full of confidence which I haven't seen for a long time.

Somewhere, For Once In My Life, If You Love Me........., As I Love You, Mack The Knife, Mary In The Morning all flowed and then some impressions started featuring the likes of Des O'Connor, Bachelors, Shirley & Tom Jones, Barry White, Ken Dodd & Dorothy Squires.

The Rat Pack featured Newley, Williams and Bennett. There was Johnny Mathis and a few routines involving the Antiques Roadshow, Bingo, Joyce and the Car Park attendant and then Joe hid behind the curtain before striking up with Marlene Dietrich singing "Fallin' In Love Again" - haven't seen that one for ages! First class though. Joe looked ever so sheepish behind the curtains!

The songs flowed once more to include Love Is In The Air, Love Is All and the final song was Impossible Dream.

Joe looked as though he could carry on all night but he had to go at some point. He collected his flowers, etc and it is a long time since I had seen so many people around the stage. Everyone was on their feet and showing their appreciation for the best entertainer in the world- our Joe xxx

Miss Michelle Jane Backhouse

Diane's review (Saturday) - Blackpool

Where do I begin?

My grandkids had returned from Disney Paris and came straight to my house all excited to see me and to tell all about Mickey and Minnie Mouse....I, on the other hand was trying to get sorted for my Joe weekend but like a good grandma I put Joe on hold while I listened to them rambling on....and on....and on!!

Then it was all systems go and Denise was down at my house in a taxi and we were on our way.

I love the weekends wherever Joes appearing and the getting together with all our friends, this time we were meeting a few new ones who were staying in our hotel, Lorraine, [Lozza] Jean, [Poochie] and Sue and her husband. We got on well they're really lovely folk!

We arrived about 12.30pm and went to the hotel where Jean and Irene were already there, they'd gone a day before us.

We'd arranged to meet in the theatre bar at 5pm!! With Dave, Mary, Lorraine Jean, Carol and Colin etc;

After half an hour the place filled up with celebs including Chubby Brown and PJ Proby! Apparently Lucy was filming them all for a Conservative party thingy and they mingled with us all till Joe arrived.

Chubby Brown is one of the nicest men I've met, what a surprise that was, he couldn't have been more accessible, what a gent!

We were informed that Dave wouldn't be meeting up with us after the show because he'd been invited somewhere else!!! I'll leave that to him to tell all, I got an invite as well but had to take a rain check! I had more exciting things to do..

The barriers were moved which signalled the arrival of Joe and out we went to see him, Lucy was in place with the camera, and Joe walked toward the fans saying hello before walking with PJ Proby, Chubby and other celebs to be filmed for the TV, Lucy will post on the sites when it's to be aired...Filming over Joe then d and went into the dressing room and the others came back to the bar.

Paul was filming the show and was in the bar, Lorraine was to be interviewed and when the time came Paul came and took Lorraine, Jean and [Yes HE was there also] Dave just into the corridor where it was quieter, Me Jean Denise and Irene kept our faces turned the other way as Paul approached. After the last episode of us and our interview technique! we didn't want a repeat of that fiasco.

Everyone had gone into the theatre to watch the first half and I looked up to see Chris, [Methy] stagger in. ha! ha! No she didn't! She had come all the way to the theatre even though she didn't have a ticket just to see me!! Now how lovely is she!! I thought that was the nicest thing ever..Thank you Chris it was lovely to see you!

We also met Barbara Spooner and Sheila Carver two more very nice ladies.

The bells rang and in we went and took our seats on the third row OOOH!

Joe walked out looking so very young! His hair isn't flat like it is on those pics on Karens site, which I thought made him look older, he looked gorgeous!! And was full of life!!

It's quite unbelievable after the way he was 18 months ago, then he looked like an old man who was struggling to get through each day, and almost unable to move about onstage during his act, at one point during the illness having to sit very still through the entire performance on a kind of easy chair which had been put there for him so he could continue to give what he could for his fans.

I never thought I'd see Joe looking the way he does now even after a transplant, it's a miracle!

He joked and laughed and had the audience in the palm of his hand, PJ was sitting directly above us and was applauding Joes every song, as was Chubby over at the other side.

Joe told the audience who was in the theatre and PJ stood for them all to see him,which was an extra bonus for the older crowd who remember him from his early famous days as someone a little like Elvis.

Joe did all the same songs but with a lot more energy and his impressions were better than I've ever heard, he was dancing around to every song and the Shirley and Tom was unbelievable!!...he looks fit and well and it's just wonderful to see after all the years he's been ill.

He then collected arms full of flowers and presents before going into the wings to Zeb, who was just there for the one night, we went to the Barrier and waited and chatted to the other fans who we've known for years but never get to speak to and still don't know any names.

Joe came out and walked to us with his arms out and took our hands, he smelled gorgeous as his lips brushed my face. ..[yes he did Wuffy!! review coming your way]. well actually I leant forward and he couldn't really refuse....

Back to the hotel and another show to look forward to the following evening.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michelle's review (Friday) - Blackpool

Went for a quick drink in Matcham's Bar and saw Irene, Jean and Carol before we headed off to the auditorium. We were second row but they were very good seats. I had managed to sort my refund out as well which was a bonus and have actually now got the credit on my card which was much better than a credit voucher!

Anyway, the show opened with Maurice from the Grumbleweeds and he introduced Leanne Fury who sang three different songs to last year when we saw her. Carl Schofield then followed and he is ever so funny, I had face-ache by the time he had gone off. I haven't laughed so much in ages! Maurice finished off and then we headed to the ladies, etc and back for our seats. The barrier was up on the Friday in the theatre so it was awkward getting to the stage. It was moved for the next two shows though.

The band struck up and Joe appeared. He looked absolutely gorgeous. He was smart, confident, relaxed and happy. This reflected in the whole performance throughout the evening.

The wholeplace erupted when he appeared and Joe said "How can I follow that?" He was clearly overwhelmed.

Joe was in a very good mood from the start. The usual songs flowed For Once In My Life, Mary In The Morning, As I Loved You, If You Love Me.........., and Mack The Knife.

The impressions were Ken Dodd & Dorothy Squires, Perry Como, Des O'Connor and friends, Johnny Mathis, Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Arthur Askey, Tommy Steele, Bachelors, and Danny La Rue singing I Am What I Am, Mother Kellie's Doorstep, etc.

Then someone asked for Andy Williams and Joe duly obliged singing "I Can't Take Off My Eyes Off You". He forgot some of the words which was sweet!

Joe then sang "I Will Drink The Wine" , "You'll Never Know" and ended on the "Impossible Dream" which raised the roof.

Joe then collected a few presents and headed off the stage.

We didn't wait for Joe to come out and instead headed home wondering what would Saturday evening bring.............

Review by Michelle - Glasgow

It was a cold and windy morning in Blackpool as we headed off to Talbot Road Bus Station in a taxi which had turned up ten minutes early. Our fault for telling him not to be late as we had a coach to catch! Anyhow, got there in plenty of time and there were a few waiting already but it is so cold in that station you feel as though ten minutes is an hour. The coach pulled in but he left ten minutes late because we were four passengers short but after the driver rang in they told him to set off and head straight to the next stop - Pontins. We picked up there and eventually headed off on our way. We were due into Preston for a changeover bus at 9.00am and due to leave at 9.30am Glasgow bound. Just had time for toilet and a quick drink before the coach loaded up and we set off again. There was a scheduled stop at Tebay services and the journey ran smooth meaning we made time and landed at Glasgow Bus Station at 14.00pm. The Holiday Inn Express where we stay is just across from the road so we checked in and then I wanted a wander around town. There are some lovely shops in Glasgow. I had already packed a rucksack big enough for two nights instead of one but I ended up buying three new blouses and a jumper which meant I now could not decide what to wear at the show!

I returned to the Hotel and tried all the outfits on before deciding on one and had a shower, etc. We made our way into the Royal Concert Hall around 19.00pm and saw Terry. He introduced us to Michael, Joe’s driver who is the son of Keith. You could tell straight away when he spoke he was a relation to Joe. Nice young lad actually. Terry had nothing new and mentioned the show in New Brighton was very good although Joe tired towards the end of it. He did say “you have travelled a long way tonight” We knew it would be worth it once we saw Joe.

I don’t know the Scottish fans and only recognised Phil and June from Chesterfield amongst the crowds. We had a drink in the bar and John Boy was around and Ricky Lane.

I wasn’t sure where we were sat but we had excellent seats just off the centre from the front row. These were close enough for me. I was only too glad Joe had turned up at all.

Ricky went down ok but it was more or less the same act we have all seen before.

Jamie came in the theatre just before Joe came on probably to see how many were in and he waved to us. There were plenty in and to say it is a big place it didn’t look empty and the stage is ever so low, reminds me of the Opera House a little bit.

I saw Rob but never spotted Lynsey - where were you?

There was no sign of Zeb at all. Lena Martell was in the audience also watching Joe.

The band came on from both sides and Joe was being filmed by Paul. He came on at our side and just stood taking it all in asking Paul to film everyone as we stood up to cheer him. He seemed well and his hair was lovely, just washed and the fringe pushed to one side. I have no pictures because I took my camera without a film in it and the digital ones have come out shaky again. Joe moves too fast for me.

Joe launched into For Once In My Life, Mary In The Morning, If You Love Me…………, Mack The Knife, As I Loved You and then the impressions came one after the other. Shirley and Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Barry White, Tony Bennett /Max Bygraves with Joe getting a cheer when he sang “When I came home to you, my dear old Glasgow”, Rat Pack with Steptoe and Son, David Bowie and Andy Williams. Des and friends made an appearance along with Matt Munro and Gene Pitney. They seemed never ending to be honest. Joe even did Barry Manilow singing I Write The Songs.

W were even treated to a bit of Opera with Joe shouting to the balcony “Some Enchanted Evening……..” He was full of himself and then he sang Love Is All for which he got a standing ovation. Well deserved.

There was chatter mixed in about his floorboards at hoe, hospitals, Priest giving Last Orders and other personal bits and pieces.

Joe finished saying the next song he sings because he loves the sound and the lyrics sum it all up. The Impossible Dream was the last song of the evening.

Joe collected his gifts, flowers, teddy bears, balloons and lots more which he certainly deserved. Joe had once again wowed Scotland and he was filmed leaving the stage.

Some of my friends waiting for him to come out but when they returned to our Hotel they told Mum and Dad (I was in bed already) they had been told Joe wouldn’t be out because there was an after-show party.

We finally arrived back home today at 14.00pm ahead of schedule because there were no stops along the way. We thoroughly enjoyed another night with Joe.

Roll on the three shows at the Grand Theatre next week………….at least we haven’t s much travelling to do this time.

Review by Christine - New Brighton

once. Had a little difficulty parking but eventually parked up by some fairly new and interesting terraced houses. Must tell you –yes, New Brighton is by the sea and as the sun went down it was quite nippy, so nobody hanging around outside to see Joe enter the theatre - his camper van was parked in the theatre car park. I’ve never been to New Brighton before, let alone the theatre and found it a very unusual place. The theatre reminded me of the Leeds City Varieties and I alos felt like I should be on the end of a pier. The theatre, which was very warm and welcoming, is due to be refurbished soon. Joe only just managed to get the rescheduled show in beforehand. Said hello to the girls from Liverpool again and Terry selling his wares. Bought the brochure with ‘free’ CD – picked the London Palladium one – listening to it as I type! The theatre was full – not bad seeing as it was a rescheduled show and a Monday night!

Well, folks I’ll put you out of your misery now – Joe’s performance at New Brighton was the best I’ve seen since he had his bone marrow transplant!! He was absolutely brilliant, in a very happy mood and looking good! After the medley of tunes played by the band, Joe walked onto stage to his usual standing ovation. His hair was plastered to his forehead and yet still spiky, though it didn’t stay that way long when he ‘did’ Elvis and Ken Dodd! He sang several song throughout the show as himself opening with For Once In My Life, Mary In The Morning, and later Impossible Dream, If You Love Me, Mack The Knife, and an old favourite not heard for a while Say It With Flowers. Then there were so many stars on the stage that it would be easier to list who wasn’t there! Still here goes: Ken Dodd, Dorothy Squires, The Batchelors, Max Bygraves, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Des O’Connor, Julio Iglesias, Daniel O’Donnel, Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davies Jnr. Tony Bennet, Willie Nelson, David Bowie (a request done ‘under protest’ – if I must!) Barry White, Neil Diamond, Steptoe & Son, an outstanding Elvis and the best Andy Williams I’ve heard him ‘do’! Well as you can see he pulled out all the stops and seemed to want to impersonate everyone in his repertoire- he did say no to a request for Cliff Richards though, saying there was only so far he would go! He had the audience spellbound and they were very appreciative. Apparently it’s been 13 years since Joe was there – I’m sure it won’t be another 13 before he returns. At one stage in the evening there was a noise on stage and Sue told me the drummer had fallen off his seat? I couldn’t see the back of the stage because of a light fitting on stage, but the backing singers went to his aid. Not sure what happened really but, when Joe was made aware, he asked if Paul was OK, then said now don’t sound like you’re building a shed when you play the drums. Joe really was very funny throughout the show, and it was great to see him back on form. Sadly the show had to come to an end and he got various gifts and flowers. It’s easy to approach the stage at this theatre, let’s hope they keep it that way. Joe was already in his camper when we came out, so we said our goodbyes until next time (St Helens ,can’t wait!) and all went home on a high I can tell you. I was in bed before 11:30 p.m. (didn’t get lost coming home) – so that’s another accessible theatre added to my list!! Cheers Chris xx

Review by Dee - Stevenage

had a great time at Stevenage, I got there just in time, I found myself talking away to a fan almost straight away, she was wearing a Joe scarfe, and proudly showed me a bow tie she had in her bag of Joe's. The building was full and I felt proud that seeing we are here down South he still has lots of fans, what can I add to Jannys write up really, just to say Joe's voice was amazing and he looked young and handsome and back to his old self. When the band came on it was still as magical as ever, I can't remember Joe's first song but the second was Mary In The Morning - I love that. The lady next to me hoped Joe would sing 'If you love me', she didn't get that one but he did sing The Impossible Dream which she and I really enjoyed. He done all his usual Frank and Neil , Tom, but I am always amazed how he turns into Steptoe, especially 'the son' it could be him! and I was really impressed with his Brucie.The croud loved 'love is in the air' all clapped along. Joe said lots but one or two things he said were that he liked Little Britain and I think he said he liked X factor, but he thought there should be more variety on TV. I know I have said it before but I could't believe the strength in his voice, he is slimmer but he was always quite small in the early days so I suppose that is about right for him. Joe received lots of flowers which were well deserved . What a lovely evening, I did enjoy myself! so until next time when ever that may be hope you all continue to enjoy your shows.

love Dee xx

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Review by Lyn Perkins - Worthing

JOE AT WORTHING - 3/3/07

After suffering from 'Longthornitis' [lack of the Longthorne man!!] I was ready for 'departure' about an hour before we were scheduled to leave - and leave we did. My husband is as mad about Joe as I am, and his car [a.k.a. the Joemobile - as thats the only time its used - en route to Joe, rest of time he uses the van] has 6 out of 6 cds packed into the cd player - he spends too much time putting our destination into 'his new toy' the sat nav lady,
and we are away!! down the road onto the M25 - that did it!!! the 'pedal hit the metal' and we must have broken every speed limit we went through! the lady on the 'sat nav' must have had a minor corronary as each time we came to a speed camera she 'blimped' her little speaker out! The journey was predicted at taking us 1hr 15mins - but that was changing all the time - we did it in the hour. [Thank heavens without the Blue Flashing Lights !!] Men drivers eh???

On arrival in Worthing we drove to the Assembly Rooms venue - parked up, and decided to have a Wimpey before the show......... As we walked in the door we bumped into Terry Lodge
who greeted us with one of his laughs, and told us exactly which entrance etc to use once at the Assembly Rooms.

We made our way to the venue, and being early went into the bar first.......so many familiar faces, it seems as if each time we go to a show we meet more and more people, and bump into them again and again....... The usherette 'collared' me, and asked me in a very hushed voice 'how is HE after his illness?? I mean really IS HE?? as I had never met her before I was a bit taken aback, and it was obvious she could only be speaking about the 1 person.........so I answered truthfully, as far as I knew - but said that if she was allowed into the performance to come on in and make her own mind up. This lady had last seen Joe some 25/30 years ago!........both her and her colleague said that this was what they intended to do...........

Ricky Lane was the comedian, and as usual, had us all in fits of laughter!! he is a really nice guy, and doesnt it make a change to have a comedian that you are able to comfortably watch in mixed male/ female company - and are not frightened to take kids to watch!!
He was great. Into the bar for a break and ice cream, and then back to our seats in record time.....Out came the musicians, Stretch at his piano - then the 'girls', the band played about 30 seconds of musc............and on HE came.....No long intro, ........no more waiting........he opened his lovely mouth......and sang. IF at all possible his voice seemed stronger, he was totally 'bright eyed and bushy tailed" JOE WAS FULL OF LIFE, his enthusiasm, energy, and vitality shone!! HE LOOKED GREAT....he sounded great, IN SHORT HE WAS GREAT !!
Dancing, yes dancing [ his legs are good and strong now] and singing for a total of 1hour 20minutes!!! It was a pleasure seeing and hearing him looking and sounding so healthy and WELL ...........he went into song after song, voice after voice - both singing and speaking,,,,,,,,,,,'As the song goes..........

"Shut the door, and call the law................cos JOEY'S back in town!!!"

...................... well and truly.!

Good on the variety club - ITS ABOUT TIME SOMEONE Showed their appreciation - other than us 'Longthorne Luvvers!!'

ROLL ON STEVENAGE - when we can see him again!!

LYN
STAINES

Review by Chris Review

Well, Joe was back in Rhyl again (mind you it’s not long since he was here to see me, LOL) and I was off to the theatre. It was lovely to see Maureen and Sheila from Liverpool way, as I haven’t seen them since Easter last year. Margaret, her mum Peggy and Ruth (also Liverpool) were there too. In fact, when we sat in our seats, there were 9 of us in a row that were all acquainted. What a view for Joe!!

Needless to say we didn’t go in to the first half (sorry Ricky, meant no offence) we had too much catching up to do!

When it came to the second half we sat down, and waited for Joe’s big entrance. We didn’t have to wait long, the band had only struck up a few bars and there he was! He was looking fine, though he did say he felt like Charles Aznavour- with a frog in his throat! It certainly didn’t show throughout most his performance, though he did drink a lot of water. He seemed happy and said how he lives to perform. After several songs in his own voice, Mary In The Morning, If You Love Me, For Once In My Life, and Impossible Dream he treated us to his usual classic interpretations. Shirley Bassey was with Tom Jones,(back in Wales together) Neil Diamond appeared as did Johnny Mathis and Barry White, Steptoe & Son, Michael Crawford and Norman Wisdom. When Elvis did his stint, it was the best I’ve ever heard him do. When it came to If I Never Sing Another Song, it was then obvious Joe was struggling and he ended the show there. He collected several lots of flowers, thrown onto the stage (can’t get near because of the bandstand area) and waved goodbye. He had managed an hour on stage, which under the circumstances was pretty amazing. It became clear how unwell he was when I had a ‘phone call on Saturday morning to say New Brighton was cancelled. A wise decision Joe. I now know it’s been rearranged for 26th March, so another show to look forward to, (goody as we have front row seats again) and Joe has about 12 days now recouperate before Lowestoft.

DEAR MARY

SAW JOE AT WORTHING LAST NIGHT - HE WAS FABULOUS !! DUNNO IF YOU HAVE SEEN HIM YET THIS YEAR - BUT HE IS SO FULL OF LIFE AND WAS DANCING, JOKING, SINGING LIKE I HAVENT HEARD HIM FOR YEARS...........EXCEPT HE HAS HAD HIS HAIR CUT!! ALL THOSE LOVELY CURLS GONE.!! WE TOOK A COUPLE OF PICTURES TO SEND YOU - BUT WILL HAVE TO EMAIL THEM AS SOON AS I HAVE DOWNLOADED THEM FROM THE CAMERA.
JUST THOUGHT I WOULD KEEP YOU POSTED - WILL SEND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

ALL THE BEST
LOVE
LYN XXX

Review by Candie - Bolton

Joe was on top form at Bolton, looked very nice and sang beautifully, we had been watching Palladium London before we came out to show my Mum and he sang most of the songs he sang on there and now she wants the DVD lol

I had a face like a wet weekend to begin with as I was worried about something, but finally managed to put pen to paper about that matter and to get to the bottom of it all, so I got a few "Joe Longthorne" looks throughout the show, ha ha ha, he arf knows how to give you a "cool look" i was really perplexed by it all.

Still, Joe did well, looked well, is well, which is more important than anything, he did some impressions, and the voice, what can you say really, its on top form and stronger than ever. He had Stretch out on stage and Paul on drums as you can imagine that one always gets a laugh, Ricky Lane was very funny as well.

All I can say is like Wuffy said "Joe is Back", looked a bit tired mind, but I really hope he rests the next fews days before Rhyl where Christine will see him!!!

I don't think it matters how long Joe is on stage for, when you consider what he is doing and how its been for him, an hour or over an hour, we can't grumble, he is travelling up and down the country and doing it all fine and dandy, anyone who complains whats a zip sewn on to the lips lol

Candie xxx

Review by Babz -, Bolton

HI. MARY .WE SET OUT ON A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT. TO PICK UP MY FRIEND NORMA WE SET OFF EARLY ALL VERY EXCITED.TO GET A GOOD PARKING SPACE.MY HUSBAND SOON ANNOUNCED HE HAD FORGOTTEN HIS GLASSES.

SO I DROVE FROM THE BACK SEAT .HOW WE GOT THERE I'LL NEVER KNOW WE HAD 3 NEAR MISSES.WE PARKED UP RIGHT OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR AND SAT FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WATCHING WHO WAS COMING.

WE SAW RICKY LANE ARRIVE AND A COUPLE OF THE BAND . JOE'S CAMPER VAN WAS ROUND THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TOWN HALL.LO AND BEHOLD THE CAR IN FRONT BELONGED TO DIANE AND HER PARTY.

THE DOORS OPENED AND WE FIRST FOUND THE LOO ,THEN WE SAW TERRY SELLING HIS WARES A BROCHURE WAS £10.00 PLUS A FREE C.D.WE CARRIED ON TO THE BAR AND SAW LOTS OF FAMILIAR FACES.EVEN JAMIE.

THE ALBERT HALL IS A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING VERY PLUSH .WE MADE OUR WAY TO THE SEATS AND SAW DIANE FIRST ON THE 6TH ROW THEN 2 ROWS IN FRONT WAS SHELLEY & CO.THEN CANDIE ON THE FRONT.RICKY LANE CAME ON FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR.THEN AN INTERVAL.

JO'ES BAND THEN CAME ON LED BY THE LOVELY STRETCH AND PLAYED AN INTRO'
I HAVN'T HEARD BEFORE. THEN THE MAN HIMSELF CAME ON TO A RAPTUROUS APPLAUSE.HE THEN SANG MARY IN THE MORNING FOLLOWED BY MANY OF OUR FAVOURITES.INCLUDING "LOVE IS IN THE AIR ETC."

HE DID LOTS OF IMPRESSIONS AND SHIRLEY BASSEY WAS GREAT. HE TOLD LOTS OF JOKES.AND THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINED THE PACKED AUDIENCE. HE SANG " LOVE IS ALL" BRILLIANTLY AND MY FRIEND NORMA CRIED .

IN THE ALBERT HALLS THERE ARE ABOUT 6 BIG CHANDERLIERS AND 2 OR 3 SPINNING SILVER BALLS HANGING FROM AN ORNATE CEILING. RED PLUSH CURTAINS AND VERY COMFORTABLE SEATING .AND WHEN JOE SANG HIS FINAL SONG WHICH WAS."THE IMPOSSBLE DREAM"THE SILVER AND COLOURED BALLS

WERE SPINNING ROUND THE ROOM IT WAS MAGNIFICENT.NEAR THE END DIANE GOT OUT OF HER SEAT QUICK AND GOT TO THE FRONT BUT I WAS MORE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROW AND HAD TO PASS A BROLLEY AND A ZIMMER FRAME .

SO I JUST ENDED UP ON THE VERY END OF THE STAGE AND JOE ONLY CAME TO THE MIDDLE .LUCKY DIANE SHOOK HIS HAND .I GAVE MY CARD TO A MEMBER OF THE BAND WELCOMING JOE TO BOLTON.ME AND DIANE HAD A PHOTO TOOK AND WE ALL AGREED IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT.KAREN WILL SEND YOU THE PHOTO'S
I SENT HER.

NORMA MY FRIEND CRIED BECAUSE SHE HADN'T SEEN JOE FOR TEN OR ELEVEN YEARS .IT WAS AT SOUTHPORT.ANY ONE WHO DIDN'T GO MISSED A GREAT SHOW IN A MAGNIFICIENT HALL .LOVE BABZ XXX

Review b y Shelley - Bolton

We left home and it couldn't have been a worse night weatherwise. Talk about heavy rain, it was pitch black and you couldn't see in front of you at all. If it hadn't been for Joe we would definitely have turned back and gone home. We found the theatre no problem and I spotted Joe's camper van so I knew we were close to the actual theatre itself. We ran across to the entrance and saw Diane, etc and then headed for the Bar. I needed a double brandy, we got two double brandies and Dad got a drink. Saw Lynsey and Rob briefly before I went to see Terry for a chat. I bought a brochure and got the Palladium CD to Terry's surprise who knew i had got it but I explained where the other one was and he gave me a copy with the brochure - good deal. £10.00 for a brochure and any CD and £15.00 with a DVD and brochure. Terry then told everyone at the merchandise how i go to every show (No, I don't) and wanted my opinion on every CD and DVD he had for sale! Jamie was around and Mum had a word with him about last Wednesday (I will update on the other thread).

We were 2nd row but they turned out to be very good seats and the Albert Halls is a lovely building. Very well looked after and lovely staff too. There was a notice not to take any photos.

Saw Candie and was pleased she had made it through the rain as well.

Ricky came on large as life and did his best to humour the crowd. I would say it was a full house although best part were general public really.

Nipped to the ladies at the interval and waited for the main event.

The band struck up with the For In My Life music and Joe came on to sing the song. I was surprised he didn't sing Somewhere but he didn't.

I was shouting and cheering and Mum put it down to the double brandy but I was so pleased to see Joe I couldn't help it although goodness knows what Joe thought. He knows me well enough by now, I suppose!!!!

Joe sang the following: For Once In My Life, Mary In The Morning, If You Love Me..........., As I Loved You, Love Is In The Air, Mack The Knife and the impressions were Johnny Mathis, Neil Diamond, Barry White, Andy Williams, Ken Dodd & Dorothy Squires, Rat Pack, Elvis, Shirley Bassey & Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Des O' Connor and he did the car park attendant, funeral by the piano, Joyce with her bingo calling and said at one point "give your balls a shake" Hilarious.

We were then treated to Love Is All and I thought this would be Joe's final song but he then went onto sing Impossible Dream.

Joe had done more than enough and definitely won Bolton over. He collected his presents and glanced briefly before going behind the curtain taking in the audience with his big gorgeous eyes.

It really was an excellent show and definitely braving the weather for.

Joe was sporting a shorter hair cut and looks thin and a bit tired around the eyes covered by make up but he gave his all last night. God Bless You, Joe.

Miss Michelle Jane Backhouse

Diane's review - Bolton

Bolton 4th February 2007

At last, after months of waiting we were finally on our way down the motorway to Bolton…and Joe.
Colin, Carol, Jean, Denise and me set off at 3.30pm in torrential rain and arrived 50 minutes later outside the Town Hall, we parked right in front of the entrance and Colin said he’d have a look for an eating place while we sat there so off he went, bless him, he’d been told there was a Witherspoons not too far, so brollies up off we went…not too far??? It took us ages to get there and two minutes to get back after being told the short cut, As we were leaving, some of Joes band were arriving along with the two girl singers. [Gavin arrived Karen, as we were outside.]
We returned to the warmth of the car seeing as the Theatre wasn’t yet open and tried to dry off and do something with the straggly wet hair, didn’t quite succeed though.
I found out later that Babz was sitting in her car right behind us but neither her nor I would get out to say hello.
At last the doors opened so in we went and after a natter to Michelle and her mam and dad then Lynsey and Rob we made our way to our seats on the 6th row.
Ricky Lane was quite good I thought and the crowd certainly liked his humour, one man in particular couldn’t stop laughing out loud and set everyone else off.

After a short interval the band took their places and as soon as they started to play on walked a very slender young looking Joe! He walked to the front row which was almost on the stage and took some fans hands then started singing, I haven’t a clue what though as I went into a trance then, I do know that throughout the show he sang Mary in the Morning and the usual and did the Fanny and Johnny joke saying that in 1976 he was playing with Fanny in Jersey! He then did my favourite, The Car Park Attendant then continued singing, His Shirley and Tom was outstanding, unlike on other occasions when he’d cut a lot of the impressions short this time he didn’t seem to want them to end, he didn’t seem tired at all and there was no sign of any sweating, he was on top form, and it was lovely to see that at last he’s really on the mend, and how it shows, he kept reminding me of a younger Joe in the 80s.

He then did Elvis and the Rat Pack and I noticed Terry Lodge disappear which made me think it was the end but no way was it anywhere near the end and Joe continued to sing, he did Barry White, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, A Brilliant Andy Williams then Neil Diamond, Dorothy Squires and Ken Dodd to name a few.
Just as I thought it was the end Joe walked to the piano and the music struck up…’.Love is in the air’! I love it, all the band were clapping to begin with which got everyone going, Joe pointed to us in the audience when he was singing ‘and you and you’ etc and said “and you an all” so even though we were 6 rows back he still saw us!! AAAHHHH!!!
He then said goodnight and started to sing ‘The Impossible Dream’ and that was it, he was onstage about 1½ hours (was he Candie Michelle??) and was absolutely brilliant and now I can’t wait for Easter!
We went to the stage where Joe said Hiya Diane and took my hand…(well he may not have said Diane, but he did wink and say Hiya haha) then Babz and I finally met and had a photo taken in front of the stage…nice of Babz but horrible of me! She’s lovely by the way.
Outside the Town Hall we were talking to Candie and Lucy and her mum then we said our goodbyes and off we went, we passed the stage door where Ricky Lane was standing, all alone, there were no fans there for Joe Awww! But it was raining so we didn’t stop either, what a fabulous opportunity for photos missed! But never mind there’s always another show!

Diane xxxxx

Newcastle review!

Newcastle - 24.2.07

What an absolutely fantastic night out - from start to finish!
Trevor and I set off for Newcastle in plenty of time to allow for finding a parking space near the theatre .......... not easy on a Saturday night in Newcastle.
We struck lucky, and only had a short walk to the theatre. On the way there, we bumped into Zeb who was leaving a restaurant - his Mum was at the show. Trevor was practically hyperventilating wondering how I knew men in Newcastle.........silly man!! He recovered once he realised who Zeb was!

Inside the theatre - Trevor popped to the loo whilst I browsed the merchandise stall. I knew I'd have all the cd's etc but wanted the new brochure. Shock.......Terry was giving any choice of cd FREE with each brochure!! Mind you the brochure's are £10 - still a fab offer though. I bought my brochure and armed with my free cd, off I went in search of Trevor. Couldn't see him anywhere so made my way to the bar as I knew that's where he would automatically look for me! Sure enough....in he came.....carrying another brochure and cd - didn't he think I would have bought them already........MEN!!! Got our drinks and scanned the bar area for Diane H and her Mum and of course Lozza. Soon saw who I thought was Lozza so went over to say hello. She is such a lovely lady and so is her Mum. Soon, it was time for the show. Ricky Lane was the support - not a favourite of mine, but we went in anyway. We were sat right behind Diane and her Mum and just across the aisle from Lozza. Ricky Lane was okay, but nothing much new.....same jokes......don't think I could sit through the same again and again at future shows! Soon it was interval time - all the ladies in the loo were busy touching up their lippy in anticipation of Joe being only moments away!

Finally.....the moment we all had longed for......out came Joe. I can't even remember what he came out to now, I was in a daze. Joe looked stunning! I thought he looked much younger than recent months...........gorgeous!

Joe gave his all for every second that he was on stage - he had the audience in the palm of his hand all the way through. At one point, I thought Mary had sneaked in, as someone kept requesting 'Mary in the Morning'......to which Joe laughingly replied "I've just done it" which he had. The same person repeatedly called for 'Mary in the Morning'........but it was all done in fun and treat as such by Joe. We were treat to impersonations of The Rat Pack - Frank, Sammy and Deano, Matt Munro, Dorothy Squires, Ken Dodd, Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis, Shirley Bassey, Elvis plus a little throw in of Steptoe & Son, Tommy Cooper,Frank Spencer, Des O'Connor.......I've probably missed someone!! Every impersonation was expertly delivered; flitting between one and the other effortlessly. There was no stopping Joe!! Joe sang 'Impossible Dream' beautifully and dedicated it to someone whose name I didn't recognise - don't think it was a fan. Diane or Lozza might remember - well, Diane might, I don't think Lozza stopped beaming at Joe all night....ha ha!! All to soon, it was the end of the show. Joe gathered all the usual pressies and shook everyone's hand that was outstretched - mine included. With a final beaming smile, Joe left the stage to thunderous applause. A true genius had left that stage!

Lozza asked if I was going to the stage door - wasn't quite sure where it was and anyway, I was waiting for Trevor who'd gone......again to the loo.....MEN!!!
As we were leaving, Jamie was in the foyer - he looked lovely and seems to have lost weight..........suits him though. Terry was doing a roaring trade giving his cd's away....ha ha!! As we turned the corner to head back to the car, I realised we had to pass the stage door - there was no way I was going to keep on walking so stood rooted to the spot with a handful of other fans waiting for one more glimpse of their hero. The motor home was already waiting and the doorman said Joe was already inside. Anyway, out came Zeb who went inside the motor home...............next thing......the door opened again.............and there stood Joe inviting us to go and see him. WELL......goodbye Wendy.............hello Wuffy.....ha ha!!! I was at that door like a whippet. Joe was lovely and smiling and shaking hands - I got up on the second step and was willing the woman behind to give me a quick hard shove.....ha ha....I'd of been in there had she pushed a bit harder. I think Joe realised that as well, as that was when he said goodnight to everyone.............awwww.........spoilsport...ha ha ha!!

I was walking on air back to the car, and relived the show on the journey home - with my free cd playing of course! Trevor was well impressed - he now calls himself a FAN - WOW.....what an admission from him, given all the flack he's given me over the years....!!! He said Joe was fabulous, and that although he was bursting for the loo ten minutes before the end, he didn't want the end to come! What an accolade from old Grumps!!

We Love you Joe!!

Wendy XX

Review for Newcastle 24/02/07 by Diane Heron

As you all know I nearly didn't go last night not feeling like it at all but wow I'm so glad I did. Joe was just the tonic I needed although I really need a daily dose. My mam and me arrived at the theatre at about 7 p.m. in a taxi and after having a bit of a mooch about just went and sat in our seats and had a natter. Had a few words with Wendy and Trevor as they came in as they were sitting right behind me and my mam.It was lovely to see Wendy again and to meet her husband who certainly does not live up to his nickname!!!!!
It wasn't long before Ricky Lane came on stage who I quite enjoyed last night. More than I have before for some reason as I haven't normally liked him. But his act was mostly the same as last year so don't fancy seeing him again. Ricky did ask everyone before he went off stage not to take flowers and pressies up to Joe until the end of the show. He wasn't on for that long really and then we had the interval. After having a quick tiddle we just went back to our seats and I introduced myself to Lozza as Wendy had pointed her out to me. She is really lovely and so is her mam. It was nice to meet her.
At long last the band struck up and before we knew it on walked Joe looking absolutely gorgeous with his hair really short and looking very slim and well. He looked more like he used to look years ago. Although he did look more tired close too. He was looking for people to shake hands but for some reason the miserable lot at the front didn't budge so I was very brave and up I went. I was joined by Lozza and a few others so Joe shook our hands and then it was on with the show. (If you've seen Wendy's photo of the back of my head my hubbie is still convinced that I'm reaching for another part of Joe's anatomy not his hand,as if !!!!!).
Joe started with a few bars of Somewhere, then we had For Once in My Life, Mary In The Morning, If You Love Me, Mac The Knife and As I Love You. Joe then did loads of impressions including Des O'Connor, Shirley Bassey, Matt Munro, Tony Bennett, Englebert to name just a few and the best Ken Dodd and Dorothy Squires I've seen him do. He also sang How Do You Keep The Music Playing, Love Is In The Air, Impossible Dream and the Rock n roll medley at the piano.
Joe was also on top form with his jokes and stories and was really funny. He had the band laughing a lot of the time!! Joe finished the show with Wind Beneath My Wings which is another favourite of mine and my mam's and I haven't heard it in a while. Joe was on stage for more than an hour and a half . He collected all his pressies and I managed to shake his hand again.
It was fabulous to see Joe again back on top form. His voice is just getting more powerful all the time and he was tremendous. We really enjoyed every minute. I'm so pleased I went.
On the way out I saw a friend of mine called Ann who I haven't seen for a long time so it was lovely to talk to her while we waited for our taxi home.
Anyway I'm so looking forward to going to Blackpool now at Easter. Can't wait.

My review for Saturday October 21st October

Candie and Paul picked me up about 6.40 and we made our way down to the Pleasure Beach. I directed them there by the back roads as the promenade was heaving with illuminations traffic. Surprisingly enough when we arrived there, there was plenty of room in the car park. Candie and I made our way into the paradise rooms while we left Paul to his own devices. There already seemed a lot of people in there but we found our table which was good considering we had only booked a few days previously.

The show started with a very popular Blackpool based comedian, Buddy Lee, from Talk of the Coast at The Viking Hotel in Blackpool. I have seen him many times, he is brilliant and he involves the audience a lot. Afterwards he introduced Leanne Fury who sang three or four songs. I haven't seen her before but she was very good. Buddy Lee then came on again for a short while before the interval. The next was the usual video clips of Joe, then it was time for Joe to come on stage to a well deserved standing ovation as he looked fabulous with his shorter hairstyle. He started off with his usual songs. I think it is one of the best shows I have ever seen and Joe's voice is sounding stronger than ever.

Joe had some requests and one was from a lady called Julie asking if she could have his bow tie when he had finished and he looked in the audience and said I will bring it to you as I know it is difficult for you in a wheelchair. Joe got down from the front of the stage and went into the audience to take the bow tie to the lady. Doesn't that say what a lovely sincere guy Joe is. Zeb and John came down in the audience to help Joe back to the stage and he had to walk right by us to get back. Candie couldn't contain herself so she had to touch Joe, ha ha. All too soon Joe sang If I never sing another song and it was time for him to go off stage
after collecting his flowers and gifts.

Candie and I went round to the stage door and we were the only two there and we thought it was great but all too soon our dreams were shattered as it seemed like hundreds of people appeared from no where. I got my camera focussed but everyone pushed in front of us despite the fact I was struggling anyway with my walker .... no manners or consideration some people. Anyway I did get to shake hands with Joe and say good night.

We met Paul and they took me home. Thanks Candie and Paul for the lift

Mary

Review by Candie Sat 14/10/06

well what can we say, Satuday night was sensationally

The comedian Buddy Lee I think his full name was, was really hilarious, great jokes and had us all in stitches.

It was a bit later this evening starting, Leanne Fury came on stage, sang some songs, not as many as last time, and then it was time for the man himself to appear on stage. Mary and I were fortunate to be by the side of the steps when Joe appeared and my first thought was "hey I like the haircut" it was short and funky, very cute. Joe was a bit wobbly on his feet, same sense of humour there though and after a few songs he said a few lovely words to Pat Macini and asked her how the "Ball" had gone the night before, which her reply had Joe laughing something about a good ball. LOL

Joe sang some Neil Diamond, and Barry White, the Impossible Dream and loads more. I was still in a trance from him speaking to me half way between the show when he very shakily got off stage to give this lady his bow tie, and came back our way to go back on to the stage. He read some birthday wishes out and then nearly did the same again and asked the audience, i think i have already done them or else i will have to do them all again!!! Bit of Elvis crept in. His voice was just so strong and alot of power in every song he sang. He said his Doctor was in the audience and Joe said nice to see you to which his doctor replied "nice to see you too Joe".

All too soon he was going off stage, as he came towards our side he stood there and two women who must have been practisinig their sprinting flung up the stage steps and gave Joe a kiss, cheeky or what. He had loads of gifts and seemed to have been given two fluffy toy dogs. Had a good look at his hair again as he passed and though woweeeeeee.

We stood outside for quite a while and i bumped into Diane H, and had a small natter with her. When we had stood for ages at the back entrance I joked to Mary maybe we could open the car door and get in but thought maybe the alarm would go off ha ha . Spoke to Lucy for a little while who came to the back stage door. Eventually it seemed like a 1000 people had invaded the back stage door LOL, so as we were first in the queue, as Joe came out there was a great surge forward, I had a good look at him and was just happy to be there as he had spoken to me a little bit before hand. Again we were on our way home, dropped Mary off home and then headed onwards, albeit in a few more days knowing we would be down in Thornton Cleveleys was a very exciting thought.

Review by Candie

Joe was fantastic tonight!!

the girl singer was called Lena Fury, who had a great voice on her, she sang Shania Twain's Feel like a Woman, which was nice, Simply the Best and the one from Titanic and I will always Love you. Very good singer, also one other song but for the life of me i can't remember the name of it.

Joe came on stage, sang some very nice songs with a very powerful voice, Barry White songs, Love is in the Air, As I love You, bit of Elvis crept in nicely, and a bit of Steptoe !!! Neil Diamond's Hello and Sweet Caroline, and the Impossible Dream.

Poor Joe nearly slipped on something on the stage but caught himself in time and gave that little smile, phew! what a worry that man is. He seemed in a good cheeky mood as usual and said he would be having a few drinks later on!

I noticed he got some lovely flowers tonight, Roses, a big bunch of yellow variety flowers and a basket of flowers. People seemed very keen to get near him tonight and the team behind the scenes did a good job looking after him.

Pat enjoyed herself it was nice to look back at some nice times we had with her sister at loads of concerts we use to go to

I shall send one photo which is half decent

Candie x

Review for Friday 29th September by Michelle

Blackpool seemed very quiet on the way down to the Pleasure Beach. I wasn't expecting there to be too many in the Paradise Rooms and it was the quietest I had seen it inside the show.
Ricky Laine was compere and did a short spot before he introduced Leanne Fury. She has a lovely, strong voice and is a very confident singer but she probably found it hard going with a small crowd.
Once her spot had finished Ricky came back on and said an emotional goodbye as this was the last show he would be compereing. He paid an emotional tribute to Joe and his fans saying we are the best in the business and how we all made him feel welcome, etc. It was all very sad.
After the This Is Your Life video Joe wandered on and he did look pale and tired to be honest. He was sporting a pink ribbon on his jacket.
I thought his voice seemed croaky and he sang the following songs: Somewhere, For Once In My Life, If You Love Me............., As I Loved You, Love Is All, and Love Is In The Air.
He only managed a few impressions which were: David Bowie, Barry White, Rat Pack, Elvis and Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones.
The final song was If I Never Sing Another Song and all too soon the show was over. It was a little shorter than usual.
We all had a chance to say goodbye to Ricky who had brought his girlfriend and little boy in. Joe Wilde was also in with his wife and one of their daughters.
Could Joe be saving himself for tomorrow evening?

Review for Sunday 24th September by Michelle

I'm sending a review from Sunday evening because it is the only night I can remember - only joking but other people have sent Friday and Saturday so I shall let you all know about how FANTASTIC Joe was on Sunday

I would think there were approximately 250 people in and most of the fans had gone home that morning so lots of general public. Geraldine, her mum, Jean, Irene, Carol, Colin, Linda and her mum from Hull and the regulars were all crammed in.

Ricky Lane was the warm up and after a short while he introduced Lena. She came on to a good applause mostly from Scots who must have known her. Her complaints were less than the previous two nights but she went up in my estimations when she attempted You Raise Me Up and read the words because Joe had asked her to sing it because it was special and she did struggle in parts of it so well done Lena for trying. She did a better version on Saturday evening actually. She ended eventually and someone gave her some flowers. She did deserve them after all.

Ricky briefly appeared and then after loo breaks we watched the This Is Your Life video.

Joe had his pals in tonight. Mrs M, Peter Anthony, Johhnie Casson, Anne Marie, Sami Kingsley and a few more from the Queens Hotel. They were all perched behind us in the booth!

Also, Joe's Doctor was in (his usual GP - Dr Mcgee)

I was wondering how Joe would handle the show with it being his third night on the run and both previous shows were fantastic.

I needn't have worried, Joe came on showing no signs of tiredness and was raring to go. He seemed very overwhelmed by the applause tonight.

He launched into Somewhere and then came the usual For Once In My Life, Mary In The Morning, Mack The Knife, If You Love Me....., As I Love You and You'll Never Know for Mrs M.

Joe also sang Love Is In The Air and someone asked for Love Is All which he almost performed to perfection and how long is it since he sang that one?

Someone shouted for Joe to sing his personal favourite and he thought long and hard about it and then sang The Impossible Dream, saying it was his favourite at the moment. I wonder why???

When he sang "when I'm laid to my rest" - "but not just yet" we all cried!

He got another standing ovation which was truly earned. Well Done, Joe.

The impressions were Johhny Mathis, Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones, Barry White, Neil Diamond, Rat Pack, Elvis and a brilliant Dorothy Squires and Ken Dodd singing "Until".

Joe ended on If I Never Sing Another Song. He was a little tired but he had worked extremely hard and delivered another show stopping performance.

I returned home wondering how I would spend Monday evening after being in Joe's company for three nights and all I could think of was REVIEWS!!!!!

Review by Diane - Saturday

Today we were meeting Dave at the Paradise Room so after a day which seemed to go on forever we made our way along the Golden Mile for our 2nd Joe show and went straight to the bar, firstly meeting Carol and Colin, then after 10 minutes Dave, we'd decided not to go to our table for Lena so Mary went along with Dave who was looking forward to seeing one of his countrymen (women) Denise, Jean, Irene, Colin, Carol and I went and sat near the bar where we were joined by Geraldine who had arrived late owing to her taxi arriving late plus the traffic crawling along the front with people looking at the illuminations.

Tonight Lena wasn't on as long and almost as soon as she began she was off! After having a chat to Terry Lodge and a few fans, we went and took our seats on the same table as the previous evening,

Dave was on the side table almost sitting on the stage!!! next to Geraldine's mum.

Denise and I had a lovely chat to Michelle and Lindsey, mainly about the good news of Lindsey and Eddy becoming grandparents and Michelle getting excited at the prospect of becoming a doting auntie, soon the interval was over and the show began!

The whole place was absolutely packed to the rafters with all the Scots being down for Scottish weekend, (it looked as though more tables had been put in) they certainly have great taste in choosing Joes show above all the rest! After the film show in which there was a lot of laughter especially at Rex singing along with Joe while he was doing Pavarotti, the band struck up and before anyone knew it Joe appeared from the wings looking very tired and wobbly, the whole place stood and cheered as he walked gingerly to the centre of the stage and started to sing ?People' he really was trembling, his hands were shaking so much the microphone stand was shaking with him but his voice certainly wasn't affected by it at all, tonight he never asked for any requests and just sang and sang all night, mainly at Dave who was beaming like a dog with two tails ....

Dave had to ?pay a call' during one of the songs so sneaked off as Joe was singing at the other side of the stage, just as he was trying to slide back unnoticed Joe turned, stopped singing and walked over to him and pointed his finger telling Dave he should stay in his seat while he was singing then winked at him, WINKED at him.....bitch!!!!!

The audience were wonderful and really let Joe know it, I've been to Scotland to see Joe in the past and they really do let him know how much he's loved by their applause and participation during the show so I was expecting tonight to be something special, and it certainly was, thank you to all you lovely Scottish people Joe was on top form and didn't seem to want the night to end at all.

The impressions were spot on, especially Tom Jones, which he did two of,

he was better than Tom!! Well, I don't like Tom Jones and to me Joes better than anyone anyway, but you know what I mean!

After a while Joe relaxed a bit and the shaking wasn't too bad, he did say the steroids didn't help it, and he just sang and sang..yes, usually looking in a certain persons direction, no not mine.

We were treated to ?The Impossible Dream' which someone asked him to sing, he replied "yes I'll give it a go, but don't always know the correct words" and off he went, bloody Hell!!!! I sat there thinking "why is this man who has more talent in his little finger, and can sing better than anyone I've ever heard, still playing to a couple of hundred people in Blackpool"? WHY??? Does anyone know??? Because I'm bewildered by it!

He put his heart and soul into that song and as he finished every single person in that room was up cheering whistling and applauding for the longest time, the applause seemed to go on for ever, Joe loved it, and was visibly touched by it all,

After belting out the rest of his songs for the night he finally sang The Elvis songs, collected his gifts and was signing lots of brochures and bending down to kiss all his Scottish fans, [most of who weren't fans when they arrived, but were as they left,] he left the stage, we were just about to leave when I saw him say to John "just one more" and back on he came, we were right in the centre at the front, he looked over then went to Stretch and said something and "Love Is In The Air' started!!! The last time I spoke to Joe I'd asked, jokingly if we could get up and dance during that song to which he replied "course you can love" and there he was with us all on our feet singing it! Everyone danced as Joe sang it was wonderful, AND THEN he sang "If I Never Sing Another Song"!!! while we stood in front of him, what a fantastic night and it was far from over.....

We went along to the stage door and eventually were joined by quite a lot of people for a change, it's nice to see a crowd at the stage door instead of the usual handful of familiar faces.

The same as Friday Joe was out quite fast looking lovely in rimless specs and pin stripe jacket, he said to me and Denise "I saw you dancing tonight" and then said that he could see us jigging about in our seats as well because Lena had asked for the lights to be dimmed and it had made it better for Joe because even when all the lights were on he could see us all, and he liked that! He stayed for a chat to most people and didn't seem to be in any rush to get off, he even took Carole's hand and said to Colin "take a photo of us please" I thought that was lovely of him, Dave had a photo as did Jean, Denise and me, John Boy was nowhere to be seen and eventually Joe went and got into the back of the car and was driven off to the Queens.

As we were about to leave we were invited to spend the evening with Joe and company at the Queens and got excitedly into the car and driven there where we were taken into the residents lounge and to Joes table near the piano and introduced to a few folk...we had the most amazing night, drinking and joking along with Joe who was on a high after a fabulous show and audience, he then said he was going to head off home and would we like to join him for a nightcap, Dave was on the verge of hysteria well we all were!! Pats driver drove us, and Joe, we were buzzing! Joe was squashed in the back in between Dave, me and Denise, and Irene and Jean were in the front.... He sang all the way to his house.

We were driven, once again, back to our hotel in the morning but didn't see Joe to say goodbye as he was still in the land of nod...........

and if you believe that last paragraph you'll believe owt!!!

My reviews for last weekend by Mary

Friday

I set off in my taxi at 6.40 pm and picked up Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene and made our way to the Paradise Rooms. It was a lovely evening and we met up with Carol and Colin in the bar. After a drink we made our way to find our seats. We were on table 34 right at the front.

Ricky Lane came on first with his usual banter then introduced Lena Martell. I didn't know what to expect of her as although I had heard of her, I had never seen or heard her sing before. However she was very good and had a very strong voice. She was on for about an hour then when she went off Ricky Lane brought her back and she sang another two songs. Although she was on a long time, I really enjoyed her. Next there was a short interval before the video clip of Joe's This is your Life then it was time for the man himself to come on stage. As usual Joe came on stage to a standing ovation. He sang his usual songs, For once in my life, Mary in the morning, Mack the Knife If you love me, really Love Me etc. He seemed a little shaky when he came on stage but that soon disappeared and he was fantastic. He was only on stage 55 minutes which went by all too quickly. We waited at the stage door to see Joe come out and he looked lovely in his glasses. He didn't stay chatting long as John was rushing him to the car. I managed to get a nice photo of him outside which you can see on my forum.

After Joe had gone. we got a taxi home looking forward to the show on Saturday night

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Saturday

Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene came round to see us in the morning and we had a good chat about the show the night before. After they had gone, I went to the hairdressers. The afternoon soon went as we left in the taxi about 6.50 to meet Dave, Colin and Carol in the bar for a drink.

Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene didn't want to go in the first half to see Lena Martell so I went in to see her with Dave. She was very good again but just did half an hour then came back to sing one more song. The others joined us at the interval. We were on table 34 again right at the front of the stage. Dave was on table 44 right at the front. After the video clip Joe came on stage looking fantastic. It was a magical night and Joe gave it his all.
Dave managed to get Joe's attention several times. He sang The Impossible Dream to a standing ovation. He did about an hour and finished with If I never sing another song.

We went to the stage door and waited a while for Joe to come out. He looked lovely and as there was no sign of John, Joe was on no hurry to get in the car and stopped chatting. I had Joe lined up in the viewfinder of my camera and was just about to click the button when Diane and Jean ran straight in front of me and ruined it, best of it was Dozy didn't know she had done it. I said to her "shift your head", she did slightly but not enough. As she says herself, she is deaf and blind when Joe is around, ha ha.

Joe drove off in his car and it was the end to a perfect night. Just looking forward to Sunday's show now.

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Sunday

Diane and Denise were going home today so they called in on their eay to the railway station.

At night, as there only three of us, Daryl drove us down to the Paradise Rooms. Once again, we met Carol and Colin in the bar and after a drink made our way to our seats. We all went in the first half to see Lena Martell. She did about half an hour again before coming back to sing One Day at a Time. She was really good and I bought one of her cd albums which has some lovely somgs on it. We were sat at table 44, but at the back of it, so not as good seats as the two previous nights. After the video clip, Joe came on and sang his usual songs. He looked fantastic and sang brilliantly. He did a bit lomger tonight, about an hour and ten minutes. He sang The Impossible Dream again to a standing ovation and ended with If I never sing another song. Once again we went to see him come out. I got a couple of photos at the stage door as Dozy wasn't there to block my view, ha ha.
John was with him again tonight but just as Joe was about to get in the car, he stopped to ask me how I was getting on with my wheels. I told him how I was and said i could always see somewhere worse than myself and he said true and said take care babe, just take one day at a time. I thought that was lovely and made my night and then John turned round and asked me how Michelle was.

Jean, Irene and myself got a taxi home after having a fantastic weekend

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Review from Diane and Denise Frid 22/9/06

Jean Denise and I set off for Blackpool at 9.30am from Leeds full of excitement at the thought of seeing Joe again onstage! We arrived 2 hours later and were soon in the hotel with Irene who had got there just 30 minutes before…unpacked and off for a walk on the North Pier which always brings the memories flooding back of those fab days when Joe was there living in his dressing room for the entire season 1997, it’s hard to believe it’s almost 10 years ago and it’s not the same without the added bonus of seeing him walking up or down the pier throughout the day, so not very exciting, but the weather was gorgeous and the Pier was as good a place as any to spend an hour, after having a drink in the warm sunshine we had a meal and back to get ready for the show!

We arrived at the Paradise Room with Mary and met up with Colin and Carol, a couple of my friends who I met in the early days and who have remained good friends ever since, even though for a while they didn’t see Joe as much as they would have liked owing to Carol developing MS, fortunately every thing is now under control and they are “back on tour” with our Joe!
We were on table 34 in front of the stage and great seats…it was quite full to the left of the stage but a few empty tables near the large bar..Ricky Lane introduced himself from the wings (??) and on he walked, after telling a few jokes he then introduced Lena Martell who I must say has the same strong voice I remember from her “One Day At A Time” days, she sang a lot of Country and western songs and kept complaining about the heat and the lights above her which were too bright and asked them to be dimmed, she also mentioned the smoking as there were clouds of smoke drifting in her direction, I never saw anyone light up while she was on stage though and we were told after that the smoke wasn’t cigarette smoke but to do with the lighting, anyway she sang and sang and sang for what seemed like an age, our Denise leant over and whispered “she’s doing my ****in now” how terrible is that ha! ha! but she was beginning to do mine in as well!
After an hour she read out a request and was told by her nephew who I gather is her PA that she hadn’t the time left to do it, to which she replied “Oh I’ll do it Joe won’t mind” and then sang a further two songs before being hooked off the stage by a walking stick from the wings!!!…No she wasn’t ha! ha! but I did hear afterwards that they thought that was what they would have to do to get her off!
After saying all that she was very good and still has a great voice! And for any Lena fans going to see her as the main attraction they certainly get their money’s worth.

After a very short interval the film was shown and no sooner had the band struck up Joe was there much to every ones surprise, I think the time was 9.20pm, He looked gorgeous in what looked like a new suit and wearing his hair quite long behind his ears, still curly at the back but very soft and loose at the front,
There were no sign of any shaking at all tonight as he sang all the usual songs in a voice, which is just getting stronger all the time, also another thing I noticed is that he doesn’t sweat like he used to anymore.
I’m sorry but I can’t really remember much about the rest of the show as I sat there in a daze but I’m sure Michelle will elaborate a little more in her review, all I can say he was FANTASTIC, although looked a little tired.
The show ended with “If I Never Sing Another Song” then Joe collected his presents and flowers and was away.

We went to the stage door and after a very short time he came out with John Boy and was chatting as he was led to the car, he looked very tired and drawn but still took hold of our hands and said goodnight love and was then helped into the back seat of the car by John and when I say ‘helped’ that’s what I mean he didn’t look as if he had the strength to even move onto the seat alone and John practically lifted him on there,
they were driven off and that was it for our first Joe night, we went home and looked forward to Saturday night and another show!!

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::September 9th by Karen from Grimsby::

You know when things are running so super smooth you are almost expecting a glitch? Well the glitch was a double booking at the Paradise Room! Some one was sitting in our seats when we waltzed in about 7pm. At this point there were empty seats at our table, so I put it down to no one minding what seat they actually sat on and parked my self on seat number 7 or 8 until a couple of ladies came along and said,'scuse dears but I think you are sitting in our seats!' I am no mathematician but it didn't take a genius to work out there wasn't 3 spaces left at the table for my Mum, my Dad and Yours truly!!

'We are definitely sitting here,' said a blonde lady who woudln't budge out of our real seats, so off to the bar my Mum and I went to get help from another very nice blonde lady, who said she suspected there had been a double booking and she would go and get the floor manager! At this point I was really worried as I had bought my tickets from a private seller on 'EBAY' and just had this terrible feeling that I had some how been scammed! Fake JL tickets? Cancelled JL tickets? OMG, where we about to get turfed out of the Paradise Room with every one looking on!? My Mum was showing me up telling the next table I'd come all the way from Grimsby, like that means anything to a Joe Longthorne fan, other fans had probably come from the North Pole!!!!! LOL!

'Don't worry,' said the nice blonde lady at the bar and she said if the worst came to the worst, she'd get 3 empty seats and just sit us next to the stage. 'Unless you'd rather sit with Joe up there,' she said,'there's plenty of room up there for you with Joe!'

Any how, what felt like a life time later, the floor manager came back and said,'I am so sorry, this really is not supposed to happen but there has definitely been a double booking as I have checked the computer,' but boy was I relieved my EBAY seller hadn't cancelled her tickets then callously flogged them onto to me! Drama over, the other JL-ers were asked if they minded moving and we finally sat down.

'Welcome back!' said a man at our table who laughed when I said I needed a drink! I was in such a flap but it was the whole 'got em off EBAY thing' . I'd suggested buying Sir Cliff tickets from the auction site only the other week but my Hubby, who is mr Caution with a capital C, warned me that there's scammers about and to book direct with Sheffield Arena, forget a better row!!

Ricky Lane came on, I was still all flumoxed so just sat there dazed, though I do believe his act was just the same. I feel for him as he doesn't seem to get too many laughs, though he's not the worst support I have ever seen...! People did like his banter about Joe playing the London Palladium and now he's back in London, what about getting him back on the telly, he said!!!

The interval arrived quickly, so I spied Shelley going to the ladies and called after her.

'What ever was wrong?' asked Michelle and had guessed our seats had been double booked. Poor old love, I don't think I made any sense jabbering on to her, still in a staight! My Dad had been harping on about not paying again, so I'd still got visions rushing through my head of us sulking down the prom drowning our sorrows on illuminations and chips!

Michelle and I couldn't work out what had gone wrong...surely if the EBAY seller had cancelled, the tickets would have been sent back before the P/B could resell them? Perhaps it was sheer coincidence but I told Michelle, It had sure put me off bargain hunting for life, who told me the show was a complete sell out, so it was lucky there had been a reserved table spare for the other people!

By the time, the THIS IS YOUR LIFE video began to play, I started to chill. On came the band, the singers and suddenly even Joe! He turned round to face the band and did a little dance as they did their usual JL medley!!! I did think he happens wanted to get on and get off but despite having a long journey to London the next day, he was completely professional and surprised me how long he was on stage belting out number after number. I sat there thinking, 'I am sure he is getting better and better every time I see him".

We had a teriffic view and alot of the time I had Joe right infront of my nose, who kept smiling and winked a couple of times, though my Mum swears he did it to her and not me! ha ha! Does any one ever dare hold eye contact? LOL!

The show was very much a Joe Longthorne as Joe Longthorne type of show. For me, it was simply perfect!

I did think Joe looked a little pale and not as well as I had seen him before but his voice was incredible. He reached all the high notes but did keep singing the occasional 'la lar lar and I've forgotten the words' . Pre-Palladium nerves, I wondered???

His impressions included a splendid rendition of Shirely Bassey and Tom Jones, which really did sound like them. He did the Rat Pack and 2 numbers as Barry White, then when he asked for people's favourite singers, I was so pleased when someone asked for Joe Longthorne singing "WIND BENEATH MY WINGS". Joe jumped on the keyboards and performed the song beautifully, all that was missing was Lewis Osborne on guitar though the current L.G is very good!! A full length version of 'Great Balls of fire' subsequently followed. It was pretty wowtastic!!

I'd spotted a gent in the audience chatting to members of the band, who finally went to sit down but returned mid show with half a lager for Joe. He'd been trying to get the band to pass on a dedication to Joe. JL thanked him for the drink and joked that he'd probs be singing till 6.30 in the morning, mixing that with all the pills he is on!!! Out of curteousy he did have a couple of swigs and performed' Say it with flowers' as the gents request, who I could have bought a drink back for! I adore that song which turned the show into a trip down memory lane!! It's always nice to hear new material but just as good to hear songs that have been resurected from long ago!

Towards the end of the show, Joe lost it a little with an audience heckler but instead of any one thinking 'oooh nasty bugger' every one cheered like mad.

'I will sing it, if you shut your bloody big gob' Joe had said, afterwards he started saying Ricky had mentioned hecklers in the show. 'I've got one but you're ok really aren't you mate,' he said.

Other highlights of the night for me where Joe's performance of 'AS I LOVE YOU'. I know it's become a firm favourite of just about all the fans I know and no wonder, as Joe sings it so well, it's definitely Joe's spine tingler number!

As usual, the show drew to a close with' If I never sing another song' though I could have sat ther all night.

Joe collected up his flowers and gifts and shook the fans hands who had gathered round the stage.

I very much doubt I will make it to the Paradise Room again but it's a venue I like very, very much and which I hope Joe plays again!

My Review of Bash - 27th August

I got into my taxi at 12 noon and on the way picked up Jean, Irene, Denise and Eileen (Jean's friend) and made our way down to the Paradise Rooms. The promenade was heaving with traffic so the taxi driver took the back roads. We got in the lift to find the Paradise Rooms were not open yet so we went and had a drink in one of the other bars. We met up with Dave, Carole and Colin when we learned that the tickets for The Grand Theatre at Easter were on sale. None lof us had got a Bank card on us so Colin booked for us after first ringing Diane to confirm it was ok for her. We have 3rd row so not too bad.

At 1 pm we went into the Paradise Room anbd made our way to our table which was right in the centre of the stage. Each of us had a pen and keyring with aJoe on it I met up with Sarah who it was lovely to see after such a long time. She did look different with her long dark hair as I had been so used to seeing her blonde. We had a good chat about the old days. Ricky Lane first came on stage with the usual patter and then introduced Tony Jo to say a few words. He said how pleased everyone one was to see how well Joe had improved after all he had gone through and said it was down to the fans who had kept Joe going. Our meal was then served, the starter was melon cocktail followed by roast beef, yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, carrots and sprouts and horseradish sauce and the desert was deep filled apple pie and cream followed by coffee and mints. It was a really nice meal. Whilst we were eating our meal,Joe arrived and sat on a stool and had a chat telling us about the spring tour and his trip to australia and his cruise. He said he would be coming round the tables later to chat to us.

After the meal, there was a raffle with some nice prizes also an auction for one of Joe's signed shirts, the bow tie he wore on Friday and Saturday and a painting of Joe. Following this, Joe started to make his way round the tables. Sarah and I got a photo taken with him which came out really nice, thanks to Dave for taking it, although he did ruin the photo I took of Jean and Denise by sticking his arm in the way ... only joking Dave. I got a kiss of Joe which made my day and, of course, he remembered my name. There didn't seem very many people there but I really enjoyed it, although I did feel the whole afternoon lacked a bit of entertainment, perhaps a singer would have been nice. After Joe had gone, we sat chatting for a while then Dave and I shared a taxi back home.

Got home, had a bit of a rest, then washed and changed then joined Dave, Jean, Irene, Denise and Eileen in Funny Girls where we all enjoyed a great evening. Zoe played us Joe's Young Girl and I got Zoe to have a photo taken with Dave.

I really enjoyed the weekend but wished Diane had been there, really missed her

Mary Lowe

My Review Paradise Room Friday 25th August

My friend, Julie, picked me up just after 6 pm to drive down to the pleasure beach. We went early as it was bank holiday to get a parking space. We made our way to the lift but it wasn't working up to the paradise room, just to the white tower restaurant. However, we went to the Mystique box office and they activated the lift for us. We were nice and early so got to our seats and had a drink. I first saw Michelle and her Mum and Dad. then one or two fans who recognised me from when I used to go with Michelle came over.

I didn't think I would be able ro see Joe coming out as Julie is not a fan of Joe and I was in her car. However, Jean and Irene came over to have a chat and asked me if we were staying to see Joe at the stage door to which Julied replied, if I wanted, she would stay.

The show started and this week it was Carl Schofield again as the support but to be honest I don't find him that funny. He wasn't on too long so it was interval time so we got another drink. Janet Hirst came over to have a word with me ... a lovely lady. It was soon time for the second half and to see the video clip of Joe on this is your life. Although I have seen it so many times, I always enjoy watching it. Soon the band struck up and Joe came on stage a bit earlier than usual and finished singing Somewhere to a standing ovation. He started with As if we never said goodbye, For Once in my life, Mary in the morning, If you love me, Mack the knife ... may not have been in that order. He went on to some impressions which were spot on. He sang Impossible Dream again I thought Joe looked tired. He did about an hour and finished with If I never sing another song. Everyone was on their feet. I had a bit of a struggle getting to the stage as we were a bit further back than last week but I managed it. He had loads of flowers which John had to come and take off him and all too soon Joe went off stage.

We had to wait over an hour forJoe to come out and it was pouring down with rain but luckily we were under cover. Had a chat with Richard De Vere who recognised me and remembered my name and asked how Michelle and Daryl were. He is really lovely and it was nic\e to chat to him. This is the last season for Mystique so I will have to try to get to see it before it finishes. Although it was raining, it was worth the wait to see Joe. He stopped to have a word before getting in to the car and they drove away.

Mary Lowe

Review by Ann from Southampton 18th/19th August

Well, at last, Thursday 17 August had arrived and my sister Jan & I set off from Southampton to Blackpool in a happy mood [with me praying like mad that Joe would be well enough to appear]. Jan hadn't seen Joe live before so didn't know what to expect but she was looking forward to us being away together, just us two, no husbands in tow !!

The day started well, the train was on time at 11.22 am...... after that the journey went rapidly downhill. First of all the computers were down so there were no signs on the doors of the train to show which carriage you should get in so people who'd pre-booked seats were struggling through the train to get to the right carriage. The computers being down meant there were no illuminated signs to show which seats were available & which were reserved. We'd pre-booked our seats but naturally there were people already sitting in them & we had to request them please to vacate them ..................... black looks from said passengers but we waved our seat reservation tickets at them so off they stomped. Well it wasn't actually a stomp because the train was packed by this time, they just shoved their way passed us!!

It started to rain heavily which was a bit depressing & by this time Jan & I were in desperate need of a hot drink. I literally fought my way through two crowded carriages, clambering over luggage & people sitting on the floor because the train was so crowded, to the catering carriage. We only wanted tea & by the time I clambered my way back to my seat I was in real need of it. What a let down .......... it tasted like ditchwater... ugh!! Never mind, forget the overcrowded train, forget the delays, no sacrifice is too great, this was all about seeing the gorgeous JL ....... the discomforts I endure to see this man .......... , the miles I travel, if only he knew LOL LOL

Eventually we arrived in Blackpool at 5.30 pm, 1 hour late. We got the taxi to our hotel & because we were meeting Mary at Funny Girls we rushed straight to the restaurant to eat because we wanted time to freshen up and change. The first words I got from the waiter, who recognised me from my Easter visit, was "oh no, not you again, don't tell me, you've come to see Joe Longthorne haven't you" - [ sad look from waiter! ] - he was only joking, well I think he was anyway.

We eventually met up with Mary who was waiting for us inside Funny Girls right at the front so we had a really good view of Zoe & the stage. Janny was also there & it was lovely to meet her for the first time. She is so slim as well - I was very envious! Mary had very kindly bought her wheely chair for my sister to sit in as she can't stand for very long which my sister was really grateful for & she thinks Mary is lovely. We had a really great evening & Zoe was just so funny. You could sense the pity coming from her when she knew we were Joe fans but she played Joe's version of Young Girl [another of my favourite songs of his]. Mary had also mentioned it was our first visit to Funny Girls and got Zoe to play a song called 500 miles ! [that's just a bit less than our round trip from Southampton to Blackpool & back again!] The show was really good though & we thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I can understand why Mary likes to go there.

My sister & I had a nice day wandering around on Friday and the evening eventually arrived & we rushed around, showering, getting our hair done & putting on our gladrags - got to look good to see JL! The taxi with Mary & Michelle in it arrived & off we went, picking up Wendy on the way. It wasn't long before we were in the lift & up in the Paradise Rooms. We had a really good table at the side of the stage & we sorted ourselves out, got a drink & impatiently waited for the show to begin. I had a look at Tezza's stall but I had most of the stuff apart from Joe's 50th birthday bash DVD - I couldn't decide whether to buy it or not so left it that night. Ricky Lane was the comedian and I thought he was quite funny. He finished his act by asking everybody to wait until the end before coming to the stage to give Joe his present. I'd bought him a nice quality bottle of wine [I hope he'll enjoy drinking it, it's a bit difficult when you don't know what someone's drinking tastes are]. After another break the This is Your Life film of Joe was shown, with shots of him at other times during his life, including the one where he looked oh so gorgeous with that floppy blonde hair.............. makes me go weak at the knees that does, whooo!!

The band gradually started to take their places while the film was still showing, & I could see Stretch standing behind the curtain. You all know how things go after that. The film ended, the band started............... and then on came Joe & I thought he looked well. It was really good for me to see him again, he looked so much better than he did at Easter although he was quite shaky on the legs. He received his usual tumultuous welcome on stage & walked round shaking hands - I managed to get a nice handshake from him anyway.

He went into his routine with For Once in my Life, People, Mary in the Morning, If You love Me, Mack the Knife, [thanks for the reminder Mary!] and the rat pack routine. Sorry folks, I just can't recall the order he sang his songs or did the impressions. When I see him again I'm taking a notebook & pen with me to write them down as he sings them LOL As you all know, I can do without the impressions anyway, just him singing is good enough for me. It was obvious he had a cold but he kept going, making jokes but he looked tired. All too soon it was the end of the show & Joe seemed to me as though he just couldn't wait to leave, he was exhausted. He came back on stage to walk round shaking hands, collecting his presents & I managed another nice handshake from him when he took his present from me - ooooooooh, if only that were a kiss LOL We made our way out & went to wait outside the stage door. We didn't have long to wait before Joe came out with his "minder". Joe quickly apologised that he couldn't stop to talk, he just wanted to be in that car and away home. I would say he was out of the stage door & in the taxi within 5 seconds, it was as quick as that. Never mind, it was a very good evening. At this point my sister & I somehow lost sight of Mary & the others so we got into a taxi & back we went. There ended our first night seeing Joe.

The next night we shared Mary's taxi & were back in the Paradise Room in no time. This time Jan & I were at table 34, right in front of the stage of the stage this time. I thought Ricky Lane might have done a slightly different routine, as I'm sure he must know a lot of Joe's fans come for both nights, but it was virtually the same so it was difficult to laugh at the same jokes. My sister had decided she really liked Joe by now so I bought her his Joe Live album which she was so pleased to have. A few minutes later she disappeared & then came back with his 50th birthday bash DVD for me as she knew I hadn't bought it so she gave it to me as an early birthday present so I was really touched by that. I felt just as excited waiting for Joe to come on stage again as I had the night before when I hadn't seen him for four months. When he came on I thought he looked loads better than the night before - as usual he came on to rapturous applause & being right at the front of the stage I was in a really good place to shake hands with him again [sadly no kiss but I live in hopes !!] but it was a good firm handshake from him & a look in his eyes that seemed to say oh, you again LOL He launched into Don't Know Why I'm Frightened, If You Love Me, For Once in My Life, Mack the Knife, the rat pack routine, lots of impressions including Barry White, Tom Jones/Shirley Bassey, the Steptoes, Max Bygraves, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow & I expect I've forgotten a lot. To me, Joe was "flying" on that stage Saturday & was just so full of energy even though he still had a cold. His voice still isn't 100% but give him more time & I bet it will be. Just to have him on stage at all and singing is a bonus, I think we all agree on that.

I must pick out one particular impression - that of David Bowie - it is absolutely brilliant and I just loved it. There is no end to Joe's talent & there's a desperate need for him to be back on TV to show people how fabulous he is and what talent he has. He really has to be the best entertainer in this country.

Joe was on stage longer Saturday & you could tell he really enjoyed himself. There was a lot of chat from him & he was in fine form. It was just a really great evening. I think I enjoyed it more than any others I've been too.

All too soon the end arrived and Joe was given his usual standing ovation. He came round collecting his presents, I had another handshake [it's got to do me for quite a while now as I've no more shows booked]. Back to the stage door we went and this time we had quite a wait. Christine was there so we were chatting with her as well which was very nice. The band eventually came out bringing their gear, so my sister made herself useful holding the door open for them! Eventually the huge flower arrangement that had been on stage for both shows was carried out obviously bound for Joe's home j- it was a really lovely arrangement. My sister by this time was getting a bit cold & we didn't think we could wait much longer & thought we were going to miss Joe but then there he was, inside& walking towards the door. Out he came & he had a quick word. I thought he was still looking really well even though he must have been tired. He then starting talking to two very attractive young women wearing short skirts & legs to die for! My thoughts were that Joe attracts women to him like bees to honey LOL I think it must be that lovely smile of his & he really is so handsome.

After Joe drove off we went in a taxi with Mary & Michelle & Jan & I were dropped off at our hotel. When we went in there was still entertainment, a very blue drag comedian but very good so we sat there listening to him for a while.

And there you have it. Sunday morning we had breakfast and it was off to Blackpool North station for the journey back to Southampton. By 3.30 pm we were back at our station where my son was waiting for us. Another 20 minutes and we were home again. My sister stayed a short while before leaving with her husband to go back to London. She really enjoyed herself, and wants to come with me again if she can - I hope so too because we had a lovely "girly" weekend.

Now I'm coming back down to earth. I hope it won't be too long before I can book another show.

Review by Mich;elle Backhouse Saturday 19th August

SATURDAY 19TH AUGUST -2006

IT WAS A MISERABLE DAY BUT I WAS DETERMINED TO GO TO BLACKPOOL AND BUY AN OUTFIT FOR THE LONDON PALLADIUM.

I ENDED UP IN MONSOON SPENDING OVER TWO HUNDRED POUNDS BUT MANAGED TO GET THEM CHEAPER IN THE SALE. MUM AND ME HAD AN ADVENTURE IN THE LIFT, COULDN’T OPEN THE DOOR SO ENDED UP GOING UP AND DOWN FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE HOURS! MUM WAS NEARLY PASSING OUT BUT I KINDLY POINTED OUT SHE WAS MAKING ME TRY CLOTHES ON WHEN NORMALLY I NEVER BOTHER. ANYWAY, WE EVENTUALLY PUSHED THE STOP BUTTON AND SPRUNG UP TO THE NEXT FLOOR WHERE ALL THESE FACES WERE PEERING IN THE LIFT WHEN WE GOT OUT! STILL, IT WAS WORTH THE HASSLE IN THE END. JUST HOPE THE OUTFIT I HAVE BOUGHT IS SUITABLE. IT IS SOMETHING I CAN WEAR AGAIN SO NOT A COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY.

HEADED BACK HOME LIKE TWO DROWNED RATS ONCE WE HAD COMPLETED THE MISSION AND GOT READY FOR THE SHOW AT NIGHT.

THERE WERE LOTS OF FANS IN TONIGHT AND EVEN OUR TABLE WAS FULL OF FAMILIAR FACES.

I WONDERED WHAT JOE WAS GOING TO BE LIKE AFTER LAST NIGHT AND HOPED HE HAD MANAGED TO GET SOME REST DURING THE DAY. WE WERE TOLD HE WAS WORSE THAN THE NIGHT BEFORE SO WAS PREPARED FOR ANYTHING TO HAPPEN REALLY.

JOE WILDE WAS AT THE SHOW AND STEPH WAS THERE AS WELL.

THERE WAS A STREAM OF PEOPLE AT OUR TABLE ALL ASKING HOW JOE HAD BEEN ON FRIDAY. WE DIDN’T LIKE TO TELL THEM HE HADN’T BEEN TOO WELL BUT THEY WOULD SEE FOR THEMSELVES.

RICKY LANE CAME ON AND WENT AND THEN THE THIS IS YOUR LIFE PLAYED.

THE BAND STRUCK UP AND BEFORE THEY HAD FINISHED THE INTRO JOE HAD COME ONTO THE STAGE AND BEGAN SHAKING EVERYONE’S HANDS. HE WENT ALMOST RIGHT ROUND THE STAGE. I HAD A GOOD LOOK AT HIM AND HE SEEMED TIRED.

HE SANG THE END OF SOMEWHERE AND THEN WENT STRAIGHT INTO AS IF WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE. THEN FOLLOWED FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, MARY IN THE MORNING, MACK THE KNIFE, IF YOU LOVE ME, AS I LOVED YOU AND I WILL DRINK THE WINE SO A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT SONG CHOICES TONIGHT.

I MUST ADMIT I DIDN’T THINK HE WAS TOO GOOD DURING THE FIRST COUPLE OF SONGS AND THOUGHT HE MIGHT GO OFF EARLY BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN HE CHANGED AND SEEMED TO COME ROUND.

HE DID A SPELLBOUNDING VERSIONOF THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM AND YOU COULD HEAR A PIN DROP WHILE HE SANG IT. HE PUT EVERY OUNCE OF STRENGTH INTO IT AND GOT A WELL DESERVED OVATION. MY KNEES WERE TOO WEAK TO STAND BY THE WAY!

JOE SANG LOVE IS IN THE AIR NEXT AND THEN DID HIS IMPRESSIONS.

BARRY WHITE, JOHNNY MATHIS, THE RAT PACK, FRANK SINATRA, ELVIS, SHIRLEY BASSEY AND TOM JONES SINGING “SOMETHING”.

ONE OF THE SONGS OF THE NIGHT WAS FIND YOURSELF SOMEBODY TO LOVE IN THE VOICES OF TONY BENNETT, BARRY MANILOW, STEPTOE AND ANTHONY NEWLEY. IT WAS VERY GOOD AND JOE SANG THE WHOLE SONG WORKING HIS WAY THROUGH ALL THESE DIFFERENT STARS.

THE FINAL SONG WAS IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG.

THE AUDIENCE WERE CHEERING AND CLAPPING AND THERE WASN’T A DRY EYE IN THE HOUSE.

FOR ME ONCE AGAIN JOE’S COURAGE HAD SHONE THROUGH ON THE NIGHT. HE STRUGGLED EARLY ON BUT LEFT THE SHOW A SHINING STAR THAT HE IS.

I ONLY HAD ADMIRATION FOR JOE BATTLING ON WHEN ONCE AGAIN HE WASN’T 100%.

Miss Michelle Jane Backhouse

Review by Michelle Backhouse Frid 18th August

REVIEW FROM FRIDAY 18TH AUGUST - 2006

THERE WEREN’T MANY FANS IN ON FRIDAY EVENING AND THERE WERE A FEW EMPTY TABLES AT THE BACK OF THE ROOM.

JOE CAME ON STAGE TO FINISH SINGING SOMEWHERE. HE HAD A COLD AND A SORE THROAT BUT HE DIDN’T LET ANYBODY DOWN AND TRIED TO VARY THE ACT.

HE SANG PEOPLE, FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, IF YOU LOVE ME….., AS I LOVED YOU……, MARY IN THE MORNING, AND MACK THE KNIFE.

JOE SANG A FAST VERSION OF LOVE IS IN THE AIR WHICH GOT THE CROWD GOING.

JOE THEN WORKED HIS THROUGH NEIL DIAMOND, DAVID BOWIE, ELVIS, FRANK SINATRA AND THE RAT PACK. HE DID DOROTHY SQUIRES DUETTING WITH KEN DODD AND INCLUDED SOMETHING INTO HIS SHIRLEY BASSEY AND TOM JONES ROUTINE.

JOE THEN DID TONY BENNETT - FIND YOURSELF SOMEBODY TO LOVE.

ALL TOO SOON JOE WAS SINGING IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG. HE HAD BATTLED ON BUT IT WAS OBVIOUS HE WASN’T WELL.

WHAT WOULD TOMORROW NIGHT BRING……………

Candie's review for Saturday 19th August

Well yet again Joe was superb last night, his voice was a little hoarse but that still didn't stop him being the talented professional he is.

He did a little bit of Elvis, and Tony Bennett and only a few talking impressions, Miss Jones and erm Betty came in briefly. He talked about the Palladium and sounded very excited about the same. The ladies next to me were literally screaming excitedly which kept me smiling, and kept asking me questions about what Joe was saying!! Jamie was stood near the bar and if I remember had a nice pink shirt on, standing near the Merchandise stall. Got to my table just as the This is your Life DVD came in. He also did a bit of Barry Manilow, wow he was almost in the room with us, and Mr Romantic himself again Barry White. He had a dedication for a hairdresser in the audience "As I love you" and he really gave the song his all. It was nice bumping into Christine and having a drink, Christine said her computer was not working too well at the moment. All too soon Joe was going off stage again, I noticed he gots loads of red roses and a nice red gift bag, wonder what was in that for him? Went and had a quick word with Chelle and Mary. Roll on next week when we are sat right in front of him, bring it on!!!

Candie xxxxxx

MY REVIEW FOR FRID & SAT 17th/18th AUGUST

It was a lovely start to the weekend when Ann and her sister, Janny, her sister and her niece and myself all went to Funny Girls on Thursday night. Zoe was pretty well behaved apart from saying how sad it was being fans of Joe. I think she was saving all her ammunition for Mr. Grump on Sunday night. It was a horrible night having had rain and thunder and ligtening but it cleared up by the time we got to funny girls.

On Friday night, I set off in the taxi at 6.30 pm, picking Chelle up on the way, who of course I hadn't met before, then we picked up Ann and her sister and finally Wendy, who is just the same as she looks on her photo she had taken with Joe at Billingham.

We arrived at the Paradise Rooms quite early and made our wayto our table, we were all on the same table which was nice. I saw a few familiar faces. Michelle came across to have a chat. Ricky Lane, Joe's support act, came on stage and did about twenty minutes then it was the interval. We got our drinks and then it was time for the second half which showed us the video clip of This is your Life. After that the band struckup and when they played "Somewhere", Joe came on stage to a standing ovation and finished singing Somewhere. He started off with For Once in my life, People, If you love me, Mary in the morning and Mack the knife, think it was that order.
Joe only did about an hour but he was singing beautiful. He finished with If I never sing another song, collected his flowers and gifts then went off stage.
I took a few photos but not as good as I would have liked. Guess what Wendy did, only forgot her camera ..... what's she like !!! We waited to see him come out but he was out in about ten to fifteen minutes but got straight into his car. I thought he looked tired.

On Saturday morning, I went to the hairdressers and just relaxed in the afternoon. Once again I got in the taxi at 6.30 pm and first picked up Chelle, then Ann and her sister and got to the paradise rooms about five to seven and made our way to our tables. Chelle and I were on the same table again and Ann and her sister were over on the other side. Again saw a few familar faces befpore the show started again with Ricky Lane. After the interval it was time for the video clip again and then, of course, Joe made his way on to the stage singing the end of Somewhere to a standing ovation.
He started with I don't know why I'm frightened, which I hadn't heard him sing for a while, then Mary in the morning, If you love me, Mack the knife, not sure if it was in that order. He did quite a bit of talking and some impressions. He was a little husky at times but he was really on top form. He sang The Impossible Dream, shame Wendy wasn't there as he didn't sing it on Friday night. He ended with If I never sing another song then as usual collected his flowers and gifts before going off stage. I managed to get to the frontof the stage on both nights to shake hands with Joe. Once again we waited at the stage door to see him coming out but we had to wait about an hour but it was worth it as he stopped to talk. I thought he looked a lot better than he did on the Friday night. He told us he had a cold and sore throat. I also forgot to mention, he mentioned on stage that his Dad was getting better as he was swearing !

Wendy rang me this morning (Sunday) to say they couldn't come to Funny Girls tonight because Jonathan was not at all well so couldn't leave him in the hotel on his own. Trevor doesn't realise what a lucky escape he has had with Zoe !!. I am a bit disappointed as Wendy is such a lovely person but never mind, perhaps next time.

Mary Lowe, Blackpool

My review Saturday 12th August, Paradise Rooms

It was a good start to the day as Karen, Anthony and William came to see us. It was lovely to see them again. William has grown since the last time I saw him and he was very much taken to by the cats, Joe and Lady Blue, shame the feeling wasn't mutual. The cats just don't like little kids.

After Karen had gone, I went to the hairdressers after which I popped into town to buy a new cd player as mine wouldn't work any more. Not having much luck lately with pc and cd player.

Candie and Paul called for me at 6.35 pm and Candie and I got a taxi to the pleasure beach. We got a drink and made our way to our seats. We were quite a way back but not bad seats. The show was late starting as apparently there was problems with some of the seating. Eventually Ricky Lane made his appearance on stage, he was quite funny but I had seen him so many times before when Joe was at the music hall tavern and his jokes hadn't altered much. It was then time for the interval. I saw quite a few familar faces, Marjorie was there for the first time this season as she has been ill. Lucy's Mum came to have a chat as did Lucy. Diane H came over to see us.. Although I had seen Diane several times over the years, it was nice to actually speak to her. She is lovely and looks so young.

It was now time to watch the video clip of this is your life etc. and then the band struck up and when they played Somewhere, Joe appeared and finished singing it to a standing ovation. He started off with For once in my life, People, If you love me, Mary in the morning and Mack Knife. He then went into several impressions. I didn't get any photos as with being further back, there were too many heads in the way. The lady who was on the next table had her chair turned round so was actually next to me and she was talking to her husband a lot while Joe was singing and neither of them ever clapped once. All too soon Joe sang If I Never Sing Another Song and it was time for him to collect his flowers and gifts and then went off stage.

We didn't wait to see Joe coming out as Candie and Paul had to drive back to Cumbria.

Can't wait until Friday night when Wendy, Chelle, Ann and myself have the table right by the stage so hope to get some decent photos.

Mary

Review by Candie from Cumbria - Saturday 12th August

It was nice to meet up with Mary again and go to the Paradise Rooms.

We watched the This is your Life clip which I had not seen any of it before so I found it all very interesting. I got back just in time from nipping to the loo and then trying to jump the queue at the bar(but not intentionally), how embarrassing.

What can you say, once you have been for the first time, you just want to go back again all the time! Joe came on stage and his voice is just so strong, he looks wonderful and did a great impressions of Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Tina Turner. He also did some lovely songs in his own voice, he got the crowd going with Show me the Way to Amarillo. I have to say again the backing girl singers have great voices. He got in a strop with Stretch and started throwing sheet music paper around, but all in very good fun. I think he must have a fetish about Bingo at the moment LOL!!

The other thing that strikes me about Joe these days, is his sparkle is definitely back and he also has his brilliant sense of humour and that spirit of Joe which is very adventurous and the playful side of Joe is shining through. He did the Rat Pack and called them the Desert Rats. He did the old romantic singer himself Barry White as well, and of course Neil Diamond's Hello and Sweet Caroline also got the crowd going. I aimed my camera and the bloody battery went capute!! All too soon he was on his way off stage again, but roll on week after next when we are sat right next to the stage, what a view of the man himself!! Can't wait

JOE IN THE PARADISE ROOMS - SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST - 2006

REVIEW BY SHELLEY BACKHOUSE - THORNTON-CLEVELEYS

I HAD BEEN VERY BUSY BEFORE THE SHOW ON SATURDAY. THEY WERE HAVING A PARTY IN THE PARK FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS SO WE WERE ROPED INTO HELPING OUT WITH THE TOMBOLA AND RAFFLE, ETC. ACTUALLY, I REALLY ENJOYED IT AND IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO RAISE FUNDS TO MAKE IT LOOK NICER. WE ALREADY HAVE FLOWER BEDS, NEW SEATS AND WE ARE SHORTLY GETTING A PICNIC AREA. WE CAN SEE IT FROM OUR BUNGALOW SO IT MAKES FOR A BETTER VIEW. I HAD TO MAKE MY EXCUSES TO LEAVE AT 4.00PM BECAUSE I WANTEDTO GET READY FOR THE SHOW.

WE HAD A FEW ERRANDS TO DO BEFORE ACTUALLY GOING TO THE PARADISE ROOMS INCLUDING A CAR WASH AT MORRISON'S AND A TOUR OF CLEVELEYS BETTING SHOPS FOR MY DAD! SOME THINGS WILL NEVER CHANGE! STILL, WE DON’T COMPLAIN WHEN HE WINS.

IT WAS A NICER EVENING THAN FRIDAY WHEN I WAS FREEZING, I NEARLY DRAGGED MY 60 DENIERS OUT IT WAS SO COLD! ANYWAY, WE HAD A PLEASANT JOURNEY DOWN THE FRONT EXCEPT FOR THE DIVERSION IN PLACE BETWEEN GYNN SQUARE AND THE ROYAL YORK HOTEL.

THERE MUST BE LOADS OF PEOPLE GETTING MARRIED BECAUSE EVERY WEEKEND WE PASS GROUPS OF HENS AND STAGS ON THE WAY DOWN. I FEEL LIKE SHOUTING OUT OF WINDOW - DON’T DO IT!!!!!!!!

GOT TO THE PARADISE ROOMS AND PARKED UP. TERRY LODGE WAS PULLING IN AT THE SAME TIME SO HE STOPPED US. WE HAD A GOOD CHAT AND THEN WE WENT INSIDE.

WE HAD TO QUEUE TO GET INSIDE AGAIN. WE HAD HEARD IT WAS ANOTHER BUSY NIGHT AND THEY WERE RIGHT. SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE SEATING I BELIEVE.

THERE WERE LOTS MORE FAMILIAR FACES IN THE AUDIENCE. LUCY AND HER FAMILY WERE SAT WITH US AND MY FRIENDS FROM SCOTLAND ON THE NEXT TABLE.

IT WAS PRETTY MUCH FULL ONCE MORE.

RICKY LANE DID HIS SPOT AGAIN AND THEN WE WERE BACK FOR THE VIDEO. IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I SEE IT I ALWAYS NOTICE SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

THEN, THE BAND STRUCK UP, LIGHTS DOWN, TORCH AT THE READY AND ON COMES JOE. HE TODDLED ON THE STAGE AND FINISHED SINGING SOMEWHERE.

JOE THEN WORKED HIS WAY THROUGH THE USUAL NUMBERS OF PEOPLE, FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, IF YOU LOVE ME…….., MARY IN THE MORNING AND MACK THE KNIFE.

JOE THEN ASKED FOR REQUESTS AND CONTINUED TO WORK THROUGH SHIRLEY BASSEY/TOMMY COOPER AND TOM JONES, BARRY WHITE, NEIL DIAMOND WHICH DAD SHOUTED OUT, JOHNNY MATHIS, TONY BENNETT/MAX BYGRAVES, DES O’CONNOR, JULIO, ENGLEBURT, FRANK SINATRA, ELVIS, AND AN EXCELLENT TINA TURNER TEAMED WITH DAVID BOWIE SINGING RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH!

JOE THEN FOLLOWED WITH LOVE IS IN THE AIR WHICH IS GROWING ON ME AND ENDED WITH A TONY CHRISTIE ROUTINE OF AMARILLO.

THE LAST SONG WAS IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG.

JOE COLLECTED HIS PARCELS AND WAS OFF THE STAGE NO DOUBT EXHAUSTED FROM THE PERFORMANCE HE HAD GIVEN.

IT WAS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT SHOW TO FRIDAY BECAUSE THERE WERE MORE IMPRESSIONS THAN SINGING IN HIS OWN VOICE BUT IT IS NICE TO SEE DIFFERENT THINGS EACH TIME.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO GET THESE DAYS.

THERE ARE A COUPLE OF NEW SONGS BEING WORKED ON BUT I THINK JOE NEEDS TO FEEL MORE CONFIDENT BEFORE HE MAKES THEM PUBLIC. I AM SURE HE WILL BE FINE.

WE CAME AWAY THINKING HOW SPECIAL JOE IS AND WHAT A TALENT HE HAS GOT.

I’M COUNTING DOWN TO THE WEEKEND ALREADY………………………………..................

Review by Diane H. Co. Durham on Paradise Rooms Sat. 12th August.

Well you'll have to bear with me as this is the first proper review I've done!!

We set off quite early on Saturday morning and got to Blackpool at about 1p.m. We checked into our hotel which was Courtneys in Gynn Square which is a lovely small hotel run by lovely people with scrummy food. We had a wander onto the front and went along to Uncle Tom's Cabin for a couple of drinks. Then it was back to our hotel to have our tea and to get ready.
Neither of us was really in the mood as we were both very worried about our little westie who was very poorly at home with his gran and grandad.
We got a taxi along to the Paradise rooms and arrived there about 7.15p.m. Got ourselves a drink and found our table no. 43 and our seats were right next to the stage.
Went to introduce myself to Mary and Candie and it was lovely to meet them both.
Eventually there was an announcement to apologise for the late start as there had apparently been a problem with some of the seating.
On came Ricky Lane who I have to admit I'm not very keen on and had already seen his act at Billingham. What has happened to the girl singer who was supposed to be Joe's support act? Before Ricky went off he asked would folk not go the stage with flowers and gifts until the show was finished which got a round of applause.

There was a short interval. Just enough time to pop to the loo and get another drink and then the screen came down for the film clips to be shown. I really enjoyed this as its ages since I'd seen the This Is Your Life and some of the other clips I'd never seen like Joe on Noels House Party with the little dog. I found the whole thing quite moving. On came the band and then shortly afterwards the man himself. Most people were on their feet and Joe sang a bit of Somewhere before doing the usual For Once In My Life, People, If You Love Me Really Love Me, Mary in the Morning and Mac The Knife. Joe then did quite a few impressions including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Barry White, Neil Diamond, The Rat Pack, Elvis, Tony Bennett ,Tina Turner and more. He also did As I Love You which had me out in goose pimples and Love Is in the Air.
Joe's voice was as powerful as ever,it is definitely getting stronger all the time but we still didn't think he looked all that well as he seemed quite pale and not full of his usual bounce, although he wasn't shaking as much as he was. He didn't have much chit chat really and was only on stage for an hour at most. All too soon Joe was singing If I Never Sing Another Song to finish. I have to say mind I found it quite off putting that the two women next to me hardly clapped. Joe collected his gifts and I did manage to shake his hand which was lovely and then he was gone.
Don't get me wrong,I did enjoy the show it was just I was really disappointed that it was a short show, especially when we had had quite a long journey, and I would really love Joe to sing more as himself and also to do some different songs like he'd done on the Friday. He used to sing some lovely songs and now just seems to do the same few every time I see him.

It did leave me a bit disheartened and not on the usual high. Anyway off we went to get a taxi back to the hotel and I had another few words with Mary and Candie while waiting

REVIEW BY SHELLEY - THORNTON-CLEVELEYS

WELL, IT WAS THAT TIME OF THE WEEK AGAIN……………. FRIDAY NIGHT WHICH IS JOE NIGHT!

IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I SEE JOE I ALWAYS GET EXCITED. THE DAY I’M NOT EXCITED WILL BE THE DAY I STOP GOING - LIKE THAT WILL EVER HAPPEN!

WE ARRIVED AT THE PARADISE ROOMS AT THE SAME TIME AS ZEB WAS PULLING UP.

WE WENT INSIDE AND HAD TO WAIT FOR THEM TO OPEN BECAUSE THE ROOM WASN’T FULLY SET UP WHEN WE ARRIVED. THEY LET US IN AROUND 18:45 PM. WE MADE OUR WAY TO OUR TABLE AND TOOK OUR SEATS.

AMANDA CAME IN NEXT AND SHE WAS ON THE TABLE NEXT TO US SO WE HAD A LONG CHAT AND WAITED FOR A GLIMPSE OF KAREN. KAREN THEN CAME IN WITH ANTHONY AND LITTLE WILLS.HE IS GORGEOUS. JUST LIKE KAREN TO LOOK AT ESPECIALLY THE EYES. HE CAME TO ME FOR A HUG. SWEET. HE WAS TRYING TO CLIMB ON THE STAGE AT ONE POINT. ANTHONY AND WILLS LEFT AFTER A WHILE - I AM SURE ANTHONY WANTED TO STAY THOUGH!!!!

A FEW MORE FAMILIAR FACES APPEARED AND MARJORIE WAS THERE TOO. SHE HAD MISSED THE PREVIOUS SIX SHOWS SO WE TOLD HER HOW GREAT JOE WAS, ETC.

BIG MICK AND HIS SON WERE ALSO THERE WITH JAMES AND JOHN-BOY AND THE REST OF JOE’S ENTOURAGE.

IT WAS TIME FOR THE SUPPORT - RICKY LANE. HE DIDN’T DO VERY LONG AND I’M NOT SURE IF HE WENT DOWN WELL OR NOT. THERE WERE A COUPLE OF GUYS WHO CAME STAGGERING IN AND THEY WERE SEATED RIGHT NEXT TO THE STAGE. THEY WERE HARMLESS ENOUGH BUT NOBODY WAS TAKING ANY CHANCES. THEIR ARMS WERE FLYING AROUND ALL OVER AND THE BUDWEISER WAS FLOWING VERY QUICKLY! RICKY WARNED THEM AT ONE POINT.

A COUPLE OF SHOWS AGO THE FANS HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE STAGE THROUGH THE PERFORMANCE SO EVERYONE WAS ASKED NOT TO APPROACH JOE UNTIL THE END. I QUITE AGREED BECAUSE IT THROWS HIM AND WASTES VALUABLE SINGING TIME. THE LONDON TRIP WAS ALSO PLUGGED.

AFTER THE TOILET BREAK WE WERE ALL BACK IN OUR SEATS SETTLING DOWN FOR THIS IS YOUR LIFE.

THEN THE MOMENT WHEN JOE WAS READY, THE BAND STRUCK UP AND THE ATMOSPHERE WAS BUZZING.

JOE CAME ON TO END SOMEWHERE AND FROM THERE HE WENT FROM SONG TO SONG TO SONG.

HE WAS WEARING ONE OF HIS OLDER SUITS WHICH I PRESUME HE FELT MORE COMFORTABLE IN. HE GRABBED THE HANDS OF THE TWO LADS WHO WERE SO OVERCOME THAT THEY HAD TOUCHED JOE’S HAND. TALK ABOUT STARSTRUCK. I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I TOUCHED JOE’S HAND - YES, I CRIED!

THIS WAS A NIGHT TO HEAR JOE SING IN HIS OWN VOICE WHICH WE DON’T WITNESS A LOT. NOT FOR A FULL SHOW ANYWAY.

JOE WORKED HIS WAY THROUGH THE FOLLOWING SONGS:

PEOPLE, FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, MARY IN THE MORNING, MACK THE KNIFE, IF YOU LOVE ME…., AS I LOVED YOU, YOU’LL NEVER KNOW, I BELIEVE I’M GONNA LOVE YOU, LOVE IS IN THE AIR, AND THE LAST SONG WAS WHAT I DID FOR LOVE.

WHEN JOE SANG AS I LOVED YOU HE DID HALF THE SONG WITH MAX BYGRAVES VOICE - IT WAS GREAT.

THE IMPRESSIONS WERE SHIRLEY, TOMMY COOPER, TOM JONES, JUDY GARLAND, BARRY WHITE, NEIL DIAMOND, THE RAT PACK, ELVIS WITH DES O’CONNOR AND BARRY MANILOW THROWN IN.

THERE WAS A BURST OF AL JOLSON - I’D WALK A MILLION MILES FOR ONE OF YOUR SMILES AND A UNIQUE VERSION OF UNTIL WITH DOROTHY SQUIRES TEAMED WITH KEN DODD! A SONG NOT TO BE MISSED!

THE HIGHLIGHT FOR ME WAS WHEN JOE SANG WE DON’T CRY OUT LOUD, I’M NOT SURE WHO ASKED FOR IT BUT I WAS SO PLEASED. I ADORE THAT SONG.

JOE DID A VERSE OF THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM BUT WASN’T CONFIDENT TO DO THE FULL SONG SO HOPEFULLY HE WILL WORK ON THAT ONE.

JOE MENTIONED THAT HIS DAD WAS BEING SENT HOME TODAY SO THAT WAS GOOD NEWS.

THE SONGS, IMPRESSIONS AND CONVERSATION FLOWED ALL NIGHT. JOE WAS LOVING IT AND SEEMED FULL OF MISCHIEF.

I DON’T KNOW WHERE HE GETS IT ALL FROM. HE WAS SPOT ON TONIGHT.

JOE ENDED WITH A TEARFUL VERSION OF WHAT I DID FOR LOVE AND EVERYONE HAD TEARS IN THEIR EYES, INCLUDING JOE!

ALL TOO SOON WE WERE ON OUR FEET GIVING A RAPTUROUS APPLAUSE TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST.

JOE SEEMED OVERWHELMED BY IT ALL AND MADE HIS WAY OFF STAGE.

I DON’T KNOW ABOUT LIVE IN PARADISE, TONIGHT WAS DEFINITELY LOVE IN PARADISE!

I COULDN’T WAIT FOR TOMORROW NIGHT……………………………….................

Friday 11th August - Review by Karen Plaskitt, Grimsby

I don't know what I'm going to do whilst You're Joe-ing' said my Husband Anthony, so I suggested he buy a ticket and come along. We'd got to Blackpool about 4.30pm, checked into the SAVOY hotel, which is nice but not as nice as I remembered, so my advice is look out for the special room rates folks one can get via the internet as it's not worth the full wack until it's decorated!
I had 2 hours left to eat and get ready, so we remembered a pub called the TRAM WAY in Clevleys which is part of the same chain as our home haunt 'pub and carvery'. To be honest, I wasn't one bit hungry as I always feel rather nervous before a Joe Longthorne show...not because I fear Joe won't be good...just a rush of excitment at the prospect of seeing him again I guess and on this particular occassion, I had the bonus of gettng let out with the girls and Jack, April's young friend who had never been to see Joe before!
Two couples in the TRAM WAY queue over heard us and commented that Joe's show is darn good! One of the ladies asked if we'd seen him before and said she liked seeing him on the North Pier best. She lived in Clevleys and told us Joe had been seriously ill and how well he does working so soon and how he's even got a club in Blackpool did we know? I just smiled and played down the fact I knew quite a bit about him too, ending up with a few slices of turkey and a bit of veg...can I see Joe every day as I might get back into shape after having William 3 years ago, who still gets the blame for my budah belly and Hatty Jakes thighs!?????
It was all a bit of a whirl wind, back to the SAVOY we went, I faffed about with the hair straightener, had to do a detour down the back streets of Blackpool as the prom is blocked off and finished up ten minutes late at the Paradise Room, where my friends had left me to wonder in alone...I wasn't late to the show though, just for meeting the gang from South Wales. Luckily April was waiting by the merchandise stall, so she came running out to greet me even taller than last time I saw her in January!
Mandy, Angela, Amanda F and Jack where all sat at table 34 which had spare seats, so I asked Anthony once more to come and get a ticket...especially when William scrambled on my knee staring across at the stage saying 'JOE in Disco!' Tis a good job I couldn't persaude Ant though as our table ended up being fully booked as was most of the venue I think...I had a look round for every one who'd mentioned they'd be there but it was so busy, it was difficult to spot any one. Michelle, Eddie and Lyndsey were on the next table though who Wills seemed to like very much. Anthony was saying afterwards how very friendly the Backhouse family are and how great Michelle is with little kids, though I'll bet every one was real relieved when Anthony took the troublesome 3 year old out to see the lights!
Ricky Lane came on and did about 20 minutes or so...I did enjoy him but not quite as much as Maurice Grumbleweed I have to say. He was'nt one bit how I'd expected either, for some reason I imagined him to be a bit of a Jamie lookalikey, why?? ha ha! But he's more like Chris Moyles from Radio one!
I absolutely loved the venue too...the tables are much bigger than I expected so I didn't feel quite as near to JL as I'd thought I would be but I still love the idea of the bar and the whole cabaret club feel!
Just round the corner of the stage, sat the down side of having the bar....Joe Longthorne's number one fans in the form of a Right Said Fred lookalikey and some one who did look a bit more like Jamie Moran! Their table was a mass with empty Budweiser bottles and they were definitely excited that Joe Longthorne was about to come on stage.
The film, every one's mentioned since the start of the season, began to play, I didn't think I'd be interested in it having seen THIS IS YOUR LIFE many times but well done to the person who masterminded it as it works tremendously introducing every one to what special talent they are about to see...I actually sat there thinking 'OMG and I'm about to see this great entertainer in the flesh!' not taking him as much for granted as I normally do! Does that make sense?
The footage is also quite moving with Michael Aspel talking of Joe's battle against cancer and ofcourse the clip of Marti Caine who lost her fight, paying tribute to Joe, the best moment I think is when the band first walk on and Marti comes back singing her duet with Joe from his TV series in the early 90's! The lights dim, the orchestra begins to play,the singers start to sing and then on Joe comes to belt out the last part of 'SOMEWHERE'! The entire room was up standing, cameras flashing and super fans, Right Said Fred and JM lookalikey going totally insane!
For me the show was better than the 2 hour plus performance Joe did in Hull. His voice just gets better and better and I forgot all about him being ill! On that stage one couldn't tell except for one wobbly moment late on in the show when he struggled a bit to get on his stool for a soft number. It was great to be treated to a show varing so much to the one only a few weeks back in Hull! Different impresisons, different material! I looked at April and Jack who seemed to enjoying it so much. These guys are only 17 years old and were boogying away when Joe performed 'Love is in the air'! Poor Michelle must have gone deaf with April wolf whistling at Joe in her ear, upon applauding each song!
Right Said Fred and JM lookalikey were a bit of a distraction. They just didn't get used to being in the presence of the only and only Mr Joe Longhtorne and JM used every opportunity to try and touch JL, he kept getting up and both Big Mick (who's back and even bigger) and John Boy had to have several words with him. In the end (Right Said Fred too) were escorted out but not out entirely, just out to the back of the room away from Joe!
I could see how pleased Michelle was when Joe performed an outstanding rendition of 'WE DON'T CRY OUT LOUD', I remembered it was one of Michelle's favourite songs and speaking of which, all of a sudden Joe began to sing'THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM', April laughed at me as I said,'yes, yes, yes!' in what must have been a loud voice but Joe cut it short mid way much to everyone's disapointement...'I've never been good at rehersing have I?' he said to Stretch on the the keyboard.
Besides saying goodevening, Joe's August 11th show was an outright singing show. He said his Dad, Fred had been ill but had been sent home yesterday, welcomed the Nolan Sisters, Stock, Aitkens and Watermans band 'BROTHER BEYOND' who were sat behind us with about 4 model like girls, my did I feel like an old frump, ha ha and Roy Chubby Brown was in the house who actually lives quite near me in a place called Tetney! But the rest was song after song after impression after impression!
We've all got used to Joe ending his show with 'If I never sing another song' but he wrapped up with 'What I did for love'. Upon saying 'Goodnight' the whole stage was surrounded by fans, flowers and gifts, not to mention Joe's number one fan again, who gave JL a big snog on the cheek and then turned round into the audience throwing up his arms like scoring goals at the World cup!!!! He and Right Said Fred where a pair of pains but it was sitll a wonderful moment seeing some one so awe stricken by Joe get to snog him!
Outside, April managed to get a photograph taken with Joe and Marc from MYSTIQUE. Joe signed a couple of autograpahs too and asked a young lady in a wheel chair her name but to be truthful, it was but a brutal reminder of just how ill Joe has been. I now fully understand what Diane from Leeds wrote in another review. On stage, Joe seems larger than life and as good as new but outside, he seemed tiny and extremely frail. I felt guilty for waiting, especially when Big Mick and co were shouting how they could get him thorugh to the car. I'd intended to ask for a photograph too but just let Joe go past, nothing to do with chickenitus of course please note, ha ha ha!
PS. It was great to see Richard De Vere again and also to officially meet Lucy and Her Mum, then Pat and Adrian from Harrogate who had really enjoyed the show! Bless Richard, he thought we'd been to see 'Mystique'!!!
PPS. Thanks to Shelley who let Anthony and William see the last 20 mins or so of Joe's show at the back instead of having to wait for me in the coridoor! What a lovely girl she is!

................................................................

SATURDAY 29TH JULY 2006

ARRIVED AT THE VENUE AFTER AN AFTERNOON OF RAIN. WE HAVEN’T HAD RAIN FOR A MONTH NOW SO WE REALLY NEEDED IT. ALL THE PLANTS ARE DRIED UP AND GRASS IS BROWN INSTEAD OF GREEN! WE NEED A GOOD OLD STORM TO BREAK THE WEATHER.

STILL, GOT A LOVELY TAN AND HAVEN’T HAD TO GO ABROAD FOR IT EITHER!

I DON’T KNOW WHY BUT I SUGGESTED WE GO IN FOR THE SUPPORT ACT TONIGHT. WE GOT A DRINK AND WENT TO THE TABLE. EVERY SHOW WE ARE TABLE 35 SEATS 8, 9, AND 10. WE SAT DOWN AND DIANE ARRIVED WITH HER SISTER AND FRIENDS. I REALISED AFTERWARDS SHE WAS ONLY DOING TONIGHT’S SHOW AND WASN’T THERE ON FRIDAY!

THERE WERE DEFINITELY MORE FANS IN TONIGHT THEN LAST NIGHT. FRIDAY’S SEEM TO BE QUIETER FOR SOME REASON. ANYWAY, LUCY AND HER MUM WERE ON OUR TABLE. THEN, TWO SISTERS CAME IN SAYING THEY WERE SEATS 7 AND 8. I EXPLAINED THAT 8 IS MY SEAT EVERY NIGHT AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO SIT IN 6 AND 7. THIS LEFT TWO SEATS WHICH WERE FILLED WHEN A COUPLE CAME IN BUT THEY SEEMED TO BE QUERYING THEIR SEAT NUMBERS SO GOODNESS KNOWS WHAT HAD HAPPENED. A FUNNY BUSINESS AND I WOULD HAVE CALLED JAMES ACROSS TO SORT IT OUT BUT DIDN’T NEED TO IN THE END.

MAURICE GRUMBLEWEED WAS THE SUPPORT ACT. MUCH THE SAME SHOW AS BRADFORD AND HULL ONLY HE DIDN’T PICK ON ME - THANK GOODNESS! HE SAID THAT JOE WAS IN THE DRESSING ROOM AND SENT HIS LOVE TO EVERYONE IN THE AUDIENCE.AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

THERE IS A NEW BROCHURE WHICH HAS GOT A GREAT LETTER IN FROM OUR JOE. THEY WERE SELLING WELL.

WE WATCHED THIS IS YOUR LIFE AND PREPARED FOR THE MAIN EVENT.

JOE APPEARED TO FINISH SOMEWHERE. HE WAS INITIALLY SHAKING FOR A COUPLE OF SONGS AND HE SEEMED TO HAVE A COLD ONCE MORE. HE SOON SETTLED DOWN.

JOE SANG FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, PEOPLE, MARY IN THE MORNING, IF YOU LOVE ME…., AND MACK THE KNIFE.

I THINK DIANE ASKED FOR PERRY COMO WHICH I AM SURE DIANE WILL AGREE WAS VERY GOOD INDEED.

JOE WENT ONTO SING JOHHNY MATHIS, NEIL DIAMOND, RAT PACK AND ELVIS SINGING MY WAY.

JUDY GARLAND WAS EXCELLENT AND JOE THREW A BETTE DAVIS MOMENT IN AS WELL. AGAIN, DIANE ASKED FOR THIS ONE. GOOD CHOICE.

JOE SANG A LONG ROUTINE OF SHIRLEY AND TOM JONES SINGING I WHO HAVE NOTHING, HEY, BIG SPENDER AND ATTEMPTED DELILAH. HE WAS LAUGHING SO MUCH THE WORDS WOULDN’T COME OUT.

JOE THEN WENT ONTO DO A BRILLIANT VERSION OF DOROTHY SQUIRES SINGING UNTIL.VERY TEAR JERKING INDEED.

WE GOT A GLIMPSE OF MICK JAGGER BUT JOE WOULDN’T DO THE FULL ROUTINE. SHAME REALLY BECAUSE HE WOULD BE GOOD.

JOE ENDED ON ENGLEBURT SINGING PLEASE, RELEASE ME AND THE MOST GENIUS PERFORMANCE OF NAT KING COLE SINGING WHEN I FALL IN LOVE WITH NORMAN WISDOM’S ACTIONS. JOE PROVED HE WAS A STAR TONIGHT. PURE GENIUS.

WE ALSO GOT THE CAR PARK ROUTINE, BINGO AND ANTIQUES ROADSHOW THROWN IN FOR GOOD MEASURE.

JOE ENDED ON IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG WHICH I MISSED BECAUSE I WAS TAKING PICTURES AND ATTEMPTING TO VIDEO HIS NIBS!!!!!

ANYWAY, TO SUM TONIGHT UP JOE WAS BRILLIANT AND HAD US ALL IN STITCHES. HE LEFT THE STAGE WITH A BIG SMILE ON HIS FACE AND THE AUDIENCE MUCH THE SAME.

WHAT WILL I DO NEXT WEEKEND WITH NO SHOWS?

Michelle Backhouse

FRIDAY 28TH JULY - 2006

ONCE MORE WE HEADED DOWN TO THE PARADISE ROOMS TO SPEND ANOTHER NIGHT IN THE COMPANY OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST ENTERTAINER, JOE LONGTHORNE.
IT WAS QUIET AT 6.15PM. WE WERE CHATTING TO SHELLEY FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES AS SHE WAS OUT CANVASSING WITH SOME JOE LEAFLETS OFFERING 10% DISCOUNT ON ANY MORE SHOWS BOOKED IN THE FUTURE.
I FELT VERY PECKISH SO WENT TO BUY A JACKET POTATO WITH CHEESE AND WENT ON THE SEA FRONT TO EAT IT. IT WAS VERY NICE AS WELL. IT WAS A BIT BLUSTERY BUT WE DO LIVE IN BLACKPOOL AFTER ALL!
WE THEN WENT FOR A WALK AND MADE OUR WAY BACK AROUND TO THE PARADISE ROOMS.
ONCE AGAIN, NOT MANY FACES I RECOGNISED.
WE WENT IN FOR A DRINK AND SAW THE USUAL CROWD OF TERRY, JAMES, JOHN-BOY, PAT MANCINI AND TONY JO.
WE COLLECTED OUR FORM FOR THE LONDON TRIP - ALL VERY EXCITING STUFF!
MAURICE GRUMBLEWEED WAS THE SUPPORT ACT. WE DIDN’T WATCH HIM ACTUALLY AND SAT HAVING A DRINK INSTEAD.
WE WATCHED THE THIS IS YOUR LIFE VIDEO.
JOE APPEARED AND ENDED THE SOMEWHERE SONG. HE LOOKED STUNNNG AND THERE WAS NO SHAKING WHATSOEVER.
JOE SANG HIS LITTLE HEART OUT AND BELTED OUT FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, PEOPLE, IF YOU LOVE ME……, MACK THE KNIFE AND MARY IN THE MORNING.
JOE THEN SAID HE WAS GETTING EXCITED AND BELTED OUT LOVE IS IN THE AIR. A SUPERB VERSION OF YOU’LL NEVER KNOW FOLLOWED REQUESTED BY PAT MANCINI.

JOE HAD A REQUEST FOR SAY IT WITH FLOWERS.SOMEONE HAD OBVIOUSLY PASSED AWAY AND THE LADY JOE SANG IT FOR WAS IN TEARS ALL THE WAY THROUGH. JOE SANG IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH WITH SO MUCH FEELING. MARVELLOUS.

THE IMPRESSIONS WERE DES O’CONNER AND FRIENDS, BARRY WHITE,JOHNNY MATHIS, RAT PACK - LADY IS A TRAMP, ELVIS - MY WAY, PERRY COMO, MATT MUNRO AND HELLO BY NEIL DIAMOND.

THE SONG OF THE NIGHT WAS BARRY MANILOW - I WRITE THE SONGS. IT WAS GREAT AND JOE HIMSELF WAS SHOCKED AT HOW GOOD IT WAS. SUPERB.

JOE ALSO DID A LITTLE VERSION OF BRUCIE AND SANG “I AM ONLY ALIVE WHEN I AM WITH YOU” NEVER A TRUER WAY SAID IN MY OPINION.

THIS MAN JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER AD BETTER.

ALL TOO SOON JOE STRUCK UP TO SING IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG.

JOE COLLECTED HIS PRESENTS AND LEFT THE STAGE TO RAPTOUROUS APPLAUSE. HE CERTAINLY DESERVED IT.

ANOTHER NIGHT IN PARADISE OVER. WE HEADED HOME ONCE MORE.

Michelle Backhouse

Well I’m writing this review of Saturdays show and my heart isn’t in it really, I returned home quite uneasy about something, but can’t quite put my finger on it.

Denise and me went early to Blackpool arriving at 11am, Linda, Gary and Lindas sister Jean followed on a later train and we all went in the rain for a meal to Quilligans, then returned and started to get ready for the show,
Jean had only seen Joe on the telly before in the eighties and like the rest of us she thought he was very talented and watched everything he appeared on in those days, so she was really looking forward to her first live Joe show, Linda and Gary on the other hand have seen Joe a few times when they’ve holidayed over here from Florida where they live, the last time was at the Grand a couple of years ago…they saw a huge difference in him but marvelled at how far he’d come since his transplant.

We got a cab and arrived at the Paradise Rooms at 7pm our table was 44 and my knees were touching the stage, (actually a bit too close and right under Joes nose, I now prefer the far side of the table) had a quick word with Terry said hello to Michelle and her mum and dad plus a few other familiar faces then had a quick look to see if the room was full, which it was and it was time for the first part of the show to begin, I was surprised to see Maurice Grumbleweed walk on the stage and after about 10 minutes I was wishing he’d walk straight back off again!!!
I thought he was so unfunny and felt quite embarrassed by the lack of response from the audience. It’s the first time I’ve seen him and he is probably a lovely man but without his mates he isn’t very good, well I didn’t think so anyway….
At long last he was off! And after a 10 minute break the film show started then the band and then on walked Joe, we were all on our feet even Linda, Jean and Gary, things went by in a bit of a blur then, I didn’t think Joe looked well even though he wasn’t shaking as much but he was stiff and his neck is very swollen, not his glands but his whole neck, mind you he did mention steroids so it’s probably them causing that.
He sang about four songs as Joe then started the impressions doing Judy Garland, Bette Davis, Neil Diamond, Elvis, Tom Shirley, and Rosemary Squires (which led Linda and me on a journey down memory lane remembering the night many moons ago when we spent an evening in the Queens Hotel in Leeds with Rosemary…say no more!!) the list goes on and on, he did a fabulous Perry Como, “For the good times” and then Harry Clutercrutch doing the car park attendant, and the concert club secretary, he was hilarious and we were all in stitches, Jean had tears streaming down her face with laughing so much, I hope he keeps that in the show because people found it so funny.

All too soon it was over and Joe was collecting the many flowers and presents and shaking peoples hands….then he was gone!

I was having a word with a friend of mine before leaving the Cabaret room and we then went for an Indian before returning to the hotel and dreamland,

Diane Keating, Leeds

PARADISE ROOMS - SATURDAY 22ND JULY 2006

ANOTHER NIGHT IN PARADISE LOOMED. I’M SURE BLACKPOOL IS GETTING BUSIER ON A SATURDAY EVENING. WE ALWAYS SEEM TO GET STUCK BEHIND A HORSE AND CARRIAGE AS WELL! WE DIDN’T GO IN FOR THE COMEDIAN TONIGHT AGAIN AND WENT FOR A WALK ON THE SEA FRONT. YOU NEVER QUITE KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT SEEING JOE, I WAS THINKING I WONDER HOW HE WILL BE TONIGHT? WILL HE BE TIRED FROM FRIDAY’S SHOW WHEN HE GAVE HIS ALL, WILL THERE BE ANY MORE FANS IN, ANY CELEBS TO CHEER HIM ON PERHAPS? I DO TOO MUCH THINKING ACTUALLY.

WE HAD A CHAT WITH TONY JO WHEN WE WENT IN AND CHATTED ABOUT THE LONDON TRIP. THERE IS A COACH TRIP GOING DOWN SO WE WERE ALL EXCITEDLY TALKING ABOUT THE JOURNEY, ETC. CARL WAS THERE AGAIN AND I RECOGNISED A FEW MORE FACES.

WE WENT IN FOR THE SHOWING OF THIS IS YOUR LIFE. I DO LIKE TO SEE IT BUT WITH ANOTHER 27 SHOWS TO GO I AM NOT SURE HOW I WILL FEEL AT THE END OF THE SEASON! IT’S SAD MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE.

ONCE AGAIN THE BAND STRUCK UP AND JOE APPEARED. DARE I SAY HE LOOKED BETTER THAN LAST NIGHT. HE CAME ON WAVING HIS ARMS ABOUT AND WAS SO PLEASED TO SEE EVERYONE. IT SHONE THROUGH IN HIS PERFORMANCE ALL NIGHT.

JOE WORKED HIS WAY THROUGH PEOPLE, FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, MARY IN THE MORNING, MACK THE KNIFE, IF YOU LOVE ME….., LOVE IS IN THE AIR AND IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG.

JOE SANG AS I LOVED YOU AND I DON’T KNOW WHERE THE VOICE CAME FROM BUT HE GOT A WELL DESERVED STANDING OVATION.

THEN, JOE MADE MY NIGHT BY SINGING WE DON’T CRY OUT LOUD AND GETTING ANOTHER WELL DESERVED STANDING OVATION. OH, I LOVE THAT SONG AND IT WAS MUCH IMPROVED FROM HIS ATTEMPT AT BILLINGHAM.

THE IMPRESSIONS WERE SHIRLEY AND TOM JONES, PERRY COMO, JOHNNY MATHIS,ELVIS AND THE RAT PACK.

JOE SANG NEIL DIAMOND STANDING UP BUT WITH NORMAN WISDOM’S ACTIONS - PURE GENIUS.

WHEN HE SANG BARRY WHITE HE SHOOK HANDS AROUND THE STAGE AND ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT FOR ME WAS WHEN JOE DID BABY JANE. ANOTHER OF MY FAVOURITE IMPRESSIONS.

JOE JUSTCAN’T REALLY GET ANY BETTER CAN HE? YES, SOMEHOW I THINK HE WILL GO FROM STRENGH TO STRENGTH.

IF THE SHOWS CARRY ON LIKE THIS ANYONE WHO HASN’T SEEN JOE YET ARE DEFINITELY IN FOR A TREAT.

CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEKEND……………………………

Michelle Backhouse

Saturday 22nd July Paradise Room Blackpool.

Today we awoke excited at the prospect of a repeat of the wonderful performance of the previous evening.
[We would not be disappointed we were to find out later.]

After breakfast we went onto the North Pier and into the Carousel bar where we reminisced about all of the happy times we’d spent there when Joe was appearing, like the times we’d sat chatting to Joe on the steps to the stage door during the year he made that dressing room his home, which was also the year he met Jamie…ahhhh I remember it well!
Those were the days, the time flies by so quickly it’s hard to believe that it was about eight years ago.

We left the Pier and spent the rest of the day relaxing and looking forward to seeing Joe, how we managed to get ready for the show all trying to get some breeze from a twelve inch fan we’d bought during the afternoon was nothing short of a miracle and tempers were a bit frayed by the time Mary came to pick us up in her taxi! The drive down the Golden mile to the PR was horrendous, we stopped at every traffic light on the way and the heat was unbearable streaming through the car windows, Oh well we’d be in Joes presence very soon so it was well worth it!
Mary was sitting with Chris who hadn’t arrived when we did so I got her sorted then had a word with Sue O’Toole and her mum before going to my own table which once again was 34, this time we had a mum and daughter by the side of us and although the mum was a fan the daughter wasn’t and she talked very loudly most of the time in my direction I’m sorry to say I completely ignored her which I wouldn’t normally do but we don’t speak when Joe is onstage do we, Didn’t she know that!!!! Arrrggghhh!

Before the show started we had a walk to see Terry Lodge who was behind the hot dog stand! [Demoted??] This was at the side of the merchandise stall where Shelly was standing, Terry was talking to the promoter for the London Palladium I can’t remember his name but he was a bit of a poser jet black hair diamond earrings sunglasses perched on his head and a cigar which would have stunned Jimmy Saville!

The lights dimmed and we were treated to a repeat performance of the comedian and film show we’d seen the previous evening, then as the band played Somewhere there was JOE! Not a quiver in sight no trembling hands, nothing. He was brilliant and did most of the songs he sang on the Friday with a few different impersonations thrown in, it’s amazing how he changes from one to the other and Saturday was no exception, he even did Neil Diamonds ‘Hello’ coming out of the body of Norman Wisdom, then I shouted Bette Davis and Joe spun round and went into Bette Davis’s ‘I’ve written a letter to daddy’ he announced that Gary Lovini was in the audience with his wife and they were expecting their second baby, (I found out after the show while talking to Gary and his family that he’d known Joe since 1987! He doesn’t look old enough does he?)
Joe was as usual amazing and his voice just gets stronger and stronger, there wasn’t the slightest sign of any breathlessness at all, he’s just great.
We made our way to the stage door where we met up with quite a few more fans all waiting to wish Joe well we didn’t have to wait too long before he was out wearing a blue pin stripe suit and looking very handsome everyone clapped and he was smiling from ear to ear, he stopped and had a photo taken with a girl then stood and talked a while before getting in the car and off he went smiling and waving till he was out of sight.
We went back to the hotel after talking to Gary and his family for about half hour and then saying our goodbyes to Chris and Mary and the others,.
I will be back in Blackpool next week with my friends who are over from America and I cannot wait for them to see this brilliant man perform!

Diane Keating

JOE AT THE PARADISE ROOMS - FRIDAY 21ST JULY 2006

WE WEREN’T SURE IF WE WOULD GO TO THE SHOW TONIGHT DUE TO SOMETHING WHICH HAPPENED ON THURSDAY EVENING BUT DECIDED TO SEE IT THROUGH AS JOE WOULD HOPEFULLY MAKE US FEEL BETTER. WE DIDN’T FEEL LIKE SITTING THROUGH THE COMEDIAN SO WANDERED THROUGH THE PLEASURE BEACH. WE BUMPED INTO GARY LOVINI AND EMMA AND THE LITTLE BOY, EMMA IS GLOWING AS SHE IS EXPECTING THEIR SECOND CHILD. GARY’S BROTHER WAS THERE AND WE WERE ALL INTRODUCED. GARY WASN’T GOING IN THE SHOW TONIGHT BUT HE SAID HE WAS GOING TOMORROW. HE IS A LOVELY MAN AND INVITED US TO HIS NEXT SHOW WHERE WE COULD HAVE A CHAT WITH HIM. WE SAID OUR GOODBYES AND WENT OVER TO THE SEA FRONT FOR SOME FRESH AIR.

AROUND 8 ISH WE WENT IN THE PARADISE ROOMS. IT SEEMED QUIET BUT CARL SCHOFIELD THE COMEDIAN WAS STILL ON. WE GOT A DRINK AND SAT DOWN. TERRY LODGE WAS PLEASED TO SEE US, APPARENTLY HE HAD ASKED PEOPLE WHERE WE WERE! NICE TO KNOW WE ARE MISSED WHEN NOT AROUND!

WE MADE OUR WAY TO OUR TABLE, 35 AGAIN! SPOTTED DIANE AND HER CREW WHO WERE EAGERLY AWAITING JOE TO COME ON STAGE.

THERE WERE A FEW FANS ON OUR TABLE BUT AGAIN NOT MANY AROUND. EARLY DAYS I SUPPOSE.

THE THIS IS YOUR LIFE WAS SCREENED AND THEN THE BAND TOOK TO THE STAGE MINUS ANDY MUDD TONIGHT. THE BAND SEEM TO BE REALY GELLING TOGETHER AND ARE BRILLIANT.

ANYWAY, JOE CAME ON WHEN SOMEWHERE WAS PLAYING AND LOOKED ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. A MILLION DOLLARS IN FACT. HOW DOES HE DO IT?

HE BURST INTO SONG AND WORKED HIS WAY THROUGH PEOPLE, FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, MARY IN THE MORNING, MACK THE KN IFE, IF YOU LOVE ME……, I BELIEVE I’M GONNA LOVE YOU, IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG WAS THE FINAL SONG.

THE IMPRESSIONS CONSISTED OF STEPTOE, DES O’ CONNOR, BARRY WHITE, GENE PITNEY, ELVIS AND THE RAT PACK, JOHNNY MATHIS, SHIRLEY AND TOM, TONY BEENETT AND MAX BYGRAVES, NEIL DIAMOND AND PROBABLY MORE I CAN’T EVEN REMEMBER.

JOE’S HAIR HAS BEEN CUT AND LOOKED LOVELY. ALL THE PAIN SEEMS TO HAVE VANISHED FROM HIS FACE AND HE WAS LAUGHING AND SMILING AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

I’M NOT SURE HOW LONG JOE DID TO BE HONEST BUT IT WAS SHORTER THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEKEND. ALTHOUGH IT WAS QUALITY NOT QUANTITY ON THE NIGHT.

JOE ENDED HIS SONG AND WAVED GOODNIGHT. HE RECEIVED A FEW GIFTS.

ANOTHER NIGHT, ANOTHER SHOW TOMORROW!!!!

Michelle Backhouse

Friday July 21 Paradise Room Blackpool

So much happened over our Joe weekend it’s hard to remember everything, but I’ll try…
We arrived in a very sunny Blackpool at 11.30am Friday and booked into the hotel, Jean Denise and I travel together but Irene has to come all the way from Scotland so makes the journey alone…she arrived 10 minutes after us and although we never see each other from one Joe show to the next you would never know…we just get on as though we’re always together, we unpacked and headed for the beach making the most of our tropical summer, we donned out G strings and micro tops and sunbathed all afternoon!!….YEAH!!
I actually can’t remember what we did but it will have involved a massive meal somewhere.
Back at the hotel and as we always share one large family room.. through choice,[it’s great, like a load of schoolgirls having a sleepover] getting ready was a nightmare because of the heat!! But we managed and off in a taxi to the Paradise Room at 6.30pm.
Our table was in front of the stage number 34 and the others who shared it with us were very nice people, three of them have been fans from way back possibly from the start I should think.
Finally at just after 7.30 and with a room looking quite empty the lights dimmed and on walked the comedian, I always feel a bit sorry for Joes support acts because for starters half the fans don’t go in the first half and the ones who do are only interested in Joe so they don’t have a good start do they but he was quite comical and not on too long!…fortunately!!

We were then treated to a film show of Joes This Is Your Life incorporating other bits of Joes shows and his appearance on Noels House Party doing a duet with rex, Joes dads dog…There’s a joke in there somewhere!
This finished with a very emotional duet with Marty Caine singing Never Love This Way Again, both of them were fighting cancer at the time and were clutching hands as the song ended, I think this is a great addition to the show.. I loved it!
The band struck up and as they played Somewhere on walked Joe, at first looking slightly bewildered as he stood on the top of the steps looking round the audience…then he saw me and he calmed down!! Ha! ha!
he walked to the centre stage and stared to sing…wow!!! The voice is so powerful it’s hard to believe that at Easter he was as weak as he was, he finished Somewhere and went on to sing a further three or four songs before speaking to the audience, telling us he likes to warm up onstage by singing a few before talking because he hates to warm up in the dressing room like most singers do and also that he NEVER rehearses, we already knew that Joe.
The show went by in a whirl of cheering, clapping, laughter and wonderment as this amazing mans voice just went from strength to strength even at one point lowering the microphone down as far as his arm would stretch and I wouldn’t be surprised if the people on the pleasure beach could even hear him! without the microphone!
We made our way to the stage door to say great show Joe and there were just another five fans there and after a short while out he walked looking lovely in a white T shirt he said hello to us all and asked if he could have his photo taken with me so I didn’t have the heart to say no, that’s the way I remember it anyway. John helped him in the car and away they went, we went for a taxi and headed to our second home up near the North Pier looking forward to the following night ... Diane

My review - Paradise Rooms Saturday 22nd July

with Gary Lovini and his wife and also Zeb then we went home and I got in about 11.50 pm after enjoying a great evening.

I am now looking forward to meeting up with Wendy, Chelle and Ann on the 18th August

Mary xx

Review by Michelle Backhouse - Paradise Room,15th July

REVIEW OF JOE IN THE PARADISE ROOMS - 15.07.06

IT WAS TIME TO SET I was up bright and early on Saturday morning to go to the hairdressers and wishing the day to fly by to see Joe at night, Diane told me that Joe was fantastic last night.

Eventually at 6.45 pm I got in the taxi and picked up Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene up on the way. It was a beautiful evening as we made our way down to the pardise rooms.

We went in side and took our seats & I was waiting for Christine to arrive as she was sat with me. Just as the show was starting, Chris arrived but she had travelled all the way from Rhyl. We were on table 43 at the side of the stage.seats 1 and 2, not the best seats on the table but not at all bad. The show started with a comedian called Carl Schofield who was quite funny. He was only on for about ten to fifteen minutes then it was the interval and we were told to be back in our seats in ten minutes as we were going to be shown a film. It was This is Your Life of Joe which was televised in 1994 with clips of other TV shows over the years. It was good but nothing I hadn't seen before and I believe it is going to be for sale on dvd very shortly. After the film the band struck up and when they played Somewhere, Joe came on stage to a standing ovation looking absolutely fantastic. He looked so much better than when I saw him at Easter. There were quite a few empty seats.

Joe started off with For once in my life, followed by People, Mary in the morning, If you love me, really love me and Mack the knife. His voice was stronger than ever and I think he looked well, just like the old Joe we all know and love. He then went into some impressions. It was very hot in the paradise room, I was glad I took my battery operated fan. Christine had a pretty paper lace fan and when she was using it, Joe looked across at our table and said he thought she was waving at him then realised she was fanning herself. Joe must have been sweltering in his suit with all the lights on stage. All too soon Joe sang his final song If I never sing an other song. He collected all his flowers and pressies and then went off

Christine and I joined Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene at the stage door. There was only us, June and Philip and two other ladies who Diane knew and I had seen them before at concerts. Joe came out with John and Jamie looking lovely. I took a photo but got two heads at each side of Joe but hopefully can chop them off when I get it on this site. After Joe had gone, we had a word

OFF AGAIN ON SATURDAY EVENING SO WE DID THE JOURNEY DOWN TO THE PARADISE ROOMS. BLACKPOOL WAS ABSOLUTELY HEAVING SO IT TOOK US LONGER TO GET THERE THIS TIME. WE MIGHT HAVE TO ALLOW A BIT MORE TIME NEXT WEEK. ANYWAY, WHEN WE GOT TO OUR TABLE, 35 AGAIN I WAS PLEASED TO SEE LUCY, HER MUM AND HER FRIEND ALREADY SAT THERE. THE CHAIRS WERE IN A DIFFERENT ORDER BUT MORE OR LESS WE WERE IN THE SAME PLACE. IN FACT, NUMEROUS PEOPLE COMMENTED ON HAD WE NOT BEEN HOME! WE WERE WEARING DIFFERNET CLOTHES, THOUGH!

ANYWAY, THERE WERE MORE FAMILIAR FACES ABOUT AND A STEADY STREAM WERE COMING ACROSS TO OUR TABLE FOR A CHAT, ETC. SEEMED AGES SINCE WE HAD SEEN SOME OF THEM. CARL WAS THERE SO IT WAS NICE TO SEE HIM STILL SUPPORTING JOE.

THE TIME CAME FOR TONY JO TO DO HIS SPOT. HE DID THE USUAL PATTER AND SAID HE STILL HAD JOE WILDE’S SHOES ON BUT NO SOCKS. I THINK JOE HAD BORROWED THEM FROM WHAT HE SAID. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AS THE NIGHT BEFORE WHEN WE WERE TOLD TO BE BACK IN OUR SEATS AFTER TEN MINUTES.

MUM AND ME WERE HAVING A CHAT TO JOHN-BOY FOR A FEW MINUTES ON THE WAY BACK FROM THE LADIES AND THEN IT WAS TIME TO TAKE OUR SEATS AGAIN. DON’T KNOW HOW MANY TISSUES I AM GOING TO GET THROUGH IF I WATCH THE THIS IS YOUR LIFE EVERY SHOW! IT’S SO SAD WHEN JOE IS SINGING WITH MARTI CAINE. SUCH A SHAME SHE DIDN’T HAVE THE CHANCE JOE HAS BEEN GIVEN.

ANYWAY, OUR JOE WANDERED ON FROM THE SIDE. HE SEEMED TIRED COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS NIGHT BUT HE WAS SOON INTO THE SWING OF THINGS.

HE SANG PEOPLE, FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, MARY IN THE MORNING, LOVE IS IN THE AIR, MACK THE KNIFE, HOW DO OYU KEEO THE MUSIC PLAYING?, AS I LOVE YOU, IF YOU OVE ME………, AND THE LAST SONG WAS IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG. JOE PUT SO MUCH EFFORT AND EMOTION IN THE SONGS HE LOOKED AS THOUGH HE WAS GOING TO BURST. I THINK A FEW PEOPLE WERE SHOCKED BY THE POWER OF HIS VOICE.

IMPRESSIONS WERE FEWER THAN FRIDAY. SHIRLEY/TOM JONES, ELVIS, RAT PACK, BARRY WHITE, AND JOHNNY MATHIS.

WE LOVE THE IMPRESSIONS BUT I THINK WE WOULD ALL AGREE WE PREFER JOE SINGING IN HIS OWN VOICE ESPECIALLY THE SOPPY BALLADS.

IT SEEMED LIKE A FULL HOUSE ONCE MORE AND JOE SEEMEDOVERWHELMED ONCE MORE BY THE LOVE AND ADORATION HE COULD FEEL.

ALL TOO SOON JOE WAS ENDING THE SHOW AND IT WAS TIME FOR HIM TO COLLECT HIS PRESENTS, ETC. HE SEEMED REALLY PLEASED TO RECEIVE A BIG FLOPPY DOG WHICH HE GRABBED BY THE EARS. HE’S JUST A BIG KID AT HEART ISN’T HE?

JOE LEFT THE STAGE, WE LEFT THE VENUE AND HEADED HOME EAGERLY WAITING FOR NEXT WEEKS SHOWS.

Review by Michelle Backhouse - Paradise Room 14th July

JOE LONGTHORNE REVIEW BY MICHELLE. OPENING NIGHT AT THE PARADISE ROOMS , BLACKPOOL - FRIDAY 14TH JULY 2006

ARRIVED AT THE PLEASURE BEACH TO FIND THE CAR PARK ALMOST FULL AROUND 6.30PM. BY THE WAY, THEY ARE CHARGING £2.00 TO PARK CARS IN THE CAR PARK SO HAVE YOUR MONEY READY IF YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THERE. THE PLACE WAS MANIC.

ANYWAY, MADE OUR WAY INSIDE AND THE ROOM WAS OPENED SO I HANDED IN BOTH SETS OF TICKETS WHICH REALLY CONFUSED THE USHER AND MADE MY WAY TO TABLE 35. THE SEATS WERE NUMBERED SO WE ALL SAT DOWN. I PLONKED MYSELF NEAREST TO THE STAGE AND WOINDERED WHO WE WOULD BE SAT WITH. THE PLACE WAS A SELL OUT I WOULD SAY BUT I WAS SURPRISED BY THE LACK OF FANS ONCE AGAIN AND MOST OF THE AUDIENCE WERE ELDERLY SO JOE IS DOING WELL TO SELL OUT ESPECIALLY IF GENERAL PUBLIC ARE PAYING TO SEE HIM THESE DAYS. A FEW COMMENTED ON THE FEW FANS. I HARDLY RECOGNISED ANYONE TO BE HONEST. OUR TABLE FILLED UP WITH FANS ALTHOUGH THERE WAS AN EMPTY SEAT ON THE TABLE ALL NIGHT.

WE HAD A WORD WITH CHRIS RE GYPSY JOE. DON’T WORRY CHRIS WE ARE FINDING OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING REGARDING SHARES, ETC SO WILL LET YOU KNOW ASAP.

TONY JO CAME ON WEARING JOE WILDE’S SHOES AND DID A GOOD 15-20 MINUTE SPOT. HE THEN TOLD US TO BE BACK IN OUR SEATS IN TEN MINUTES AS WE WERE BEEN SHOWN SOMETHING SPECIAL.

ON THE TABLE BEHIND US WERE PAT MANCINI, ANN MARIE, JOHNNIE CASSON, ROBIN DUKE, TONY BENEDICT, FRANK CARSON, JOE WILDE AND A FEW FROM THE QUEENS. OH, AND BOBBY BALL AS WELL. HOW COULD I FORGET LITTLE BOBBY!

A HUGE SCREEN DROPPED AND JOE WAS SHOWN BELTING OUT THIS IS MY LIFE. I ALWAYS CRY WHEN HE SINGS THAT SO THAT WAS ME OFF AGAIN. I AM USELESS WHERE JOE IS CONCERNED. A RIGHT LITTLE WIMP. ANYWAY, THIS IS YOUR LIFE FOLLOWED, NOT THE FULL PROGRAMME BUT A SELECTION OF CLIPS INCLUDING NOELS HOUSE PARTY WITH REX STARRING, LONDON PALLADIUM, AND JOE’S FAMILY SPEAKING. MARTI CAINE AS WELL. THEN THE BAND CAME ON AND JOE AND MARTI WERE STILL SINGING IN LIKE 3D ALMOST, YOU KNOW I’LL NEVER LOVE THIS WAY AGAIN. ALL VERY FUNNY AND SAD ALL IN ONE GO.

THEN, STRETCH STRUCK UP AND JOE WANDERED ON. HE SEEMED VERY RELAXED AND REAL HAPPY. HE WASN’T SHAKING TOO MUCH, I HAD SEEN HIM WORSE PUT IT THAT WAY. THE AUDIENCE WERE SCREAMING AND SHOUTING AND ON THEIR FEET FOR A FEW MINUTES. JOE WAS REVELLING IN IT ALL TAKING IN EVERYONE WHO WAS THERE WHO HE KNEW, ETC.

JOE SANG PEOPLE, FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, IF YOU LOVE ME……., MACK THE KNIFE, MARY IN THE MORNING, LOVE IS IN THE AIR, HOW DO YOU KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING?, AND ENDED WITH IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG.

THE IMPRESSIONS WERE JOHNNY MATHIS, TONY BENNETT/MAX BYGRAVES, ELVIS AND THE RAT APCK, SHIRLEY AND TOM, GENE PITNEY, BARRY WHITE, NEIL DIAMOND AND AN UNCANNY JUDY GARLAND.

JOE SPOKE TO THE CELEBS AND ACKNOWLEDGED EACH ONE.

JOE WAS FLYING AND YOU COULD TELL HE WAS AT HOME IN THE PARADISE ROOMS, THERE WAS SOME MUSIC PLAYING UNDERNEATH WHCH HE COMMENTED ON BY SAYING THEY NEVER MENTIONED THIS WHEN I SIGNED UP. AMANDA THOMPSON WAS IN AS WELL. JOE WAS SPEAKING ABOUT THE HOSPITAL VISITS WHICH WAS VERY MOVING AT TIMES.

AFTER BEING THROUGH WHAT JOE HAS BEEN THROUGH IT SEEMS MONEY IS NOT IMPORTANT TO HIM AND HE SAID AS LONG AS HE WAKES UP TO A BRIGHT, SUNNY DAY AND HE HAS IS HEALTH NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. KNOWING JOE LIKE I DO I KNEW HE MEANT EVERY WORD.

HE DID HAVE A SLIGHT COLD AND RUNNY NOSE SO KEPT REACHING FOR HIS TOWEL. LIKE CHRIS SAID HE DIDN’T SIT DOWN TOO MUCH AT ALL WHICH IS A GOOD SIGN AND HE WAS PACING THE STAGE UP AND DOWN ALL OVER SO HE MUST BE FEELING BETTER.OBVIOUSLY, NOT DOING THE TRAVELLING TO OTHER VENUES HAS HELPED HIM A LOT.

JOE WENT OFF STAGE CARRYING HIS USUAL BOUQUETS, PRESENTS AND GIFTS ALIKE.

WE CAME AWAY FEELING VERY PLEASED TO HAVE WITNESSED SUCH AN IMPORTANT NIGHT FOR JOE.

I WAS LEFT WONDERING WHAT SATURDAY WOULD BRING……..

Review by Christine - Paradixe Room Opening Night

Hi Mary Here's my review - photos later! Finished work late ( no surprise there) then had to queue for patrol like there was a shortage would you believe,then a 2 +1/2 hr journey to Blackpool, saw me arriving in the carpark at 7:40pm! I'd bought a sandwich at the petrol station, fancied BLT but couldn't reach one so a kind lady lifted one off the top shelf for me. I ate it on the journey as I knew I wouldn't have time to go to Harry Ramsden's,only to find she's lifted an All Day Breakfast sarni down,never mind! Unfortunately a chunk of sausage, covered in tomato sauce, fell out and onto my white top! Trouble!! So by the time I'd been to the 'ladies' to sponge myself down,and make a call of nature Tony Jo was on stage.I decided to prop up the bar (well someone's got to keep Dave's spot warm LOL!) as I didn't want to go looking for my table/seat in the dark! Good job too - I was right by the stage- can you imagine the legpulling I'd have had from Tony Jo arriving late?!
As usual Tony had us all in stitches with his patTer,but he wasn't on stage for very long. During his spot I spoke to Jamie asking how he was and ws just about to offer to buy him a drink, when Ricky Lane did the honours.I had a kiss off Ricky,Johnnie Casson and Terry Lodge (Dave eat your heart ou,LOL)-What a bunch!! Johnnie looked very well,wearing a black/white striped suit, I told him he could go to jail in that - he said I've just come out!
Seriously though there was a star studded audience,Johnnie,Ricky,Frank Carson,Tommy Ball and the artistes that impersonate Shirley and Rod Stewart (sorry never remember their names!)to name but a few. Frank,Johnnie and Tommy were sat at Pat Mancini's table
s Tony left the stage he told everyone they had to be back in their seat in 10 mins as we had a teat in store - we were going to watch a film! I then headed fro my seat - the best one I've ever had at the Paradise Rooms,(nearly 'lost' to Sue that always wears a hat and evening wear - I think she thought it was 'free' as I wasn't sat there for Tony Jo!) Anyway,guess who I was sat next to - Geraldine (fanclub sec') and her mum! I then introduced myself to Michelle and family,who I sussed out from Karen's description! We speculated over the content of the film thinking it might be about Gypsy Joe- remember the racehorse we are supposed to have shares in(but I've heard no more).We were wrong, it turned out to be Joe's This is Your Life programme.It was funny and sad at the same time. Touching words from family and friends,funny when Joe appeared on Noel Edmonds house party dressed up in costume with leggings, singing as Pavaroti, holding a dog that howled when he sang.All so funny when he was dressed up working with Les Dennis,also weaing leggings.Not often we see Joe's legs(not his chest Candie LOL) Sad when it showed Joe singing with Marti Caine, and faded on this as the screen retracted, so it seemed they where ghosts.
The six piece band then struck up ( all familiar faces Stretch, Andy Mudd etc) and Joe came on to stage to the usual standing ovation. Well, what can i say, he looked great as you can see for youselves from the photo's. Loved the hair, definately a pro' job.Only a slight tremor wich those sitting futher from the stage might not see. He was wearing a stripes blue suit which had a silvery,glittery thread through it,and though at first I thought he was sweating as soon as he came on stage I soon realised he definately had glittery makeup on!! Now we know what to buy him girls,LOL!!
I think he opened with People and covered a lot of ground. Never mind the star studded audience - the stage was packed too. We had Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davies, Tony Bennet, Judy Garland ( excellent ) Shirley Bassey, Tommy Cooper, Gene Pitne, Barry White, Max Bygraves and Frank Spencer and the comedian chap that rang a bell in a club( ? can't remember his name!) a few other characters. I don't even think Elvis made it on to the stage last night, did he Michelle? There were several funny moments when Joe was trying to get his bowtie off, as he struggled he said you had to learn early on in one's career how to do a bowtie or else you had to buy a ready made one. Several of us offered to help him take it off, and i was going to ask for it for Jean Madgwick (of Rowlands Castle) but sombody beat me to it, sorry Jean maybe next time.
He sang several of his own songs including Love Is In The Air. He told all the usuall storys about Jersey, and time spent in hospital. He chatted to his star guests and mentioned Frank's 80th birthday party, can't believe he's 80!! He also commented on the noise from down below (the music beat from the disco underneath was very loud and nearly spoilt the evening) Joe finished with If I Never Sing Another Song, then he collected all the gifts and flowers him self. He left the stage just as strong on his pins as he arrived. He was happy, confident, enjoying the company of family, friends and fans alike. I said my goodbyes to every one and had a quick chat with Frank Carson telling him I'd met him in the 1970's at a hospital fete in Preston. He remembered the fete but not me of course. Another lady said 'Do you remember me?',and as quick witted as ever he said - 'Miss World and I was one of the 'judges! Poor man was on his way to the gents(heard him asking the way) and kept getting stopped!
Hope Michelle will fill in what I have left out. Look forward to seeing Joe next week and meeting Diane and Co and Mary there. Just a couple of warnings don't wear white unless you want to stand out a mile ( flourescent type lights I don't remember them!) plus I'm taking a fan with me next week - it was unbearably hot in there - and not just because of female (or male) hormones,LOL!
Cheers Chris!!!! x x x
typed by David Maresma Pares.

Review from Sarah Smith on Hull

I had plenty of time on my 5 hour train journey from Ipswich to Hull to reflect on the many years i have spent as a Joe Longthorne fan, remembering the good times made me smile and confirmed that my decision to make this ardous journey 'oop north' was the right one.

Once upon a time i was a familiar face on the 'Joe circuit', the poor fella couldnt open an envelope without me being there and i can honestly say that the very best times of my life have been Joe-connected. Memories from those long summers in places like Scarborough and Southport will be forever etched in my brain and if i could go back in time, i wouldnt change a thing.

However, one Longthorne-related heartbreak too many meant i 'hung up my Joe-groupie hat' after the best part of 20 years and i moved on. This didnt mean i'd stopped caring about Joe or that i was no longer interested in his wellbeing. Neither of those things will ever happen. Joe is as much in my heart today as he has always been.

So......i decided to check out the old fella in person and where better than my old stomping ground Hull!? I'd been reading the online reviews from previous shows and i'd seen the photos of him looking pretty damn poorly so i'd prepared myself to expect a shadow of the man i once knew and idolised.

When Joe walked on stage, i was gobsmacked.......HE LOOKED FABULOUS!!!!! I was expecting the poor, frail little man in the recent photos i'd seen but nooooooooo sirree there was no frail, little man here! He looked better than i'd seen him look in years and you would never know he had been so ill. In fact, he looked fitter than me!!

His voice was BRILLIANT,he sung a great selection of songs including some new 'uns and he had me in fits (as he always used to) with his dry sense of humour! Although he did a good long show, it seemed like only minutes before the old audience-rustling-of-flowers started which signalled that Joe was singing his last song. (some things NEVER change!!)

Practically every person was on their feet at the end, giving him the standing ovation that he truly truly deserved.
I have never been a sycophant in my life, not to Joe and not to any of the bands that i now follow,when a performance is bad, I say its bad and likewise if its good. I've seen some less-than-great performances from Joe over the years but I have to say that the show in Hull on Wednesday was one of the very best perfomances i've ever seen him give. To say that the 'old joe' is back would be an understatement.......in my mind, he is better than he's EVER been and seeing him looking so well meant the absolute world to me.

From Julie and Josie - Hull review

HI MAY I SAY JOE IS LOOKING MUCH BETTER MORE TO THE POINT I HOPE JOE IS FEELING BETTER IN HISELF.MY MAM AND I WENT ALONG TO THE HULL NEW THEATRE
ON JULY 5th. WHAT A FANTASTIC NIGTH WE HAD JOE WAS SINGING BETTER THAN EVER. WE ARE FROM HULL AND ALWAYS MANAGE TO GET TICKETS FOR JOE,S
COCERTS. MY SISTER LIVES IN ADELAIDE AND HAS MET JOE WAS QUITE ENVIOUS OF US ON JULY 5th. THANKS AGAIN FOR A REALLY GOOD NIGHT AND TAKE CARE
JULIE AND JOSIE

***************************

JOE IN CONCERT @ HULL, NEW THEATRE BY MICHELLE BACKHOUSE, THORNTON-CLEVELEYS.

We left Cleveleys @ 10:00am after going into town for Joe’s presents and had a pleasant journey through to Bradford where we were staying the night in an Ibis to break the journey. We checked into the Hotel @ 12:00pm and headed across to the Noble Comb where we had lunch. I can never eat too late when seeing Joe so stocked up on Italian Chicken and a toffee sundae! Well, it was a treat. Mum and Dad had steak and banana split so by the time we came out none of us wanted a shower for fear of being too bloated!

Needless, to say we all showered and changed and set off for Hull at 16:30pm. I warned Dad of the roadwork’s and didn’t do too bad arriving at the theatre without too much hassle. I saw a lady from Bradford who follows Joe and Maurice - support act.

We made our way into the foyer where we chatted with Terry and then went downstairs for a drink. Saw Carol and Colin from Leeds and had a chat then Karen came downstairs so had a chat and warned Karen it could be a long show tonight from what I had been told. (I wasn’t wrong) Karen then went back to find Anthony. My friend Wendy arrived with her family and we caught up on the gossip, etc. I didn’t recognise many faces at all and felt a bit of an outsider amongst all the strangers.

Anyway, we set off to find Teresa and found her upstairs with Joe’s aunt June, Fred’s sister. Had a good chat about this and that and then made our way into the theatre for Maurice. I saw Ricky Lane but he must have been there to watch as he wasn’t on the bill to appear. Maurice was excellent and I found him to be very good. He commented that Joe was on fire tonight and he wasn’t wrong either.

We were sat on “G” row but they were very good seats as it happened. A clear view of the band and all of the stage. The theatre was light as well which helped. I hadn’t bothered taking my camera but could have missed an opportunity as it happened.

A lot of Joe’s family were in to support him. Sisters Ann and Lizzie and Nephew Keith. Joe’s auntie June was next to Mum and then Teresa so that was nice.

The lights went down, band struck up and Joe appeared to rapturous applause and why not? He really looked a million dollars and is definitely putting weight on gradually. He was so happy he was brimming over. Probably a mixture of seeing his family, it been his last show of the Tour and playing to a packed crowd.

Joe belted out songs which included People, For Once In My Life, If You Love Me…, Mary In The Morning, Mack The Knife, As I Loved You, Love Is In The Air, You’ll Never Know (for his mam), How Do You Keep the Music Playing and If I Never Sing Another Song.

Impressions consisted of Shirley Bassey, Des, etc, Gene Pitney, Frank and Rat Pack, Elvis, Tony Bennett and Max Bygraves, Neil Diamond, David Bowie and Barry White. There were probably more as Joe just seemed to want to go on and on .

Even after telling many stories of days gone by, the hospital visits, his days in Jersey and plugging the London Palladium numerous times Joe didn’t even appear tired.

It was great to see Joe looking so well and up for the show. He did have a sniffle but certainly seemed to be flying even mentioning at one point not to worry about him being so happy he wasn’t on the white stuff!!!! I don’t know what it was but he was loving every minute and the audience were eating out of his hand.

Joe finally wrapped the show up after a good two hours on the stage and left many people asking where does he get his energy from?

Dad went down to the stage and Joe seemed happy and relaxed collecting presents. He had a few words with Dad and shook many hands, etc.

I know we had done a long journey but we all agreed we had seen a special show tonight and hoped many more were to follow at the Paradise Rooms.

Roll on July 14th. We can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review by Karen Plaskitt - Hull

Out of every place Joe has ever performed, his home town of Hull has always still been the one city I have always longed to see him most. Despite living in Yorkshire all my life but never taking driving lessons, unless you count the ones I once had with my Dad every Sunday afternoon many moon ago in a little old mini cooper I once bought, Hull was always only an hour away but it might aswell have been a million miles away having to depend on public transport that just stopped running after a certain time! So when I moved to Grimsby 3 years ago, Joe's Hulls shows suddenly became almost my local show! It's taken 3 years to finally get there though, one year I think I was pregnant, the next time, Joe was poorly and so finally last night what had always been a dream actually came true. I got to see HULL welcome him home!

Anthony and I were one of the first to get to the theatre and parked up in the car park real close by. Even the car park attendant was wittering on how busy it was going to be tonight with Joe back in town, so he told us the best place to park if we didn't fancy being stuck in a jam for 20 minutes.

Terry Lodge was perched behind his merchandise stall which was packed with punters later on, whilst the support act, Maurice from the Grumbleweeds was milling about tucking into his tea, a couple of salady looking sarnies.

I had to laugh at terry saying if a lady didn't buy that one too, he'd be so disappointed as she'd be truly missing out! You DEL BOY Terry Lodge!

I quickly found Michelle who lives in Cleveleys sat downstairs with her Mum and Dad who told me to expect a long show! I was worried Michelle had used the directions I'd taken off the AA website to find the theatre but she'd not got them in time thankfully. They had led us right to a dead end so we had had to find our own way through Hull but it was real quiet, so no great ordeal. We had about an hour to kill. After I'd chatted to Michelle, Lyndsey and Eddie hoping they would find their way back out again, Anthony and I went to stand outside where people were arriving every second. It got quite busy and before long, my Husband who always chats to any one and every one had made himself a friend, a funny old gent who wnated a brochure from Terry's stall but said he wasn't paying a fiver and quite often rich folks leave them on their seats after the show, so if we saw one, to give him the nodd! We were also chatting to a couple of real nice old ladies about bad karma and superstition which made me think of Mary (Blackpool) always reckoning I jinx Joe shows.

It's official, I don't!!!!!!! ha ha!

Joe definitely turned up!

Before long, outside was packed with relatives of Joe, most of them having a fag on the theatre steps and saying "Hello love" to all the fans they recognised though there was only a couple from one of Joe's recent videos I seemed to know and a young lady I've not seen for many years.

One young lady was getting teased by her friends that she'd come to see Uncle Joe but she was one Niece, I'd never seen before. Joe seems to have more realtives than the Queen!

Speaking of which, I spotted Keith and could not quite believe my eyes. It's been 13 years at least since I saw Joe's Nephew last but he was hardly recognisable. He's definitely got a good noticable ten years on him and has filled out a bit.

John Boy was sporting a very hairy looking chin. I spotted Ann and Lizzy but Joe's Dad wasn't there or Keely or Derek, or not that I saw. There's a new generation of Longthornes too which makes me feel very very old!!! Right down to earth bunch though!

Inside the theatre I was pleased with my seat. We were on row H but very central, it wasn't bad at all. Half the seats were empty but I kind of sussed that Joe's Family would be sitting in them.

Maurice Grumblweed was ever so funny, he really made me laugh and despite quite liking to have seen Blackpool's Ricky Lane after Michelle's recomendation, I was glad it was Maurice as the warm up man! He told an histerical joke about a funeral proscession and a pitt bull terrier, I am definitely going to pass on to every one I know!

Unlike other shows there was no warning to leave Joe alone until the end of the show, infact Maurice said he could not believe how much Joe had come on in only a few weeks. "He's like fire tonight!" he said. I couldn't wait for him to come on!

During the interval I looked round the audiecnce trying to look for Sarah from Ipswich who was meant to be coming to the show but I couldn't see her anywhere so really don't know if she made it after all. Hope so Sarah!

Just before Joe was geared up to come on stage, all his Family came and took up the last remaining seats, the theatre was full to the brim!

The curtain went back and I shouted,"There's Gavin!" who was clutching onto his trumpet and used to be one of my old mates back in the 90's,t hough I think gav was everyone's mate! I really wanted to wait and say hello after the show but Anthony complained that if Michelle was right and it was a long show, it wasn't fair to keep his Parents baby sitting our little boy, William.

"You're off to Blackpool," he said but I was ever so disappointed not to make myself known!

The band started up and boy are they fab! The 2 girly singers, who never seem to be the same 2 girls, blurted out"When your old wedding ring was new" and I excitidly scanned the stage wondering which direction Joe would come from, sadly it's all a bit of a blur as when he came on, I jumped out of my seat and went crazy with every one else. What most shocked me was how Anthony even got up for the standing ovation bit!

At first Joe was a little shaky on his feet but gosh, did he belt them out. He was good in Bradford only a few weeks ago but I noticed his singing had improved tenfold! No longer is Joe afraid to belt out numbers that certainly take some power!

He sang and sang and sang and eventually stopped to chat about the old times in Hull. It was relaly interesting! There's nothing like a tale about the old days! I was so impressed as he even gave me alot of the answers from Mary's website quiz! TA Joe!

He talked about his Gran's shop and how if any one used to go in it missing say a leg, or who she felt sorry for, she'd knock a few quid off their purchase. Then he mentioned forgetting the names of all the dogs his family had had and how even now, his Dad's forever phoning him up saying he'll have to take some kitten in what's been abandoned down by the river.

"Most of the dogs we had where to chase the balifs off" said Joe like!

He talked alot about balifs and debt. All I could think about was living across from a baliff who goes out in his van and takes people's tv's and that. He's just bought his second home to rent, dog eat dog hey!! I wondered what Bob would think of our Joe! But it makes me mad when he talks of how he once earned a million £££££'s but only saw 16 grand of it! Joe you ain't half been robbed man!

After the tales of old times and which Auntie was in with his Mum, the one from Wales he said, he dedicated one of my favourite songs to her, "You'll never know". At the end, Auntie stood up as if to thank Joe. Joe did a dedication to his Mum too!

The next half an hour was packed with one impression after another all requested by the audience though he did chuck in Des Oconner at one time. Surely no one requested Des!

Anthony moaned that he could have done without Shirley Bassey but claimed he was really enjoying the show. I did catch him looking at his watch a few times though.

I absolutley loved Joe's impression of Gene Pitney, who Joe saluted in the sky at the end and said he felt a bit tearful and for Stretch to be quick and move on.

Stretch is like Ernie allover again, Joe and he seem to have a real double act going on!

"I'm terrible for wanting to reherse," Joe said,"aren't I Stretch, especially if we're doing a new song, though we only do one of them every ten years!"

Towards the end, Joe mentioned SEVERAL times his forthcoming show at the London Palladium, there's only a few tickets left but he said if any one wans to go he'll pick them up on his way and tried selling the show using London attractions as a bribe!

I was shocked when he talked about his time in hopsital and how 3 times, they'd said THIS IS IT and I do hope he didn't mean it when he said at one point they pronounced him actually dead. You can never tell with Joe as he was telling his Mum not to tick him off as he know's he's a practising Catholic but when the Priest was splashing water allover his bed and he suddenly woke up!

"You have to laugh" he said making it sound liek a comedy sketch!

As he began to sing"IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG" I prepared to make my way to the front knwoign the end had finally come. I managed to get right up to the stage but didn't shake Joe's hand for being busy taking photos. Up close, Joe still looked a little tired especially round the eyes but still very good in such a short time. He managed to collect up his own flowers and gifts before finally giving the audience one last big wave. We all stood at the stage waiting hopefully but the curtain began to fall.

"You don't get many other singers doing that long on stage, some do half an hour," said one old dear I followed to the door.

"So what did you think?" I asked Anthony trying to point out the stage door but he just dragged me past.

Michelle and Her Parents wern't going to wait either if Joe did a long show as they felt he'd be tired and better for him to get straight off.

I still would have liked to have seen Gavin though but as with any Joe Longthorne fan leaving a show behind, there's always NEXT TIME I simply thought!

Sory these photos are rubbish, there was real bright white lights and a man kept bumping into my arm. LOL! (any excuse for dithering to death eh?!) I won't be taking that useless camera to Blackpool I tell you!

Sorry Karen the photos you mentioned just didn't seem to want to go onto this page so I will put them on my forum .. Mary xx

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Review by Anthony Plaskitt - Hull

The thought of going to Hull by a Grimberian (Long story) and having to pay the bridge toll was really putting me off seeing Joe Longthorne for a start! However we departed with our dodgy AA route guide that took us straight to a dead end road with bollards at the bottom(???) and found the NEW THEATRE and even better a car park close by all by ourself, arriving about an hour early for the show! It was a lovely night so we just stood around int he square watching the sell out show crowd arrive.

Inside the theatre Joe's buisness partner was touting for businness and we saw Maurice Grumbleweed eating his sarnies at the bar.

I was amazed at the number of taxi's dropping people off outside and how Joe's Family even arrived in them.

On entering the theatre I was impressed with our seats and the view. Maurice came on promtly at 7.30pm and did an half an hour set, I really enjoyed his style of comedy as it was less politically correct than what You see on TV at the moment, which was then followed by Joe who did 2 hours.

He had a ten piece orchestra and I personally, not being a fan at all, preferred his BIG BAND type numbers opposed to his impressions as unlike Karen I was not raised on crooner style singers, so don't know what half of Joe's act originally sound like.

Our row was empty during the first half of the show but filled up with Joe's family, to whom Joe made several dedications, who stood up to receive them. He seemed happy to be playing to his HOME TOWN. He was very well received by the audience who gave him a standing ovation as soon as he came on stage.

Joe told some amusing stories which were even more funny to me as he talked about balifs alot and we live right across the road from one! But sometimes His Mic control is a little poor so I struggled to hear parts of his stories.

I recognised Gavin Spowart who I had met with Karen at a North Pier show once and Joe seems to have a great rapor with His Musical director.

Over all it was agood 2 hours of entertainment.

Joe did not perform an encore but at the end received lots of flowers, booze and chocolates.

Joe left the stage at 10.25 and we arrived back home in Grimsby by 11pm.

I have now seen Joe 4 or 5 times but to me this was His best performance.

Maybe I will see him again...but not until next year or maybe if he came to Grimsby Auditorium!

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Review by London Lynne - High Wycombe

WELL ME AND THE FAMILY HAVE JUST GOT HOME FROM SEEING JOE AT THE ABO VE VENUE [IT IS 12.30 AM] - THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM WAS AT THE BECK THE YEAR BEFORE LAST - AND I AM AFRAID TO SAY THAT HE DIDNT LOOK TOO WELL AT ALL; HOWEVER A LOT HAS GONE ON SINCE THEN - SO IT WAS MIXED FEELINGS THAT I TOOK MY FAMILY TO SEE HIM AT HIGH WYCOMBE. THE MAN IS A PHENOMINON - HIS VOICE IS BACK BIG TIME, AND IN THE FACE HE LOOKED SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE LAST TIME WE SAW HIM- THE SHOW WASNT AS WELL ATTENDED AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN, HOWEVER THE PERFORMANCE WAS FANTASTIC!! HE IS ONE LOVELY MAN, I TOOK MY SON [AGED 19] ALONG TO SEE HIM - HE HAS NEVER SEEN HIM IN PERSON AND I THINK HE WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT SOME OF THE IMPRESSIONS COULD HAVE BEEN 'HELPED ALONG BY MODERN TECHNOLOGY' --- THEN WHEN JOE OPENED HIS MOUTH THE POWER OF HIS VOICE ABSOLUTELY BLEW US AWAY; NOW MY FAMILY - FROM 19 SON - TO MOTHER 80 ARE OBSESSED WITH JOE.

I HAVE ALSO GOT TICKET TO GO SEE HIM AT WORTHING TOMORROW / SUNDAY
AND CANT WAIT. THERE WAS A MENTION OF HIM APPEARING AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM IN SEPTEMBER, SO WE ARE ALL UP FOR THAT AS A FAMILY!!!
THERE WAS ONLY ONE THING IN THE WHOLE EVENING/SHOW THAT WAS A DOWNER AND THAT WAS A MAN, IN POSER SUNGLASSES AND SUIT, WHO HAD A LOUDER THAN LOUD VOICE, AND USED IT THROUGHOUT THE PERFORMANCE TO SHOUT TO JOE [ AND ANYONE ELSE THAT COULD HEAR HIM - HE EVEN CLAIMED TO BE WORKING ON THE PALLADIUM PROJECT.! SOME SORT OF A MANAGER HE CALLED HIMSELF - PITY]
BACK TO JOE;
I JUST HOPE HE DOESNT OVER DO IT - AND MAKE HIMSELF ILL AGAIN.
BACK TO JOE THE MAN - HE HAS THE SMILE THAT SAYS I'M BACK AND ITS SSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD TO BE ALIVE!! WELL WE THINK IS IS SOOOOOOOOOGOOD TO HAVE HIM BACK, THE SOUNDING FANTASTIC. IS A HUGE BONUS.........SO I AM GONNA GO TO MY BED NOW WITH MY HEAD FULL OF THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC.........WAITING FOR TOMMORROWS TRIP AND IT CANT COME QUICK ENOUGH.!!

GO, SEE,AND ENJOY;

LOVE TO YOU ALWAYS JOE

Review by Dave Taylor - High Wycombe

Well I have just come back from seeing Joe in High Wycombe. My Oh My Oh My Oh My!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was brilliant… but more about that later!

My first adventure was discovering where High Wycombe was, apologies if you come from there, but it was one of these places that I had heard of but could not place on the map. I was delighted to discover that it’s just outside London, so fairly easy for me to get there.

I set off in my little Clio yesterday at 1700, allowing myself a couple of hours to do the journey. I’m learning French at the moment, so I spent the entire journey listening to my French lessons on CD. The journey was ‘Tres Bon’! It only took an hour and the theatre was dead easy to find, as was the car parking right outside. Oh, I have this satellite navigation now, it’s dead good. Just type in where you want to go and it guides you all the way.

I went straight to the box office to collect my ticket. I fully intended to use any ounce of charm I could muster to try and wangle a better seat. It never worked. In fact, even my winning smile let me down this time!!!!!!! As it happens, the box office lady, didn’t understand what I was moaning about as my seat was only about 7 rows from the front. 7 rows from the front!!!! She clearly knows nothing of the madness of a Joe Longthorne fan. I tried to explain that unless we get seated by the piano on stage, we will never be truly happy. She smiled nervously at me and told me that my seat was the best there was available! Ah, well you can’t blame a lad for trying.

Of course the first person I saw was Terry Lodge. He really looks incredibly well. All trim and simply glowing! He had his stall set up and was busy flogging his wares. I then went to the bar and bumped into Joe’s support act Ricky Lane, I had met him before and he recognised me, so we had a good old natter. I offered to buy him a drink (just because I was driving I doesn’t mean others should miss out) I went to the bar and then bumped into Jamie who I had also got chatting too at Bradford. He offered to buy me drink, so I caved in and had a small glass of wine. Jamie also got Ricky his beer so all was good. I then bumped into Geraldine of Fan Club fame and her mum. Geraldine told me that she was with hubby (who I had never met before) but he was outside getting some fresh air. I had a good old chat with Geraldine and we spoke about the Palladium and this years bash. She said she has just got the bash tickets, so they will be going out shortly.

It was soon time for the first half, so I took my seat. It was excellent to be honest. I had a good clear view.

Ricky came on and did his stuff. I like him a lot. I think he is one of the best support acts that Joe has had recently.

All to soon, it was interval time, I met Geraldine’s hubby, I think his name was Allan or Ian. He was very nice though.

And then it was time for Joe……

The curtains opened and Joe had brought his full band. The played the overture and without delay Joe walked on. I could hardly believe my eyes. He looked so well. I mean really, really well. I mean hardly recognisable from Bradford. I mean just glowing with health… His hair was curt short, the curls had gone. He even looked taller. At the end of the overture the band play a few chords of ‘Somewhere’. Joe grabbed the mic and joined in. Singing with such strength. He then went straight into his first song proper, For Once In My Life, He then sung People and then went into ‘If You Love Me, Really Love Me’.

I still couldn’t get over just how good he was. Joe spoke to the audience and mentioned his tremours (shakes) which he said were due to medication. To be honest though, I hardly noticed them at all. He then did his Shirley and Tom impression singing Big Spender and then I Who Have Nothing. The impressions were spot on. He then did his usual chat, going on about his stay in hospital and the state of television today, especially the adverts.

Joe did a big plug for the Palladium show. He joked that he had spoken to Mr Al Fayed and arranged for Harrods to stay open late for us with a 25% discount. Joe also mentioned we could buy cheap perfume in the queue outside the Theatre! People from the audience were shouting out asking when it was and Zeb shouted out September 10th!

Joe then asked the audience for their favourite singers. He got a huge response with loads of people shouting out. Joe did not do his usual trick of asking the audience to be kind to him, he seemed to be up for anything. In fact, he was about to start his ‘Lady Is a Tramp’ rat pack medley and started talking about Barry Manilow, he then did an impromptu version of I write the songs. The band busked it and sounded great.

I can’t stress enough how on form Joe was, he was bantering with the audience (there were loads of people shouting out). At one point Joe was talking about Sooty in Jersey and someone shouted out, ‘It’s A Puppet’, without taking a breath, Joe went straight into a Brian Connley impersonation.

Joe did loads of tributes which were all requested including, Gene Pitney, Elvis, Judy Garland, Neil Diamond and Matt Munro. Oh, he also did Ken Dodd!

Before I knew it, Joe was finishing with, If I Never Sing Another Song. I joined the screaming masses at the front of the stage and Joe came back on to shake hands and collect gifts. I touched Joe again!!!!!! It was lovely, he has the softest hands!

On a final gush about how Joe looked, let me put it this way. I saw Joe in 2004 when he toured and did his summer season. At that time he had problems with his knees and his neck was swollen. Joe looks about 10 years younger than he did then. He actually looks like he does on his current tour poster. He hardly sat down and was wandering about the stage just fine. Oh, just remembered. He did a big piano medley and at one point, his damp hair flopped down over his face and he ran his fingers through it spreading it back over his head. It was at that moment that he really looked like the old Joe. I’m sure many of you will get what I mean by that……

Review on Telford by Carron Bailey

Hi Mary well iam still on a high from last night at Oakengates.

What a night it was fab Joe was on for about Hour and a Half or there abouts.He was on good form even though he was a little wobbley on his feet at the start of the show but that seemed to go as he got into it.

He looked well my be a little tired but he had his old sparkle back and the devel in in was back it has been gone for a long time.When i went in i had writen him a card and threw it on stage as i would not have been able to have got to the stage to have given it to him.

Any way the Place was full and the show started the commedien was very good we laughed all the way through have not seen him before can not remember his nameis it Luke.Any way back to the mane event.We had the interval then the lights went down and the band started up and you no what it is like when you just wnt to see our Joe.Looking from every side to see where he will come on from.Then there he was standing on stage he had a standing ovation i had tears in my eyes as many others in th room.

The last time i saw him i thought it would be the last but he his back and arnt we lucky.He sang his heart out and had us in stitiches with the things he was telling us.He told us about London and asked us all to go wish i could.Then he got a piece of paperof the piano and started reading it and read my name out i was so excited that will stay with me for ever.

Well that is all for now but if i remember anythig else i will let you no.Not a very good review but i tried LOL

Love and friendship always Carron Bailey xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Revfiew from Telford - Kate from Loughborough

Hello there,

Just a quickie to let you know that Joe was great in Telford last night - he did about 1hr 20-1hr 25ish on stage, and his voice IS still amazing, if any photos turn out I shall send them.

Best wishes, and thanks for the site :-)

Kate from Loughborough :-)

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REVIEW FROM BILLINGHAM - 16.06.06 BY MICHELLE BACKHOUSE

WE WERE UP BRIGHT AND EARLY TO SET OFF FOR BILLINGHAM. MUM AND ME HAD BEEN BEFORE ON THE NATIONAL EXPRESS FROM BRADFORD BUT WE HAVE NEVER DRIVEN FROM BLACKPOOL UP TO THE NORTH EAST AND DAD HAD NEVER BEEN TO SEE JOE THERE BEFORE. I HAD PRINTED THE ROUTE FROM THE AA SO KNEW IT WOULD PROBABLY TAKE THREE HOURS.

THE WEATHER WAS LOVELY SO WE ENJOYED THE JOURNEY STOPPING OFF AT KIRBY STEPHEN WHERE MUM COULD USE THE TOILET! WE GOT TALKING TO THE LADY IN THERE AND SHE SAID HER DAUGHTER OWNED THE PHOTO SHOP IN CLEVELEYS WHERE I HAD DROPPED SOME NEGS IN BEFORE WE SET OFF! WHAT A SMALL WORLD WE LIVE IN I THOUGHT.

ANYWAY, THE SECOND HALF OF THE JOURNEY WAS UNDERWAY. WE ARRIVED IN BILLINGHAM EARLY AFTERNOON AND CHECKED INTO THE BILLINGHAM ARMS. IT HADN’T CHANGED MUCH FROM LAST TIME WE WERE THERE. VERY HANDY FOR THE THEATRE.

HAD A QUICK LOOK AROUND THE SHOPS AND GOT READY FOR THE SHOW.

ARRIVED AT THE THEATRE FOR 7.00PM WHEN THE DOORS OPENED. WE HAD A WORD WITH ZEB AND TERRY WAS SETTING UP HIS STALL.

WE WENT TO THE BAR FOR A DRINK OR TWO! I NEEDED TO STEADY MY NERVES! EVERYONE WAS SAYING HOW GOOD JOE HAD BEEN AT DARLINGTON SO I WAS WONDERING WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MR MUSIC MAN!

THE COMEDIAN WAS BLACKPOOL BASED RICKY LANE. I THINK HE IS EVER SO FUNNY AND MUM TOLD ME TO QUIETEN DOWN BECAUSE I WAS LAUGHING SO MUCH BUT HE HAS ONE OF THOSE FACES WHEN I LOOKED AT HIM I COULDN’T HELP BUT LAUGH! HE REMINDED EVERYONE NOT TO TAKE PRESENTS UP TO JOE DURING THE PERFORMANCE.

IT CERTAINLY SEEMED LIKE A FULL HOUSE.

AFTER THE INTERVAL LIGHTS WENT DOWN AND THE BAND STRUCK UP. THERE WERE TWO GIRL SINGERS AND A STAGE FULL OF BAND MEMBERS INCLUDING THE BRASS SECTION.

JOE CAME WANDERING ON. HE TOOK THE MICROPHONE TO SING A FEW LINES OF SOMEWHERE AND WAS GIVEN A THUNDERING APPLAUSE.

IT WAS APPARENT HE WAS SHAKING AND HE DID SIT DOWN ON HIS STOOL A LOT WHICH HE HASN’T BEEN DOING.

JOE SANG FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, PEOPLE, IF YOU LOVE ME…, MACK THE KNIFE, MARY IN THE MORNING, AS I LOVED YOU, LOVE IS IN THE AIR AND WORKED HIS WAY THROUGH JOHHNY MATHIS, NEIL DIAMOND, THE RAT PACK, BARRY WHITE, SHIRLEY BASSEY AND TOM JONES AND HE DID A WONDERFUL WHEN I FALL IN LOVE BY NAT KING COLE. HE WAS ASKING THE AUDIENCE WHO THEY WANTED HIM TO SING AND IT WAS NEARLY ALWAYS JOE LONGTHORNE THEY SHOUTED! NO SURPRISE THERE REALLY.

JOE SEEMED TO SETTLE DOWN WITH THE SHAKING BUT HE DID FORGET SOME OF THE WORDS TO THE SONGS AND YOUR HEART WENT OUT TO HIM ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS.

HE SPOKE ABOUT THE CRUISE, LAS VEGAS, PUTTING PICTURES UP AT 3AM IN HIS HOUSE AND THE DOCTOR’S AND NURSES WHO HELPED HIM DURING HIS HOSPITAL STAY. IT WAS VERY EMOTIONAL.

JOE DID SAY EVEN THOUGH HE HAD THE BEST DOCTOR’S AND NURSES IT WAS DEFINITELY THE FANS WHO HAD GOT THROUGH HIS DARKEST DAYS AND YOU COULD TELL HE MEANT IT.

HE WENT ONTO SING IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG.

HE COLLECTED HIS PARCELS AND WENT OFF. ALL OF A SUDDEN HE CAME BACK TO SING ANOTHER ONE. HE KEPT SHOUTING SONG TITLES OUT FOR AN ENCORE. WHEN I HEARD HIM SAY WE DON’T CRY OUT LOUD I SHOUTED YES, THAT ONE BECAUSE IT IS MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE. JOE HEARD ME AND SAID THAT’S THE ONE. HE HADN’T SUNG IT FOR AGES BUT HE GAVE A GOOD SHOT. HE HAD PUT HIS HEART AND SOUL INTO THE WHOLE SHOW AND HE WAS PHYSICALLY DRAINED WHEN HE LEFT THE STAGE.

I MUST ADMIT I CRIED WHEN I LEFT THE THEATRE BUT MOSTLY DUE TO THE FACT AT JUST HOW BRAVE MR JOE LONGTHORNE IS AND ONCE AGAIN PROVED THAT HE IS THE BRAVEST PERSON I HAVE EVER MET IN MY LIFE.

JOE CAME ON STAGE AT 20:20 AND FINALLY LEFT AT 21:50

I WENT TO SLEEP THAT NIGHT WONDERING JUST WHAT JOE WOULD BE LIKE ON SATURDAY!

BILLINGHAM REVIEW SATURDAY 17.06.06 BY MICHELLE BACKHOUSE

SATURDAY BEGAN WITH ME HUNTING FOR A NEW SKIRT EVEN THOUGH I HAD PACKED THREE ALREADY. GOODNESS KNOWS HOW MANY TIMES I WENT TO THE CASHPOINT DURING MY WEEKEND IN BILLINGHAM BUT I WENT HOME WITH MORE BAGS THAN I WENT WITH!

ANYWAY, ARRIVED AT THE THEATRE APPROXIMATELY 18:30. ONCE AGAIN TERRY WAS SETTING UP HIS STALL AND WAS SPEAKING TO DAD ABOUT THE HORSE, ETC. JOHN BOY AND RICKY WALKED IN BEHIND US AND HAD A WORD OR TWO. WE MADE OUR WAY UP TO THE BAR AREA. THE PLACE SOON FILLED UP ALTHOUGH I MUST ADMIT WE DIDN’T RECOGNISE MANY FACES.

TH FIRST HALF BEGAN AND RICKY WAS AS FUNNY AS THE PREVIOUS NIGHT. HE ALTERED THE ACT SLIGHTLY AS WELL AND EVERONE SEEMED TO BE ENJOYING THEMSELVES. ONCE AGAIN HE REMINDED US ALL NOT TO INTERRUPT JOE DURING THE PERFORMANCE AND SAID JOE WAS IN THE BUILDING AND LOOKING AND SOUNDING BETTER THAN EVER.

AT THE INTERVAL MUM AND ME MET DIANE IN THE LADIES. SHE THOUGHT WE LOOKED ALIKE AND WE HAD A LITTLE CHAT. NICE TO PUT A FACE TO DIANE’S NAME NOW WHEN I READ HJER POSTS ON THE NET. WHEN WE WENT BACK IN DIANE MUST HAVE TOLD WENDY WHO I WAS BECAUSE WENDY CAME ACROSS AND TOLD US KAREN HAD PUT A PICTURE OF DAD N THE SITE SO SHE COULD RECOGNISE US! IT WAS NICE TO MEET THEM BOTH AT LAST.

THE TIME CAME FOR JOE TO TAKE TO THE STAGE ONCE MORE. HE CAME ON TO A RAPTOUROUS APPLAUSE AND SEEMED MORE SETTLED THAN THE PREVOUS NIGHT. HE WASN’T SHAKING AS MUCH AND DIDN’T FORGET THE WORDS TO THE SONGS.

JOE SANG FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, PEOPLE, IF YOU LOVE ME…, MARY IN THE MORNING AND MACK THE KNIFE.

SOMEONE WANTED JOE TO SING IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG BUT HE USUALLY SINGS THIS AT THE END. HE DID IT NEVERTHELESS AND HE REALLY PUT A LOT INTO IT SO MUCH THAT HE RECEIVED A STANDING OVATION FOR IT. EXCELLENT.

THE ONLY IMPRESSIONS JOE DID WERE SHIRLEY BASSEY AND WHEN HE SANG THIS IS MY LIFE I WAS IN TEARS. JOE PUT SO MUCH FEELING INTO IT. JOE DID THE RAT PACK FEATURING ELVIS. WE WERE TREATED TO A BIT OF JULIO AS WELL.

JOE DID THE SAY IT WITH FLOWERS AND OLD WEDDING RING WAS NEW COMPILATION. ONCE AGAIN THIS WAS BRILLIANT.

JOE SURPRISED EVERYONE BY JUMPING ON THE PIANO. HE WENT ONTO DO GREAT BALLS OF FIRE AND THEN CHATTED ABOUT VARIOUS THINGS STILL SITTING ON THE PIANO. THEN JOE SANG UNCHAINED MELODY STARTING ON THE PIANO BUT FINISHING STANDING WITH THE MICROPHONE.IT WAS BRILLIANT TO SEE JOE ENJOYING HIMSELF AND LAUGHING MOST OF THE SHOW.

IN MY OPINION JOE WAS MORE RELAXED AND CONFIDENT THAN THE PREVIOUS NIGHT BUT HE WAS STILLTIRING TOWARDS THE END. THE EFFORT HE OUT INTO THE SONGS MUST HAVE BEEN DRAINING FOR HIM.

JOE MENTIONED THE HORSE IS NOW ROMANY JOE AND NOT GYPSY JOE AND HE LOOKS FORWARD TO HER RACING. IT WILL GIVE JOE SOMETHING TO FOCUS ON.

JOE COLLECTED HIS PARCELS AND WAVED GOODNIGHT TO US ALL SAYING I WILL BE BACK BILLINGHAM. I HOPE SO.
JOE CAME ON AT 20:20 AND LEFT THE STAGE AT 21:45.

I LEFT THE THEATRE FEELING MUCH BETTER THAN FRIDAY AND WAS WONDERING HOW I COULD FILL MY TIME ON SUNDAY EVENING!!!

Review by Wendy - Billingham, part 1

Today,Friday 16th June had finally arrived - I was off again to see Joe Longthorne at Billingham. This time though my lovely son Jonathan aged 16 was coming with me - his first ever JL show! Oh yes...............Grumps was coming along as well. He had been playing up that that morning - moaning about having to go to the show and generally being a right pain in the bum!! After being told he was more than welcome to stay at home he changed his attitude and promised to be home in plenty of time for the show. He knew that I would be off like a shot in a taxi if he dared be late!!

Arriving at the theatre,the foyer was buzzing with excited fans all so pleased to be seeing Joe on stage again. A lady I spoke to hadn't seen Joe since he was last at Billingham - bless her she was nearly in tears,full of emotion at the thought of seeing Joe just walk on that stage again. We made our way to the bar and settled down with our drinks, with me busy scanning the area for anyone I recognised. I was also trying to figure out who could be Michelle and her mum and dad - I realised on the next evening that those I had singled out were in fact Michelle and family! Trevor and Jonathan need the loo so off they both went leaving me on my todd like Billy no mates...........but not for long! Two men came over and asked if they could sit down on Trevor and Jonathan's chairs. I explained they were taken but they were welcome to sit on the bench seats. The older man said he would never get back up if he sat on that so I let him have Trevor's chair. It turned out to be a local comedian who had previously supported Joe in Billingham - Chris McGlade ( I think!)...........don't know the older mans name but he was ever so lovely. Asked me how long I had liked Joe - I replied nearly 20 years........to which he said "You must have only been 4 then"..............lovely man!!! When Trevor and Jonathan came back from the loo,I was forgotten about as they reminisced about the old club days and Bobby Thompson the North East's 'Little Waster'. Soon it was time to make our way into the first part of the show. I had to drag Trevor in as he was well away chatting with Chris. Apparently Joe wanted Chris to be the support at Billingham again but he was unable to do the Saturday night - he hopes to do a stint in Blackpool with him instead. He is very funny!!

On walked Ricky Lane who was funny enough,but not the best I've seen! He had the crowd laughing though........after reading Michelle's review I now know who was in fits of giggles to the right of me!! Ricky did ask the fans not to come up during the show with gifts but to wait till the end as Joe was having trouble bending down..awww! Another request was made asking Wuffy not to ask for anymore bow ties....ha ha....I'm joking!!

Back in the bar,supping me pint of wine.......I was willing the twenty minutes away as then our Joe would be back on stage. The call to make our way back to our seats came,and off we all went. The air was filled with a mix of emotions - laughter,apprehension,excitement..........but above all everyone shared one true emotion........love and admiration for Joe!

Sat in our seats - second row end of aisle....my seat.........I could feel my heartbeat getting faster and one of me flushes starting!! The band started up..........soon playing the intro to 'Somewhere' at which point I stood up.........on my own... ha ha....talk about premature reaction! Trevor told me to sit down.........no sooner had I done so than up again was I as Joe walked out onto stage. My heart plummeted.........Joe looked so frail and ill. I must admit I got a real shock looking at him - he just wasn't he same as at Darlington a couple of weeks earlier. He shook violently from head to foot most of the evening..............God love him, part of me just wanted to tell him to get himself of home to bed,and rest,but part of me wanted to will him on as being on stage is where Joe wanted to be. The audience threw all their energy into encouraging Joe along throughout the evening,and Joe as ever responded to it all. He was full of humour,tales of when in hospital,his recent cruise,the NHS...........there was no stopping him! At times,Mr Entertainment lost his way and hesitated slightly but hey.....this is Joe Longthorne so what did he do? He bounced right back with some other little tale,impression or completely different song to the one we were expecting! I sat there mesmerised by the sheer guts and determination of this wonderfully brave man. I admit that at times I shed a tear as my heart went out to him as he shuffled across the stage or awkwardly climbed on his stool. Who the hell gave him a high stool like that!! There were times when I thought Joe was going to fall as he tried to position his bum on the damn thing!! Shakes,stumbles,frailness and forgetfulness,one thing never changed! The voice! What a voice - Joe still continued to belt the songs out time and time again. Frank Sinatra,Dean Martin,Sammy Davis,Johnny Mathis,Shirley Bassey,Neil Diamond,Barry White - but most importantly and by far the most popular was our very own Joe Longthorne! All too soon...........so it seemed,but it was actually over and hour and a half....it was time for Joe to leave the stage. Off he went to rapturous applause and adulation from the fans. Off I went to the stage to again shake the hand of this invincible man. The whole theatre were on their feet - including Trevor, who admitted to me later,had wished he'd got up and shook Joe's hand as he was in awe of the sheer guts of the man!! Joe reappeared to tremendous applause. He sang 'Don't Cry Out Loud' - forgot the words at one point but still battled through like the true star he is!

Both Trevor and Jonathan thoroughly enjoyed the show and wished they were coming back with me the following evening. Tough luck though as they weren't - I would be back on Saturday with my mum. I had mixed emotions on the way home - would Joe be well and strong enough to come back on Saturday. Feeling for him and wanting him to do as he has probably been told by his Doctors - that is forget performing and get better first then come back to us...........but also so looking forward to seeing him again the next evening! What a hold Joe has on us all. What would Saturday bring?

Wendy XX

Review by Wendy - Billingham, part 2

I had rang my mum earlier in the day,to warn her there was a possibility that Joe may have to cancel this evenings show,and explained how frail he had appeared the previous evening. I felt the need to do that as I was so concerned about Joe on Friday - not that his performance was at all affected.............I think secretly Joe has a battery charger in his dressing room and has a quick charge up before he walks on stage....ha ha!! Anyway......stop thinking negative Wuffy and do as Joe does.....stay positive. So off I went to the shop to get an Anniversary card for Diane H and Paul who would be at this evenings show. Whilst in the shop,I spotted a lovely teddy with a bow on that I decided to get for Joe - it would remind him of the bow tie I got off him at Darlington!! I only realised at the end of the evening I'd only gone and left the price sticker on!!

Soon enough it was time to go and pick my mum up and make our way to the theatre. Trevor was our taxi driver tonight,although he was still wishing he was coming to see Joe again himself............have I finally converted Mr Grumps to actually being a JL fan?? Actually,on the morning when Trevor walked into the kitchen,he looked at Joe's face on the fridge and the framed sketch hung on the wall (that Dozy Di has a hidden talent as an artist!!) and waffled on for ages about the previous nights show. How wonderful Joe is - what a strong character he is - how he admires his strength and determination to battle on.............I very nearly choked on me toast! Trevor normally walks into the kitchen and turns Joe's pictures upside down or says "morning ugly mug"........he is soooo jealous.....ha ha!! Anyway....I digress......we pick up my mum and soon arrive at the theatre once more.

Once again the foyer is filled with anticipation and excitement. Terry's merchandise stall is very busy.........he's working on his todd........ooooh he can be a bit tetchy can't he when he's rushed.....ha ha! Bless him..........he's a lovely man.....REALLY!! Me and mum make our way to the bar. Again I look for Michelle after being given a description from Karen P - looked for Diane and Paul too but couldn't spot them. I would have stayed in the bar for the first part of the show but as my mum hadn't seen Ricky Lane off we went. There was a couple of different gags this evening and my mum enjoyed it so that was okay. No mention tonight of not going up to the stage during the show - was that just forgetfulness or was it a sign that Joe felt better? Saw Diane and Paul so gave them some photos from Darlington and their anniversary card - definitely a child bride our Diane!! Geraldine said hello - saw her on Friday as well - as she got her mum settled in the seats behind me - her mum is a lovely smiley lady.

Back in the bar..........what again!!! My pre-ordered drinks had been nicked..........I went to complain to the bar man who in turn looked at me suspiciously and called the theatre manager over! It's a good job Derek knows me..........he eyed me up even more suspiciously....ha ha....before getting me some more drinks! Poor mum - such a slow drinker - she only had a sip of her wine when I was dragging her back to our seats.............FRONT row tonight....right near the steps leading up to the stage...........ooooh could Wuffy be trusted!! Diane came over so I introduced her to my mum then went back with her so she could point out Michelle to me. Poor Michelle having me and Diane pointing and staring at her - she soon realised who it was though! Made my way back to my seat as the music started - how would Joe seem when he walked out onto the stage for the second time?

Out Mr Wonderful came to an even stronger applause than the previous evening......is that possible? I breathed a sigh of relief as he wasn't shaking anywhere nearly as bad as Friday. The voice started and the whole theatre was once again hypnotised. Shouts of encouragement came from the crowd to pull Joe along - not that he needed it as he was buzzing compared to the previous night. Lot's of songs flowed - 'When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New'.....awww that could have been just for Diane and Paul couldn't it - was it Paul that shouted out that song?? 'Say It With Flowers'.....'Unchained Melody' at the piano - we were truly spoilt. At one point Joe was stood in front of me staring as he does - he smiled his smile and that was it.....I was gone again!!! The whole evening was filled with non stop humour and superstar quality entertainment...........selfishly I didn't want it to end. Sadly,end it must,so it was time for Joe to leave. Joe shook hands with all those at the stage - receiving numerous gifts of flowers,parcels and teddy bears with the price sticker still on!! He left the stage only to return again to deafening applause from his fans - then he went! Another show over - can't wait for the next one. You leave on a high but also feeling ever so slightly low at wondering when you will next see him again. What a hold this man has on us!!

Outside the theatre,I rang Trevor to come and pick us up. I noticed a group of fans waiting at the back of the theatre so me and mum went to join them. There were only about a couple of dozen or so waiting including Geraldine and her mum so we thought we may as well wait with them. I could see Trevor's car pull to the theatre entrance but knew in time he would get out and come looking for me! As he caught up with me,out Joe came........tired but still smiling for those that waited for him. I hesitated at first........as Joe was tired....but then asked him if I could have a photo taken,to which Joe was more than willing...what else....to oblige. Trevor took the photo!! As you will probably of seen on the fan sites.....he chopped mine and Joe's heads off. As soon as Joe realised what had happened - was it my cry of "yev chopped me 'ead of" that stopped him in his tracks.....bless him.....but Joe insisted the photo be taken again. Zeb finally took a photo for me for which I will treasure as I know how hard the whole evening must have been for Joe. With that Joe was bundled into the car and driven back to Blackpool. I now can't wait till I see Joe again at the Paradise Room. God Bless you Joe........you are one helluva man!!

Wendy X

Review by Wendy Beck - Darlington

Wow!!!! Where do I start?
Trevor was driving me through to Darlington but first we had to pick Carol up - arranged to pick her up in plenty of time for us to be in the theatre bar at seven. Trevor was his usual sarky self in the car but I didn't bite........there was no way he was going to spoil my evening!

Arrived at the theatre - the place was milling with fans queuing to get their seats one way,stocking up on JL goodies at Terry's stall another way and queuing for the bar yet another way. Guess which queue me and Carol were in! While Carol got our glasses of wine I went and had a look on Terry's stall - only got a couple of the brochures though as I had everything else. Back in the bar I was glancing around seeing if I could recognise anybody - couldn't see Candie and didn't have a clue what Diane H looked like so I could have been stood right next to her for all I knew! Soon it was time for us to make our way into the theatre as the first half was about to start. Walking down the stairs I was busy looking for row P and Candie but was holding people up behind me as I kept looking into the crowd of faces..........never mind I would try again at the interval. Diane H and her mum and hubby were already in their seats so we introduced ourselves. Diane was not how I expected her to look..........she was ever so young looking (I thought you would be about same age as t'other Diane) and very bonny.

A local comedian came on stage.......can't remember his name! He looked as though he'd been dragged out of the pub next door and had wandered on the stage but he was very funny! In no time at all he was off and down came the stage curtain - I think we'd only been sat down for twenty minutes. Carol thought the comedian was having a break and would come back on but no,it was time for us to make our way back to the bar for our pre-ordered glasses of wine. I must admit I was getting very excited at the prospect of Joe being only moments away.........and me so close to the stage......oooooooooh!!! The bell soon went so off we went back to our seats. On my way back I finally saw who I thought was Candie and mouthed.....or did I shout......"Candie"....ha ha. Thankfully it was Candie and not somebody who thought I was stark raving mad!!

The band started playing and soon struck into Somewhere. The audience were on their feet and I was stood there poised with my camera pointing to the right of the stage,when there he was,right in front of me.............Joe had come on stage from the left!!
He looked absolutely gorgeous. Yes it was clear to see the weight he had lost but I thought he looked so much better than the recent photos I'd seen. His curls had dropped and his face seemed a lot thinner - he was almost back to his normal self. Joe was buzzing! We were treat to Shirley Bassey - Tommy Cooper - Tom Jones - The Rat Pack - Elvis - Johnny Mathis and other little snippets of Bruce Forsyth,Steptoe.........BRILLIANT. It was lovely to see Joe do the impressions but I much prefer him being himself. He stares at you doesn't he when you sit on the front row - a bit like him scanning along to see who's there. I blew him a kiss and he blew one back.............oooooh I was in love all over again!!

Joe took his bow tie off and I thought he might have chucked it into the crowd but he put it on the piano instead. Carol kept nudging me asking when I was going to give him the present I'd brought for him..............I was actually nervous!! I chose my moment during one of Joe's waffles...ha ha.....! I offered the box to Joe as a swap for his tie. He shook my box (with shirt and tie inside) and said is there a bigger one inside? As he made his way to the piano - with me still stood at the stage waiting for the tie - he was muttering about the tie only being borrowed and what he would tell the person when they asked for their tie back....ha ha! I hope he was joking about it being borrowed 'cos I've got it now. On the box I gave Joe,I'd decorated it with some really curly ribbons and joked to Joe they were like his curls were. Joe laughed at that and said something back about his dropping out and wearing the ones on the box!! Carol took my photo............a back view......ha ha........never mind,I know it's me and at least you can see Joe.

Joe was talking about arranging a special trip with coaches from all over the country going to see him at The London Palladium. He said the date for this would be September 10th and would include coach travel,show and overnight stay. The show isn't for charity this time but for Joe himself.............about time he put himself first! Joe said something about it costing £100 for the trip.............don't start booking time off though as I'm only quoting what Joe said!! Wait for something official to come out!

Joe was on stage for well over an hour and a half. I was amazed............and well pleased.......at just how long he was on stage for. He was ever so thirsty though bless him - Zeb had to top his water up twice and he knocked it back. Joked about not being able to smell it on his breath.......ha ha............I do think it was water and not vodka!! Finally,the music that brought him onto the stage started again so we knew Joe would soon be leaving. The audience were up on their feet again,with a few fans making their way to the stage. Not too many as I had imagined so nobody got their toes trodded on. Joe made his way along the outstretched hands and shook each one. My mate Carol just stood there looking at him.......glazed eyes.....she's converted!! As Joe neared us I had to give her a sharp nudge and tell her to shake his hand. With that Joe left the stage. The fans hung around in case he came back out but alas he did not. The man excelled himself tonight................what a star!!

Making our way out of the theatre we met Candie and her friend Caroline and had a brief natter. I think Caroline was converted as well don't you Candie? Rang Trevor to tell him to come and pick us up. Couldn't resist telling him I'd got Joe's tie........before I hung up I told him I'd had to swap it for my knickers.......ha ha..........I couldn't quite make out what Trevor said to that!! Outside we watched everyone get their lifts and taxis home. Me and Carol were still standing there twenty minutes later when the last fan had gone. We felt a little conspicuous stood there under the street lamp!! Terry was busy loading all his gear away so had a natter with him. Said he is busy editing the Grand show and hopefully it will be ready in about three weeks. Offered to help him carry his gear but he said he had to get back into the swing of things after his by-pass op. Commented on his weight loss and that he had managed to get a belt this time to hold his trousers up!! Finally,Trevor pulled up. As he was driving he asked to have a look at Joe's tie.........silly me!! He only went and pretended to throw it out of the window except I thought he had threw it out and went ballistic with him.

It was a fantastic night from start to finish - can't wait for Billingham now!!

Wendy XX

Review by Christine - Bradford

Subj: Bradford Review
Date: 21/05/2006 14:47:20 GMT Standard Time
From: CMARESMAPARES

Eventually arrived in Bradford 6:20 ish after a 3 1/4 hour journey,the traffic was just about at a standstill on some parts of the M60/M62 - who'd have thought it on a Thursday afternoon? Must be like that every weekday.Must admit though I love the view from most of the second part of the M62, so that and the thought of seeing Joe kept my spirits up. Couldn't let Diane & Co know I was going to be late - as I was on the move ( well,stuck in traffic) but knew they'd go across to the Queen's pub to eat,and I'd just meet them there.I went straight there after parking and when I'd greeted eveyone, I ordered my meal, before the 7pm deadline. Saw Joe arrive as I was eating, and again he looked like a little old man Bless him. It's like when he's on stage the adrenaline pumps him up,and then he deflates afterwards, like a rubber doll - no comments Wendy please! Maurice Grumbleweed came over for a pint at this stage and we saw Jamie going to the front of the theatre with a sports bag (? merchandise) then back to the stage door with a bouquet of flowers.
When I'd finished eating and we'd all finished our drinks, we went over to the theatre,deciding not to go into the first half, (not like we were on the front row and would be missed after all!) Must admit though I've never sen Maurice on stage, so it would've been a change,thought I'd better tackle Terry Lodge about goodspaid for (ovr the 'phone)and not received. He's a hard man to pin down,but eventually after some lighthearted - ( I hope) banter I got 1 DVD at last,still waiting for 2 others!
Anyway at the interval we hoped to see Karen, but no joy.Enjoyed speaking to Lucy for the first time, though I've seen her loads of times, and knew she'd been a journalist. Isn't it strange how we 'know' people by sight and about them, but don't 'know' them to speak to? Wonder if anyone knows my name and that I'm an ex-midwife etc (apart from regulars on site) but don't know me to speak to? LOL.
Well, the time had come to take our seats, with Diane spotting Karen and trying to get her to make herself known to me.We just about managed to wave to each other before I sat down. Possibly one of the worst seats I've ever had, though only 3 rows back from the stage I was squashed up by the wall, OK to see Joe, but no chance of him spotting me! LOL. ( When I booked I'd been told the seat was at the end of the row - and it was that alright!)
The place erupted,as expected when Joe appeared on stage and I must admit I thought he seemed a lot better,with only a tremor compared with the shakes at Easter. Again he sang several songs as himself, then spoke about being in Las Vegas and looking for Legends ( not leg ends he said,LOL) and about seeing someone do impersonations of people he didn't know - like George Formby! Joe did his more impersonations than at Easter.He said 'Oh Shirley has arrived and seemed quite surprised, saying she'd only just appeared as his voice ws changing and still developing it's range. Sinatra was great,improved since Easter,and when he did Elvis I just sat back with my eyes closed (hope no-one thought I was asleep) and it was like the great man himself was on that stage. Joe talked about his illness/treament and said 'But who needs drugs when they've got this? ( Implying being on stage, audience participation/applause and adrenaline flowing etc) and he thanked everyone several times for their support. He was on stage for about 1 hour 10 mins I think.I couldn't get out of my 'corner' at the end but he received the usual array of flowers and gifts,collecting them himself,and even gave someone his bowtie on request, 'just like the old days'.
We went to the stage door and chatted generally, among a reasonably sized crowd, whilst we waited for Joe to appear. He came out and posed for photographs again ' just like the old days' and I managed to say just that to him, and he repied 'Yes isn't it'. I felt sorry for him as people took photos of him in the car though, he was like a rabbit startled by the headlights. I spoke to another friend called Diane, who said Joe was flying to Lisbon on Monday to join the cruise ship - and so was she!! Lucky devil. She's going to e-mail me on her return and tell me all about it. She'd spoken to Jamie and Stretch who said they'd join her for a drink sometime, but she doesn't expect to see much of Joe off stage. Well, after saying goodbye to everyone ( including Terry Lodge who was loading up his car and told me not to stand in front of it cheeky!) it was off home. Luckily the first few drops of rain only started after Joe had left,but I had rain all the way home, but still made it by 12:30am.so managed a reasonable nights sleep before work the next day. (Although I was woken abruptly at 3:45 am by David's TV falling of his bedsida cabinet believe it or not - he must've been really restless and knocked it off -we were both in shock - at least it wasn't anything more serious - like burglars!) Now you know why I came back from Egypt tired after sharing a bed wth him!!
Well I think we can truly say that JOE IS BACK. I can't wait until he manages to be on stage without shaking but his voice is nearly at full range - Pavaroti here we come!! Cheer s Chris xx

Review by Christine - The Grand, Easter

Arrived in Blackpool later than I intended, (like Maria Sound Of Music,always late for everything, except for every meal! LOL) The theatre foyer was crowded, but managed to catch up with Dave, Diane,Denise,Irene,Jean & Ann & husband for a few min's before the show (in the bar - where else? LOL) also some of my other 'Joe' friends from Sheffield.
Tony Jo was great in the first half, striking exactly the right note for such an occasion as Joe's return to the stage. He talked about the Mike Baldwin story line in Coronation St and about how forgetful one can get with age anyway,but just to let the young ones know we can remember some things from ages ago he sang the opening words to several TV commercials such as 'You'll wonder where the yellow went - and let the audience finish with -When you brush your teeth with Sterident etc. We had a good laugh. Obviously he talked about Joe and his illness/treatment and we all liked the punchline that Joe wasn't the only Superstar to return on Easter Sunday! In the interval I whizzed around talking to folk I knew,Maureen & Sheila from L'pool,Margaret and her mum Peggy(also from L'pool)( I'd heard that Pegy might be in a wheelchair so when I saw her walking out of the bar I said 'I'm glad to see you on your feet' - she said 'I've only had one!' then I realised she thought I was commenting on her not being drunk - NOT not in a wheelchair - Oh Dear LOL!) Anyway back to my seat but I'd heard that Joe had been seen arriving and being helped getting out of the car,so wondered what was in store for us.Id seen Jamie and asked how he was for a change, he said fine. Everyone was woried for Joe though.The moment we'd all been waiting for arrived Joe came out onto stage to a raptourous welcome. Applause like a Mexican wave, as people saw him for the first time, and whistles galore. (I wish I could whistle loudly, my son David can,and I encourage him to do so every time he comes to a Joe show with me) Well, Bless him,Joe was obviously made up with his reception and basking in it. He sang many songs as himself, with a few impersonations thrown in,but he shook uncontrollably throughout. I wanted to jump up onto the stage and hold him until he stopped,then sit him down. He spoke of his illness and how the doctors had struggled to sedate him for ventilation, saying he had a high resistance to drugs - Joe said I could've told them that!! His sense of humour hadn't changed! When we thought he'd finished we all dashed to the stage and were surprised to be rewarded with another five or so songs.He seemed much calmer by this stage,getting his second wind and obviously enjoying himself, not wanting to leave the stage,but he had to eventually didn't he?
Flowers and gifts were left on a table at the front for him and he left the theatre quickly.The buzz was that everyone was amazed at how well he had performed, and for how long- it's a long time since I've spent over an hour in Joe's 'company' It was clear he was still weak physically,but not his voice.
I caught up with everyone to say our goodbyes, then had a wee chat with Johnie Casson,as he was standing alone in the corridor next to the bar. He said 'the show would've been a tonic for Joe,you could feel the love', I said 'yes like a tidal wave', he said ' yes,you could surf on it'
He mentioned that Jamie had told him that Joenever sings at home, plays the piano yes, but never sings!.I asked if he had a summer season booked, but he said no - Blackpool was dead,but he was hoping for something! Tony Jo came over to talk about going to see Preston North End play football the next day, then we chatted about football, Tom Finney and Johnie said he had his autograph and other stars such as Stanley Mathews etc. I then set off to Preston to stay overnight, with a lie in the next day before heading home.
Well girls (and boys!) it's good to know we've got 'our Joe' back and more shows to look forward to isn't lt? See you all soon. Cheers Chris xx

Review by Michelle Backhouse - Bradford

MY REVIEW OF JOE IN CONCERT @ ST.GEORGE’S Arrived in Blackpool later than I intended, (like Maria Sound Of Music,always late for everything, except for every meal! LOL) The theatre foyer was crowded, but managed to catch up with Dave, Diane,Denise,Irene,Jean & Ann & husband for a few min's before the show (in the bar - where else? LOL) also some of my other 'Joe' friends from Sheffield. Tony Jo was great in the first half, striking exactly the right note for such an occasion as Joe's return to the stage. He talked about the Mike Baldwin story line in Coronation St and about how forgetful one can get with age anyway,but just to let the young ones know we can remember some things from ages ago he sang the opening words to several TV commercials such as 'You'll wonder where the yellow went - and let the audience finish with -When you brush your teeth with Sterident etc. We had a good laugh. Obviously he talked about Joe and his illness/treatment and we all liked the punchline that Joe wasn't the only Superstar to return on Easter Sunday! In the interval I whizzed around talking to folk I knew,Maureen & Sheila from L'pool,Margaret and her mum Peggy(also from L'pool)( I'd heard that Pegy might be in a wheelchair so when I saw her walking out of the bar I said 'I'm glad to see you on your feet' - she said 'I've only had one!' then I realised she thought I was commenting on her not being drunk - NOT not in a wheelchair - Oh Dear LOL!) Anyway back to my seat but I'd heard that Joe had been seen arriving and being helped getting out of the car,so wondered what was in store for us.Id seen Jamie and asked how he was for a change, he said fine. Everyone was woried for Joe though.The moment we'd all been waiting for arrived Joe came out onto stage to a raptourous welcome. Applause like a Mexican wave, as people saw him for the first time, and whistles galore. (I wish I could whistle loudly, my son David can,and I encourage him to do so every time he comes to a Joe show with me) Well, Bless him,Joe was obviously made up with his reception and basking in it. He sang many songs as himself, with a few impersonations thrown in,but he shook uncontrollably throughout. I wanted to jump up onto the stage and hold him until he stopped,then sit him down. He spoke of his illness and how the doctors had struggled to sedate him for ventilation, saying he had a high resistance to drugs - Joe said I could've told them that!! His sense of humour hadn't changed! When we thought he'd finished we all dashed to the stage and were surprised to be rewarded with another five or so songs.He seemed much calmer by this stage,getting his second wind and obviously enjoying himself, not wanting to leave the stage,but he had to eventually didn't he? Flowers and gifts were left on a table at the front for him and he left the theatre quickly.The buzz was that everyone was amazed at how well he had performed, and for how long- it's a long time since I've spent over an hour in Joe's 'company' It was clear he was still weak physically,but not his voice. I caught up with everyone to say our goodbyes, then had a wee chat with Johnie Casson,as he was standing alone in the corridor next to the bar. He said 'the show would've been a tonic for Joe,you could feel the love', I said 'yes like a tidal wave', he said ' yes,you could surf on it' He mentioned that Jamie had told him that Joenever sings at home, plays the piano yes, but never sings!.I asked if he had a summer season booked, but he said no - Blackpool was dead,but he was hoping for something! Tony Jo came over to talk about going to see Preston North End play football the next day, then we chatted about football, Tom Finney and Johnie said he had his autograph and other stars such as Stanley Mathews etc. I then set off to Preston to stay overnight, with a lie in the next day before heading home. Well girls (and boys!) it's good to know we've got 'our Joe' back and more shows to look forward to isn't lt? See you all soon. Cheers Chris xx HALL, BRADFORD ON THURSDAY 18TH MAY 2006 BY MICHELLE BACKHOUSE

We arrived to park up in the car park near the theatre and went to purchase a ticket but since it was after six o clock we didn’t need one. It was there we bumped into Maurice from the Grumbleweeds who we knew from Blackpool. Had a chat with him and made our way into the Bar area where we sat with our drinks.

Shelley was there and so was Terry Lodge. He seemed to be run off his feet at the merchandise stall when we passed later on.

Lucy arrived and came across for a chat. She had rushed from Oldham and managed to grab a last minute ticket.

Jamie was in the Bar at around 7.00pm ish so we guessed Joe had arrived safe and sound.

We made our way into the theatre for Maurice and we were on the front row to the side. Not great seats but we weren’t bothered as long as we were there to see the main man.

Maurice recognised us and jumped off the stage to shake our hands and tell everyone that he had bumped into us in the car park and we didn’t buy a ticket! He is very down to earth and seems to be doing the Northern part of the Tour with Joe. Maurice did in fact think myself and my dad were married but I put him straight which the audience thought was hilarious. It isn’t the first time it has happened and it probably won’t be the last either!

Anyway, Maurice finished his act and went off to a great applause.

I spotted an old school pal of mine sat on the front row with her husband so went to have a chat. Lots to catch up on as I haven’t seen her for a couple of years. I tried to explain what they could expect when Joe came on but you never know what Joe is going to do until he appears.

Joe finally made an appearance much to the delight of the audience who were cheering and shouting his name. I didn’t recognise many faces but they seemed pleased to see Joe none the less.

Joe’s hair looked the best I had seen it on this Tour in my opinion and the shaking wasn’t too bad and not much sign of the cold so that was a good sign.

Joe belted out For Once In My Life, People, Mary In The Morning, Mack The Knife, If You Love Me, and sang As I Love You for Keith and Donna who are finally getting married after all these years.

Joe worked his way through impressions including Barry White, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, The Rat Pack which included Elvis and was brilliant, I thought and chatted away to the audience about a variety of subjects which included his hospital stay, the North Pier in Blackpool, his hospital visit on Thursday and lots more stuff to keep us all entertained. He was in a devilish mood and kept laughing out loud which was lovely to see again.

Joe went onto sing Love Is In The Air and ended on If I Never Sing Another Song.

Joe just about summed it all up by saying “thanks for coming, you have given me the reason to get up and go again” Joe proved once again how much he enjoys his singing and getting out there and meeting his public.

A great night for anyone who was able to go

Review by Diane Keating - Bradford

Thursday 18th May.
Bradford, Georges Hall.

Denise, Jean Carol, Colin and I set off for Bradford at 4.45 and arrived at 5pm, we parked up and had a look for Chris who we were meeting around that time, after a while we went to the Queens pub where we’d also arranged to see her should she be late…well she was driving all the way from Wales.

The Queens is directly opposite the stage door so we sat in window seats watching for Chris and also Joe,
After a very long wait and a meal, without Chris, she finally arrived after a 3 hours drive! Poor thing had been caught up in the rush hour traffic, she ordered a meal and as she was eating Joe arrived at the stage door, we were all amazed at the tiny figure who climbed out of the back seat of the car, dressed in a red and blue striped top and tracksuit bottoms Joe wobbled and swayed all the way to the stage door where he had a quick word with Maurice who was on his way over to the Queens for a quickie before the show.
We all looked at each other in shock as Joe disappeared from view not quite believing what we’d seen and each of us commenting on how on earth was he going to be able to perform…That we would find out later!

We were hoping to meet up with Karen somewhere in the theatre bar or stage door but by the time we’d eaten and left the pub for the theatre the first half of the show had already started so Karen was inside, we went to stand with Terry Lodge and heckled him as he was trying to sell his wares to fans, warning them what a shady character he is, we were pleased to see him laughing along with us because since the By-pass he’s on a very short fuse!!

The first half was now over and the bar filled up still no sign of Karen but I did get to see a young woman who’s been a fan for about 20 years, her name is Lucy and we all sat together during the interval chatting till it was time to take out seats for the main attraction!
On entering the stalls I was looking up in the Gods for Karen and Denise said “she’s there” and she was waving down to us, I tried to get her to stand so Chris could eventually get to see who this “unoficiallyjoe.com” Karen was, but she just looked at me as if I was a raving loony!
The lights dimmed and we waited with bated breath hoping Joe was OK, no need to worry, the man who walked out of the wings was a different man we saw enter the theatre earlier that evening and he started by singing ‘For Once In My Life’ (I think it was that) then ‘People’, his voice is a lot stronger now than it was the last shows we’ve seen him this year and I found myself saying “bloody hell” after the first few songs, I couldn’t believe how much power there was this time, no sign of a cold and no breathlessness, he still shook but said he’s full of drugs so it seems to be a side affect of one of the drugs he takes, it didn’t affect his voice at all though.
After a few more songs he asked the audience who their favourite singers are then went completely off track and rambled on forever! Talking about Fanny and Johnny making dumplings in Jersey, we all know the punch line and it’s usually about doughnuts but he slipped up completely and said “I hope all your fanny’s” …then stopped and said “doughnuts turn out like fanny’s” he then talked about cancelling a facelift when the doctors told him he would look a lot younger in another year or so and best of all he was once again Harry Cluttercrutch the carpark attendant and club secretary.
Then back to the singing and he was Barry White singing My First and last My Everything whatever it’s called, I hate the song, followed by ‘Just The Way You Are’ which I love then did a fabulous Rat Pack singing ‘Mack the Knife. and eventually Shirley and Tom and a bit of Elvis and Max Bygraves and with his curly hair he looked even more like Max than he normally does when he’s impersonating him.
After a bit more rambling he sang ‘If You Love Me’ For his nephew Keith and Donna who are getting married after 18 years together and finally ‘If I never Sing Another Song’ and we were all at the stage while he was still singing it, he collected the many flowers and gifts then was off, and so were we, straight out of a fire door at the side of the stage door, pretty soon there was quite a crowd gathering which had died off before Joe went into hospital when there was only ever a handful at the stage doors.
We were all chatting and at last out he came with Brian I think he’s called, the grey haired chap who also looks after Engelburt was guiding Joe through the people asking them not to kiss him which I find amazing really, people still go to give him a kiss When he’s so susceptible to germs!!
As he got in the car John stood right in front of us blocking our view of Joe so I said would he shift and let us see Joe, John can see him anytime, he said well move me then, so we did!! And that was it! He was driven away by Brian with Jamie in the front seat and we went to the car, passing Terry Lodge on the way and verbally abusing him once more! Our next show is June 11th Leeds when we will be on the front row!

Review by Karen - Bradford

After watching the entire first series of "Phonenix nights" which took me back to the days when I once joined Mirfield working mans club and tittered at just how realistic the acts by Peter Kay are, as 4pm struck on my Mum's noisy clock, it suddenly hit me that I'd better start thinking about getting ready to see someone who it is hard to believe once starred in CLUB LAND too, probably playing many a place like the PHOENIX CLUB!!!

For quickness, my Mum had arranged a fish and chips tea, so we sent Anthony, my Hubby out, to bring them back by which time I'd got lots of butterflies in my tummy. " I am off to see Joe", I kept thinking, "for the first time in 2 years" and I don't know if it was partly not knowing what to expect or just pure excitment but I picked at my tea. ME TURN MY NOSE UP AT FISH N CHIPS!!!!

We'd arranged to pick my Sister up at 6.15. My Nephew Joshua met us at the gate who was crying to come. "I want to see the show" he kept saying so Jules half wish she'd got him a ticket. He went off to play football with his Dad as we drove away wondering if he would like Joe or was he too young?!

It felt like old times as we sat in the back of the car wondering who we would see and if so and so would be there!

The first person I bumped into at the front door was a lady called Beverely (Knapp) who I've not seen for years. Bev used to pop round to my house for chats about Joe as she lived literally round the corner from me at the time. She knew all about William and when I asked her HOW, she said the internet and the good old JL sites!

It was great to see her again.

Bev was meeting her friend who was lost in there somewhere, she pointed inside amongst the huge sardined in crowd. I spotted one familiar face right away, Karen who used to run Richard De Vere's Fan Club (Our Charlie's ex!) I would have loved to have gone up and said, "Charlie often asks about you Karen," but I didn't get up the nerve! Besides Karen was busy chatting to her friends or family and disappeared into the crowd.

I couldn't get past anyone to look round the main restaurant. Diane, Denise, Jean and Chris were meant to be off to the stage door but on our way in, not a soul had been there. Perhaps they'd not arrived.

I had a scout around, up and downstairs but the only other face I recognised was Lucy's, who I will say hello to in future, now we have been kind of introduced in the forum!!! (ha ha) Lucy's on lots of my piccies over the year, growing up with Joe!

The place seemed packed out, Terry Lodge looked pleased that his merchandise stall was bustling with buyers all picking up the latest cds and dvd's! I went over for a snoop but I had got everything already.

Terry was a natural behind that stall, wittering away about which dvd was which and asking if any one needed any help at all. There's always a job on the market stalls for you Terry I think now!!!

He wanted to know if any one had a belt as he kept pulling UP his trousers....Terry has lost so much weight.

Next I went past Zeb who looks just the same as he did about 15 years ago. But still no Diane and co!

We went to look for our seats and as the usherette lady was telling us were they were, I spotted a gorgeous little girl that had to be Courtney I sussed. I'd never met her Mum, Karen before, so we had a bit of a chat about how long it takes from Accrington to Bradford and whether Courtney had braught Joe another teddy to the show. Courtney has got to be Joe's most gorgeous fan!!!!

I decided I would watch the first part of the show after all as Julie was still refusing to go to the stage door with me and continue my search for Diane and the girls. Karen asked if I'd seen them as she had looked out for everyone too but same luck!

I expected it to be a full house, the amount of people there seemed to be about but there was quite a few empty seats in the circle, though every seat was taken in the stalls below!

I spotted Michelle, Eddie and Lyndsey coming in just before the lights went out who were lucky enough to be on the front row.

I was really pleased when the show started and the man saying "Welcome to the show" turned out to be Maurice Grumblweed. I've never seen the Grumblweeds and was glad it was name I know.

He wasn't hilerious and I'd heard some of his jokes before but he was a definite THUMBS UP! It sounds like he's with Joe until the end of the tour.

Poor old Michelle and Eddie got picked on non stop. Maurice was complimenting Eddie what a pretty young wife he has but when it turned out, he was talking about Michelle not Lyndsey.

"So how long have you been together?" he asked Michelle to which she replied,"He's my Dad!"

It was so funny! Ahh the added bonuses of booking the "daring" front row Michelle!!!!

Like at all recent shows, Mr Grumbleweed spoke of what a true pro Joe is. He said he'd seen Joe at the Grand and what a show it had been but to kindly rememeber Joe is still quite vunerable so could any one wishing to take him pressies and flowers to the stage only do so at the end!!!!

Interval time arrived and I had one more look for my friends. I'd just gone back to my seat when I spotted them all looking for theirs somewhere near the front of the stalls. They were gazing up at the circle looking for Me but by the time I waved and caught their attention, the interval was over. Di was waving for me to come down but I stayed put as I had visions of going down and being locked inside the stalls without a seat and causing a bit of a scene. (HA HA)

I love the new start of the show! The curtains opened and the band began to play a medley of all Joe's best known songs," When your old wedding ring was new" and finally "SOMEWHERE", where to no surprise Joe came on! Every one downstairs got up out of their seats but I think I just screached JOOOOOOEEEEEEEEE!!! For a few moments I had to fight back the tears as I felt quite emotional...from where I was sat JL looked just like the old Joe! It was such a relief to see him standing there again!

Do you know, I can't even remember the first song he sang, I think I was out of it! (ha ha) I just sat there on "other planet mode" but he burst into PEOPLE WHO HAVE PEOPLE, the one Babs sings next, that I do know!

Vocally, it was like time had stood still for 2 years. There was a strange band but Joe was definitely the same during those first few non stop songs! He belted them out but as time went on, I noticed just how thin his little legs are and there was moments when he just looked like a dodery old man. At one point I thought, IF THIS IS JOE GETTING BETTER, OMG WHAT MUST HE HAVE BEEN LIKE as he just seemed so frail. His little hands were dithering so. He struggled to get up on his stool a bit.

I looked around throughout the show to see what people were making of the performance. There wasn't a great deal of singing in the end and Joe had to explain that though he wanted people to make requests for his vocal impressions, at this point in his life, he has lost a few....."Try to think of singers in the middle range," he said but his sense of humour hasn't gone. He is daft as a brush. A lot of people sat there in silence round about me, so it was difficult to tell. Joe had chatted about goodness know what for a good ten-15 minutes, where people enjoying this bit of the show?

I'll be entirely honest and admit if Joe had sang all night and just said hello with a bit of "so how are you all tonight then" banter chucked in, I would have been totally made up but at this stage, it's just understandable that too many songs take it out on Joe. Other people love his middledy muddly stories!

It definitely wasn't my worst ever Joe show but ovbiously, probably not my best, though the buzz I got right at the start was like seeing him for the very first time all over again!

Amongst joking that the paino looked like a coffin, good heavens Joe, ha ha, we all learned that Nephew Keith is about to tie the knott after being with Donna, Joe's great Nephew Micheal's Mum, for 18 years. Joe dedicated the song, "If you love me, really love me" to Keith and Donna.

"Its about bloomin time they got married," said Joe who's performance of the song was spine tingling.....what a beautiful song for a beautiful voice.

Nieces Selena and Colleen were in the stalls so Joe shouted an hello!

It has to be said that though I first liked Joe as an impressionist but now much prefer JOE, I always love him doing Sinatra. Joe IS Sinatra, the impresison is so spot on and he did Sammy and Shirl and Tom and "Love is in the air" !

Afterwards I asked my pregnant Sister if her baby had moved at all to which she replied,"Only when Joe did LOVE IS IN THE AIR" so He's going to be a bit of an up tempo fan my Nephew!

I have no idea how long Joe did just that his final song was "IF I NEVER SING ANOTHER SONG" which seemed like a pretty heart wrenching song this time last year, they even named the most hard hitting JL video ever after it...thank Goodness it is now performed knowing Joe definitely will sing ANOTHER SONG!

There was no chance of me getting downstairs so I just sat there as a voyer and watched Joe struggle a bit to shake hands...he was armed with gifts and flowers and though there was someone on stage, no one came to help. But he did tremendously well.

Outside leaving, I eagerly listened to hear what every one said.

"He's still not right is he," I heard one lady say, "But it's just a case of him getting better and better now! It's amazing he was here at all!"

The road leading up to the stage door was a solid block of people. I so wanted to go and see Joe come out so much but reluctantly headed back to the car to rescue my Hubby from my toddler son.

It's funny when I go to other shows, I always come out feeling exstatically happy but with Joe, it's different, I always come out thinking,"Right, so where is next??????"

I was disappointed I'd not managed to catch up with Diane and the girls but was I dissapointed with Joe?

Definitely NO and by the way.....

HULL IS NEXT!

Review by Mandy - Lewisham

I recently saw Joe at Lewisham and he was just great!. He looked great, sang great and made me laugh and cry all in one night, I couldnt ask for anything more.

No one sings like Joe.

Come back to Lewisham soon Joe.
GOD BLESS.

LOVE MANDY.

Review by Betty - Broadway Theatre

Hello fans of Joe
My name is Betty and I must say how very glad I was to see Joe back on form at the Broadway Theatre last saturday evening.(that was the 29th of April). I thoroughly enjoyed myself, singing along to all the familier songs that only Joe knows how to sing It was my birthday on the 26th of April , and seeing Joe was a birthday treat from my husband Dave.
Joe has lost some weight, but then he has been through a lot in the past year. He still has the voice although he didnt think he would ever be able to sing again. but being Joe he was back on form after a period of time
We are going to see him again in Blackpool later in the year so if anyone could recomend a good hotel we would be grateful.
Im signing off for now hope to hear from someone soon
Best wishes to all fans of Joe
Betty

Review by Diane Keating - Sheffield

Friday 5th May. Sheffield City Hall.

Jean, Denise Carol, Colin and I arrived in Sheffield at around 5.30pm and went to the Pub at the back of the city Hall where I rang Dave Dastardly so he could come and have a bite to eat with us before the show.
The show was to start at 7.30 and we were still eating at 7.10 so decided to give the first half a miss, although we did get to hear the female singer who sounded very good, we then went to have a chat to Geraldine who was at the Merchandise stand and looking a bit forlorn when we were told that Joe had still to arrive….she wasn’t worried about him not turning up, more that we were off to the stage door to welcome him and she had to stay put!..
We walked slowly round the back of the theatre and there was only one lady there so we just stood enjoying the lovely warm evening when Denise looked back and muttered “he’s here” we all stood back as he walked toward us with Jamie carrying his suit and John by his side, Joe was wearing a cowboy hat showing a few curls beneath it and Navy pin stripe suit, he stood for a minute or two and signed Jeans calendar and then had a little chat about how he still had a cold then walked very gingerly down the steps to his dressing room.
Of course we then went to tell Geraldine we’d seen him arrive, just to sicken her off a little bit more, had a word with Terry Lodge and it was time to take our seats for the best part of the show, we were on the front row…………….second block!! That’s what comes from booking on’tinternet! Dave had a seat right at the front on his own, I think he must have some contacts somewhere!!

Joe walked onstage wearing his tux and his hair seemed to have relaxed a little bit and the curls didn’t look as tight and I quite liked it, there were times when, from where we were sitting he looked as he did about 5 years ago.
The last time we saw him was Easter and he was brilliant then but now his voice is a lot stronger although with having a cold he was a little breathless after each song as he was talking, but then again he was talking 10 to the dozen! The whole place was laughing at some of the things he was saying, that’s one good thing about not being at the front…all his fans laugh at most of the things he says but where we were we could hear everyone laughing and enjoying the whole show.
He asked the audience their favourite singers and said they won’t sound like they used to because…unprintable on here but something to do with his lower regions has altered his voice for a while he then did a fabulous Johnny Mathis singing Too Much Too Little Too Late., Barry White, Matt Monroe and the whole Rat Pack which were spot on, Brilliant!
He did a lot of birthday requests and also said this is for Pat Winfield and sang an Elvis song for her, he did Rigsby, Frank Spencer and I can’t remember the others he was just throwing them in as he was talking.

He was full of cold and sniffing a lot then picked up the towel, held it up to see what it was,[ well it did look more like a nappy!] Then turned his back on us all and blew his nose on it!!! Only to forget later on when he almost picked it up to wipe his face on ha! ha! aarrgghh Joe! He doesn’t care does he!
He finished with If I never Sing Another Song and was inundated with cards and flowers at the stage, we did manage to get down there and right under the microphone in case he sang another song before going off, but he wasn’t well so off he went, the place was crowded and it took ages to get outside where we once again made our way to the stage door where there were hoards of people, just like the old days when you just couldn’t get near him, after about half an hour he was walking up the steps toward us with his nephew Keith and stood at the side of the car and took his hat off and waved then he got in and was driven away by Jamie with Joe waving in the back seat.

We all hung around chatting for a while with Geraldine and her family, Carl Winfield, Zeb was there and a few more then it was time to go home after a lovely afternoon and evening.

Review by Dee - Southend

Well I am back from Southend, Cliffs Pavilion, although we nearly didn't get there as my son got two punctured wheels, but we found a quick fit always the way, and we left early to see a bit of Southend and look round the shops first, after all it was only fair on my son as he was taking me and he is not a Joe fan himself. Anyway all was well, got the wheels fixed and made our way to the Cliffs car Park. At about 7.30 we went in, at 8.00pm the show started with a commedian, who got all the audience laughing, he wore a multi coloured jacket but I didn't get his name, he warned the audience that Joe was unsteady on his feet and to wait to give flowers and gifts to him at the end of his performance. After the interval the band started up fabulous I thought, and although we were in terrible seats I thought I was lucky to be there and have a seat at all. Joe appeared and the audience gave a great reception, not one seat was empty. I thought his little legs were so unsteady, but his lovely voice was just the same, and his blonde hair made him look younger again. His first song was For Once In My Life, he done a great Neil Diamond tribute, Matt Monro, and sang my very favorite as himself If You Love Me, He talked about the hospital of course and what he has been through, although he always says its worse for the family, he never feels sorry for himself. Joe had a little drummer who he bought to the front, and made stretch stand up, so it was little and large standing there and Joe stood in the middle, that was very funny all lined up! Joe talked about his mum and dad,he said that before he came on stage he was speaking to his dad and he had told him that the write ups were good but they didn't like his wig, Joe pulled his hair to proove it was no wig and that caused a laugh. He hasn't lost his sense of humour, and I am sure his voice will go from stength to srength. I forgot my binoculars, so detail was hard to see, but I certainly could hear everything even his cheeky jokes that he always does. Anyway it was a lovely evening, and Joe finished with If I Never Sing another Song, and people handed him flowers carefully and seemed to keep in mind that he was not strong enough to be rushed to much and took their turn, which was nice. Had a really lovely evening, even though the day did not start great it was all worth it.

Dee

Review by Joeie Smith - Southend and Lewisham

>
> I have been to see Joe Longthorne a few times now but I think I get more
> excited each visit. Obviously there was a huge gap between my last show and
> South End and Lewisham due to Joe taking time off to have his bone marrow
> operation. Like every one there was one time when I thought I may have
> already been to my last Joe show and only discovering him in a few years ago
> I do not want to think it is any where near over yet for me.
> I have always gone to see Joe with my partner but since breaking up l needed
> a new Joe show buddy. Living back at home in Reading with mum and dad gave
> me chance to work on brain washing my mother to go with me. She wanted to
> know what all the fuss is about so she said she would. I was so excited to
> see what Mum would think of him.
> I drove to south end on sea but didn't have the day off work to go early.
> When I got home it was a mad rush to get there. I do not know why but I
> felt like it was me performing. I had butterflies real bad but it must have
> been the excitment. We made it just in time and found our rubbish seats but
> like Dee put in her review we were just glad to be there at all. I would
> have peed my self if I had been nearer to Joe any how. hee hee. Sorry.
> I didn't take much notice of the comedien either. He was ok but I just
> wanted Joe to come on. He told every one not to go up to the stage whilst
> Joe was on until the end as he is still quite fragile. Joe was probably
> safer with me at the back then. hee hee.
> Mum said she thought I had been having her on about all the flowers Joe
> gets. She had a really good time and I think I can count on her to go with
> me again in future. She seemed to really enjoy it and was happy to talk
> about it all the way back home.
> I tried to go up to the front at the end of the show but it was difficult.
> I didn't recognise Dee or Dave but then I was sort of preocuppied by some
> one else. hee hee.
> I was on cloud 9 when we walked back to get my car. The best part was still
> having another show to go to so soon. Yes Joe was a little shaky like
> others have mentioned but he was still fantastic. Obviously I could not see
> him very well but he looked fine from where I was sitting. He looked very
> slim and I could just make out his lovely thick blonde hair.
> The second night was even better if that is possible but I did have better
> seats so could see Joe more. It was incredible. How any one could not like
> Joe's voice or say he is not talented is unthinkable. When I called his
> update line a few weeks ago I did not know how Joe was ever going to sing
> when he could barely talk but he was like a power house on the stage. All I
> can say is I thought I had gone to heaven hearing him sing those old love
> songs I never thought I would like in a million years until I discovered the
> talent that is Joe Longthorne. I agree with Dave the second night was
> magnificant.
> After it was all over I felt like I was in heaven but I was sad that it was
> over. Blackpool suddenly seemed like a great place to go on holiday this
> year. hee hee. Diane says I have got the Joe bug. Yes I have. Big style.
>
> Love Jodie Smith xxxxxxx
>
> _________________________________________________________________

Review of Easter shows at The Grand by Dave

Joe Longthorne – Extravaganza!
Part 1!

My friend Jim won tickets to watch the launch of the new Doctor Who series on Saturday night of the Easter weekend. I had planned to be in Blackpool on this Saturday in preparation for seeing both of Joe’s Easter shows, however Doctor Who ranks alongside Joe as one of my passions so I found myself rearranging my Easter plans. The new arrangements involved being in King’s Cross on Saturday night for Doctor Who, staying in a Travelodge with Jim and jumping on a train from Euston, heading for Blackpool on Sunday morning.

Jim and I have both been in trouble in the past with our love of vodka, so we vowed to only drink beer or wine on Saturday night.

Our intentions started off good, but after a wild Saturday night ended badly with me sleeping in on Sunday morning! I showered, dressed, said my goodbyes and jumped in a taxi to Euston. I missed my train and had to plead to get my ticket changed.

I slept most of the way to Blackpool and arrived feeling fresher at Blackpool North. My friend David and his lovely wife picked me up. I had the use of David’s brother’s flat for the weekend. David’s brother (Lee) works at sea and was away at the time. On the way to Lee’s flat, we stopped at the pub. I was in too minds as to whether a drink was good idea or not, but decided to go for it. A couple of pints later, I was ready to head to the flat and get changed for the show.

It was only when I got into the flat (which was lovely) and started getting ready that the reality really hit me that I was actually going to see Joe perform live once again.

I arrived at the Theatre to see a queue of people waiting to get in. It was long queue, moving slowly, but nobody seemed to mind. I got inside The Grand and was greeted by Terry Lodge selling his marvellous wares. Terry looked good and had an impressive range of Joe goodies. I bought a new brochure and headed through to the bar. I soon saw Mary, Diane, Irene, Christine, Ann & Diane’s sister and other people who’s names I can’t remember (sorry) I said hello to everyone and then ordered a large vodka and coke. I went back to meet the lovely ladies and had a nice chat. My aftershave seemed to be popular and I remember being passed round to be sniffed. It was not an unpleasant experience!!!!

All too soon we were called to our seats, I was lucky to be seated 2nd row from the front. The evening was expertly opened by Tony Jo, who managed to skilfully move from discussing the seriousness of Joe's recent health troubles and how remarkable it was that Joe was appearing that night to making us roar with laughter at some first rate comedy. It was a near impossible situation for any comedian to work, but Tony Jo got it exactly right. A real professional!

It was interval time and off to the bar I went. Had another large vodka and milled around. I said hi to the ladies again. Everyone was excited. All too soon we were called for the second half.

The band started the overture and the crowd as one immediately started clapping. The instant Joe walked on stage the entire theatre rose to their feet. The sounds of cheers and encouragement were overwhelming. There is no doubt that when he first appeared, Joe did look somewhat fragile and I was somewhat concerned for him. However, seconds later that concern vanished as soon as Joe started singing. His voice was shaky at first, but got stronger and stronger. Joe’s hair had grown back with a vengeance and was blonde and curly. In between songs, Joe had the audience aching with laughter with his own brand of humour and his slant on his time in hospital. At no time did Joe show any hint of feeling sorry himself when talking about his awful illness. In fact, he was full of praise for all the wonderful nurses and doctors who cared for him.

After about what seemed like an hour, Joe said goodnight and waked off. `the audience were going wild. Joe eventually came back and about another 5 songs!

His confidence and voice grew and grew. I can’t remember all the songs he sung, but they included, People, As I Love You, Love Is In The Air, If I Never Sing Another Song, If I loved You, Barry White and many others.

…………To Be Continued!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review from Chelle - Glasgow

> Where do I start? There's so much to tell about my first Joe concert in three and a half years. It wasn't because I lost interest in Joe just with where I live and now having Bailley to think about, it isn't easy to see Joe like I could before.

> After not getting to the hotel til 6.45pm I had visions of not seeing Joe! With rough directions on how to get to the pavillion I got there just after 7.30pm. There were still people queueing to get in and people looking at the merchandise which Terry Lodge was selling. The first half of the show was with a comedian from Blackpool called Ricky Lane.

> The interval came and I spotted Irene and I went and introduced myself and we had a lovely chat. We said that we would hopefully see each other after the show. The lights were dimmed and the music started, Somewhere was playing and before Joe came on he had a standing ovation. Joe came on wearing his tuxedo and started singing "For one in my lifetime" a song which i'd never heard before. I'm not the big softie type of person, but at this moment in time. I had tears in my eyes and a lump the size of a golf ball in my throat. Of course they were with happiness. Joe then sung People who need people. Joe said that we would talk to us later but was warming up. Joe's voice was the same as usual excellent. Joe did several impressions. Joe talked about his time in hospital and about his childhood and his parents. Joe showed us how he learned to play the piano making it sound like a pub piano. Just as he was away to move the crowd cheered and he sang a song whilst on the piano. Sorry can't remember what song it was! Joe did a bit of Elvis and Neil Diamond and of course the brat pack.

> Joe went on to tell us that Lena Martell will be doing the a weekend with him in September and he sang As I love you. Another tear in my eye as that was my 1st dance at my wedding reception. The end of the night neared and Joe finished with If I never sing another song. At the end of the song a crowd of people went to the stage, to give Joe presents. flowers and cards. Joe was also shaking hands at the same time, and for the first time ever I was at the front of the stage! and shook hands with Joe!. As Joe left the stage, the curtain fell and the light switched on. I spotted Irene who introduced me to Dave. We all chatted briefly and then said goodbye. It was the end to a perfect day.

> Chelle

>

DEAR MARY. as promised.

Well at last the time had come that we all had been waiting 10 months for.

Trying to find a car park was a mess,and then to walk to the Grand in the rain.
But that didn"t matter either, we were going to see Joe.
I got in my seat in the theatre and watched peoples faces,coming in and sitting down,All were very exited.
Then the intro. started, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife.

Then he walked on, and wow, uproar,to see this man stood on stage.
The first time out of his house,since his op. was awsome.The lady next to me was crying already, Iwas just going all hot and cold,and thinking ,Plaese don"t sing too many songs 3 or 4 would be enough. You could see he was very weak by the way he walked,but that brilliant voice was there. Not one note out of place Then I cried.Especially when he sang my favourite song,(I Beleive I,m gonna love you.)He was brilliant because he wouldn.t have been able to rehearse as much as he would have liked.
Bless him ,he was shaking and you just felt like giving him a hug,didn"t you?
He didn"t look anything like the Joe we saw last May on his Birthday,but the strengh in the voice was there,

Those lungs must be fine now. Istill don"t think he should do a a tour just yet until next year. Because I had a big operation and Ithink it takes a good 2 years to get over it .

God Bless you Joe.Here"s looking forward to seeing you later on this year at the Paradise Room, And may your health continue to improve, Love Barbara xxx babz

Barbara Lowe, Bolton

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THE BEST 2 JOE LONGTHORNE SHOWS .... EVER

Well here I am, back home from Blackpool after what I know will remain a very memorable weekend. I can't believe it's a whole year since I last saw Joe, at the Paradise Room at Easter 2005 & it feels that the year has just flown by, even though when he was so ill a few months ago the time just dragged by. What can I say that hasn't already been said - he was just fantastic, stupendous. I'm still coming back down to earth again, having been on 'Planet Joe' for a couple of days - I don't want to come back down to earth, let me remain on Planet Joe forever ha ha ha. It was a long way for Alan and myself to come to Blackpool from Southampton - a round trip of 480 miles, but I think it was worth it but he's the only entertainer I'd ever travel that far for. Joe could only come back to the stage for the first time once after the bone marrow donation transplant and I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Before the first show I felt calm, but excited as well, if that makes sense!! On arriving at the theatre the first person I spotted was Jamie [Moran] walking along the side of the theatre so I knew that meant Joe was there so thought that was a very good start !!

There were a lot of people milling around outside the front of the theatre,, with some being interviewed & on camera [I assume by the local press] & Terry Lodge was there. I then went along to the bar by the theatre and there were Mary, Diane & Christine & it was great to meet them for the first time, although we didn't have much time to chat but they were lovely & then Dave arrived & it was great to meet him as well. I'd already spotted Zeb walking around and Tony Jo was in the bar too.

Before long the bell rang and it was time to make our way through to the theatre and to our seats - that's when I knew that wonderful moment was here, that after all the months of worrying whether Joe would be well enough, that he was really going to be on that stage in the next hour or so. When the lights went down the atmosphere really seemed to hot up and on walked Tony Jo. He was in good form, and as usual wasn't satisfied with his welcome so went offstage to be announced again and come back on to huge applause. He did a great routine, telling some really funny gags, no smut necessary, he can be funny without four letter words thank goodness. He was telling us all about Joe, how he was feeling and really did a great job as compere. After that, he announced a 20 minute interval & that's really when the adrenaline really started to flow LOL I didn't want to go out to the bar for a drink, though I think a stiff vodka would have been good for me at that point [ha ha] but I didn't think I'd have time to drink it [oh yes I would!!] & get back to my seat & I didn't want to risk missing a moment of Joe coming back on stage. Anyway, the lights eventually dimmed again &, OH BOY, the atmosphere was absolutely unbelieveable. I think you had to actually be there to know what I really mean, but I can honestly say that I've never known anything like it in my whole life. The curtains went back and there was Joe's wonderful orchestra with "Stretch" swaying away at the piano like he always does. We had a medley of Joe's songs and ..... then.......... came the Somewhere music intro and the theatre then started to erupt & people around us started standing up because we knew Joe must be standing in the wings waiting to come on stage. And then, there he was, walking on stage and the whole place just WENT ABSOLUTELY WILD, IT WAS AWESOME and just unbelieveable and at the risk of repeating myself again, I've never known anything like it in my life. I'm sure there is going to be a DVD released of the first show and I hope they don't edit out the build up to Joe coming on stage and that the atmosphere really comes across because it was just so incredible. I think Joe was a bit blown away by the welcome too. And bless him, he was just so nervous and shaking like a leaf - I just wanted to fling my arms round him & give him a great big hug & take care of him - and I bet all the other fans wanted to do the same as well! He looked just great, wearing a lovely formal dinner suit - just the right thing for a very special occasion. The new hair style surprised me, & to be really honest, I wasn't too keen but hey, it's up to Joe how he has his hair & maybe it'll grow on me. I like the colour anyway.

He started singing for Once in My Life, followed by People and then some other songs but I can't remember the order he sang them. He was reading out messages, joking about the nurse in the hospital and really, just being Joe. He did seem to flag a bit, looking tired & I felt quite worried at one point that he was going to pass out but I think a lot of it was just sheer exhaustion caused by the emotion of the occasion and he carried on. There was a stool and a chair on stage for him but he never used the chair at all, just sitting sometimes on the stool. Eventually he decided he was singing his last song and off he went, only to return for what I thought was going to be one encore, and he did about another five songs. Eventually he went off stage again & a few moments later walked back on, taking off his jacket so I knew then he was really finished. Then it was all over and out of the theatre we came, & I was just buzzing
Unfortunately there were some moans from people sitting behind us wanting those at the front, standing up in front to sit down because they couldn't see Joe on the stage. That's fair enough I suppose but I couldn't say much because I was standing up myself, dancing around when he was singing Love Is In the Air - what a fantastic arrangement of that song with the real latin american rhythm to the song - yariba, yariba !! - Stretch is a really good musical director for Joe. Then on the way out a woman was moaning because she'd brought flowers to give to Joe at the front of the stage and he hadn't bothered to collect them up - I just had to say say to her that he wasn't up to collecting flowers yet, that he's got to be careful of mixing too much at the moment, which she wasn't very pleased & glared at me but surely if she's a real fan, keeping up with what Joe had gone through, she'd have realised he's not yet got all his strength back. All she had to do was take the flowers and leave them at the front - Joe had said they'd be collected. Never mind, you can't please all the people all the time can you.

We walked back to our hotel [and it was blowing a gale !!] & I then had my Vodka and boy did I need it, then I had a second one. Eventually I went off to sleep feeling a very happy, relaxed bunny, knowing I was going to do it all again the next night. I didn't expect Joe's voice to be back to 100% Joe but he did brilliantly and should feel proud of himself.

For the next night, I think those of us who had been at the first night were more relaxed and we assumed Joe would feel more relaxed too, and he was. Tony Jo was in great form again, making us laugh at what had been published in The Gazette. Joe received another rapturous welcome and to me he looked so much more relaxed & happy, as though the previous night's performance had given him a giant injection of confidence. He was still a bit shaky but not that much and his singing was superb. He did a few impressions so I knew his confidence was coming back and his singing was absolutely superb. I think that now he's started again, it's a bit like riding a bike, he'll be up and running in no time. He just needs to be very, very careful that he doesn't overdo it so that he risks getting run down & exhausted but listens to the advice that I'm sure he'll get from Jamie and Zeb and his doctors.

Joe begins his tour at the end of this week and if he carries on as he did Sunday & Monday he will wow his audiences. I only wish I was going to another concert but I've nothing to look forward to at the moment, although I'm thinking of maybe doing a weekend when he's at the Paradise Rooms in the summer - I'll have to see. In the meantime, I've got my memories of Easter weekend 2006 - to sum up my feelings - UNMISSABLE, UNFORGETTABLE, AMAZING, JUST THE BEST EVER !!

Ann Yeo, Southampton

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Getting in the Theatre and into your seat, that old familiar feeling came - the lights went down and Joe came on !!

The emotions that went through us all are pretty much undescribable, to see Joe on stage after being so ill, was in itself, a miracle and also magical. The first song went by in a daze for me, he sang "For Once in my Life" , he was very shaky but believe me his sense of humour was all there, he was describing his bed baths ha ha!! I won't repeat it all on here but anyone who was there roared with laughter, put it this way the nurses would have known they had him there. He was very open with us about his illness and what he had been through the last few months. He sang all the wonderful songs, his voice just got stronger and stronger and so full of emotion as he went on to each song - So Deep is the Night is one of my favourites and when he started to sing it I really thought I would start getting tearful. He sang Mary in the Morning which always get the crowd bouncing, there was a bit of Elvis which crept in, Tony Bennett, San Francisco, beautiful song, You'll Never Know, Love is in the Air, and If I Never Sing Another Song. It seemed to me Joe just didn't want to go off the stage, he put his all into it, but the love in there between all the fans and Joe was fantastic. In typical Joe style, he also thanked everyone in the hospital who had looked after him, Manchester and Blackpool hospitals.

Then it was time for Joe to go he came back on the stage and as he went off waved to us all in delight.. Like Mary said safe to say Joe is back, fortunately he has a few days off in between dates which is a good thing, but the Grand Theatre dates gave Joe the ultimate boost for what he loves doing the best....................... singing and entertaining his many fans.

Candie xxx

Hi Mary.Joes return to the stage we think was absolutly brilliant we all thought he was right on Q. We enjoyed the two shows very much we cant wait to see him again soon.Sorry we didnt see you to speak too. love Val Alan & Mike.xxx

Easter Sunday 2006.

Jean, Denise Irene and I arrived in Blackpool about 12.30pm and after having a meal and our usual walk around and a visit to see Mary and Daryl we returned to the hotel and started to get ready for our first Joe show for 12 months…to say we were excited is an understatement!

We had arranged to meet a few forum members in the theatre bar at 6.30pm not realising that it doesn’t open till almost 7 we arrived, too early, along with Johnnie Casson, Tony Jo, Pat Mancinni, Rod Stewart and I don’t know how many more celebs who were there along with us fans to welcome Joe back to the stage, and welcome him back to us.
We met Chris M. Dastardly Dave T, Ann and her husband from Southampton, Colin and Carol, Geraldine etc; who were all standing outside the bar having a drink before the show…the bell rang and at last it was time to take our seats on the third row centre aisle, Tony Jo did the first half of the show telling us about how Joe had, unknown to the fans spent some time on a life support machine and telling us that they didn’t tell us because they didn’t want us to worry!
He then said that Joe isn’t the only Superstar to make a comeback on Easter Sunday!
After a short interval in which I met Diane from Consett in the toilet queue, (she’s a lovely pretty girl) it was, at last time for Joe, I was trembling and suffering with an erratic heartbeat with the thought of seeing and hearing him once more, when he just walked onstage wearing a beautiful Tuxedo and white shirt and a hairstyle just a little too like Liberace,s for my liking ha! ha!… The whole place erupted and everyone in the entire place was on their feet clapping and cheering, Joe just stared in disbelief and after a short while began to sing Frank Sinatra’s “For once in my Life” in his own wonderful voice, which at the start was a little shaky and not quite the Joe we know, which is only to be expected with the length of time it’s been since he was last on a stage, plus the uncontrollable shaking of his poor body…I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest, it had been such a long hard journey for Joe to get to this point and no-one in the audience could quite believe this was actually happening at last! He was a little shaky as he went into the next song “People Who Need People” and for the first half hour we were on our feet after most of the songs which helped Joe along and as the evening went on we were seeing our old friend return……unbelievable!! And still he shook, having to hold the microphone in both hands and saying at one point “I’ll do Tom Jones now which will give me an excuse to shake”
Joe didn’t have any swelling around his neck but just a little puffiness around his cheeks and he looked wonderful, his voice just got stronger and stronger as he did the likes of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra, and started telling a few stories from the hospital and a noisy cleaner who he called Fat A***! He then started praising the nursing staff for what they do and saying “They do anything for the patients!” He then turned and with that cheeky glint in his eye he gave us all a little too much information….” They even wiped me ar*e” he told about 500 people!! Ha! ha! he then said “and after they’d done it I said Thank you”. LOL!!
He sang So Deep Is The Night and said Goodnight, Everyone who could get to the orchestra pit, did so and we stood by our seats clapping and waving as he went backstage, only to return and as the whole place stood Joe sang a further 5 or 6 songs and as he did so it was like watching a young Joe all over again, the confidence returned as did his wonderful stage presence, he straightened up, squared his shoulders and belted out the songs one after the other…during the evening he’d sang I wanna be where you are, and Mary in the Morning and I never expected him to do the other up tempo one which is my favourite…Love Is in the Air…but he did and he danced onstage as we danced in the aisles.. the whole night was absolutely fantastic, and when Joe finally walked into the wings we knew HE WAS BACK!! With a vengeance!
We met some fans at the stage door area, although we knew Joe had gone, we were all saying how wonderful it was to see something a lot of us thought was just a dream…Joe back onstage looking and sounding better than ever.
We put Mary into a taxi and we walked on air to a place to eat then back to the hotel where we went to bed after a wonderful day and another concert to look forward to the following night!

Diane Keating, Leeds

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My weekend at The Grand - 16th/17th April

On Sunday, I started my journey to The Grand in a taxi at 6.20 p,m and picked up Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene on the way. We had arranged to meet up at the Matcham Bar, but when we got there, found it didn't open until 7 pm so we waited outside chatting to other fans. Eventually when it opened, Ann from Southampton and her husband joined us. Ann is really lovely and I was pleased to meet her, Dave came and had a word with us.

At about 7.25 pm we took our seats in the theatre. Tony Jo compered the show for the first half hour then there was a 20 minute interval. Joe came on stage at 8.25 pm and he had a standing ovation and the atmosphere was electric. Joe was dressed in a black tuxedo and bow tie and his hair has grown back thick and curly and was blonde. His voice is as strong as ever. He seems to have lost weight but he looked a lot better than I had expected. It was apparent he was very nervous as he was shaking so much. He didn't do much in the way of impressions, just kept to his own singing which I prefer a lot better. At around 9.25p.m, Joe said goodnight when the fans rushed to the front of the stage but couldn't get right up to him because there was a barrier. He then sang another five songs. When we got out, Joe had already gone so we didn't see him.
We then made our way home so excited that the night had gone so well. There was a new brochure on sale which I bought.

Sunday morning Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene came round for a couple of hours so we all had a good chat talking about the show the night before.

At 6 pm, Dave, Diane, Denise, Jean, Irene and myself all met up at The Duke of York pub on Dickson Road which is only just down the road from my house. It was nice because we could all have a conversation in a quiet location. About 7 pm we all got a taxi down to The Grand. This time, we didn't go in the first half of the show so we actually saw Joe arrive. He got out of his car and went straight in the stage door. When Joe came on stage, again it was a wonderful atmosphere and once again he had a standing ovation. He seemed more relaxed than the night before although he was still shaking a bit. He did a couple of impressions, Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey but mostly did his own singing. He was on stage one and a half hours and ended with If I never sing another song. I would say, if anything, the show was better than the Sunday night. I think we can safely say that Joe is back. Once again, when we got out of the theatre, Joe had gone.

A reallt truly and memorable weekend

Mary Lowe, Blackpool

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Went to Joe’s show on Easter Sunday at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool. What a show right from the start of Joe entering stage I had tears in my ears, what a man, what a performance, it was the most emotional show I have ever been to of joe’s and I have seen him now 7 times. I felt as though he should have sat down more, don’t think anyone would knock him for that, after all we were sitting down, and getting up and down and getting up. Fantastic entertainer, well done Joe.

Diane Taylor

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Reveiw By Chris from Rhyl

We had a good journey through to Blackpool, into the car park by the Paradise Rooms at 1pm, after two hours on the road. We made a cup of tea, freshened ourselves up, then joined the queue that was forming to get into the venue. The excitement was building up! Just about everyone was in their Sunday best, and carrying presents galore. Just after 1pm we started up the stairs and into the Paradise Rooms. Blue and gold balloons, plus metallic confetti adorned the tables, which were already set with pate as our starter course. We made our way to our table and left cameras etc with Sue's mum whilst we went back to look at the merchandise. Terry was selling all the advertised cd's etc, and I think it was John Boy's girlfriend selling 50th birthday souvenir brochures for £5. Sue and I both bought a brochure and the DVD 'If I Never Sing Another Song' - quite an emotional DVD to watch I can tell you- thought I expect the covering of The Bash might be more moving! I saw Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene by the bar (where else?) though of course the excuse is that it was cooler there! It was pretty hot in there! I saw Candie and Mary later in the afternoon. Tony Jo asked us to take our seats around 2pm to start the meal, though some people had finished the pate already! He spoke up as I passed him and said 'There's a lady here wearing a car seat cover' (I was wearing a long leopard print over shirt) Hope that bit's edited, LOL. He did come over and give me a hug and kiss by way of 'apology' (are you jealous Dave? LOL) Then he said 'Who is sitting here?' pointing to Sue's chair- after we answered Sue he said' She's lost weight!' (She was at the bar).He later asked Sue if she worked for the BBC as a test card- she was wearing a black and white striped shirt!
Throughout the afternoon there was a tombola running, but despite my best efforts and 3 tickets ending in 5 or 0 I didn't win anything. Raffle tickets were also being sold whilst the meal was in progress and nearly everyone at our table helped tear and fold them up later. It's one hell of a job isn't it? Didn't win a prize their either, ( not like last year, my 2 china mugs which I still have). Music was provided by The Trio- Kevin? Goodwin on electric organ, a lady singer playing bass and a drummer. Pleasant afternoon tea music! Lovely meal, after the pate, lamb with veg', then a roulade= raspberry and hazelnut, followed by coffee. Sorry to hear Barbara didn't get any, did everyone else? Tony Jo kept chatting away at intervals eventually telling us that Joe was on his way. We had an auction too of several items- an Engelburt book ad photo,AJLCharity appeal ribbon sash -a 2006 Joe Calendar compiled by Joe Wildy An item that showed a lot of interest was a photo of a horse given to Joe( who'd decided to call it Gypsy Joe) plus the first share certificate . Fans will be notified eventually via the Official site and will be able to buy shares for £200. The horse is 6 months old now and will be racesd when 2 years old. Tony Jo said it would be an excuse for all the fans with shares to get together at the racetracks! Do I hear any bids?
A young teenage protégée of Terry Lodge's- Jay Dee Adams sang a couple of songs for us then The Trio finished and the stage was raised from the ground, quite nifty. Tony Jo explained that the stage had been raised to protect Joe from being mobbed! He explained that he didn't want the same fiasco as at last year's bash and that Joe would be going around all the tables to speak to everyone. Only the folk whose table he was at were allowed to stand -even Geraldine got "told of"! At one point later, and was asked to lead by example and sit down!! Geraldine and Tony pushed Joe's birthday cake onto the stage -a lovely 3 tier one which Pat Mancini had designed in the shape of a piano. Tony was kept busy taking photos of it for everyone whilst Joe was going around the tables.Fair do's to the man he was so willing, he even handed a cameras over to someone else on stage at one point saying he needed the toilet, then carried on when he came back!!
We were told at last that Joe had arrived and he came onto stage to tremendous applause as you would expect. We all sang Happy Birthday. He spoke a little about his forthcoming treatment and said it was a lady donor but he didn't mind he was halfway there already! Tony Jo had mentioned the donor was such a close match that she could've been Joe's twin, and that Joe's doctors thought he was as strong as on ox, apart from his bone marrow - so that's all good news isn't it? Joe then pretended to cut the cake - (we didn't get any, aahh!). Then off on his rounds. Some official photos were taken as Joe went around greeting everyone and he was followed by the cameraman. He had John Boy and Derek, plus Zeb going around with him. Joe was a real trooper and went to all the tables. I heard him say at one table I'm taking you all into hospital with me. I'm sure he was taking everything, in trying to remember it all for future reference when in hospital, to boost himself up then. Joe signed my souvenir brochure after Zeb spotted it on the table and asked if I wanted it signing. Wasn’t that kind of him? At around 5pm Joe was ready to leave and we all sang Happy Birthday again. Then we all went out to allow staff to clear the tables properly and the band does a sound check.
At last! In the interval we had another cuppa, and chatted to friends of Sue's from Liverpool- they have helped sell merchandise in the past so are familiar faces. Everyone seemed to be having the same idea as 'fans' drifted into the cafeteria below the Paradise Rooms. Some folk were having a full meal surprisingly and others, who won't be mentioned, were having chips!! Well, we did have to wait until 7pm before we could go back upstairs! Caught up with Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene. Diane said 'Have you seen Duncan?' and pointed him out to me, so I asked him if I could take his photo for Karen, and he obliged - posing with the girls!
Then everyone disappeared to get themselves ready for the evening. We freshened ourselves up, changed tops and redid our makeup, well one has to make an effort don't you think? LOL. Back inside we queued again for a short while. All the tables were full for the show and Tony said the Paradise Rooms had never ever held so many people. The raffle was drawn with a bottle of brandy, then champagne, then another photograph of Gypsy Joe given as prizes. Another auction took place- Tony Jo is getting quite good at this isn't h? This time it was Joe's Captain of the Ship jacket and hat - Joe's getting a new one (as is Tony Jo). The highest bidder was the gentleman who'd got the share in the horse earlier (and as I've seen on DVD, he bought one of Joe's suits at the Bash in Leeds last year, (some money spent there!) I said to Sue I'd bid if I was a single person, but couldn't justify it with a family to support.
Tony called upon several celebrities to give a few words about Joe- Tony Wildy, Maxine Barry, Pat Mancini,Maurice Grumble weed (have I spelt it right in this review, LOL),and another local lady Tracey? - A regular fund raiser who'd once spent a night in a prison cell drinking champagne. Tony also said that Pat M had recently broken down in her hired limo, on the way to a charity 'do' in Hull! The engine had overheated. Just to make sure she got there they used sparkling water then a Magnum of champagne to top up!!
Well, on with the show. We were entertained firstly by a young man singing Walker brother’s songs -Chris Farrel, very deep voice, and a difficult spot for him to fill - when we were all waiting to see Joe. A mature lady Charlie James gave us a few renditions, before our 'old friend' Johnnie Casson entertained us. Then a 20 min' interval- nearly not enough time, there was such a queue in the ladies!
Joe came onto stage to rapturous applause again looking smart in his tux'. He opened with 'People' then chatted again for a while. He thanked everyone mentioned by Tony Jo plus Jamie and his family, who were sat at the back enjoying themselves. Lizzie was called up onto stage and sang 'Crazy' to Joe after a little encouragement. She kept saying 'I Love You Joe', it was quite emotional, but Joe loved it!!, and they ended up dancing together. Then Joe carried on singing, getting regular standing ovations, boy was his heart and soul on his sleeve that night! He sang 'So Deep Is The Night, which I haven't heard him sing for ages and another oldie I can't recall. Also 'Mary in the Morning, I Want to Be Where You Are and the love song from Carousel. He really was enjoying every moment and making it a night to remember, as he'd promised on his message on the update line.
He did several impersonations, Tony Bennett was joined by Max By graves and Bruce Forsyth, before we had Frank Sinatra. Stretch (organist/MD) and Dave Smith (drummer) were called out of the band for everyone to see their different heights. Joe stood in the middle- Stetch must be at least 6' 6'' and Dave about 5', I could just imagine me on the end at 4' 9'', LOL.. There was a very happy atmosphere with lots of hugs, really like a big family party. Then more songs I really thought it was never going to end, he did an incredible 90 mins I think. He even said at one stage 'Is anyone in a hurry to go home?' But of course it had to end sometime as Joe had to be ready to fly to Lisbon to join his cruise ship at 3pm the next day. I'm so glad he's managed it- he said it was too late for anyone to book now! He closed with 'If I Never Sing another Song, so poignantly relevant isn't it? Not many dry eyes in the place though he'd said he didn't want any tears. What a man!! He collected flowers from around the stage, going around twice and still missing me! I'll have to grow, or get stilts, LOL!
Well, that was it, all over, but what a night! We said our goodbyes to those we could and made our way out. I felt we were so lucky to have spent the day in his company. It was a magnificent 'final' appearance before he goes into hospital. But he'll be back!
In his own words (as per souvenir brochure ' one more mountain to climb then we can all move on together! We’ll be waiting won't we? Cheers Chris xx

Reveiw by Mary for birthday bash

As Diane has said, it certainly was a day to remember. I got in the taxi, in my wheelchair, at 1 o'clock and on the way picked up Diane, Denise, Jean and Irene and we arrived at the Paradise Rooms at around 1.15. We found the lift and Diane did an excellent job pushing me, she is a dab hand with a wheelchair, bless her. We found our seats and were pleased to see we were right up to the stage. We had our meal which comprised of a pate, braised lamb in a port wine and mint sauce, raspberry and hazelnut roulade topped with strawberry sauce, followed by coffee and mints. We were all so hot in there as there was no air conditioning on.

After the meal a young female singer came on who was very good. After that they raised the stage and Tony Jo came on and started an auction. He had a signed photo of a racehorse which Joe had named Gypsy Joe and someone paid £800, I think it was, for a part share in the horse plus the photo. There was also a sash that was worn by Pat Mancini at the "All Hands on Deck" show and that was auctioned for £250 and also Joe's sailors jacket and hat which brought in £900.

After the auction, Joe arrived and Geraldine brought his birthday cake on stage. It was a three tier cake with a grand piano on the top tier. (you can view this on the front page of my website). Joe then came on stage, his hair is falling out and very patchy at the back, and everyone started applauding and singing Happy Birthday and then Joe pretended to cut the cake. Tony Jo asked everyone to stay in their seats while Joe came round the tables. Ours was the first table he came to and he had a few words with us then moved on till he had been round all the tables. Tony Jo had to keep reminding people to stay in their seats or Joe would go.

After the bash had finished, I went home for an hour to freshen up. It was nice to get some fresh air after the heat indoors. While Candie and I were waiting for our taxi, Joe came out and went as well.

Candie and I went back at 7 pm and met Diane outside then caused havoc getting between the tables to my seat but the very friendly paradise rooms staff were fabulous helping us. It was still as hot in there as the afternoon but this time I came prepared with a mini fan which Denise, Diane and me shared.

It was now time for the show. First Tony Jo came on and asked one or two people to say a few words about Joe. First Joe Wildy who said how much Joe cared for his fans, then Maurice Grumbleweed, followed by Maxine Barry and Elaine Fossett.

First on stage was Chris Farrell who apeared on one of the early "All Hands on Deck" shows with his brother Rob as The Farrell Brothers. He sang a couple of songs, then there was a female singer called Charlie followed by Johnnie Casson. There was then a 20 minute interval before Joe came on stage wearing a tuxedo and bow tie. He look lovely and immediately got applauded and a standing ovation. He started with People Who Need People, followed by If You Love Me, Really Love Me, then Mary in the Morning and I can't remember what came next. He sang three new songs, one was called "What He Did For Love" and again can't remember the other two. His voice was very powerful and he seemed in very good spirits. His Mum and family were in the audience and he introduced them all one by one. He got his sister Liz up on stage to sing "Crazy" ...She has a brilliant voice and is the image of Fred. Joe told us he was going on a cruise to Portugal the following day but we couldn't go as it was too late to book.

I didn't wait to see Joe come out after the show, I would loved to have done as while we were waiting for our taxi, there were a few fans waiting for him, but I had to go as I had to get Candie's husband to get me in the house with my wheelchair.

I am glad I was able to go after missing the Easter show but I have Diane to thank for me being there as when the tickets went on sale I was in hospital and if she hadn't booked for me I couldn't have got such a good seat. Thanks Diane. Also thanks to Candie and Paul for seeing me home.

It was truly a memorable day which I wouldn't have missed for the world

Mary

Review by Diane Keating for Birthday bash

What a day to remember!!! if only I had a good memory! and there was just so much going on that it's hard to remember every detail but here goes... We arrived at the Paradise Rooms at about 1.15pm and found our seats which were next to the stage so that was a good start. the room was very hot and just got warmer as the day went on ...no AC unfortunately! It started with a three course meal of pate, roast lamb, roast potatoes and veg, followed by something sweet, can't remember what...then a young female singer who was very good, but by this time we were near the bar where it was cooler...Tony Jo started the auction and someone paid £800 for a part share of a race horse named gypsy Joe, a name which Joe had chosen, plus a signed photo of the horse, there was also Joes sailor suit and hat which went for £900. and the sash Pat Mancicni had worn at the All Hands On Deck charity show which brought in £250.00, we were still at the bar as Joe arrived and one of his nieces came up and asked for a glass of water for him, we went back to our seats and Tony Jo announced that Joe had entered the building, Geraldine went up on stage and brought a three tier birthday cake on with a grand piano on the top...Joe came onstage..and the whole place errupted, with cheers, applause and us all singing Happy Birthday to him he took a knife and pretended to cut the cake for photos and then Tony Jo asked everyone to stay seated because Joe was going to come around every table, as he came down the steps ours was the first table he came to so he had a chat to us then a few of the fans gathered around him to have a photo taken by a photographer, then he was off to the next table and so on till about an hour or so later he had been round everyone, we all sang Happy Birthday again along with Joe who also sang it to himself then he was off.
We had an hour and half to kill so just went downstairs to the cafe where there were a few more fans and also Duncan who had been filming, Chris came over and took a photo of us with Duncan for Karen who hadn't a clue what he looked like and was dying to find out! then the time had, at last, come for the show... Tony Jo came on first and asked a few people to say a few words about Joe, one was Maurice Grumbleweed another was Joe Wildey and a lady who I think was from Macmillan, they all said some lovely things about him which, once again I can't remember! hopefully Chris or Candie will be able to.
After a female singer called Charlie and Johnny Casson and a twenty minute interval it was time for Joe, he walked onstage wearing a tux and bow tie, (I never mentioned earlier but his hair has started to fall out and is very patchy at the back) he looked lovely and once again the place erupted in applause and cheers, he went straight into People Who Need People, a lot of the usual songs and then did three new ones which I can't remember what they're called, he said that after his transplant he's going to do a whole new show complete with different songs, his voice was very strong and he seemed to be enjoying every moment, his family were in the audience and were calling out to him so he introduced each one of them, saying to his niece Julie who had shouted "Joe I love you so much" "next time you come Julie get your hair a proper colour, me mam didn't know who you were!" they were all shouting to him then and asked if they could all come up on stage to sing, to which he replied "no, stay where you are" and then he told his sister to stop crying! after singing some more songs he got Liz, his sister up to sing 'Crazy' she was very nervous to begin with and never took her eyes off Joe who was miming along with her, halfway through the song she said "I love you Joe" and then they were dancing on the stage, it was very emotional and so moving, and what a powerful voice she has, I think all the family must be blessed with great singing voices.
Joe started having a chat then about various thing which came round to funerals..whats he like! and life after death saying what he would like to come back as, the said "I don't care if I come back as a horses arse as long as I come back!!!"
After telling us he was going on a cruise to Portugal and saying " you can't come cos it's too late to book now!" it was the end and we were standing at the stage listening to him sing for the last time till he's fit and well again.
As we were leaving there were a few fans waiting at the stage door and Joes car was still there so even though it was very late we decided to wait to say goodbye to him, Liz and Julie came to the stage door and then went inside to see where he was and after a short while he came out with Derek Jamie and Julie, he said he'd really enjoyed the whole day and thanked us and said he'd be thinking about us all while he was in hospital and as he drove off he said I don't know when I'll see you again... but I will.
And that was it!!! such a wonderful day that I wouldn't have missed for the world.

I've just re-read the review above and when I said we started with a three course meal of...blah, blah blah! followed by a sweet and a young singer called charlie....I didn't mean she was part of our meal

All Hands On Deck

Review by Dave Taylor

I was so excited about going to this show for a number of reasons. I had not seen Joe since his Blackpool extravaganza last year, so was having major withdrawal symptoms, also I had missed his Easter shows this year due to work commitments, despite already having tickets. So I set off on Tuesday morning on the train from London in good spirits.

The journey was seemed to fly by, although I think the texting between Mary and I made the journey pass even quicker! I think the few Vodka’s and Tonics also helped pass the time….. I arrived at Blackpool North and headed round to meet my friend Ashley who had also offered me a room for the night. Ashley and I worked as Butlin’s Redcoats together way back in 1991 and have remained firm friends ever since. I enjoyed a good old gossip and catch up with Ashley along with a few more vodka’s! I was really buzzing when the time came for me to head to The Grand.

A brief taxi ride and I arrived. Upon entering the theatre I purchased some raffle tickets and saw Terry Lodge selling his wares. He was doing a great job promoting all the new products. I treated myself to a CD and headed into the stalls. I checked out my seat and was delighted to see how close to the stage it was. I was on the aisle second row from the front. Having not had any vodka for at least half an hour and having half an hour spare before the show started I of course decided to head top the bar. I ordered and vodka and tonic and had a wander round. I was really delighted to be recognised by Christine. What a lovely lady! Very friendly, her enthusiasm was infectious and got me even more excited.

Chrissie pointed out some key people in Joe’s life who were wandering about. Jamie looked really different, with his hair cut short and clean-shaven. I thought he looked very handsome indeed. I saw Joe’s nephew and Zeb White. Jeremy Beadle arrived and wandered around for a while.

It was time to take our seats, I was sitting beside some lovely ladies whom I recognised from some of Terry Lodge’s DVD’s. I’m sorry but I can’t remember their name. They however managed to guess that I was Dave who posted on the official site was surprising.

The show opened with a wonderful tribute to Winston Churchill. This guy both sounded and looked like Winston, which is quite, and achievement. The next act was a Robbie Williams tribute, I thought he looked really good, but was not that impressed with his vocals. He was however entertaining and really got the party started, he got a great reception, so the audience must have enjoyed him.

Tony Jo was on top form throughout. He is a first class compere and a wonderful host. He managed to keep the whole night flowing. We also had a brief appearance from Mr Beadle and Pat Mancini.

We then had comedian Ricky Lane, I think this guy is probably very funny in the right setting, however I don’t think he was on stage long enough for the audience to ‘get’ his particular style of comedy. I would like to see more of him in his own show. We had various other Blackpool acts, including some of The Rat Pat tributes. I enjoyed them all; they each had great voices and were very slick.

The interval consisted of more vodka and general mixing and mingling. It was lovely to meet Karen, Husband and Courtney and I enjoyed a brief chat with them. I can officially state that Courtney is as cute in the flesh as she is in her pictures!

Anyway, on with the show and time for Joe!!!!

Tony Jo said there are not many artistes who don’t need an introduction and walked of the stage. The music started and on came Joe singing People. Joe looked good, very smart in a modern crisp suit. His hair was short and a bit fluffy; the style was quite trendy in a David Beckham kind of way.

I’m really sorry, but I sat there watching totally transfixed that I’m finding it difficult to recall all the songs he performed. I do remember that he was really nervous for the first few songs, his hand was shaking and he apologised a couple of times for his nerves. He then did his legendary tribute to Shirley Bassey. WOW!!!!! It was better than I have seen in ages, due to his glands having gone down from around his neck, he was once again able to transform himself into Shirley. He had all the arm movements going and it was at this stage I thought….. Joe’s Back!!!! His voice for Shirley was exceptional. He sung This Is My Life and managed to emit so much emotion with his powerful voice.

Joe then moved onto his swing tributes including Frank, Dean and Sammy. The audience were singing along and Joe seemed to be having a ball. All to quickly it came to his last song, If I Never Sing Another Song….. Another great performance!! Joe did get a bit mixed up with his verses but managed to hide it well. At the end of the song I managed to get to the front of the stage. Joe accepted all the gifts from fans and shook some hands. I’m delighted to say that …… wait for it……. I GOT TO TOUCH JOE LONGTHORNE!!!!!! He shook my hands and gave me his winning smile.

The show then ended with the entire cast returning to sing That’s What Friends Are For, it was emotional.

After the show I spotted Geraldine who runs the fan club. She was lovely. The spooky thing was, she also guessed that I was Dave!!! I seem to be making a bit of a name for myself, not sure how really! I said my goodbyes to Chrissie and yes it’s true we had our second kiss of the evening!!

I then moved onto the after show party, most of the cast were there. The bar was still open, so more vodkas were ordered. I then was on a mission to wander round and meet some more people. I spoke to Keily Hampson and realised that the company I worked for had booked her to work on one of the P&O vessels that we supply entertainment too. She is a talented young lady with a gorgeous voice. She had also given a top performance that night….

Oh, I’ve just had a flash back. Joe gave a tribute to his mum and sung You’ll Never Know to her, which is such a lovely song….

Back to the party, I spoke to Zeb White for a while, he told me that Joe had a great night and was in good spirits. He wouldn’t however be attending the party. I did not expect Joe too in all honesty, so was not disappointed. Jamie was there though and was wandering around chatting for ages. I ended up chatting with the photographer who took the pics, which appeared on www.facesinplaces.com. A very charming young man indeed. I had a brief chat with Jeremy Beadle who seemed very pleasant.

I also forgot to mention Jonnie Casson in my review, he was hilarious as usual. I got chatting to him and was pleasantly surprised that he remembered working with me years back at a Butlin's Hotel in central London. I bought him and his wife a drink and spent some time recalling happy Butlin's memories.

All too soon the party ended and it was time to leave. All in all it was great night, and worth every penny. I’m sorry if my review seems a bit patchy, but it was nearly two weeks ago and it all seems a bit hazy. I guess the vodka has also contributed to my shady recollections!

If I have missed anything, or anyone has any questions please feel free to ask me via the forum.

Dave xx

Show review from Chris in Rhyl

On arriving in Blackpool at about 4pm,we made straight for Harry Ramsden's to eat, thought we'd miss the rush, LOL.. My friend Sue had a text message from another Sue (from Wolverhampton I think) to say she and her mother had just arrived in Blackpool, so we arranged to meet up for a natter while we ate. The first and last time we'll see them this year!
I popped out to move my car from the carpark to a free parking spot ( got to watch the pennies - I am retired, LOL) and saw Pat Mancini with Zeb outside The Grand when walking back. Just said Hello. After finishing our meal we made our way up to The Grand at about 6:45pm. There were people everywhere, inside and out. Raffle tickets were for sale, and I heard that they sold out, so it'll be interesting to see how much money was raised. One prize consisted of tickets for Joe's Bash- can't remember the other 2!! Short term memmory loss- perhaps Dave( London) will help out? I introduced myself to Dave and got several 'kisses' throughout the evening for my trouble! Met up in the interval and after show,a very pleasant young man - he was going on to the 'party' - we want the lowdown don't we girls? Also recognised Karen(Accrington) with Courtney and spoke to them. My friends Lorraine, Diane and Ann- who's 50th birthday it was- were there too! What a night for greeting and meeting friends we haven't seen for ages!
Well we all eventually went to our seats and the show began. Surprisingly Winston Churchill appeared(Neville St Claire) making his speech about 'their finest hour', with the Nelson Riddle Tribute Orchestra playing the Overture Theme from The Dambusters in the background. Tony Jo had picked up on the VE anniversary date and the whole show was a mixture of old and new. Robbie Williams was next( Dany Lowrie)-all the mannerisms, sang a couple of songs including ' Angel' The ships crew then appeared Tony Jo as 1st Officer, Johhnnie Casson apparently the ships cat, with Pat Mancini and surprise guest Jeremy Beadle. They had a general chat about what the show was all about and that there would also be an auction. Tony Jo auctioned a flag with Tiger Woods' autograph on it £600 I think, and again tickets for the Birthday Bash- with champagne and the opportunity to meet Joe afterwards.£550?
Carlos and Fernando -Timless sang several MoTown songs and they were excellent- performing in Benidorm girls if you are interested? Ricky Lane -comedian was next - remember him from the chariy show we attended on that very windy night Mary? Also remember singer Carol Kaye? fronted Joe on one of his tours?. Along came Peter Anthony- another singer with a very rich, deep voice singing some of 'Joe's' songs! Johnnie Casson entertained us with mixture of old and new gags before the Kings of Swing sang some songs of RatPack fame (they said they were one member short - he'd gone off on a donkey and not been seen since! Then it was time for the interval!
Well, in the interval I managed to have a few words with friends old and new again, and indulge in a quick icecream! Having bought a programme we knew we were in for a variety of entertainment in the second half too! After The Nelson Riddle Orchestra played a few songs, Jack Danson appeared as Rod Stewart- again all the mannerisms were there and he was escorted by three girls. Apparently he, and the next artiste Maxine Barrie(who sang as herself- but is sooo like Shirley Bassey !) plus the Robbie Williams lookalike were all in 'Stars In Your Eyes'. In the band were Stretch on the electric keyboard and on guitar the bald lad whose name I always forget - I hope they have found 'new' jobs. .A stage veteran Claude Powell then seranaded us Nat King Cole style -one of his songs was 'Lady Love'. Tony Jo had persuaded him to come out of retirement after 25 years! Carl Schofield made us laugh, and Keilly Hampson reminded us of her lovely voice and dress sense. Pat Mancini sang a song about Blackpool -dressed as a mermaid- she's done this routine before I was told! Fair do's to the lady - she does get involved! Tony Jo then had a spot, introduced by Jeremy Beadle. Then on finishing with 'And now comes the only man I know who needs no introduction' Tony walked off -- and Joe came on! The place went wild. He opened with 'People' as at Easter. His hair has grown and IS curling as few have commented on, that have seen Tuesday's photos! I thought he was in good voice and spirit, if looking a little pale.The grey suit at Easter suited him better than the smart tux! He did The Rat Pack mix,and the Shirley and Tom routine. A new song was included but can't for the life of me remember it - we even struggled to name it on the way home- but included the lyrics 'I Couldn't Do It Without You'. Sue thought it a tribute to Jamie( who was there looking very smart and spruced up) I thought a tribute to fans! Joe mentioned his illness and appreciation for the nurses and NHS. He gave Teresa, his mum, a mention too, she was there. Jo closed with 'If I Never Sing Another Song' and I don't think there were many dry eyes in the place! One gentleman had got up to shake Joe's hand when he said 'It's goodbye for maybe up to a year!' I guess he just couldn't sit any longer felt he had to make an expressive gesture. The atmosphere was charged! Everyone rushed to the stage and he was showered with the usual flowers and gifts. All the artistes came on and Joe shook their hands, then The Finale 'That's What Friends Are For'. That's so true isn't it, and Joe knows he can count on 'us' his friends to be there for him,whatever it takes, and for as long as he needs us! Cheers Chris xx

All Hands on Deck reveiw from karen at accrington - photos below

We arrived in Blackpool about 5.30 and we went for some tea before going to get a teddy for Joe from Courtney which costs double because every teddy she gives him she has one the same.
We got one from a shop on the prom then headed for the Grand theatre. We went in after buying some raffle tickets and having a look at what Terry was selling nothing new. Janet came over to say hello which was lovely and i handed her the flyers she had asked for then Christine came over and that was the same nice to meet her. The show started with the overture theme from dambusters and Neville St. Claire as Sir Winston Churchill, then there was a young lad called Danny Lowry as Robbie Williams (fantastic). after that came Tony Jo, Johnnie Casson and Pat Mancini to welcome everyone, Tony Jo was under the impression that Jeremy Beadle couldn't make it but then he walked on stage.
Next was two blokes called Carlos and Fernando (Timeless) they sang soul music, comedian Rickie Laine came next, then singer Carol Kaye. Peter Anthony was next he sang song like Joe (Mack the Knife, Etc) not as good obviously. Johnnie Casson came on after that and then the Kings of Swings.
Interval
The Nelson Riddle Orchestra opened the second part of the show, followed by Jack Danson as Rod Stewart, then came Maxine Barrie but not as Shirley Bassey but as herself. Next came Claude Powell who had come out of retirement to do the show ( three ladies behind me thought it was Sir Trevor McDonald, which he did look like him) Carl Schofield was on then (comedian) very very funny man came on in an luminous green suit, then Keily Hampson sang two songs. Pat Mancini then came on dressed as a mermaid and sang a song about Blackpool. Tony Jo came back on to finish an auction which he had been doing throughout the show a flag signed by Tiger Woods raised £600 and two tickets for Joe's birthday bash went for £550 the lady will get a bottle of champagne and meet Joe backstage Tony Jo then said a man who needs no introduction and Joe walked on the stage he started with People, did Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, sang As I love you for his mum who was in the audience went on to sing Frank Sinatra etc then finished with That's what friends are for.
FANTASTIC SHOW, LOVED IT

Here is the Get Well card I received from Joe

The photos below where sent in by Jean Marshall from Leeds

Show reveiw by Irene Herbet of glasgow

Well just recovering from our fabulous weekend at the paradise rooms. Theres nothing much I can add to all your reviews except that while away up here in Scotland it was brilliant to be down at Blackpool and be a part of the shows with you all and my friends Diane Jean and Denise. I agree with you all too that it was breathtaking to see Joe on stage looking so well and as usual in top singing voice. I enjoyed all the getting there the excitement of waiting to see joe on stage again and yes the part about waiting on the wrong car but it all adds to the joy of the weekend. Amarillo was good but I had to step on my own feet to stop them jumping up on that stage and having a good old dance..... Never mind maybe next time!!!!!!. So till the Bash see you all there Luv Irenexx

Review of paradise rooms at easter by jodie smith

It felt just like Christmas morning as the day finally arrived when Darren
(My Fiancee) and I were going back to Blackpool to see Joe Longthorne the
singer We had never even heard of in 2003, one bored rainy night, when We
were fed up of drinking, so we decided to go to see a show.
I woke up about 5 o'clock I think I was so excited and already had
butterflies. The last time I booked for Joe, it was the weekend, He was
really ill so I never got to see Him as the shows all got cancelled.
After a long but hassle free journey, We could see the tower which made Me
feel even more excited. We checked in at the hotel and I kept looking to
see if I had rememered to take my Joe tickets. Darren said I would lose
them if I didn't give up getting them out to check.
We drove up to the Pleasure Beach and managed to find a car parking space
where I had hoped to see Joe arriving but there was no sign of Him, just
some ladies I guessed had to be other fans. I wish I knew some other ones
to talk to. Perhaps if I go without Darren one day and start writing to a
few people or emailing them. It would be nice to feel really part of it.
By this time, I really needed a drink. We had good seats but they weren't
right next to the stage but still rather good. At first I didn't think
anyone was going to sit with us but an older couple came along but didn't
speak to Us and I was too shy to say anything either, so I just chatted to
Darren and looked to see if I recognised any one's photos from the Joe
sites.
The comedien was good but I just wanted him to go off. I kept looking round
to see if Joe had nipped in to get himself a drink seen as He had to be
feeling extra nervous with not performing for months. Does He get nervous
does any one know. I think I had all the nerves for him any way. I am glad
I am not the only one who had butterlies though as I thought I was totally
obsessed. Well, I am, I am definitely obsessed now. heeee.
When Joe came on it was just amazing, the cheers were so loud and I was so
pleased with my view of him. It was so much better than at the North Pier.
Darren just clapped but I wanted to jump out of My seat and nearly got up
when everyone stood up and I could no longer see Joe. I was cool though and
decided I would wait till the end to really lose it. heeeeeeeee.
I am not really up on Joe's songs yet but remembered the Sweepstake on one
of the Joe sites I had entered in and listened out for My song which wasn't
a winner. I never win anything but felt lucky to be in the audience at such
a brilliant show, so we were all winners.
Joe looked so smart and handsome in his pink shirt and tie. I think his
hair makes him look very sophisticated I alway sknew I had a thing for
older guys. heeeee. I think I was like Sue most of the time, what She has
wrote on the forum. I was in a bit of a daze and just looked at Joe wishing
Darren would turn into him. I don't mean that really. Joe probs has smelly
socks too and picks his nose.
Before We could know it, it was over, every one started going to the front
with all the flowers and gifts and no way was I sitting there any more, so I
told Darren I thought I would go and try and get some good photos and said
they were for this Joe site I go on who I had promised to get some for.
heeeeeeee. I left it too late though and couldn't get right by the stage but
got to see Joe even closer who waved but unfortunatley I doubt it was at me.
After the show, I really wanted to see if Joe came out but I didn't because
Darren was on about getting something to eat but I couldn't eat a single
thing, how sad is that. I looked back at the car park to see if there was
any sign of Joe but there just wasn't, so that's it, we went. It was so
brilliant and I Had forgotten what a fantastic voice Joe has. I really
wished there was a dvd player in the hotel as I just wanted to watch the dvd
I bought, part 1. I couldn't afford the other one's but thought Part one
had better stuff on it. I will be watching it every time Darren is out.
What do you think, should I leave him at home next time.

Review of Paradise Rooms, Blackpool, Easter Weekend By Chris

Well, we arrived in Blackpool at around 5pm, giving us time to eat before the show. The fish and chip place below the Paradise Room is OK if anyone wants a meal when not staying over. There's a carpark handy just to the left of the main Pleasure Beach entrance too, with reduced fare for show attenders - £3. Saw Zeb on arrival, just delivering Joe's suit, he said Joe had been brilliant on Sat' night and he'd been resting all day. He said he hoped he had enough energy for Sunday's show and we agreed! The Paradise Room opened at 6:30pm, so we wandered in meeting Diane, Denise and Joan with friend, who spotted Candie before I did. I never do seem to recognise you first do I Candie? Anyway, after a wee chat we all made our way upstairs to find our seats. The rows are numbered lowest numbers across the back wall - highest numbers front row, but in straight lines. So if you were at 54 for example, yes you'd be level with the stage but several tables away! Difficult to understand unless you actually saw it. But we know who had the best seat Sunday night don't we Candie? Plus Karen (?from Accrington ) with Courtney. Tony Jo was quite funny with his northern sense of humour and said he hadn't been too sure about working at the Paradise Room initially, because of the layout, but liked it after all. He loved working with Joe's audiences, such a friendly crowd. On saying there had been a 92 year old lady in the audience on Sat' night, from Belfast, he found she was there again. He asked if there was anyone else from Belfast, a chap said yes, and Tony said say Hello to Mary then, this guy said Hello Mary, but then again seeing as it's Easter Hail Mary!! Tony said see what I, mean how many audiences would joke like that with the comedian?
Well, after a short break on came Joe to the usual standing ovation. He looked like great, such a relief, 100% better than when I last saw him at the Willows in December. Smart suit, grey for a change, with pink/white striped shirt, grey/pink striped tie, which one lucky lady received when he took it off! He sang several favourite songs, As I Love You, You'll Never Know, and How Do You Keep The Music Playing. He did lots of impersonations, Shirley with Tom, Frank with the Rat Pack, Neil Diamond, Johnie Mathis, Bette Davies, Tommy Cooper and best of all for me Tony Christie! It was great to sing along to Is This The Way To Amarillo! So many people on that stage, he packed 'em in!
He really enjoyed himself and was quite relaxed. He closed with an emotional If I Never Sing Another Song, before being inundated with flowers and gifts. He needed two trips backstage. Have to take a leaf out of Engelburt's book Joe and have a personal assistant carrying them, LOL.. What a great night, and more to come aren't we lucky? My first visit to the Paradise Room, a pleasant 'intimate' venue, so looking forward to future visits. Had a chat with Geraldine she said seat numbers might change for Joe's Birthday Bash, and not sure if he'd be sitting at a long table or not, for the meal. We'll just have to wait and see. One thing's for sure 'our man' is back on top!! Cheers Chris

Review of Paradise Rooms, Blackpool, Easter Weekend By Candie

Well got to Paradise Rooms quite early had a few drinks as you do, people started gathering, went in at 7pm. Christine came over to say hello and started the "Jammy" theme, and had said hello to Diane and friends in the foyer, all getting pretty excited by this time, the bladder held up well although by interval I was nearly in mid flow LOL, sat next to Karen's mum, and said hello to Karen who had bought me Joe's Radio interview. Tony Jo came on, quite funny, went off just before 8pm.

Thought there would be half an hour interval but low and behold lights went down at 8.20pm ish i think. Well the butterflies started then, and then Joe came on stage, he looked really lovely, his voice in full flow and very strong, he started with "I wanna be where you are", he did Betty Davis again, very funny, Tony Christie 's song of the moment, Amarillo, a couple of Neil Diamond songs, Hello and Sweet Caroline, Hello is a lovely song, and Shirley told Tom she loved him LOL, Joe had his photo taken with Courtney who presented him with a cuddly toy, his really good with children its no wonder they take to him straight away, he gave one of his ties away just as I thought how lovely he looked (what is he like) but the suit wells suits him, he got a bottle of bubbly from the lady next to me and looked well chuffed, explained he did not want to go off for an interval as we might forget what he looks like, bless, as if, Johnny Mathis cropped up with a song, Too little too late? not sure of the right title, this venue does suit Joe as he likes to mingle and talk with the crowd, I was really pleased with the set out of the room I was not sure whether I would like it but I think its lovely, but alas all too soon our man was leaving us again, but it won't be too long before we see him again, smiles all round on the way out.

Review of Paradise Rooms, Blackpool, Easter Weekend By Diane Keating

Here is my review of the weekend.....

Well what a fabulous two nights we had, but managed to embarrass ourselves...for a change! which I must tell you about before I tell you how absolutely fantastic Joe was....
After the show last night on our way out we noticed a Rover with JPL number plates in the car park so decided to wait and say goodnight to Joe.....after about an hour, and wondering why there weren't anymore fans there as well we saw a group of people walking towards the car and then the lights go on as the car was unlocked.........fortunately we didn't run out like loony's... because it wasn't Joes car at all!! but some of his regular fans (I won't say their names) who had Joes initials on their plates!...I only have one thing to be thankful for.....in the early days they'd have probably emerged from the Paradise Rooms to find us draped all over the bonnett of the car having our pics taken!! ha! ha! ha!
We rang for a taxi and then spent half an hour waiting for it pressed up to the wall trying to blend in and not be noticed by Zeb, Tony Jo and the rest of them as they left the place Ha! ha!...Oh the shame!
Anyway the shows....As you saw by the photos Duncan sent Joe looks wonderful in his Versace suit, pink shirt and tie and very light slip on shoes, he was very nervous the first night and was shaking as he went into the first song..'People who need people' then the nerves went and he was better than we'd seen him for years, absolutely brilliant and was onstage for about two hours. His sister Ann was there sitting with Johnny Casson on the VIP table and after every song she was on her feet clapping and waving her arms in the air, Joe introduced everyone on the table then said "and the one jumping up and down like a lunatic is my sister Ann," then turned to the band and said "she looks like she's *****drowning!" ha! ha! It was obvious that she was just so thrilled to see Joe so fit and well and back up on stage again.
I can't remember all the songs he sang but Chris and Barb who have far better memories than I have, will I'm sure, remember every detail.I was just amazed that he looked and sounded so well after all he's been through, and I'd forgotten just how powerful his voice is.
On the second night he was more relaxed as he came out onstage and did about one and half hours, Karen from Accrington was right under the microphone with her little daughter Courtney and Joe got her up onstage with him for a photo, what a gorgeous little thing she is.
Joe was singing 'If I Never Sing Another Song' and when it came to the part that goes "I've had every accolade bestowed on me" he replaced the last bit with "and sold em all" then started laughing. he was very funny and did the club secretary, and Bette Davis Whatever Happened To Baby Jane and his impressions are better than ever.
Now we have to wait for the Bash in May

Concert review of The Willows , 28th November by Christine of Rhyl

We arrived at The Willows at 7.05 pm - early considering we wern't expecting Joe on stage until 10.30 pm but.we did have to eat and wanted to make sure we were facing the right way if sharing a tabel for 6 (there were 3 of us).We were sat overlooking the dnace floor, nearly on a level with the stage, so had a good view. The place slowly filled up and we saw a few familiar faces, though I suspect there were a lot of locals in too. We enjoyed our meal, better than last year's fare. I stuck to traditional christmas men, my friends had beefsteak.

Zeb was sat nearby, and Tony Jo joined him, brandishing a newspaper. I caught his eye and he came over to chat, very nice of him. showing us the Blackpool gazette with Joe's article re Cleveleyes christmas lights. The paper was passed around all evening ! He said how the doctors were really pleased with Joe's progress, so much that they were letting him back o n stage. Apparently Joe had lost a lot of weight, but all the swelling had gone down and he was looking forward to the night.

During the first half the resident compere/comedian /singer did a spot plus a 16 ywae old girl sang. Not my cup of tea, too loud, but then I was reminded I'm getti ng old. Her songs were variedbut still feel, thoiugh she was very professional for her age, I'd rather have Keily Hampson any day. Raffle tickets were sold during the comperes singing spot. Interval time, everyone making a mad dash for the loo and stopping to chat to friends. Geraldine mentioned to me the new fan club would be up and running soon via a PO box.set up by Zeb, for her.

The band came on, Lewis,acting as MD, the bald guy on guitar (from tavern days) and a new elderly chap on piano (who struggled a bit at first but eventually came up trumps) plus 3 others, keyboard, drums, percussion.

Joe came on stage to thunderous applause as you can imagine. Everyone was well behaved and didn't make a move until he rwached out and so obviously invited folk to greet him. Bless him ! He needed to be ther. He was wearing a blue suit with purple shirt. He does like blue doesn't he. Joe also wore a hat which he kept on, still no sign of that lovely hair growing. He thanked everyone for their cards, letters and gifts before opening with "I don't know why I'm frightened, I know my way around here". Next came "I will love you As I've loved you All my life", "I believe I'm gonna love you" and "Mary in the morning". A few impersonations during singing Winter Wonderland , Des (usual joke), Willie Nelson, and Englebert - who then did "Quando Quando" and "The last waltz". Neil Diamond sang "Sweet Caroline" , but Joe lost the thread through this song but stumbled back on track. Lewis had his work cut out as MD.

Joe said how he was going to make the most of this christmas, some years ago he didn't bother, but this year he was going to make an effort. He finished with "If I never sign a nother song" and there wern't many dry eyes among the fans I can tell you. He apologised for leaving, saying it was because of the steroids, collected some gifts and was gone. An encore had been expected but Joe had given his all and had nothing left to give. We were privileged to be in hius company for half an hour. What a mna, how does he do it ? I hope he got as much out of the show as we did. Well after the raffle was drawn with Pat Mancinimgiving out prizes (June the blind lady won a large Tigger) it was disco time so time for us to leave. We said our goodbyes to fo;lk we knew, plus Merry Christmas etc - who knows when e'll meet again ? This night will have to keep us going for a while along with videos, cds etc until we can share another night of star entertainment from Joe.

Cheers - Chris

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last night photos

TO ANYONE WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY READ DIANE'S SHOW REVIEW, I MUST APOLOGISE FOR THE SPELLING MISTAKES (WHICH I HAVE NOW CORRECTED) AND WOULD SAY THESE MISTAKES WERE NOT DIANE'S BUT MINE - ME TYPING TOO FAST (THAT'S MY EXCUSE AND I'M STICKING TO IT.) - MARY

Concert review 18th September by Diane Keating

What a fabulous show.

We arrived in Blackpool at 11.30 am and booked into our hotel in Coronation Street, not far from the Opera House, settled in and as usual went along there to see what was going on, there was a red carpet on part of the floor and we thought there was going to be something happening there at night ,,, we were wrong as it had been taken up when we went back at 5.30 pm.

We sat in the bar getting more and more excited as the time went on and were joined by some more fans, then the place filled up like I 've not seen before. It was buzzing ! Terry Lodge came up and asked if we would be interviewed for the new DVD/Video and would come back for us at about 6.30. Bloody hell !!!

6.30 came and went so just as we were beginning to relax and breathe a sigh of relief he was behind us with a camera man and Alan Hardwick ! they asked us to go into the entrance of the theatre where it was quieter, so shaking from head to toe we followed and pushed our way through the crowds that were now filling into the entire place.

Alan Hardwick was a presenter for YTV, Calendar and these days is helping Joe and Terry Lodge to write Joe's life story, he was very nice to us, realising how terrified we were at the prospect of having a camera and microphone shoved in our faces and tried to make us feel at ease ... I thought I was going to have a heart attack at one point !!! He interviewed each one of us separately and needless to say we all found it hard to string a sentence together !! Our Denise, at one point spinning around and saying "I can't do it" anyway I doubt we will be shown ha ha!

We went in the first half of the show which was very good and Johnnie Casson told a lot of new jokes, the whole place, which was full to bursting, was in stitches. Keily Hampson sang a new song, one of Bet Midlers, "The Rose"without music and she was brilliant, she didn't sing "You'll never know just how much I miss you" I think because Joe sang it in the seco nd half for his mother.

Gary Lovini had the audience clapping all the way through his spot then thanked everyone for the baby presents he'd been given, his baby is due in December.

Then JOE walked on stage with a new haircut, shaved, and just looked like he did on "This is Your Life" in 1994. We were told he'd shaved his head because he didn't want to wake up and find his hair on his pillow one morning, apparently he'd been told that this time he would lose his hair. (don't know whether that's true though)

Every single person in the theatre stood and cheered him.

He started with "As if we never said goodbye" and his voice was so powerful its hard to believe he's so very ill, all the time he was singing fans were taking flowers and presents down to the stage to him and he had a chat with everyone of the, one young fan walked to the stage empty handed and just stood there till he came over to her and she said "will you marry me Joe ?" he went all flustered and didn't answer then another young girl went to him and asked him the same question and he got hold of her and gave her a kiss, there was a continuous stream of fans throughout the whole performance , it was brilliant. Then Josie who goes all over the place to see him alone went down and he lifted her onto the stage and started da ncing with her (lucky Josie). As he tried to guide her to the edge of the stage for her to get off, she didn't know what he was doing so didn't move and he shoved her jokingly and said "get off".

He sang all the usual songs and did Sinatra and Sammy etc which was fabulous, then said "I hope I don't sound selfish but my dear mam's in tonight so I'm going to sing her favourite song" and sang"You'll never know"

Dr Kelsey, the Vicar from Joe's church and a MacMillan nurse were then brought on stage to receive the cheques for the money raised in the charities. Joe was giving the vicar £1,000 for the church. After the presentations the MacMillan nurse took the microphone and Joe stood with the Dr and vicar while she said a few things and thanked Joe on behalf of all the people who are living with cancer, she said "your life isn't measured by the amount of breaths taken, but by the amount of breaths that you take along the way, and YOU JOE have taken our breaths away a million times" or words to that effect. It was beautiful and Joe was stuck for words, she put her arms around him and gave him a kiss. Keep smiling, keep shining was then being belted out and it was the finale, we all stayed in our seats till the dancers came on stage then it was bedlam !! I think everyone from the downstairs seats were trying to get to the stage and when I looked around the whole of the balcony's were on their feet cheering. clapping, whistling and singing along with Joe, he didn't collect anything from the fans at the stage so when the final curtain came down the entire stage was littered with gift bags and flowers.

We went to the stage door and its a long time since I've seen so many people there, we waited about three quarters of an hour and Joe appeared with his mother and brother sitting beside him in the back of the car, a big burly minder was driving, with Jamie in the passenger seat, his mum was saying thank you to us all and Joe was taking people's hands, kissing , and reassuring everyone who wished him well not to worry because he was going to be ok. The car drove away very slowly all the way down the street. As usual we were on the wrong side of the car !! but Joe saw us as he came out through the barrier and waved, so that was nice.

We were told it was going to be a special night and it certainly was !! How he does what he does on that stage feeling like he must do, is beyond me. What an amazing man !

********

Concert Review. Tuesday 31/8/04 and Wed 1/9/04

I went to see Joe on Tuesday and although he sang beautifully as he always does, it was clearly apparent he was not well and he only did just over 30 minutes.

I went again last night and he was a different man. He seemed much brighter and was on for over 50 minutes. He was quite funny really. Someone gave him a big bouquet of flowers at the beginning, they were in one of those filled water bags and he carried them over to the piano and after he sang a couple of songs he noticed that the floor was wet where the water had leaked. Joe shouted and asked someone for a mop but no one took any notice so after asking about three times in between his songs, he said "excuse me folks while I go and get a mop" and he came back with a big white towel and used his feet to mop up the water with the towel. He said "it's not for me, just in case one of the dancers slip on their ass" After that one of the backstage crew came back and mopped up with the towel where Joe had missed and took away the flowers. Joe shouted to him "when you've emptied the water, bring the flowers back because the lady who gave them me it is her birthday" Then Zeb appeared on stage bringing the flowers back. It was so funny and the audience was in stitches.

I went round to see Joe come out but there was only three of us waiting. We waited about 45 minutes and he just said good night when they drove out.

Can't wait now till next week

Mary

31st August 2004

Well just a little write up on the last week at the blackpool opera house, Well my first show was quiet upsetting, for all the fans, as Joe appeared from the wings looking not at all well on the saturday, struggling through 35 minutes the true showman he is.I said to my friends, he is not well when he came on stage. lots of the fans were in tears at the end. They cancelled the sunday to give Joe chance to get some physiotherapy, for the pain in his back, this must have worked as he appeared on tuesday a different man, full of the old Joe we know, doing a fabulous show, and putting the fans minds at rest. Tony Jo announced at the beginning of the show, would fans with gifts please leave them on the edge of the stage, so Joe would not have to bend down, but some people still gave them and he had to bend, as we all know Joe would not refuse to if handed them. He managed to do the rest of the week on real form, coming back as good as ever the true showman he is, and in all his fans eyes a true super star. He did not appear to well again on the saturday, but sunday another super show. Lets hope he manages to get enough rest in between shows to get him through the summer season, ready for his treatment. Lets hope he manages to record the new material he is including in his show, the new piano piece, the Barry White songs, Engleburt, and the tear jerker If you love me really love me. This would make a lovely reminder of a great summer once again with our Joe. Jo Cooper

SUNDAY 29th AUGUST 2004

By Diane Keating - Leeds

The magnet from the Opera House drew us once again so off we went hoping not to see a white notice sticking on the doors "Cancelled owing to Joe pulling his back whilst impersonating Tom Jones last night" but all was well....thank goodness! I'm beginning to think that there's only one street in Blackpool, and thats the one from our hotel to the Opera house!!! I've been told there's a Tower and ocean there too but we only go to see JOE! so don't know about that!
We got to the theatre at about 6.45pm and met up with a few fans waiting to go into the show and
decided not to go into the first half tonight but stay in the bar with a few more people which turned out to be very enlightening and we had a good laugh helped along by a few bacardi and cokes, two hours later the bell rang and we were in our seats clapping along to the band, Then Joe walked out all smiles looking gorgeous in the same blue suit and black shirt with sparkly bits around the collar area which was open a few buttons, because of his swollen glands I should imagine, he went straight into "As if we never said goodbye" but kept stopping to clown around a bit which was nice as it was more like the Joe we are used to seeing, he also kept saying "oh, I'm filling up" He seemed to be on a high and was acting about most of the night. While singing "Love is in the air" he sang "I can feel it on my bum" instead of the right words.
He sang the usual songs then after he had finished singing "If you love me" he was very obviously out of breath and had his hand on his chest for a while till he got his breath back and started talking about when he was about 9yrs old hitch hiking to Scarborough to the Futurist to see the Bachelors and talking his way into the theatre where the usherette (is that what they're called?) told him he could stand with her till his mother arrived. Then he started singing "Smile for me, my Diane" so he had seen me after all!!!! ha! ha! noooo it was for the benefit of one of the Bachelors who was in the audience! He did a fabulous version of Sinatra, Sammy etc; and although the audience was quieter than last night everyone whistled and shouted for more, it was brilliant and spot on! he then bent over and for a moment I thought something was wrong with him till he started doing Sammy Davis again. A young woman took him a bottle of wine and he bent down and gave her a kiss! which these days we don't see owing to his back problem and I thought, due to the fact that his imune system must be low putting him at risk of catching germs easily.
The whole show was fabulous and he was onstage about 50 mins before going into "Thats what friends are for" then all too soon we were on that old familliar road to the hotel once more, this time with no show to look forward to the following day!!
BUT...we will be back for more of the wonderful Joe Longthorne.....husband permitting!!

SATURDAY 28th AUGUST 2004
By Diane Keating - Leeds
Irene, Jean and I arrived in Blackpool sat morning, after me almost not making it because my husband threw a wobbler saying I was coming it a bit too much!!! what's he on about!!!
anyway he finally drove me to Leeds station and almost chucked me out of the car, and I was on my way....PHEW!!!
We got settled into the hotel and that magnet that appears to be on the front of the Opera House drew us in that direction and we went to see if everything was still going ahead for that nights show, then back to get ready to see JOE!
Joe walked from behind the curtain and I thought he looked great although I've read from other people that they thought he still looked unwell, but after the last time we saw him looking in agony with his back, to me he looked fine. He sang "As if we never said goodbye" then went straight into "Love is in the air" and walked over to where we were sitting on the front row but to the side and looked down and sang to us ahhhh! he was brilliant as always and sang "I believe I'm gonna love you" then did Tom Jones and was thrusting so much that it's a wonder he didn't put his back out again! The theatre was full and the audience was great, everyone was calling out to him "we love you Joe" and he was thanking everyone then said "Aw you're beautiful" he then did a few impersonations then onto the piano to do Elton John, John Lennon and Stevie Wonder and before we knew where we were it was all over and we were standing at the stage as he sang "Thats what friends are for" he didn't do "Wind beneath my wings" but started collecting his gifts and cards etc; while everyone else was onstage singing along with him to "Thats what friends are for"
He was onstage for about 40 minutes.
We were told the following evening that as he went offstage he said to some one that he didn't intend to be on as long as he was.....thinking he'd been on for 1hr 45mins! then said, but Peter (Fient) never told him when his 45 mins was up (apparently he'd told Peter to let him know when he'd done 45 mins) and the person who was telling us this said to Joe "no he wouldn't have told you your 45 mins was up because you were only onstage for 40!!!!!" poor Joe, ha! ha!
Anyway off we went back to the hotel looking forward to the following night.

Blackpool 2004 August Photos

Blackpool August 8th 2004

Hi everyone, I've put the review for the 7th, (by mistake) as a reply to Karens message about Joe songs..silly %$£!!
Here's the review for the Sunday show.
Another sweltering day and we dragged ourselves (me, Denise, Irene and Jean) around Blackpool for a few hours before going to try to get ready for the nights show, which was very hard.. four of us in one room all having one hot flush after the other and making the room temperature about 150 degrees!!! we did manage eventually after chucking ourselves into a cold shower every five minutes! and off we went to the theatre where we sat in the coffee bar and Zeb joined us, he told us that as well as the swollen glands that are very visible Joe also has one either side of his windpipe restricting his breathing and causing soreness when he sings, he also said that he goes straight to bed after the shows and doesn't get up till 7pm the following night, has a shower then arrives at the theatre at about 8.10pm for the show, poor Joe, what kind of life is that! but he's loving being back at the Opera house and is doing it because he's waited so long to appear there again.
We asked about the Hull paper artical that said Joe was being treated at the L.G.I in september and were told that he's being treated in Blackpool because Dr. Kelsey is Dr. Childs protege so he will be recieving the same treatment in Blackpool as he would in Leeds.
We also asked why is he auctioning his discs etc off when he was so visibly upset about it all and Zeb said that he wants to do it for the Macmillan nurses and has already given them about £3,000 and that Dr. Kelsey is doing a sponsered bike ride for the same cause somewhere abroad (Cuba?? can't remember)so Joe wants to do all he can as well.
Before the show Jamie came up and said that Joe loved the drawing, so that was nice.
We then went into the theatre....to me Joe seemed a lot better, vocally although Irene thought he seemed not too well, probably because he did a lot of talking but he was very funny and said would we mind if he did a bit of a rehearsal, then went on to sing Quando Quando which I love, and it was great then another of Engelberts. (Chris did say that she thought Engelbert was in as she had seen his car outside) he did it in his own voice. He sang the usual ones and when the music started for "Love is in the air" he said right lets have a dance, I wish people would get up to dance in the aisles when he does that, like we did in Glasgow a few years ago, he loved it then, but I don't think anyone dare just in case he tells us to sit down! ha! ha! which knowing Joe he could well do!
He was saying he was "badly" and when someone asked if he'd impersonate Judy Garland he said "Do Judy? you must be joking! when I'm badly I don't think I'm capable of DOING anybody" He did Andy Williams on the speck so the band weren't prepared for it and while he was trying to get the right key he said "it's not that way and it's not that way, so I don't know which way to go" then said "mind you thats the story of my life" everyone in the place was laughing at him especially when, talking about the bailiffs going to his house he said that one of them was at his door telling him he had come to take his furniture away and was crying, then he said "mind you, he did have a rotweiller stuck to his a$%e" ha ha!
We went to the stage door again and he came out wearing a dressing gown wound down the window and said "god bless lasses" awww. and that was it, till next tuesday when we are going for three nights.
The whole show is fantastic and at the end Joe asked eveyone if they had enjoyed it and the whole place shouted "YES"

Blackpool August 7th 2004.

Hi everyone here is a review of our first summer season show.
After sweltering all day long in temperatures of about 80 degrees we arrived at the Opera house at about 7pm and went into the bar where Terry Lodge was sitting, he came over for a chat and was telling us that Joe is to appear on national TV this coming saturday with a little "miracle boy" who's parents had both been treated for very serious forms of cancer and against all odds had gone on to have a baby, so thats something to look out for. He also said that the Sheffield video was finished and that they were just working on getting the cover finished then it would be ready for us! GREAT!!
The show was fabulous although Joe was struggling a little with his breathing and found it hard to reach the high notes at times, he sang loads of songs without much talking though and the new ones are great especially If you love me which he put everything into and sort of screwed his face up into a grimace as he sang the words "when at last my time on earth is through" How on earth does he go on stage and give the performance he does when he has so much to face in the coming months? although I really enjoyed it all I still couldn't help thinking about his other shows years ago when he didn't seem to have a care in the world and I felt so sad for him.
As he collected his many flowers cards and gifts we stood at the stage and he started singing "Thats what friends are for" with the entire cast joining him, it was fantastic, everyone seemed to be on their feet joining in and then the curtain came down and rose three times before he went off stage and all too soon it was over. (I think he did about 1hr 20mins, but not sure)
We left the theatre and walked to the stage door even though we knew he was just being driven off but just wanted to see him go, there were quite a few fans there already and he came out after about 10 minutes and wound his window down to say goodnight, everyone just stood back and no one bothered him, just waved him off, I think he was wearing a kaftan, a white or cream linen one which must have been very cool for him.
We then went for something to eat and back to the hotel where we were up till the early hours chatting and catching up on all our news as we only see each other at the shows, had a good old laugh and probably kept all the other residents awake in the process [:-
?]as no one seemed to be speaking to us at breakfast!!!! OH, WELL! never mind eh!!
I gave the drawing I had done of Jamie to Jamie before the show because Joe has armsfull of flowers etc; and I didn't want him struggling with it onstage, Jamie loved it and said that Joe would too, I had a photo taken with him holding it which I will put on here when it's developed.
bye for now love Diane xx
Email: diane-keating@supanet.com

ICQ: diane-keating@supanet.com

BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE - 19th July2004

I went to the opening night of Joe's Summer Spectacular and what a brilliant show it was with a full house. The show started with an announcement that Billy Bedlam would not be appearing for the foreseeable future so Tony Jo filled in and introduced the artistes. First on the bill was the Stardust dancers followed by the lovely Keily Hampson - what a delightful voice that young lady has. Next was violinist Gary Lovini, a very talented young man who went down a storm with the audience. Then it was the turn of the ever popular funnyman, Johnnie Casson who had the audience in stitches. Just before the interval, Keily was back on with the dancers singing All That Jazz.

After a 20 minute interval it was the time we had all been waiting for, the wonderful talents of our Joe. Despite Joe's illness, his singing was as powerful and fantastic as ever and he gave us his all. He started off with "As if we never said goodbye", followed by "Mary in the Morning". "I Believe I'm gonna Love you"., "Love is in the air". He did some impersonations, Shirley Bassey, Matt Monro, Johnny Matthis, Barry White. When Joe went to the piano, he sang something I had never heard him sing before "Can you feel the love tonight" It was fantastic. He was on stage for an hour and when he had collected his flowers and gifts, he sang "American Trilogy". The curtains then closed and then Joe and the full cast came back with their finale singing "That's What Friends Are For"

I took some photos and will get them on this site as soon as ever possible.

It was a fabulous night and I hope Joe keeps well enough to complete the season.

Luv Mary xx

TALL TREES

By Jo Cooper

Well last night was a fantastic night at Tall Trees, a lovely venue with excellent food and very pleasant sevice, but of course the icing on the cake was Joes performance at the end, I thought Joe looked tired but as usual never lets us down, and did a great show. All the fans stood clapping and cheering at the end, and of course Joe got loads of gifts and acknowledge us all, at the stage at the end of his performance . He said he would see us in Blackpool. Lets hope we soon get good news about Joes health, as that is upmost in most of the fans minds, but last night you could see that when Joe is on stage he comes alive, what a man. Thanks Joe for another brilliant show.per

BIRTHDAY BASH AND SHOW
By Barbara Large
What a day! Left home at 5am to travel to Leeds with my nephew & 2 friends who had never seen joe live before. Booked into the Hilton about 11am getting really excited.

Went to the bash at 1pm saw a few familiar faces, Geraldine Vine was there, with her mum, a really lovely lady. There was a nice duo and compere to entertain us whilst we had a buffet lunch. Took some photos of Joes cake which was lovely,(who made it) then the man arrived looking absolutely gorgeous in a blue suit. He looked a little tired but seemed to be really enjoying himself, and cracked a few jokes. The fan club presented him with a beautiful glass lamp and all too soon it was time for Joe to leave to get some much deserved rest.

We left the Hilton for the show at about 7pm and whilst waiting for our taxi joe got off his bus to stretch his legs, he waved us over so we spent about 5mins chatting to him, got some great photos & video footage, then it was time for him to leave. He gave me and my friend a kiss, and was off to the show, which was absolutely fantastic, and not a dry eye in the house when he sang "my mothers eyes" to his mum. He came back on stage at the end and we all sang happy birthday to him. All in all, a really wonderful day, for a truly brilliant man, many stars shine but none as well as Joe .

LEEDS CHARITY SHOW 2004.
Diane Keating - Leeds
My friends, Irene who'd traveled down from Scotland, Jean, my sister Denise and myself left the Hilton at about 6.45pm armed with balloons and got a taxi round to the theatre, and went into the bar next door where all Joe's relatives were, which was a mistake as Joe had got the taxi after us and walked past the pub on his way to the stage door..we were talking to Keith (Joe's nephew) who told us to stay at the stage after Joe had gone off because he was going to ask the band to play happy birthday for Joe and that he would get him to come back onstage......I thought he was just saying that to keep everyone in the theatre while Joe made a quick getaway, but it turned out he wasn't.

We took our seats on the 4th row and on came Johnny Casson who is hilarious, everyone was in stitches at him, then after 40 minutes of laughing we went outside to cool off in the interval as it was boiling in the theatre. Karen was on the same row as us and so was an old friend of mine who I haven't seen for quite a few years.......Then on came Joe.....he looked gorgeous as usual and started with As if we never said goodbye as everyone cheered and clapped, I don't really have much else to say as Karen said it all in her review.

After the show and us singing happy birthday (Keith was true to his word on that one) we went to the stage door and there was no-one else there they were all waiting at the theatre entrance I think but we didn't tell them that was the wrong door!!! ha! ha! they soon fathomed that out for themselves, and then there was loads of fans waiting for him to come out, the cameraman was interviewing fans while we waited then came to us but we didn't say anything so he gave it up as a bad job and just stood waiting for Joe as well.

After about 20 minutes he was there and had a chat with a few people then Keith moved him on to the Headrow where the tour bus was, he got on and so did Pat Mancini and they were having a chat then Joe waved and they were off. I was told this afternoon that our balloons ended up back at the Hilton at about 11.45 last night, apparently Zeb took them all there in a taxi. Anyway the show was brilliant as usual and Joe's voice just gets better and better. August can't come soon enough!!

THE HILTON LEEDS BASH 2004
Diane Keating - Leeds
We arrived at the Hilton at about 12.15 and there wasn't a lot of people there to start with but it soon filled up with not so many familiar faces, but there was a lot of fans who couldn't make it for one reason or another.

Firstly Joe Wildy took the microphone and introduced Tony Joe who then explained that we were going to eat first before Joe came for a change, probably so he didn't have to stay so long due to the show at night. There were two lads with guitars to entertain us while we waited though, one from Leeds and the other from Bolton.

The meal was a buffet which I didn't have but it looked ok.THEN what we were all there for..............JOE! who walked in to everyone singing "Happy Birthday" three times!! he went straight to his table where Pat Mancini was sitting along with Zeb and Geraldine and Joe Wildey. A lot of the fans went up to say hello to him and take cards so we went as well me with the video camera, I asked if he was coming round the tables this year but he said no as he was tired and that's why he was letting the fans go up to him there and take the pressies they had bought him.

Everyone was then asked to take their seats while the raffle was drawn.......didn't win anything as usual!......He said one of the prizes was a VDVD player then said "hey and it's a bush as well". Terry Lodges two little grandaughters were there and one of them has had cancer and she was presenting Joe with a bouquet of flowers. Then onto the auction where there were some of Joe's stage suits and shirts, a portrait of Joe and some things from his house which all raised quite a lot of money. Joe then went on to thank everyone and especially the fans who he said he would be nothing without, bless him! Then he was looking for Jamie to thank him for looking after him during his illness, changing the bed sheets that are constantly wet through because Joe sweats a lot at the moment, he finally saw him in the bar and started singing "he's in the bar, in the bar, always in the bar"

The fan club had bought him a lamp by a glass designer from Blackpool who's work Joe admires and it was right behind us so when Geraldine brought him over to look at it he was talking to the fans on the tables nearby and collecting more presents, his arms were full and someone had to come and take them from him, Zeb I think, he then had a word with us and I had a photo taken with him, the first for quite a long time. He talked about trying to stop smoking and said he and Pat Mancini had started on the patches but he had to have a fag while trying to get into the box! and all too soon he was off surrounded by fans and out to the tour bus for a rest, most of the fans went then but we stayed and a few more tables did that is till we started singing Joe's songs.....that soon cleared the place!

Terry Lodge came over with his partner and was telling us he was in talks with YTV about doing something with Joe, that is if Joe wants to do it but it will be filmed in Leeds with a very special audience of influential people......so that counts us out then!!! no he did say that there could be a few spare seats, I did try to give him my phone number at that point but I think he'd suddenly gone deaf!! he also said that some of the filming he'd been doing over the last months would possibly be on the telly in 6 weeks or failing that september.

We left the hotel at about 6.45 and went out for a taxi and Joe was also waiting for a taxi sitting on the tour bus steps with a few of his mates, he waved at us when he saw us almost take off with all the helium we were carrying in the balloons we had with us. Anyway our taxi came first and we were off to the show.

Joe's Charity Show at Leeds - 31st May 2004
Karen Powell - Cleethorpes
Hello Every One! First of all, WOW what a show! I'm not going to witter on about it just yet though as I'm going to write my bit on it when I get some free time, hopefully some time today when His Nibs is having a snooze (Wills that is as the other His Nibs is at work!) I also took a few piccies last night at the Leeds gala show but I'm having digi camera probs at the mo! It's downloading the photos on My screen then coming up that the progs not responding, so I need to get My PROBLEM SOLVING CAP on and hopefully, I'll have a piccie or 2 for You. It was been filmed by the way, those of You who didn't get to go and it was just fantastic wasn't it, Every One who did!

I only got to see Diane (Tessie) and then My friend, Amanda's Mum but the place was jam packed and not easy to move about in one bit, so once I got perched in My seat that was it, I couldn't get out again. In fact, the people on My row were a bit reluctant to even let Us in in the first place. HA HA. I was stood there for ages going,"Can I get to My seat please?" HA HA.

The BASH sounds to have been a huge success too, so hopefully Candie, Chris, Babs and Di will tell Us all about it really soon! Awwww Lynsey! I'm so sorry You never made it! How's little Ryan? I'll bet it's His teeth, do You think??? Give Him a big cuddle from Me and I hope He's better for becoming the grand old age of ONE on the 4th June! (I need Your addy again to send Him a card!!!)

Any how, I shall now re attempt getting My LEEDS SHOW piccies downloaded and will get hitting these keys again with a proper write up very, very soon!
Love Karen xx

PS. Diane, You're as thin as a lat, always calling Yourself TESSIE O'SHEA! Did You see Joe come out? Ant was blithering that He'd been waiting since 9.45pm when We got back to the car as the show went on till 10.30 didn't it? It was lovely to see You briefly though. Loved the Birthday balloons!T

Glasgow Pavilion Theatre April 17 2004
By Marion - Glasgow
I hadn’t seen Joe since last October at the North Pier Blackpool and I was really looking forward to his coming to Scotland. Friends had been to see him at Motherwell and it was at this show that they were told Joe was undergoing treatment at the Victoria hospital and would be returning there for treatment and then returning to Scotland the following day for the first show at Glasgow on the 16th April ,it was worrying to hear about this as we didn’t know what to expect. When Joe came on stage he received a standing ovation he looked so happy and wonderful and it was a relief to see that he looked well and not how ill I had feared he may be. He was on stage for about one hour and forty minutes and in that time he gave 110% ,his voice was stronger than I have ever known it to be and although he was a little breathless and shaky at times no one would truly know how ill he really is. I have seen Joe many times through the years but this show was the best I have ever seen and heard.

The love and affection was clearly shown by Joe for his fans and from us to him.

Part of his therapy and treatment is his desire to perform to come alive on stage its clear to see and feel it in his stage presence. This spring tour has been a tough grueling time for him and now it has finished after his 49th birthday bash and fantastic charity show at Leeds. Hopefully Joe will now have some well deserved rest and time of reflection and recuperation before the start of the summer shows in Blackpool. I am sure this season will be one of the best!

Joe has given so much inspiration, courage and happiness to so many and I know that his fans give these “gifts” back to him in return. He truly is the “WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS”. God bless you Joe and thank you for being you!

REPLY TO PREVIOUS REVIEW
By Diane Keating - Leeds
What a load of Bull£$%$ Joanne! you didn't need to go to Joe's table seeing as you were out of your seat like a stampeding horse as soon as Joe appeared, arms thrown around his neck! There aren't a lot of fans who like that either you know, and when everyone was asked to take their seats they did.

There is so much backbiting among the fans it's terrible......some go crowd his table and " a lot of people didn't like it" and others go swinging around his neck and lots of people don't like that! What's wrong with everybody? We all love him to bits, so why all the nastiness and apparent jealousy! It's ridiculous.

FANSOFJOE.CO.UK Says: We have included this response as its a different perspective to a show review summitted by another fan. Any further responses MUST be made through the Forum.

1ST JUNE 2004 - BIRTHDAY BASH
By Jo Cooper
Well what a fantastic day we all had at Leeds, Joe looked tired but very happy to be there.The only thing I thought was wrong about the Bash was people crowding his table, so the people sat at their tables could not see him, quite a lot of the fans were unhappy about this. As Joe has not been well he did not come round the tables,I think it would have been to tiring for him. As he came in where my table was Iwas able to speak to him and give him a kiss, and also as he left to rest for the show, which was absolutely fantastic, Joe's Mum and Aunty Rose was there to see him, it brought a lump to your throat when he sang especially to his Mum, My mothers eyes. There was an auction and I bought a suit and shirt of Joe's for the charity. We had a raffle with some lovely prizes, Joe just pulled the last ticket out, the prize was a TV. Doctor Childs was there to receive the cheque which amounted to £7000 and Joe and Johnny Casson presented it to him. Johnny Casson did a great first half,such a funny man he had the audience in floods of laughter. I Hope now Joe can relax after his treatments which will hopefully soon be finished. All i can say from everyone a fantastic day was had by all. Thanks Joe your a star!

BY CANDIE
Concert at York

Joe was fantastic at York, his voice was fantastic, he gave some new stories of Jersey which were funny, he entranced the audience, my sister I think is a new fan - she especially liked "how do you keep the music playing" which left a tear in her eye, everyone was on their feet at the end with Elvis

BY JO COOPER - SCUNTHORPE
Concert at York

Well Joe did another 3 fabulous concerts all about 1 and a half hours, how does he do it. He looked great when he came on stage, but i thought tired when he finished. , never a bad show and always gives his all. Lets hope he manages to have a rest after this tour before he does the summer at Blackpool, as he deserves it after managing to go through all the treatment and still be on top form, what a man . We all love you Joe and are there 101% behind you. Jo Cooper

BY ANN YEO - SOUTHAMPTON
Concert at Portsmouth Guildhall, 6 May 2004

I've been to quite a few of Joe's shows over the years, when he's come "South" and all of them have been fantastic - this one in Portsmouth on 6th May was no exception. Not forgetting also, many thanks to his wonderful band.

If Joe was feeling poorly it certainly never showed in his performance that night. Although he'd been having treatment [and he mentioned it during the show] his performance was first class, as always, and I never tire of seeing him on stage or listening to his music or watching one of his videos. At the concert I bought The Joe Longthorne Story Part 1. How interesting and entertaining it is and I look forward to Part 2.

I saw him last year in May 2003, when he appeared at Warner's Bembridge Hotel on the Isle of Wight. [I wonder if anyone reading this was also at that weekend break?] I'd always fancied a stay at this hotel and as soon as I saw he was booked there I couldn't wait to book up -even then the hotel was fully booked up already. On the Saturday afternoon of the evening he was appearing a few of us stood there watching & listening to the sound checks being done. We soon realised a queue was forming behind us because people assumed we were queuing to reserve a seat for the show so we stayed put!! I managed, for the first time ever, to get a seat at the front so had a fantastic view of Joe . So that I didn't lose the table and seats my husband went off and had his evening meal, then we swapped places while I went off and had a shower, change and quick meal! Lots of people in the hotel restaurant were trying to rush the waiters to be served so they could get out and reserve a seat to get a good view to see him! The hotel was absolutely packed and I'm sure a lot of the people there were his fans. When we arrived we tried to upgrade our room but were told sorry, no, we are fully booked as Joe Longthorne is appearing. Again, a wonderful performance and memorable evening.

I'm also a Tom Jones fan, having seen him in concert a few times, but to be honest, when Joe does his impression of him there's no need to go and see Tom as well because Joe is just as good as Tom himself and it's difficult to spot any difference when Joe sings Tom's songs.

I'm hoping to get to Blackpool to see him during the summer and hope so much Joe will be better to do the season. Still, he must put his health first and rest when he needs to.

I think Joe has some of the loyalist fans around who genuinely care about Joe, the person, not just the talented star. Let us hope the skill of the doctors plus our love and support can help get him through this illness. I hope perhaps Joe logs on to this web site and reads how much affection and support there is for him.