This unofficial site features his current and recent events and tours
Review of The Lost World Ball - The Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London - 20th April 2006
The
Lost World Ball was the finale of the fundraising for the Lost World Trek
which Tony, Martin Fry and Richard Drummie undertook in February. I decided
to go and got a table together of other people who wanted to go too. I
managed to get a good deal on a room at the Hilton, got myself a nice dress
and I was set for the day.
I had never stayed at the Hilton before, but it was nice getting ready for
the Ball knowing that I didn't have to go outside in the possible wind and
rain and mess up my outfit. I had already checked out the ballroom in the
afternoon and seen Martin Fry soundchecking. We agreed to meet at 6.30 pm
and go down to the Ball reception together. The room outside the Ball room
had been decked out in a tropical theme and there were 'Tree's of Life' with
envelopes on them to win a prize pack of goodies. The Champagne reception
took place in this room and Tony was having his head sculptured to be made
into a Bronze Bust by Frances Segelman, this was auctioned off later. John
Keeble was trying to put Tony off whilst he was being sculptured, as he had
to keep very still.
Time to go into the Ballroom and find our table, we were near the door with
Martin Fry's table in front and to the right and Tony's table in front and
to the left. The Trekkers were on a table to the left and level with Tony's
Table. Tony was wearing his dinner suit and sitting next to Roger Black the
athlete.
The Ballroom was also themed with a tropical theme and had a waterfall. Each
of the tables had a tropical flower arrangement on them.
Time for the evening's proceedings to start. John Glover introduced the
evening and then there was a speech by Mary Gorman who talked about her
premature baby and the need for more research into diseases of pregnancy and
premature birth. We were then treated to an excerpt of the forthcoming Trek
DVD on the big screens on either side of the stage.
The meal was served. It was all delicious. The starter was Chargrilled
Fennel and Asparagus with Mozzarella, Basil Oil and Aged Balsamic. The main
course was Carved Fillet of Beef with a Whisky and Morel Sauce, Leek Mash,
Gratin and Root Vegetables and the dessert was The Lost Dinosaur Egg with
Paw Paw, Mango, Pineapple and Orinoco Sauce I should have taken pictures of
the meal but there is one of the dessert on
http://p082.ezboard.com/fgowestfrm27.showMessage?topicID=526.topic it looked
and tasted great. The meal ended with Ganache Chocolates from Venezuela
served with fresh fruit and Coffee.
It was time for Mark Stacey (as seen on Bargain Hunt and Flog It) to do the
auction. You could bid for
1. A Two night stay at the luxurious Bovey Castle in Devon
2. The Bronze Bust of Tony
3. A six night break in Vietnam
4. Hospitality tickets to see Robbie Williams
5. A day at Pete Mills' Recording Studio
6. An Audience with Tony Hadley - you could have Tony come to your house and
sing to you in your own home
All these things went for far more than I could afford, but it was just
great just being there.
There were also a couple of silent auctions for signed football shirt,
signed Darkness guitar and a meal at the Hilton with Tony singing for you.
The
time came for Tony to do his gig, he had changed out of his dinner suit into
a normal pinstriped suit. We all made our way to the front of the stage and
completely forgot that we were wearing our finery and started dancing like
we would at an ordinary gig. Tony remarked the next day that it was very
strange seeing us all out there dancing in our long dresses. Gold was sung
by Chris Gorman who had donated £5,000 to do this, Tony just played the
tambourine and all the fans helped along with the lyrics. He made a
good job of it. Richard Drummie joined Tony for three songs but Peter
Cox couldn't sing because he is still suffering with his bad back. Tony had
John Keeble, Phil Taylor, Phil Williams, Richie Barrett, Simon Wilescroft,
Dan Carpenter and Dave Williamson backing him. The set was really good but
over much too soon.
After a short break Martin Fry came on stage to do his set, he had the same
backing singer as had been with him at Planet Hollywood in January. We went
up to the front to sing along and dance to Martin too. Beverley Craven,
although at the event, didn't sing (although I didn't see her).
The evening ended and we got our last chance of the evening to speak to
Tony. He didn't stay at the Hilton. His manager John Glover was surprised
that we were staying at the Hilton (hope he doesn't think we have pots of
money and puts the ticket prices up for the next tour!).
It was a superb event and I really enjoyed it.
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