This unofficial site features his current and recent events and tours
Review of Tony Hadley at Windsor Racecourse
23rd August 2008
When this one was announced it was one that I was definitely going to. It was Wendy's local one and we went together and met up with everyone else at the racecourse and had a few drinks and a flutter on the horses. I'd been given some tips again and at the end of the evening I was in profit by 70p!
We'd decided to buy club enclosure tickets and on our way through to the Club Grandstand after race 1, we bumped into Tony coming down a staircase on his way to present the prize to the winner of the first race. He said hello and gave us both a kiss, we then changed our mind about going to the grandstand and watched him present the prize. What an excellent start to the evening.
I'm not really into horse racing, but it was great to meet up with everyone and know that it would be a band show after the racing.
I'd been watching the weather forecast all week as the weather hasn't been good with too much rain for my liking. The day started bright and sunny and I wondered if it was bright too early, but the forecast was dry until 7pm, then a 10% and 20% risk of rain and light showers at 11pm, so I hoped they would be right.
Near the end of the racing we made our way to the Silver Ring where the stage was situated and took our places on the front row and waited for the show to start. Racing over and it was time for the show to start with Phil T, Phil W, Richie, Andrea and JK coming on stage first with Tony bounding on and launching into 'Somebody Told Me'.
I knew from this beginning that it was going to be a great rock night and everyone was on top form. I hadn't seen a rock gig since G Man's benefit gig in Nottingham in May. Tony was blinded by the lights and couldn't see the audience and that's why my photos are rather washed out.
The show continued as the set list and I was very happy that he had included 'Price of Love', 'Walking in Memphis' and my favourite U2's 'With or without you'. Angie Grant came to centre stage to sing 'Suspicious Minds' with Tony but unfortunately during this song it started to rain - so much for the weather forecast! Everyone started reaching for umbrellas and mac's. Luckily it wasn't hideously heavy rain but still enough to get you wet. Tony didn't realise it was raining until the end of 'Gold' and said as much.
It was encore time now and whether it was because of the rain or whether there was a time limit they had on stage, they didn't go off, he just asked for a large cheer and then it was time for him to get his guitar out for 'Lets stick together'. The show ended with 'I Predict a riot', an excellent song to end on, Tony had gone down a storm.
The rain stopped at the end of the show and we managed to say goodbye to Tony as he left. I'd really enjoyed the evening despite the rain.