10 days to go….

I think I might have crossed over from distant excitement to panic mode.  I don’t know what made it hit – perhaps it was realizing that I still don’t know what shoes I’m taking.  Maybe it was Amanda’s list of 15…or is it 22 now…Duran “themed” places that we’re going to be visiting, walking past, etc. in Birmingham.  It might have been my mom’s phone call to remind me that she still hasn’t gotten my daily schedule yet (she’s handling the kids during the day while my husband is at work), and it might have also been that I realized I don’t know what I’m going to wear to the Only After Dark club that we’re going to after the Duran Duran show in Birmingham.  I don’t even know what people dress like in the UK for this stuff!  So, if you see someone wearing clothes that you wouldn’t be caught dead in a club at, or someone that very much looks like she’s from California – it’s probably me.  *sigh*  I’m really nice (especially after a drink or two to ease my nerves!), just probably very uninformed about fashion.  Scratch that.  I’m the farthest thing from a fashionista you’re going to get, and I don’t do the whole punk thing either. Oh well.  I’m there to have fun.  And be laughed at, most likely.  😀

Don’t know about Only After Dark?  Well, let me educate you.  (ha!)  From what I gather, it’s a sort of club, you can actually become a member although it’s not required for admission – they seem to have regularly scheduled events, and on the night in question it’s their 2nd anniversary, and the first night in their new “home”, the Air VIP Lounge.  Here’s the address:

The VIP Lounge – Air Nightclub 49 Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4AL


The best part about this night (May 21st), is that they are doing a theme that is directly related to Duran Duran.  Some might say (read:ME) that it’s ALL about Duran Duran.  The theme of the evening is “A Night at the Rum Runner”.  Forgive me for saying this – but if you aren’t aware of what the Rum Runner is or why it relates to Duran Duran, you’ve got some studying to do.  Quickly!  As they say: it’s where it all began.

According to the invite I saw on Facebook, the DJ set for that night will be inspired entirely by the tracks played by Nick Rhodes at The Rum Runner back when he was a DJ for the club, with a few Duran Duran tracks thrown in for good measure.   OAD is even offering a special deal for those of us going to the Brum gig – if we present our tickets or e-ticket confirmation, we’ll get in for 2 GBP.  (about $3.65 USD today)  Let me just say, I can’t remember a time when I got into ANY club for less than $5.00 USD….and that was *cough, cough* over 20 years ago now.

For my friends and I, this is the epitome of going to Birmingham.  It’s about soaking up the history of the band.  It’s like a trip to Mecca for me, and if any of you are as *cough, cough* absorbed by the band as I am…you get it.  If not, then you’re probably shaking your head and wondering when the men and white coats are coming for me.  Don’t worry, my husband wonders that every single day.   So yes, we’re attending, and I may be the only person in there  that looks like she’s from the US….but I’ll be smiling, laughing and having fun anyway!

It looks like things are being planned at a fever pitch now.  I think we’ve got plans after every show – although to be honest, I don’t know where we’re going or when.  I plan to pretty much float through the week with the guidance of the Blue Tour Binder.  (Yes Amanda, you may laugh now.)  I know Amanda and I are making a trip back to Birmingham the day after the Liverpool show just so that we can try out the walking tour she’s devised to see all of the Duran related sites. (and I do mean WALKING – I’m actually living in a little bit of fear about how far we’re going to be walking that day.  I wasn’t planning on bringing my tennis shoes with me – athletic trainers for those of you who don’t understand what I’m talking about – but due to this day, I am SO bringing them.)  I think we’ve got tentative plans to meet people after every single show aside from London – but in that case we’re throwing the Club Reflex party the day before with Gimme A Wristband!  (and I can’t wait!)  I’m sure the week is going to fly by, but I’m very excited!  I’m also thankful that we have a few days in between Liverpool and London.  We’ll need them to recuperate!!

As an aside regarding the Club Reflex party – if you can’t attend that party and are going to any of the other shows we’re attending – Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool or even London – let us know if you want to get together.  We do plan to go out after the shows if at all possible, and we are HAPPY to add more people to whatever we’re doing.  This is not a closed “club”, and for Amanda and I, half of the reason we’re so excited about the trip is getting to meet new friends, so don’t feel left out.  We want everyone to get together, get to know one another, and celebrate this fantastic band doing a proper UK tour!

Now on to the band themselves.  Sometimes I forget this blog actually has something to do with the band!  I saw on Twitter yesterday that they are rehearsing for the UK tour, and that they have some new music, never before played stuff as JT says, for the shows.  What on earth could they be planning?!?   I’m sure they’ll be playing new songs from the album – but I wonder which ones.  Will they play anything from the back catalog?  (oh if only….I know it’s a ridiculous request, but I would love for them to play some old stuff.  Late Bar, Secret Oktober, gosh…I’d be thrilled with anything like that!)  I almost don’t want to see the set lists from the next several shows just to surprise me when I get to Birmingham….

As I’m typing I’m remembering things that need to be added to my ever-growing “to do” list that must be done before I leave next Friday, which tells me that it’s time I get going and start tackling what I can!  Until tomorrow….

-R