Back to the Beginning

Do you know what is the best thing about today? Today is Tuesday, and as such – it is the first day since I arrived in the UK where I am not missing out on a show. I don’t know what the date is, I have almost no idea what time of day it is, but I can definitely tell you that I’m not missing a show! That’s progress! 🙂

It has been a long, strange trip thus far, mostly in good ways. Yeah, we’ve missed out on 3 of the reasons we came to the UK, but we’ve also had opportunities to meet new friends, enjoy time on our own (I can actually sleep in, read a book and have almost uninterrupted thought processes! it’s a miracle!), and enjoy some adventure.

As you all know from reading yesterday’s blog (have you read it yet?!?), we’ve had some difficulty getting online. I’m here to tell you, Mr. John Taylor – that you are not the only one addicted to Twitter and/or Facebook. I’ve been twitching since about Monday morning London-time without internet access, and by tonight I was downright getting grizzly without it. Thankfully though, we’ve found a trusty pub with WiFi!!(I am considering moving right in!) and we’ve opened a tab for the evening. *big smile here*

The title of today’s blog says it all, really. We’re back to the beginning here in so many ways. To begin with for Daily Duranie, we’ve come to the country where Duran Duran started. On Saturday night, we stayed in Birmingham. Then on Sunday, we toured Birmingham. The theme of the walking tour was of course, Duran Duran. We were able to see where the Rum Runner once stood, Birmingham City University (what Birmingham Polytechnic came to be), the street where the band stayed at the Cheapside Squat, Broad Street, we saw where Barbarella’s once stood, and most importantly, we walked the streets where the band likely walked and got a good sense of where they came from. I must add there was a LONG list of other places Amanda researched that we weren’t even able to get to that day!(let’s just say we spent a fair amount of time getting lost and taking wrong turns, but we kind of know Birmingham now!) After the day was said and done, I had to admit that while I had misgivings about actually walking Birmingham and taking the walking tour that Amanda had designed – I am so glad we did it. Coming from the US, it’s very hard to recognize what the band is talking about when they describe Birmingham. Prior to arriving here, I had no insight about where the band came from. I know California like the back of my hand, but I’d only been to England once prior – and it certainly wasn’t to do the “Duran Duran tour”! Walking those streets gave me a small peak behind the scenes and into their past, and it’s a day I won’t soon forget. One thing that struck me were the sheer amount of clubs in Birmingham – I swear they must have more clubs per capita than anywhere I’ve EVER seen!! I don’t know if that was the case back when the band was young, but if so I am envious! Ever been to Glendora, CA?? (I doubt it) Let me tell you, no clubs. NONE.

No, we’ve had no shows since we got here. Yes, our original plan has been all but obliterated by laryngitis. That said, our trip has still been wonderful in almost every way. I want everyone to know that, and believe it. Amanda and I have tried to wake up each morning and embrace what we have, and honestly – try to forget what we’ve lost. The fact is, we can’t control what goes on with the band.(as much as I’d really like a crack at trying sometimes!!! :D) Yes, we’ve both come really, really far – and had to give up quite a lot to be here. Who hasn’t? We know we’re no different than anyone else, we just have an insane need to broadcast our opinions. The truth is, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. (apologies to my husband – I know I promised never again. How about never again after NEXT time?) I want that chance to see the band in Birmingham, and now I own a ticket to do so, should I be so lucky as to see them announce a rescheduled date. So yes, you can bet I will be trying my best – selling body parts to science if necessary – in order to get back over here to see them play. However, since that doesn’t appear to be in the cards for this time, we are laughing, learning to love several different brands of cider, enjoying the pub life (honestly, I’m going to open one of these at home in my retirement!!), meeting new people and still watching over the band from afar as much as we are able.

We are still very much looking forward our meet up on Friday night at The Reflex in London. As I read today – it sounds like we have a LOT to celebrate! Read on!

The very first thing we did upon getting an internet connection tonight, we checked for any news about the shows. We knew the chances of O2 happening were slim, but we held out hope! Duran Duran announced that they are going to be able to do the Berlin show on Thursday, and then come back to do O2 on Saturday night. I think that both Amanda and I will have a very difficult time to hold back the tears that night. It’s been a very long road, and we are so, so thrilled that Simon is well enough to perform. It will be the perfect end to our trip – and with 3rd row seats on Dom’s side, I’m thinking that’s going to be the icing on the cake!

Hear this, Duran Duran – we’re not through with you just yet. If there is any way possible, Amanda and I are coming back here, should you reschedule our shows. We know you’ve said that you’re planning to do so, and we’re crossing our fingers and toes in hopes that it’s really possible. Those tickets are in our hot little hands, and we’re not letting them go.

…and next time, no one had better be sick! 🙂

-R