While it goes without saying that the mere idea of a convention for fans likely needs no promotion or hype, we thought it might add a bit more excitement to get to know each of the hard working convention organizers a bit better in the weeks leading up to the date!
Each week we’ll feature a short blog written with love by the three brave souls who have dared to put their personal lives aside to plan this fantastic convention. This week, we will get to know Laura, otherwise known in the Twitter world as @Queenofthe80’s (follow her if you’re not already!) Read on, Duranies!
-R
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By Laura B.
I am the music maestro for this fabulous Duranie event on the 17th November 2012, otherwise known as the DD UK Convention! My two counterparts, Dave and Michelle, talked about the convention to begin with, and then I got involved as I am a DJ/presenter, a long-term Duranie…and FREE! I agreed to take on the playlists and function as the presenter (emcee) that night.
I’m sure you’re all wondering – is this an easy job? Well, no! However, it is a lot of fun attempting to put together the perfect playlist for over 200 Duranies who have traveled worldwide to the “Holy Land”….Birmingham. (cue angels and harps) Fans are coming for the ultimate Duranie party, and we plan to deliver! So after months of pondering, picking the brains of other Duranies, following Daily Duranie’s exploits on Twitter, messaging other fans on Twitter, Facebook messages and hundreds of emails…the question becomes, will the hard work pay off? Most definitely! The lovely JT is fully aware of the event, and I have asked him to tell us what he believes is the ultimate Duranie song. Of course, I’m still waiting for his answer on that…but when given a task that monumental, even JT needs time to deliberate!
What has been the most interesting to me thus far has been the sheer number of requests for material off of the most recent album (All You Need is Now), as well as gems that the diehard Duranies love but the band has yet to play on stage. I’m not quite finished getting the playlist completed, and will probably be in my own bit of “Girl Panic” the day before the convention, but one thing is for sure: There will be something for everyone! Do NOT leave your dancing shoes at home!!
Laura B. is by day Insurance Broker, but by night a hospital radio presenter of 11 years who loves the 80s and is a Duranie who in 2012 is stepping out with the ultimate playlist for DDUKconvention 2012.
I think you and the others have done a grand job, to fit this into your lives, as you know originally I was also going to assist, but my life just didn't allow me the time to commit to this, so knowing exactly how much of your lives has been put aside to commit to the convention, I would like to say a big thankyou for everything you have done.
The timing of the convention couldn't be more perfect, with the All You Need is Now tour now over, many of us deflated with no forthcoming events in the Duran world this has perfectly filled the void. What better way to do it, a night that you can talk about Duran, without anyone passing those comments about yawn yawn, a night you can listen to and dance to their music without being subjected to talentless XFactor manufactured Music, and a night to share with like minded individuals. I would like to say I am really looking forward to this event, and well done to Dave, Laura and Michelle for percevering and bringing this together for us all. THANK YOU ALL, and thank you Rhonda and Amanda for featuring this on your fantastic blog. x
You are certainly welcome – it was the least we could do. I am sure the event is going to be the talk of Duranland for many years to come. I've only been to one convention in my years of being a fan, but I still have nothing but the fondest of memories of the weekend itself, as well as the nine months of planning prior.
Amanda and I both hope that everyone has a spectacular time! -R
I am so disappointed that I won't be there. Twas not in the cards for me this year (hubs is military and was just deployed to the middle east.) Anyway… I do look forward to following the event via social media…and I will make your play list and try and play simultaneously! Its the best I can do remotely! I may even put on my dancing shoes and dance like no one is watching 😀