leonardcohenforum.com

Dear Friends,

I flew to Sydney for the November 9 concert, and it turned out to be everything I expected it to be - magnificent, magical, momentous.

But at the end of it all, something happened that made me want to "knee myself in the balls" and stick my "fist in my face"...

I had the fortune of being seated four rows from the front. At the end of the show, I hung back for awhile, snapping some photos. As the line to the exit shortened, I saw Hattie Webb, one half of the "sublime" Webb Sisters, emerge from the performers' entrance, which is a cordoned-off area left of the stage.

She spotted a friend in the audience, got all excited and beckoned her friend to join her just behind the cordon. They stood at the edge of the cordon (less than three metres from where I was) and chatted for at least a good minute, before the both of them disappeared backstage.

And all that time, I stood rooted to the spot, not saying or doing anything, like a complete idiot!

I keep asking myself why I didn't simply walk up to her and say, "Hattie, sorry to interrupt but would it be possible for you to autograph my concert ticket?". I actually had a black marker all ready! I'm sure she wouldn't have minded - the crowd had already dissipated, so she needn't have worried about being held up by too many fans. I would have liked to compliment her for the amazing job she and Charley are doing on this tour, and let her know that I flew all the way from Singapore for the concert.

So what happened? Simply this - I got paralysed by Hattie Webb.

Some comments, please. Help me exorcise this experience


Lester

P.S. I've uploaded some videos and photos in a happier post. Read it here:
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=23578&p=256835#p256834

Lester,

You missed that 'carpe diem' moment. There is nothing else to say except I'm sorry you were 'paralyzed'. You did get to see her up close and personal though.

Kindest regards,
Mary

Hi Lester,

Ironically, I had the reverse experience. When I went to see the Webb Sisters last Christmas, I approached Hattie who had come down onto the floor. She looked at me, and said "I think I recognise you - is your name John?"! I guess it was because I was the first person to congratulate the Webbs on myspace, when they got the job with Leonard. I hope you get another chance to meet her.

All good things, John E

horo1984 wrote:And all that time, I stood rooted to the spot, not saying or doing anything, like a complete idiot!
I keep asking myself why I didn't simply walk up to her...

Actually, I think your behaviour shows you to be a very pleasant and considerate person, if she was enjoying a conversation with a friend. Why not leave a message for her on her website?

Dear Friends,

Thanks for your comments - experience half-exorcised now More comments and suggestions are welcome - especially if you had these slip-through-your-fingers moments like me! Misery loves company (kidding, kidding).

MaryB wrote:You missed that 'carpe diem' moment. There is nothing else to say except I'm sorry you were 'paralyzed'.

Thanks for the sympathy, Mary. You're right, of course. There are so many moments like this in life... sometimes you sieze them, sometimes you don't.

John Etherington wrote:When I went to see the Webb Sisters last Christmas, I approached Hattie who had come down onto the floor. She looked at me, and said "I think I recognise you - is your name John?"!

How lucky you are, John. Then again, it's quite something being the first person to congratulate the Webb Sisters. No wonder you made an impression!

hydriot wrote:Actually, I think your behaviour shows you to be a very pleasant and considerate person, if she was enjoying a conversation with a friend. Why not leave a message for her on her website?

Thanks, hydriot. I took your advice and signed the guestbook on the Sisters' website. Rather therapeutic. Hope Hattie reads it.


Lester

Hi Lester.
Thank you for your Sydney concert reports and visuals. I have enjoyed them all.

It has been a while since your original thread on July 23, "Flying 4,000 miles to catch Cohen - Am I nuts?

I am wondering how you feel about your momentous decision now?

---Arlene

bridger15 wrote:Hi Lester.
Thank you for your Sydney concert reports and visuals. I have enjoyed them all.

It has been a while since your original thread on July 23, "Flying 4,000 miles to catch Cohen - Am I nuts?

I am wondering how you feel about your momentous decision now?

---Arlene

Dear Arlene,

How nice of you to remember my original post! Glad you enjoyed the photos and videos.

As regards my momentous decision, I now have this to say:
I'd crawl 4,000 miles to catch LC

Very much want to catch him live again. But will probably not go alone the next time - need someone to slap me if the same thing happens


Lester

P.S. I really like the keyring on your avatar - managed to get a couple of them at the show! Ah, bliss.

horo1984 wrote:
Very much want to catch him live again. But will probably not go alone the next time - need someone to slap me if the same thing happens

You would not be alone if you managed to come to Vegas I'd say there would be a 'few' like-minded individuals around who share with you a bit of the same disorders .

MaryB wrote:You would not be alone if you managed to come to Vegas I'd say there would be a 'few' like-minded individuals around who share with you a bit of the same disorders .

Hi Mary,

Vegas... now that concert would be worth swimming to! Lucky, lucky you!

Hmmm... so now I'm the nut with a disorder who has flown 4,000 miles all alone to catch LC live in concert


Lester

P.S. For those who are lost inside my inside joke (pun very much intended), do read my first post at viewtopic.php?f=5&t=22359&start=0#p238963