By John Lester (213.1.135.142 - 213.1.135.142) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 02:14 pm:

I cannt begin to tell you all how much I appreciated you all coming up to me at Cleethorpes cos "you make me feel like I'm the luckiest man that ever lived". So many of you...talked to me like you knew me for years and I felt SO comfortable and at ease.

The Velvelettes were so blessed to be in the company of all you guys and they were surprised at how many of your wanted to talk and share precious moments with them.

The selection and order of the songs was down to Ady, Cal and myself and I honestly do not think we could have done better. Cal was really shocked at the response to some of the songs, particularly the ones that the ladies had not performed and even "There He Goes" which they hadn't performed for some 40 years.

I asked Cal what song she was most surprised about in terms of audience response...she replied......The Boy From Crosstown...now I know that Cal might have said that to please me (it's my email moniker as many of you know) but she insisted that was not the reason....Cal said that she could hear everyone singing that song and as she struggled to recall the words, she ended up just singing along with the crowd and it made it SO easy.

Thank you all for making their visit so enjoyable. Cal, Bertha and Norma promise to try and come back again and see you all....they are truly sorry that the venue was sold out so quick. So now it is up to us to make that repeat appearance happen.

We need to get these promoters working...so guys, get in touch........

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170 - 195.153.219.170) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 03:44 pm:

Well done John. Agreed about the promoters. If they are filling venues, why should it be so difficultto get cracking?

By hw (68.37.216.64 - 68.37.216.64) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 03:57 pm:

Set list please!

By Vickie (64.12.103.24 - 64.12.103.24) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 04:25 pm:

Ahhh Cloud 9,
What a feeling..I am so Happy for you John!!!

Vickie

By John Lester (213.1.133.24 - 213.1.133.24) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 04:50 pm:

I have this handwritten from Cal herself...

He Was Really Saying Something
Lonely Lonely Girl Am I (audience response was deafening to this one - they were surprised at that)
Intro for the group preceded....
There He Goes
Bird In The Hand......by this time Cal had the crowd in the palm of her hand
Let Love Live....two verses and then a break for the guitar break intro of
The Boy From Crosstown (the crowd were going crazy by this time and getting worse)
Twilite Time
Needle in a Haystack
Everybody Needs Love (Bertha and Norma were helped by the crowd more than any other song on this one - YOU NEED LOVE, I NEED LOVE, EVERYBODY NEEDS LOVE - they told me later, that it was an amazing feeling on the stage.
Then a real teaser of a long intro before These Things Will Keep Me Loving You...by this time, if you were not singing, you were dead!!

They went off stage and with the stomping on the floor, I feared that the floor was gonna break if they did not come back. To be honest, the ladies were not expecting SUCH a response for an encore......and everyone was screaming for their own favourites. As they came out again...Cal could hear the guys near the front of the stage shouting for Lonely Lonely Girl Am I - Cal and Bertha both love this song and that was the one they did.....

Really and truly, they could have done the whole performance again.

You know we really struggled to know what to leave out, and now with hindsight, it's hard to decide whether we did the right thing when we heard people scream at the tops of their voices for Think of The Times, Love Is Good and Dont Beat Around The Bush but the ladies couldn't do them all, or could they!!

We got back to the hotel and the atmosphere was highly charged with electricity, enough to keep Blackpools' lights going for a week!

I am SO proud of my ladies...really SO proud.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 04:56 pm:

vickie....

That reminds me of something my Mother told me. With a friend who shall be nameless, she went to see the Four Tops at a cabaret club in Manchester. After a couple of numbers, the crowd were warmed up and started shout out requests: It's The Same Old Song, Bernadette, I'll Turn To Stone... and so on. My Mother's friend joined in, eagerly shouting for "CLOUD NINE"

As they were sitting right at the front, she could only be ignored for so long. Finally, (probably) Laurence said: "thanks, lady but I think that was some other guys." Then he sang "You can be what you wanna be" and the guys shot back with "Cloud Nine". That got a huge round of applause, and my Mother's friend was so embarrassed she didn't know where to look.

By Vickie (64.12.103.24 - 64.12.103.24) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 05:01 pm:

That's a great story Ritchie!!!!
LOL

Vickie

By David Flynn (213.122.202.139 - 213.122.202.139) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 06:39 pm:

Suffice to say that everything John has already said is exactly correct - the girls were indeed awesome - one of the best live acts I've EVER had the pleasure of experiencing. I'd also like to add that the band were also fantastic with an amazingly faithful sound - big pat on the back for them too.
Finally, fellow souldetroit.com-ers, I can assure you that the look on John's face during the ladies' performance was one of utter, utter delight/pride. :-)

Flynny
-p.s. My hands are still sore from all the clapping during/after their and Dennis' performance, and I lost my voice somewhere in the venue that day too! ;-)

By John Lester (213.122.203.96 - 213.122.203.96) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 06:58 pm:

Flynny

I was so proud cos I knew they did a great job. Cal knew too.

Norma and Bertha were just so astounded at how much people knew the songs and how much everyone knew about them too!

Back at the hotel, Norma said to me "John you were right, they DO know our songs better than we do!!.........you gotta get us to come back here...and in any case, I think I wanna move here!"

Norma does the high parts..paricularly on "Don't Beat Around The Bush"

By David Flynn (213.1.135.151 - 213.1.135.151) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 07:56 pm:

I'll be talking to my Continental European friends/promoters about just how good they were...only cuz I want to see some official "Velvelttes European Tour" jackets respledant with dates on the back with a big "Sold Out all nights" flash across them! :-)

Flynny
-p.s. The queue to get their autographs was well over an hour long, but everyone seemed to think it was well worth the wait! :-)

By John Lester (213.1.135.27 - 213.1.135.27) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 10:04 pm:

Sorry about the queue lads...but the girls were more than happy to talk to the fans and it go on a bit longer than was expected.

By Dave Leedham (213.122.3.67 - 213.122.3.67) on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 11:49 pm:

I agree the girls performed brilliantly one not to be missed,and a big thanks to Sylvia Ady John and everyone involved and John a BIG thanks for the photo.

By hw (68.37.216.64 - 68.37.216.64) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 12:38 am:

This tops everything, xtown! I am happy for you, for them and for the fans who were so vocal. This meant SO MUCH to everyone involved. It's so good to be able to give something back...

Hey, JL - and we thought the lipsync momemt at the Motown Cafe was the bee's knees!

By John Lester (213.1.133.30 - 213.1.133.30) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 07:40 am:

Dave - my pleasure - I am glad you appreciate the photo.

Harry - that Cafe spot was awesome too..that one took us all by surprise....you know, I ought to post a picture cos I must be one of the few that can prove it happened.

By reedmusic (64.152.152.132 - 64.152.152.132) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 06:23 pm:

John Lester & Company:
I can't tell you how happy I am that The Velvelettes were so well received. It's been a pleasure reading all the postings.
I know you'll want them back really soon - as well as other great Motown acts - Miracles, Contours, Brenda Holloway, Kim Weston, Willie Tyler and Lester!
And thank you John Lester for making this possible. We love you,
Best regards,
Jeanne Sorensen

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 06:41 pm:

Apparently we need to thank you for making it possible Jeanne. Welcome to our forum.

By John Lester (213.122.202.231 - 213.122.202.231) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 09:36 pm:

Yes...Jeanne deserves a lot of credit for what she did...

I will always be thankful to her...

By ady100soul (213.122.39.23 - 213.122.39.23) on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 - 05:41 am:

As the promoter of the gig, I should add my thanks to John, Jeanne and Andy Rix. The girls were truly great and I had virtually every customer telling me they were the best in our ten year history or joint best with the magnificent Maxine Brown; perhaps I should arrange a decider in a couple of years.
The girls were terrific and watching them shake and shimmy from backstage was an experience in itself. If I can help any other promoters in getting them out to do this more often, I'll be more than happy. But just at this moment I'm going to take a 2 month nap.
Cheers
Ady

By John Lester (213.1.134.100 - 213.1.134.100) on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 - 06:15 am:

Thank you Ady...I was honoured to be a part of it all.

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.163.227 - 213.122.163.227) on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 - 07:52 am:

That's quite an accolade from the fans.

By Andy Rix (195.93.48.172 - 195.93.48.172) on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 10:51 pm:

I knew they would be good but I never imagined they would be THAT good ...... they truly were amazing & I was overwhelmed by the power of their performance. I stood with John throughout the whole show & I really don't think I've ever witnessed such happiness and pride on somebody's face. John & Ady did us proud.
Cal is such a beautiful & warm person that when we went to lunch on Sunday I was just staring at her & melting ..my mother would be ashamed of me for such bad table manners.
Like Dave Flynn I hope those of us who can make suggestions to, or influence, promoters will do so on behalf of the Velvelettes. They deserve our continued support & respect

By detroit gal (64.12.105.184 - 64.12.105.184) on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 02:26 am:

The Velvelettes both look good and sound good ...they're great ambassadors for Motown. I'm glad the Brits got to experience that! With their day jobs, they just weren't able to tour extensively for a long time ...

By supremeross (155.229.206.70 - 155.229.206.70) on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 02:34 pm:

You Brits have it so good. I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan and have never seen the Velvelettes Live. I'm soooo envious!

By Tyrone (192.128.133.68 - 192.128.133.68) on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 11:50 pm:

I, too, would have loved to see this performance. Being in the US of A, this type of performance is quite rare as all of you are aware. I'm constantly looking for performances of this type. My dream concert is a Motown Revue type featuring original members of the Velvelettes, Marvelettes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Originals, Contours and Miracles, with Mary Wilson representing the Supremes, Dennis Edwards representing the Tempts, Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, Brenda Holloway and Kim Weston.

John, I am happy for you and for the success of this show. Though I wasn't there, I appreciate the work of you and the promoters, as well as the artists themselves. I thank you for the review of the show(s) and for the listing of songs. You are one lucky son of a gun. I, too, someday envision myself being in the company of Ms Ross, Ms Wilson and Ms Birdsong (as a unit). Continue the good work and many blessings will flow your way.

By John Lester (213.122.204.149 - 213.122.204.149) on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 07:37 pm:

Tyrone

This is the 2nd time I am having to tell you that you ought to be here with us in the UK!! You missed the Originals just a couple of weeks ago...plus Dennis Coffey, and Martha Reeves, Freda Payne, Edwin Starr....

Supremeross - plenty of room for you too!!

In fact, why doesn't the whole Forum come over.

Ralph...leave the ex-wives in the USA!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 08:05 pm:

John,
I couldn't afford passage for all the ex's anyway, so home they will stay. In all honesty, for some reason I have been fixating on the idea of visiting you guys. Some musician friends of mine have even suggested I move to England for a while and see what I can accomplish. One never quite knows.......

By John Lester (213.122.204.149 - 213.122.204.149) on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 08:45 pm:

Hey now Ralph...I know I said I was gonna buy you a cold beer (well maybe two) but I didn't expect that I would be buying it in an English pub!!!

...and you're too late for Dennis, the Velvelettes, Originals, Martha Reeves, Edwin Starr and Freda Payne.........so you are gonna have to work on your timing!!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 08:58 pm:

Well John, as they say...in show biz, timing is EVERYTHING.

By Ian W (213.122.55.249 - 213.122.55.249) on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 09:42 pm:

Hey Ralph, no backing down now, you've got to visit! You might even acquire a Dick Van Dyke authentic Cockney accent too, don't cha know! We even had one chap here with six ex-wives, I think he mistreated a few though!

By john Lester (213.1.135.92 - 213.1.135.92) on Sunday, June 23, 2002 - 10:10 pm:

Ooooo.....Ian W

That makes two of us ganging up on him....Ralph aint got a chance now...maybe you better offer to buy him a cold beer too.....!!!

By Ian W (213.122.130.234 - 213.122.130.234) on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 10:56 pm:

Ralph & John, consider it done! I might even run to two!

By John Lester (213.1.134.85 - 213.1.134.85) on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 11:02 pm:

Now hold on there Ian......two cold beers means he's gotta work hard for it!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 12:19 am:

John,
After two cold beers I'm probably not working anymore and am entertaining thoughts of sleep.

By Hitsville45 (195.93.34.161 - 195.93.34.161) on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 - 10:41 pm:

Like Ady has already mentioned in a previous posting The Velvelettes were for me the finest live act I have ever seen, just pipping Maxine Brown at Cleethorpes. Big thanks to Ady, Sylvia, John and Andy for whatever your parts were in getting the girls over they were magnificent, I was stood behind a gentleman who was absolutely besotted with them, dancing, jumping up a down and generally totally living every word they sang, I found out late off Andy Rix after it was John Lester, sorry if I had known during the performance I would have said hello but I don't think you would have realised anyone else was there. I went to meet the girls after and my picture taken and my program signed and they were every bit a charming as I expected they would be.
Well done again everyone.
Regards
Alan Pollard

By John Lester (213.122.201.58 - 213.122.201.58) on Thursday, July 18, 2002 - 07:44 am:

Alan...what a shame we didn't get to speak...maybe next time....you know, people are STILL taking about it......and that lady sends shivers down my spine when she sings....

Ralph has some ladies that do that to him too. I think he calls them his ex-wives!! Possibly a different type of shiver though!! LOL!