Fab 4 From Britain: All You Need Is Now

 Cocaine Princess here.

On Easter Monday sister and I saw Duran Duran in concert. Long time readers of my blog know I am a die hard Duranie. The tour “All You Need Is Now” wasn’t a big arena tour. The idea was to purposely stage small shows as a way of promoting their 13th studio album which is why they played a small venue at a club in the city.

The venue had no seats, standing room only. A limited number of special VIP member-only packages were available through the fan club which I am a proud member of. I bought 2 VIP. One of the perks of purchasing a VIP tix {aside from all the goodies: autographed CD, T-shirt, concert programme, lanyard} we were guaranteed early entry to secure a spot. A day before the concert  VIP'ers were sent an urgent email from the promoters with a slight change of plans. "VIP'ers must show up at the club no later than 4pm to sign in and receive your early entry wristband." We arrived by 2pm-ish and there were a few people ahead of us and shortly after our arrival the line increased in numbers. In total there was between  75 to 100 people not including the 100s of General Admission people who were in a separate line. 4:30pm rolled around and all of us began to wonder why we weren’t being let inside. Fans were growing restless. FINALLY a staff member stepped out of the club with an announcement.

1} VIP'ers would be let in at 7:00pm.  General Admission, 7:30pm.

2} No photos allowed.

"Are you frigging kidding me?!?!?" That was the crowd's reaction but instead of the word "frigging" that "other F~word" was used multiple times. Except for in the movie Scarface never in my life have I heard repetitive use of the F~word. The burly female security guard yelled back at those who were complaining: "I don't make the rules! Don't shoot the messenger!" She went onto say that anyone who had a camera would have to leave it behind in their car as bags would be searched and anyone with a camera in their possession would not be permitted to enter.

Again, more complaints. Not everyone arrived by car. Some came by taxi, some came by bus. I honestly thought a riot was going to break out. Everyone was furious. The big female security guard stepped back inside the club and returned a few minutes later. I'm assuming she spoke to management because in a shouting tone she warned if any cameras were seen in use security would confiscate them on the spot. And then she returned back inside. We had no choice but to wait until 7pm. Nobody of course wanted to leave the line or otherwise they would have lost their place. At that point we had been in line for nearly 2 hours and oh, did I mention I was wearing 3 inch stilettos and it was pouring rain? Tsk, tsk, tsk I do believe we were experiencing typical British weather in honor of the Fab 4 from Britain. Luckily there was a huge canopy covering us and sister being the practical one packed her trusty London Fog umbrella-ella-ella-eh-eh...... {See what I did there!}


6:30-7:00

2 club staff members came out with a clipboard crossing off everyone's name on the VIP list while slapping our wrists with orange wristbands. Here's my dainty wrist:

:

7pm finally rolled around and we were let inside for drinkies and to secure a spot. I wasn't too interested in having a drinkie seeing how alcohol makes me sleepy. I was able to get right in the front row but unfortunately not in the center which I wanted so badly. Why? Being in the center would have given me a direct and perfect view of Simon "Luscious" Le Bon! I was in the front row but on the left hand side which is known to fans as "The John Taylor side." The club had 2 bars and let me tell you there were a lot of happy fans there that night. It’s always a delight when someone reeking of alcohol breath tries drumming up a casual conversation: How are you? How long have you been a fan? How many DD concerts have you attended? Who is your favorite? 

Many fans decided to ignore the big burly woman’s warning and whipped out their cameras. Security was everywhere including 2 guys who were standing right in front of the stage. I thought if others were taking pics why can't I? I mean it's not like they can only confiscate one person's camera, they would have to take everyones'. I took several photos and not one security guard threatened to “confiscate” it. Since the concert took place in a club it was a little hard taking pictures not only because of the tight quarters but because the fans that were standing behind, kept pushing those of us in the front against the rail guard. It’s a miracle I didn’t crack a rib. Unfortunately in most of the shots you'll see this one damn security guard’s face who refused to move. Months earlier the band held a contest encouraging fans to come up with videos for each one of their songs from their new album. Before the band came on stage the winning videos were presented and they were pretty creative! And now on to the show! Enjoy.


THE SET LIST
Planet Earth, Hungry Like The Wolf, All You Need Is Now, Being Followed, Notorious, Safe (In the Heat of the Moment), Leave A Light On, Friends Of Mine, Blame the Machines, The Chauffeur, Ordinary World, Girl Panic!, Careless Memories, Reach Up For The Sunrise, Rio, The Reflex, Girls On Film

"PLANET EARTH"
♫ Only came outside to watch the night fall with the rain ♫

I was very pleased to see Simon Le Bon didn't shave off his beard. I likey!
 

"HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF"

♫ I'll be upon you by the moonlight side ♫

Simon revealed he is a huge supporter of Julian Assage before singing this next one:

"BEING FOLLOWED"

♫ Someone always watching what we do ♫

  

 "NOTORIOUS"

♫ So long as boys make a noise ♫

Above, back up musician Simon Willescroft on the tambourine.

 "Safe {In The Heat Of The Moment}"

♫ How 'bout you and me get down? ♫   

Leave A Light On from their new album is a pure gem. The lyrics speak for themselves:

 

"Leave A Light On"

 ♫ I'll come there, you can leave a light on for me ♫

 

Simon toweling off his sweat:

Simon told the crowd he felt like he was in a sauna. Trust me he wasn't the only one. 1000 people crammed into a club, dancing and singing under hot lights and fog machines made for one extremely sweaty night. Even John Taylor tweeted about it after the show: 

@thisistherealJT  TORONTO-TONITE-HOT AS IN MOISTURE DRIP DROPPING, POURING OFF OUR BODIES, SLICKING OUR HANDS AND FACES. I LIKE PLAYING UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS     April-26-11 12:01:07 AM  via TweetDeck 

 "Friends Of Mine" 

♫ Georgie Davis is coming out no more heroes we twist and shout  ♫

" Blame The Machines"

♫ I'm driving up the autobahn ♫

I love this song from their 1983 album Rio. The moment Simon donned a chauffeur’s hat the crowd went wild! The video is an homage to Charlotte Rampling's topless, fetishistic "Dance of the Seven Veils" in Liliana Cavani's famous 1974 film The Night Porter. Sensual yet tasteful.

"The Chauffeur"

 ♫ Sweating dew drops ♫

  

Simon dedicated Ordinary World to his "good and dear friend Michael Hutchence {Inxs}" and to anyone else who has ever lost a loved one.

"Ordinary World"

 ♫ Still I can't escape the ghost of you ♫

"Girl Panic!"

 ♫ Dress falling off your shoulder ♫

"Careless Memories"

 ♫ So easy to disturb, with a thought ♫

Dom Brown who replaced Andy Taylor:
 

"Reach Up For The Sunrise"
♫ Put your hands into the big sky ♫

"Rio"

 ♫ Cherry ice cream smile I suppose it's very nice ♫

"The Reflex"

 ♫ The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark ♫
 

Simon dancing "On The Valentine"

The Finale:

"Girls On Film"

 ♫ Heads turning as the lights flashing out it's so bright ♫
 

The only one shot I was able to get of drummer
Roger Taylor.

Simon craving applause:

Still not satisfied, he wants more! Just as with Roger, I was only able to get one picture of Nick Rhodes:

The final bow:

Until next time Monsieur Le Bon:

**** 

I was on my feet in heels for a total of nearly 7hours {that includes waiting in line in the cold damp weather} and even though I was pushed, shoved and nearly crushed, you know what? It was totally worth it seeing my all time fave band preform live! I had a phenomenal time. Life is about making memories and Easter Monday 2011 is definitely one I'll always remember. From Simon Le Bon's twitter page:

@SimonJCLeBON  We had a bit of a bonzer show tonite in TO.    2:56 AM Apr 26th  via web  

****

My loyal and dear readers, it's finally Friday. 

The Royal Wedding is about to be broadcast live in a few hours and I shall be watching it. What can I say other than once in awhile my British side comes peaking out.

Whatever your plans are have an incredible last weekend of April. -x

XOXOXOXO,

Cocaine Princess

 

Life According To The Easter Bunny

Cocaine Princess here.

  "ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE

I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY"

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket

Walk softly and carry a big carrot

Everyone needs a friend who is all ears

There's no such thing as too much candy

All work and no play can make you a basket case

A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention

Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day

Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits

Some body parts should be floppy

Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans

Good things come in small sugarcoated packages

The grass is always greener in someone else's basket

An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare

To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell

The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

 ****

What better way is there to get your Easter party hopping than with a couple of drinkies?

My lovelies, I present to you:

"Pink Bonnet"

INGREDIENTS:
* 1 1/2 oz gin
* 1/2 oz simple syrup
* 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
* 2 dashes crème de framboise
 * White of 1 small egg 

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the ingredients in a shaker with no ice. Shake well to emulsify egg whites. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve.

"Blue Cottontail"

 

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 1/2 ounces vodka
* 1/2 ounce triple sec
* 1/4 ounce blue Curaçao
* Flamed orange peel (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Flame an orange peel over the glass and add to the drink.

However you observe this day, may it be joyful and happy. Peace Out.

XOXOXOXO,

Cocaine Princess

Earth Day & Barenaked Ladies

 

Cocaine Princess here.

April 22nd is officially known as Earth Day, a day for celebrating the riches of our natural world and to raise awareness for protecting our environment. Every year it becomes more important to do what we can to clean up and preserve the planet for future generations and halt the effects of global warming.

"Adopt the pace of nature:  her secret is patience.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson"

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."  ~Lao Tzu

Meet "Lou." On Earth Day 1992 I planted him into the ground. Technically, I didn't do any planting, the gardener {Lou} did all the work while I stood by and gave specific orders instructing where to plant him. 19 years have past and I can't believe how tall he has grown. Ah, I remember when Lou was just a tiny sapling that fit in the palms of my delicate and maincured hands. They grow up so quickly don't they? I snapped this astonishing picture yesterday......for dramatic effect please pause to ooh and ahh and admire my superior photography skills. Seriously, I mean it....go ahead, ooh and ahh......

We've had an extremely rough and tough winter this year and as you can see our garden island took a massive beating. When and if the warm weather ever arrives {I hope it does soon. Are you listening Mother Nature? Hurry up!} the garden will repair {as it does each year} itself and return back to looking lovely, full and lush. 

****

REMEMBER: Recycle! Reduce! Reuse! 

After you've done your part in saving the earth why not reward yourself by having one of the following Earth Day drinkies?  My lovelies, I present to you:

"Planetary Punch"

“360 Vodka  created this Planetary Punch recipe for Earth Day and it's a spectacular cocktail, both visually and in terms of taste. In the spirit of the occasion go with organic, fresh squeezed fruit that you buy locally (preferably biking or walking to the market) and skip the optional daiquiri mix. Midori is the melon liqueur of choice for this one and adds that beautiful green glow to both this cocktail.”

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 1/4 oz 360 Vodka
* 3/4 oz melon Liqueur
* 1/2 oz Peach Puree or Daiquiri Mix
* 1 oz Orange Juice
* 1 oz Pineapple Juice
 Maraschino Cherry For Garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Drop a cherry into the glass for a garnish.

"Greentini"

“This Greentini is simple, delicious and beautiful. Any vodka will do but in the spirit of being environmentally friendly 360 is the way to go. Midori is the melon liqueur of choice here, even though it isn't as "green" as the vodka but it is green and gives this Martini its color and flavor.” 

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 oz 360 Vodka

* 1 1/2 oz Melon Liqueur

* Lime wedge For Garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake well.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

****

And now to the Barenaked Ladies part:

On Tuesday the housekeeper did the grocery shopping and along with buying the usual items from the frozen food section, such as Skinny Cow, she decided to pick up a carton of Ben and Jerry's: “If I Had 1,000,000 Flavours” based on the Barenaked Ladies song “If I Had $1,000,000.”

99.9% of the time when it comes to the temptation of food I'm able to give it the cold shoulder but this week I've had a very hard time resisting my cravings. I decided to give into temptation!

The flavors: “A collision of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cups, chocolate-coated toffee chunks, white chocolate chunks and chocolate-coated almonds.”

And yes, it's as every bit as delicious as it sounds!

****

My loyal and dear readers, it's finally Friday, Good Friday that is.

Easter is upon us this week, a time for renewal, eating chocolate eggs and the tradition of buying new shoes!! Stop by on Sunday because I'll posting an Easter entry!!

Whatever your plans are have an Egg-ceptional weekend.~x

XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess

 

The Elderly Couple: My Perfect Plan Backfired....Badly!

Cocaine Princess here.

If there was ever a person who deserved to be decorated with medals of patience it would be awarded without a doubt to Elderly Husband {EH}.  I’m not sure if such a medal exists, if not there should be one. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened had EH put his foot down and insist he have the coffee and not tea. Hmm, I suppose he assumed it was just easier to deal with Elderly Wife's {EW} controlling ways by simply agreeing with her. I decided to try AGAIN for the 3rd time what he was trying to tell me about his grand~daughter's connection to the movie Twilight but.... AGAIN..... EW spoke:

EW: She loves Twilight- reading everyone of the books, watching the movies over and over again... She’s practically wall papered the entire room with posters of that vampire.

EH mumbled something under his breath that I couldn’t quite make out. EW turned her head and looked at him.

EW: Did you say something, dear? 

EH cleared his throat and with a nervous smile explained their grand~daughter was on Team Werewolf. Not that I was too surprised but at that moment Miss Bossy Pants aka EW insisted he was wrong. 

EW: No you’re wrong. Not werewolves. 

EH: The posters in her room are of Taylor Lautner and not Robert Pattison. Don't you remember dear we took her shopping-

EW: You don’t know what you’re talking about. Pay attention, vampires. Not werewolves. 

I'm going to pause here for a moment with my post as I share this random thought with you lovelies: Let’s say for the sake of argument elderly husband was wrong: Was it really necessary for the wife to correct him in the manner that she did and then go on and on about the “vampire posters?” Apparently EW thought so! It’s not as if the question would one day appear as a final question on Jeopardy and therefore one really needed to know if the answer was vampire or werewolf! I had a gut feeling EH was in fact correct and not because I was on Team Elderly Husband but because he knew Robert Pattison and Taylor Lautner were the stars of the film. Come on, how many seniors do you know who are familiar with those names? If I had to describe EH I would use the following words: meek, soft spoken, gentle and patient. If I had to describe his wife? That’s a no brainer- the complete opposite of EH.

Each time either sister or I commenced a conversation with him, his wife felt the desperate need to barge in and I didn’t understand why. Was she trying out for a new type of game show that required contestants to be skilled in the art of butting into a conversation? Hmm, if so Elderly Woman would win hands down and be crowned the ultimate champion. Whatever the reason, poor husband if he was lucky maybe got one or two words in. I needed a way to talk to him without the wife cutting in. If you recall in my previous post here which by the way was so awesomely written if I do say so myself, the first portion of their visit was discussing what was new in our lives. I remembered EH mentioning since retiring he had taken up the hobby of sailing. I figured if I asked him a question directly related to his new spare-time activity that would lead to us having a full length conversation. “A-ha, the perfect plan!” I thought. I first needed to wait until the “coast was clear” and by that I mean when EW quit rambling on about the “vampire” posters. She finally took a break from talking and when she leaned forward to pick up her tea cup I knew that was my cue. Looking straight into EH’s face I said:

ME: Tell me all about your sailing club? It sounds like fun.

EW: Oh yes, he is quite the sailor.......

Well so much for my perfect plan--- it backfired, badly! As I stated, I looked right into EH’s eyes expecting his wife would get the hint that the question was directed not at her but her husband. Now that I think back I only have myself to blame. I should have waited until she took a sip from her tea. Silly me for not thinking my plan through. Enough was enough. I had made up my mind and decided if no one else was going to, I was.  

Going to do what you ask?.......................I was going to put Senior Wifey on mute.

To Be Continued.

****

My loyal and dear readers it’s finally Friday. Three cheers my lovely ones for making it to the end of the week.

Whatever your plans are have a tip~top weekend.~x

XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess