“Inc-RED-ible BAFTAs!”

 

Enjoy the view…

… This recent encouragement had stuck in my spirit…

… remained suspended, until the opportunity for the right view, came along…

… that being, a behind-the-scenes perspective of one of the most exciting nights of creative recognition, namely, the British Academy of Film & Television Arts Awards.

My view would begin at the Royal Festival Hall..

Sacred home to so many endeavours of artistry, from stage to screen… embracing space of the consummately classic and cutting-edge contemporary… sprawling venue for live, sonic experiences and intimate poetic expression. It is the epitome of an environment, which nurtures, both, the organic and site-specific nature of multidisciplinary invention…

… and, against the backdrop of a rich, aquamarine sky, backlit by piercing dawn sunrays, the milk-white hue of this hallowed building was, extraordinarily stunning.

Taking each step from Belvedere Road, a lively throng of fellow Arts-enthusiasts, was the chorus which greeted me… All in, animated, wait, anticipating a day which, as an observer, could not be planned for, simply, witnessed…

… and, as ever, my curiosity was piqued…

Who were they? Where had their respective journeys started? I had to dive in… and expeditiously learnt, that they hailed from Suffolk, on the 6.a.m. train… Essex, on the earliest train, possible… from all points, on the Central London compass, and beyond, by road and rail… and, like me, had a feeling that on this day, this place was the place to be.

Time seemed to decelerate…

… as if we were, now, suspended in our own BAFTA bubble… Hoardings had gone up, queues, were growing tails of eager-beaver, red-carpet connoisseurs and devotees of the stars, great and good, belonging to this wonder-world of the business called “show”..

… But who would, actually, show up, was still a mystery…

Revelations had been stoking the social-media engines and, on inquiring, as to whom the admirers would most love to see, it was a delight to hear that so many had come to support them all… although, after an eagle-eyed sweep of the clustering column, I did spot a number of tell-tale fan T-Shirts!

***

The sun had been steadily moving… as had the lines… The security, kindly, with the definitive air of authority, had kept us informed of entrance procedures and the Southbank, itself, had become a veritable hive of activity, with the Royal Festival Hall, the, unrivalled, Queen Bee…

Not only was the BAFTA buzz growing louder, by the second, not only were passing tourists approaching, to discover just, exactly, what the electric atmosphere was about, but whispers were becoming squeals of glee, when rumours became online confirmation, of attending A-Listers..

… For my part, the fashion was a distinct draw…

Gowns, from the extravagant to the excessive, were sure to make their appearances… Suits, from the understated, to the uber-o.t.t, would, most certainly, demand airtime… From up-do’s through tutu’s, slick-backs, to short-back and sides.. I was about the glamour, dahhhh-ling and I wasn’t going home, without it!

… And, before we knew it, the moment had come, to be the preliminary steppers upon the tapis rouge! Around the corner, ensconced by BAFTA-emblazoned hoardings, we made like legends-in-our-own-lunchtimes, into designated audience areas… and so began one of the most intense rollercoaster rides, in my living memory!

In a heartbeat, talk began, as to the best vantage point for selfies, the best arm position for selfies, how to lean and get your best side… for selfies… Followed by, from which direction the guests would come… then, how to get the full autograph-album completed, how to get an artist’s attention… There was serious strategy… and I was bowled-over… because, you couldn’t plan for this sort of day… or could you?!!

… From that point on, I observed..

I took it all in…

… and re-ran what had just transpired, to even arrive in the viewing gallery…

We had walked past the Press area, opposite, which was ready for representatives of allotted broadcasting outlets… Looking upwards, were 360-degree cameras, lids down, waiting to wake, and rapidly, blink-to-attention, at the celebrity procession, which would, first, be met by the beat of the step-and-repeat.. and, of course, the prestige courtesy-car, arrival area… which would be the last port-of-call, for last-minute wardrobe adjustments and last-minute calm, before the inevitable screaming-storm!

At the sun’s zenith, they streamed in, as it streamed down… and the V.I.P-count did not disappoint… U.K. to U.S., they hailed… From, soap, to stage, to big-screen… from daytime, to night-time, they adorned the red-carpet and, to be frank, were adored, by the most ear–splitting meet-and-greet welcomes, I have, ever, heard!

Presenters, were mic’d-up and ready to go..

… as homegrown casts appeared, in speedy succession… and the dawn chorus began to call a who’s-who of names… and the, now-perfected selfie poses, were editorials-in-action..

… and we waited.. and, mesmerised, I kept watching..

Who would be next?

Well, for future reference, to be acquainted with the language of “loud-screaming”, is advisable, as the higher-pitched, the more desired, the Artist… Until it all becomes one, continual, collective cry… because, everyone wants to see, be seen and be pictured with, well, everyone…

… and, who could argue with such passion, when, like a rushing river, global names approached, so graciously, to oblige, to the, mountingly, fevered requests (returning, in some cases, often, more than once, twice and, even, thrice)…  not because the sun was a-blaze, but because the red-carpet was a-flame, with fame!

Oh… and how the style-files were overflowing, in my phone and my mind!

… And how my wishes were, beyond, fulfilled…

From home-made, billowing, bin-liner couture, embellished with wrappers, to jewel-toned robes, luxurious layers of exquisitely embroidered and crystal-encrusted attire, to magnificently, cut-to-fit bespoke, black-tie brilliance, which was the most… it’s safe to say that the stars had fallen out of the sky, had, elegantly, landed in London and entirely outshone the sun!

… This undulation of emotional crescendo, only became diminuendo, when all of the glitterati had been whisked away, inside the Hall, for a night to remember…

… and, as dusk fell, outside, I absorbed my red-carpet moments and smiled..

… because they might not have been BAFTAs, but they were my prized souvenirs, of a day, about which, I shall not, soon, forget!

 

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2019. All Rights Reserved.

“Springtime Fun-In-The-Sun… Vegas-Style!!”

 

I’m not a bit mad at it, friends…

… a smoked salmon, champagne brunch, at the “Caviar House and Prunier”, accompanied by cheery, if, somewhat sporadic, conversation with fellow diners, in transit, via Heathrow Terminal 3, to global destinations…. with the occasional gawp at the latest offerings of high-end chic, from Louis Vuitton…

…. Nope, I’m not averse to it at all!

In fact, if you were to take the very same letters from, arguably, the most famous acronym in fashion, you’d have a clue as to my own point of disembarkation…

… which, has become my landing location, of choice, on three occasions, since last November…

… Getting warmer?

We-l-l-ll…

…  it has a “Strip” and…. more hotelier options than you can shake a stick at… and secures the hottest performers in the music world…

Yes.. you’ve got it!

Lovely Las Vegas was calling me back to its eclecticisms and idiosyncratic party culture… and this time, I was going to get a lot warmer… Say, 80 degrees, warmer!

… But these days, when the Time-Space continuum is in conjunction… and offers up a week of poolside-living and distinctive style-stories… how can one deign to reject such potential for adventure?!

The answer is, one simply cannot!

… Oh and there might, just, have been the opportunity to celebrate life in, quite, the most glamorous front-row mosh pit in town… Otherwise known as “losing yourself” to the swingin’-est sounds, at the, one and only, “Matt Goss Experience”, within the sassy surrounds of “1OAK Nightclub”, enveloped by the “Grande Dâme” of venues, “The Mirage Hotel”!

Yes…

…  that might, indeed, have alleviated the extensive airtime… although, I was probably the most excited, yet, to be heading back into the arms of my best-loved recreational hot-spot, for an impromptu hug!

Until then…

 I do not succumb to the, deceptively, time-consuming temptation, of purchasing Duty Free…

Rather, I am as focussed as possible, in order to enjoy every other element of my experience (as always)… and, rather expeditiously, am settling into my home-for-the-day… A red-and-white liveried Virgin Atlantic plane (entitled “Lady Freedom”, no less!)… spanning reminiscent listening-sessions of Jeff Buckley’s intensely-moving masterpiece, “Grace”, through to my chosen touchdown tunes, served up by the irrepressible futuristic-disco of Daft Punk… interspersed by power-naps and nourishment, as only the “Branson Brigade” can, so expertly, and elegantly, provide.

I also checked-in with the flight tracker, but needn’t have bothered, since, as we drew ever closer to Nevada, the cabin temperature took a distinct upturn, like the curve of a smile upon the face of someone who has a delicious secret, nestling on the tip of their tongue…

… and, before we knew it, the Time-Space continuum had transported us, to a new Destiny-moment… to make new discoveries, in the awaiting, ensuing days of ensuites and lively beats…

… and what a treat it was!!

Firstly, having dressed for the inclement weather which I’d left behind (i.e. layered in Zara Knitwear, M & S tweed trousers and Julien McDonald biker jacket, etc. etc.), the air con-infused limo ride was an entire blessing!

Then, in keeping with the, seeming, multi-dimensional convergence, a speedy arrivals desk, saw myself and luggage, whisked away in an, equally, expedient elevator, into a newly laid-out, ever more spacious, dwelling, overlooking the expansive pool area, which was soon to be my next stop.. after a freshen-up… and another power-nap…

… which was never going to work when, engrossed by CNN’s Don Lemon and Chris – “#LetsGetAfterIt” – Cuomo, as I arose, in time for the pool to be closed and the restaurants to have been open, for their first and second sittings!

… Yet, the anticipation for my mini outdoor excursion, in search of the perfect placement, for the girl-about-town, writing situation, was not wasted on one, such as I… Assuredly not! … Neither was my beloved shrimp pasta, with the creamiest of sauces, well-accompanied by bubbles, of the soda-pop kind!

At which point, the secret smile was, altogether, mine!

… As was “The Dolphin Bar”, which, for me, was the ultimate setting, for cooling shade on the one side and sizzling sun-trap on the other… and with a waterfall, gently caressing the air, with trickling sound and guests, close by, in deep relaxation or laugh-out-loud revelry… I couldn’t have asked for better…

… except, for the über-cool tracksuits that The Mirage servers were sporting… which were not available, thus remaining exclusive and even more desirable! However, a little multi-coloured batwing top from French Connection, matching coral plissé skirt, with high-low hem and black flip-flops, were my delight… A 70’s throwback and precursor to some Halston Heritage couture, hanging in the closet, to be debuted at a later date… I thank you!!!

Ice-cool beverage and poolside stroll later, I was fuelled for more exploring…

… To Las Vegas Boulevard!!! To “The Fashion Show Mall”!!!

To “The Pinto Ranch“ … an absolute find, for those who adore the outdoor lifestyle and its complementary accoutrements… which, within two days, with the minimum of fuss, under the sagesse and adaptability of store supervisor, Greg, became an educational outlet and morphed into a “Country Music Awards” hang-out for shoppers and browsers, alike!

What I did not fork out for in Duty Free, I more than made up for in the acquisition of some wonderfully unique gifts, which made me look like I came straight out of Southfork… (I’m talkin’ cowboy hat, my darlins.. and then, some)!

How I loved the onslaught of action!!!

Learning more about traditional creative design processes, talking vinyl with “DJ After School Special” and his fabulously fashion-forward manager (and twin brother!), being drowned-out by cars, screaming sonic Morse code, via their horns, using skywalks to cross roads and enter other hotels, like the impeccable, “Venetian”… comparatively quieter, until reverberant opera singing shook the soundwaves of the brain to life… and all in micro-minutes!!!

I, mean, I absolutely, loved it!!!

… Oh, and, what was I not, dear friends?… I was not mad at it, at all… not even a bit perturbed, in the slightest!

I was in Vegas… I wanted more… and more is exactly what I got…

… namely, on Sunday night, for the, now weekly, major Matt Goss show!

Further inspired by my 70’s mood, I went all-out “Studio 54”, honey… All regal, royal blue, backless, halter-neck, jumpsuit joy, golden platform-shoe’d goodness and accordant cobalt, beaming Biba accessories… with a snazzy, ladder-link necklace… and, did I mention, a certain dalliance with “bareMinerals” glitter eyeshadow in “Twilight” and “Hot Commodity” highlighter, and luscious “Sleek” lip gloss… for day-y-y-ys?!!!

Oh, yes, friends, it was, categorically, on… and I was ecstatic with it all!

…. And. What. A. Show!!!

… No matter, how many times, you see it, hear it, experience it… the undeniable force, that is Mr Matt Goss, himself, somehow manages to upstage existence and smash the living daylights out of every moment, regardless of the vocal dynamic of any song, or any time signature!

This is his playground… his artistic vortex in which he, politely, yet, no less insistently, demands you let loose… and it takes no time at all for the whole room to, willingly, yield…

In fact, it gets sweaty, it gets rowdy, it takes a great, big, bite out of life and, quite frankly, is the only show which seems to be a Time-Space Continuum, all of its own…

… a fitting reward for going boldly, and a perfect vault for priceless memories…

… which, along with the turquoise-blue skies, that greeted me upon my return to lovely London, are exactly what I shall treasure…

… until the next clarion call upon dreamy desert winds, hails me back unto the sweet heartbeat of the Nevada Valley…

… and, do you know, what?

I’ll be truly glad, not a tad mad of that, friends…

… not at all!!

 

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

“Valentines In Vegas!!!”

 

You know that Valentine’s Week in Vegas is going to be something rather special…

 

… especially special, when, through lively conversation, you find that you are seated next to a heartwarming couple, who have been married for 35 years, called Mr and Mrs Truelove!

 

I kid you not, dear friends!

 

Yes, yours truly, was back, for the third thrilling installment in her Vegas Trilogy… returning to the Love capital of the world… only rivalled, some might say, by the romance of a Paris, at night..

 

“So, what was the story this time?” I hear you enquire…

 

Well… it was all about the Lo-o-o-o-o-ve..

… and if there is anyone who knows how to live their Purpose for just that reason, it’s Mr. Matt Goss..

 

By now, we’ve discovered how, simply exceptional, he is, both, as an Artist and, a deeply, delightful human being.

You already know about his refinement and elegance of style and substance… You also know that, whether solo, or with his immensely-talented brother, Luke, he is consistently turning doubters into, all-out believers, in the supreme gifts which have him flying high, within the Creative Arts Industry and the wider Creative Community.

 

So…

… season by season, (i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas and now Valentine’s), I have had the distinct blessing of jetting off, into the wide blue yonder of the Vegas skyline, landing at my beloved “Mirage”, elevated to the dizzying heights of the 22nd floor and living-the-(somewhat uexpected)-dream, of all that such transatlantic back-and-forth entails, in order to chart the course and share the joy of this, eminently fascinating, performer’s artistic evolution!

From arrival-Sunday, which saw a two-tone Goss, regaling the “silver foxes” in the room, through to the following Sunday, in which his own homage to silver-grey styling, accentuated his striking blonde-haired, blue-eyed charm, my week was glazed with ever-slicker performances by the fêted “new King of Vegas”… crowned by the Valentine’s event-of-events, on that, most memorable, night-of-nights…

 

…and it was everything!!!!!

 

Sultry, sassy, super-humorous, super-glamorous… peppering the audience, with infectious geniality.. it was undeniably glossy-Gossy, at his undeniable best.

 

To me, more than I’d ever felt it, “1 OAK” was the beating pulse of Nevada…

Whether front row, or booth-bound, the room was replete with revellers who were ready for a steaming hot time…and the show was, accordingly, sizzling…

With no room to lounge in this buzzing bar, the strawberry-strewn, speakeasy space absolutely rocked to the pace of Matt’s adrenalin-fuelled style and a band which, were they any tighter, would have split their, metaphorical, musical seams!

In fact, the duration of the evening was seamless showbiz, par excellence, and we were all with him for the ride… Quite frankly, the swoon-to-croon ratio was ten thousand-a-penny and the power of expression, although effortless in groove, was pure, no-holds-barred effort, in his driving delivery.

 

With more seasoned skits and ska turns, which were te-riff-ic, the general concensus which revolved around the room as this Vegas showpiece progressed, was that this was, categorically, the most impressive that anyone had, yet, seen of Goss… Indeed, I had the privelege of engaging from many vantage points, ergo, sitting in the company of many first-timers, all, of whom, commented on just how consummate a performer Matt was… and how, clearly, he was becoming the quintessential benchmark for any type of entertainment offering, let alone a, consistently, sell-out Vegas residency…

…which is quite the most discernible thing… in that, Matt neither rests upon his laurels,  rather, curating his work, as if presenting a room of unique, sonic sketches.. Nor does he take a moment of this opportunity for granted… In fact, he frequently takes time out to share just how aware he is, of the collective support which has facilitated his sustained success… and it is always stated with touching sincerity, as truly humbling to feel, as it is genuinely received, by all who hear.

 

…And the best is yet to come…

 

… for the dedication to fashioning his vocation into one type of musical masterpiece, has dovetailed into another, destined for Broadway and West End stages, having finished a, much-anticipated, adaptation of U.K. television classic, “Upstairs, Downstairs”, in collaboration with Grammy-nominated Composer, Arranger and Producer, Stephen Endelman…

… and award nods and accolades will, undoubtedly, follow for this burgeoning Impressario, Radio Presenter, Fine Artist… not least, the celebration of the 10-year Vegas milestone, of a man who rises to every challenge in such a way, as to engender wonderment, of whether there is anything Matt Goss cannot do!

 

In the opinion of one whom has arrived to the party a wee bit later than most, but who knows a bit about the whys and wherefores of stage-life, you’d be hard–pressed to find a better example of such a wholly-committed Creative, anywhere upon the globe!

 

With that being said, it’s clear to see why everyone who joins Matt’s journey wants to stick with this first-rate fella, no matter which creative room he goes into… but it won’t be luck that sees him continue to conquer ever-greater territory, it will be unequivocal, unquestionable talent… the type which is indefatigable and endures, long after the venue lights go dark!!!

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2019. All Rights Reserved

***

 

Don’t miss Matt Goss at “The Mirage”, Las Vegas!

@TheMirageLV  ~  @MattGoss

 

Don’t miss BROS at:-

“The O2 Academy Brixton”: July 5th 2019!

@O2academybrix

 

“Live At The Marquee”, Cork: 26th June 2019!

@LATMofficial

 

“Botanic Gardens, Belfast”: 27th June 2019!

 

“Echoes of Otis…”

Early morning,

echoes of Otis

scratch against social media chords…

Timely lessons,

learnt through heartache,

now reap their rewards.

Anthology of artistry,

brushstrokes my skin,

’til goosebumps begin

to connect,

with emotion that’s in it.

The start to a Soul weekender,

that weaves its way

around me.

Short but sweet.

It leads me to greet

a new and unknown day.

 

~

 

©A_F_R_O_W2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

“A Merry, Matt Goss Christmas, at The Mirage!!”

 

New York was so good, they named it twice…

Well, friends, Vegas was so GRRRREAT, I had to visit twice!

…That, and the very, self-evident fact, that my body-clock had never reset to U.K.-time, after my first trek… So, why waste good jet-lag, and why not go back…but, this time, to see what Matt Goss Christmas shows would be like?!

Yet, something about returning was, markedly, different.

From the approach into Nevada, to the neverending, tensile outlines, as far as the eye could see, through the plane’s porthole windows, the vista of stardust streets had become a city-wide Christmas tree, immersed in such dazzling luminescence, as if the nightsky, itself, had briefly fallen into the hands of a world, awaiting an, even more, imperceptible illumination.

Touchdown, was as whisper-soft, as a prima ballerina landing a graceful, grand jeté, then gliding through to arabèsque and attitude, as if in one, poised, puff-of-an orchestral phrase… Even the, usually crowded, customs hall held a beguiling hush, with lanes, akin to an emptier Strip, which would meet-and-greet visitors, en route to our respective holiday homes…

Yes, different…

Las Vegas looked and felt different… Offering all of the multi-coloured, candy-covered distractions… yet, sweetened, with an undercurrent of a mystical mood that, seemingly, pledged to effectuate an excursion of greater artistic excellence, than first encountered…

…Intrigued and ready, was I…

…for I’d heard tell of the “Matt Goss Christmas”, as being one to showcase his undeniably impressive and expressive musical and emotional aesthetics, in tune with his penchant for debonair visual styling… say, “midnight-hued, velvet, Tom Ford suiting”… and one need say no more!

Sure enough, it was a supremely-spirited, artist, scorching the stage with refreshed and renewed ferocity, mirrored by a vibrant, razor-sharp, cherry-red, suit, who sent the 1-OAK audience into stratospheric heights, garnering rapturous and, often raucous, applause… For, having been on a deserved break, they had sorely missed he who, night, upon night, upon night, inserted the “Yeah, man”, into each and every show!

Based around the slick and stylish format which I had experienced in November, these three final nights of his highly-favoured residency, further demonstrated exactly why “Matt Goss at The Mirage” could never be considered mere “perfomance and patter”. The regulars attend to joust with his jocularity, seek out the sabre-sharp sarcasm, almost expecting him to splice the air-borne atoms with his own, “M.G.” insignia… yet, all who make their evening his, are, simultaneously, stunned by his spiritual sagacity.

When such moments occur from the vertigo and sweat-inducing heights of a salsa-infused “Sway”, this ultimate frontman stills the room with consummate ease… starting from the most precious pin-drop silence, to reveal the map of his Soul, in stirring melodic stanzas, such as “In The Wee Small Hours”, which, leaves him, breathless, resultant of the passion poured into each note, the reverence for every pause… and clearly, emotional, owing to the dedication to his deeply loved and respected, late Grandfather, Harry.

… It would have many of us weeping, in empathy and recognition of such enduring influences in our own lives…

Yes, this was noticeably distinct…

The closer to Christmas, the more standards… except, to classify them as such, would be to bear injustice to the uncanny ability of Matt Goss and his unique band, to regenerate a childlike wonder into those songs to which we hold so dearly… “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” transformed the celebratory warmth into intimate memories, sung in unison, with the wishes seeming to fly upon wings of their own, to the hearts and minds of those, light years away from the venue. His version of “The Christmas Song” was, to me, a new soul classic… in absolute keeping with the proficiency which the new “King of Vegas” holds, for singing beyond musical lines and reinventing the wheels of well-established hits, with sweet, soulsonic, virtuosity…

… and it was this which put a finer tune upon the marked distinction…

Matt Goss is a contemporary Renaissance Man…

… a poised reflection of gentlemanly, sartorial grace, with a South-East London strut!

His story-telling is swathed in meandering, heartfelt revelation, cut through with the tangy brilliance of bold banter, awash with extraordinarily shrewd asides, to make you hold your sides, yet, in a heartbeart, his wit is balanced with a profoundly perceptive wealth of wisdom.. He has the propensity to transform, not only the dynamic of a room, but the entire atmosphere, into that of the metaphysical.

For this is his Matt Goss Music Ministry, which welcomes all-comers to seek and find new ways to engage with creativity, as only he and his impeccably-talented band, can deliver…

…and I truly believe that, should you attend (and I highly recomend that you do!), in one night, you will leave more elevated, empowered, inspired and blessed, for having immersed and lost yourself, in the, entirely beautiful, moment.

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

~

 

Click-through to:-

See Matt Goss at The Mirage in 2019

Hear Matt Goss on BBC i-Player (“Matt Goss At Midnight”)

Interact with Matt Goss on:-

Twitter: @mattgoss  ~ Instagram: @mattgoss  ~ Facebook: @iammattgoss 

 

Support, both, Matt and Luke Goss on their amazing Bros Tour, in 2019!

Twitter: @TeamMattGoss  ~ @LukeGoss ~ @Brosreunion

~

Most importantly, enjoy being part of the awesome experience!

 

 

“Band Of Brothers…”

Silent partners,

perfectly-bound,

in cinema and in sound…

A unique genetic contract,

witnesses that

one will never

sell-out the other….

… on any grounds.

For, Loyalty is their signature.

Love, is their banner.

Truth, the roof over their hearts.

Courtesy, their uniform.

Civility, their Art.

Faith, their spoken Word.

Authentic, is their endeavour.

A band of Brothers.

A bond, like no other.

Indelibly-linked,

forever.

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

“#SAVE The Last Dance…”

You will not leave.

You,

offspring of Dvorak.

You,

who distort fallen leaves,

underfoot,

in your vernal rendition,

your rich, Autumn rite.

You,

sprites,

who contort and convert the Now-century,

writhing

and crumpled in Krump,

gyroscopic and free…

… You, nymphs,

 who behold fawns of fashion,

whilst trashing the air of the après-midi,

causing blithe interference…

… Yes, you,

elvish synonyms,

interface rhythm,

Parisian protocols,

banking and flanking,

from left and from right,

as myriad moving material

slices through spotlight.

You,

who transform Nature’s atmosphere,

piercing the raven-haired habitat,

writing in space with your form,

split the atom,

the norm,

as an army of classics, abstracted,

defy and define,

with news-worthy chronicles,

re-setting garments, to zig-zag convention,

re-dressing the balance

of how to keep cool,

when the weathervane indicates, ‘warm’.

You will not leave me.

You will not leave my mind’s eye.

You,

living portals of dreams,

have affected my Soul,

with your

mischievous movement

and palette of

fanciful,

creative schemes.

 

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

“BROS: After The Screaming Stops”

It is said that one never gets a second chance to make a first impression.

Of course, the original conjugation was in an offline sense. However, on Thursday 30th August, the prevalence of the spike of a certain set of digital impressions was impossible to ignore…

Permit me, friends, to extrapolate the lead-up because, as PR campaigns go, leave alone those of social media ilk, this was inherently stylish, oozing less-is-more class, with the consummate ease of an haute couturier, in preparation for Fashion Week.

All vision, no sound, rendered the volume icon redundant… a pleasant rejection from the “so yesterday“, consumptive trend, concurrent with today’s computer-crammed society. Now, do not get me wrong, friends, for communication, being my wheelhouse, the efficiency of modern modes of connectivity are a blessing… and yet, I appreciated the fact that there was no need for tech savvy… None of it. Instead, picture after picture of conjoined moving imagery was presented, over consecutive days, fuelling the driving momentum of an imminent announcement.

In a countdown where sneak peeks of practiced paradiddles, raw, frame-gripping grief and a, final, stance of brotherhood, from an onstage p.o.v, piqued increasing interest, each tantalising taste of things to come culminated in the revelation that the highly-anticipated documentary of “BROS: After The Screaming Stops” was, not only, available for pre-order, but had also gained BFI-accredited feature status, and was destined to be premiered at the upcoming, London Film Festival… arguably the most prestigious of its kind, upon the creative calendar.

Thus, the method of keeping the quiet out had been encouraging silent-movie engagement… creating the mental space for us to listen to our own internal reactions to the visuals, whilst also engendering empathy of the impact of the deafening nature that such silence brings, both, post-show and in everyday life.

You see, friends… I told you it was classy!

The Twitterverse was sent into a, veritable, hashtag-frenzy and I even think that I heard the echo of screaming, onset by the epic news… I, further, expect the flurry to continue, until ticket lines go live… partnered with the unadulterated glee at the successful purchases, thereof… although that might just be a self-fulfilling prophecy of she who is currently tapping away upon the keyboard, on the other side of your screen!!!

What I know, for sure, is that this meticulous exposition, directed by David Soutar and Joe Pearlman, will bear the grit behind the glamour, the art and the graft, will challenge and cheer, and signify the ultimate exploration of a bond of brothers, brought to the brink and back…

For no-one knows it, like these men in the arena, but after taking such an authentic tour with Matt and Luke Goss, after the screaming stops, I’m fully confident that a rapturous round of applause will start… the script of documentary-making will change and the incremental effect will continue to be felt, for some time to come.

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved

~

Click-through to:-

Pre-order “BROS: After The Screaming Stops” before general digital release on November 12th 2018.

For further information about the film’s cinematic release on 9th November 2018 at www.brosthefilm.com .

For BFI ticket information and updates regarding the London Film Festival Premiere on 17th October 2018.

Further Social Media Links:-

@BrosTheFilm ~ @Fulwell73 ~ @mattgoss ~ @LukeGoss ~ @BFI

#AfterTheScreamingStops ~ #BrosTheFilm ~ #LFF ~ #LondonFilmFestival

 

“M.G.A!”

Women of Grace,

dynamic elegance,

diverse style,

adopted me into their hearts,

like their unknown child…

…covered me in narratives

of life and love

of a man, of a star,

who has always been one with them,

whether near or far…

One glorious venue,

united in sound,

creatively dressed-to-the-nines,

all around,

pulsed with drumbeats and patterns,

soul-stories in song

and bound this community,

all night long…

Call and responsiveness,

laughter and tenderness,

Truth and Transparency,

pain-painted lyrics stressed

nothing was being held back…

No message was lost in one note of a track…

Metaphors, similes,

soared to the rafters,

pleased all who had, long, left their seats…

some dancing,

some pouring their tears into words,

which described life’s rich triumphs

and subtle defeats.

In one breath,

then, next,

inspiration and joy sent them soaring,

as memories rolled down their cheeks.

Peace, mixed with pace,

transfixed in this space…

… as the room smiled,

the precious group glowed…

… and an army of Family,

legion of Fans,

joined their South London Champion,

in toasting,

to all that was shared…

… making merry, as the saying goes…

They were beautiful,

powerful,

this M.G.A…

… his Most Glorious Aficionadoes.

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

~

This piece is written in thanks of and dedicated to the incomparable M.G.A, who have blessed me with their welcome, inspired me with their support of Matt Goss and overwhelmed me with their response to my memories! You have all contributed to making my maiden voyage into the Gossy experience, entirely unbeatable!

XXX

MATT GOSS: From Backstage To Centre Stage!

Question.

Can internet shopping reduce one to tears?

Answer.

Yes…well…very nearly!

It started at 10 a.m…

The quest of initiating the greatest baptism-of-fire, known to this human…

… Attempting to purchase tickets for soundcheck-to-performance coverage of “Matt Goss at The London Palladium”!

It continued with logging on…

… and furiously pressing buttons to try to search options, select options, select one ticket, rather than two… to refreshing the page and losing the better seat… to trying to figure out the best time to go…. to verification, to the elation of being told, in the blink of an eye (or was I, actually, blinking back the, aforementioned, tears?!) ‘You’re In!’….

Could this be what buying a house, instead of renting, in this day and age, was like? Would this be akin to saying ‘Yes‘ to a, long-awaited, wedding proposal? The sharp intake of breath before making the commitment? I looked forward to finding out… But for this morning, it certainly seemed that way!

Yet, I knew that I could not be nonchalant with this system of buying goods, nor with the fact that I was sprinting to the finish line, arm-in-arm, alongside, potentially, thousands of other ticket-hungry customers… who, in this case, were sure to be the mighty and dedicated “Matt Goss Army”, a.k.a ‘MGA’! They have their own hashtag. They are a force of the most empassioned followers, supporters and family of a public figure, whom I have ever encountered.

They have my respect!!

Sat upon the cloud of my thoughts, the sunshine reality dawned… that the deed had, indeed, been done!

The show in which Matt, himself, said he’d ‘let loose’ would have yours truly, in attendance… but for now, in anticipatory wait, like a Tour De France lead-out, until the day-of!!

The fact of the matter was that I needed to be there….

…To experience who Matt Goss was and what it is about him that reduces people to the most exuberantly, knee-quivering wrecks of their, usually put-together, selves! Furthermore, how had his artistry changed…. because the scale and reach of his creativity certainly had.

This year seemed to be the peak of his first Everest.

A build-up, which has seen him increasingly invested in an interdisciplinary mode… showcasing the expansive nature of his talent and the unlimited mindset upon which it is founded.

From ever sought-after, often sell-out, concerts, which unfurled the newly-crowned “King of Vegas”, to hugely popular radio broadcasts for the BBC, Matt Goss and his undeniably suave onstage persona, has been thriving… Hard work keeps paying off… and the investment has segued into festivals, films and musicals… All in celebration of his comprehensive reinvention and determination to never surrender the Dream… to do more, be more, share more… which makes utter sense, for a man who describes ‘prolific’ as his current music-making status… Having, now, seen the evidence, in up-close-and-personal manner, I am, even more, in agreement.

You see, in my life, I have always been an observer… and yet, a doer, in order to articulate a core message, especially when it is Creatively called-for.. Whether Writing, Acting, Painting, Modelling, Movement… once it serves the deepest notion of the piece, I’ll go there. True-to-form, I watch closely, backstage, as Goss meets and greets his adoring MGA, with gentlemanly grace and a large dose of South-East London banter! Even in soundcheck, he is, not only, scintillating, but also engages with each song, in the authentic passion of the moment. No dilution. No dialling-it-in. His energy is focused and his aim is true – to reach out and touch the hearts of those around him… Audience, band members or backstage crew.

It is refreshing, as it is inspiring.

He is old-school… and that isn’t a generic throwaway, due to his often Rat-Pack compared, Vegas incarnation. You feel he has been raised-up around a sensibility of another age and, though he is older, he has never departed from it… The swagger, swing and sway are him… He is that immaculate. His tuxedoed vogue, reflects it… With that being said, he’s more than a little bit new school, too, and is just as at home, in looks of a more casual air, hence the black, unbuttoned shirt and sequinned-trouser combo, worn with effortless modernity and tatooed edge, for the show..

… which was an absolute show-stopper from start to finish!!!

Supported by the superb NHS Choir (in veritable homage to his literal roots, having been born in Lewisham Hospital), the undertone was specified, that, no matter how raucous the night, at the foundation and throughout the ensuing hours, would flow a deeper, conjoining spirituality.

I’d never been a part of anything like it!!!

For all of the 30 years celebrated within the Recording Arts industry, what I witnessed was a man, unbound and unbridled, onstage… For Matt Goss doesn’t simply display his craft, he communicates an undeniable freedom, indicative of an artist who is thriving upon expressing the greater awareness of all he has come to do upon this planet. You sense that he isn’t trying to justify his ability, but revelling in this new phase of creative prowess… and how we all benefitted from this unleashed emotion.

It’s not that he doesn’t care… because he, undoubtedly, does, with every fibre of his being… It is that he is free of care!!

Throughout the set, which moved relentlessly through Vegas stylings of “Luck Be A Lady” and “Hotel California”, pinballing from decade-spanning hit after hit, including “I Owe You Nothing” and “Firefly”, and raising the roof with the on-trend, 2018 summer smash “Red Flares”, he brought the house down with the tear-jerking “Are You Mine” and sing-along-inducing “Just For A Change”, in which the community of Matt’s family-of-fans truly shone. Led by the maestro to follow his lead, the MGA chorus filled the Palladium with stirring pride and searing passion… reflecting back all that he and his incredible band had given. For me, it was just the most beautifully moving, “you-had-to-be-there“, moment…

In fact, the entire night was a fantastic and unforgettable voyage…

I came, bearing gifts, but got so much more, in return…

On one level, was a distillation of profound acknowledgment, that there need be no limit to ambition… Yes, Matt loves what he does and who he is… as do so many others… and, to my mind, he has every right to do so. In diversifying upon his path, the articulation of each strand to his creative bow seems to bring deeper satisfaction and his generosity, humility-of-spirit, vulnerability and strength, in the giving of them, facilitates the same in others.

Yet, this experience took me to another level, because I was blessed to be amongst the constellation of fans, in his amazing, Gossy sky, and the jet-lag I felt, on returning home, was indicative of the fact that, for one night, I had been transported to another cosmos, of an incredibly rare and unrivalled atmosphere…

…Here’s hoping he comes back soon, because I, for one, look forward, excitedly, to making a return visit…

…and, just for the record, Matt Goss is back…

but he is moving rapidly forward on his Artistic Mission and, to those who have been with him throughout his ups, downs and turning points, (some of whom I had the distinct privelege to also meet and greet), and his newfound appreciators, he never has been, nor is he ever going, away….

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.