My review of Joe at Spooky Spectactular.

[Joe McElderry Unofficial]

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[Hubz]

My review of Spooky Spectacular
Got a lift to Newcastle on Friday, thanks very much big jm fan and to Josie for putting up with my ditzy blonde comments, singing etc in that very long car journey.
We picked Josie up at around 3pm after getting stuck in traffic and slightly lost.  Unfortunately my directions aren’t the best and despite directions from Josie on the phone, we still turned the wrong corner, (probably my fault).
We arrived at the hotel at about 9pm; I was shattered and had only been sitting in a car, poor big jm fan having to drive all the way down.  I did however learn something new on the very long drive and that was how you know which junction you are on, I still find the whole motorway thing confusing, but at least I can shout out the junction number when I see it on the board thingy.
We also played Joe majority of the way there, Wide Awake about 4/5 times and an XF CD of Joe’s performances.
When we got to the hotel, we then realised we didn’t know who’s name our rooms were booked under, I was imagining having nowhere to stay for a minute.  After that was all sorted we checked in and put our stuff in the rooms.

We then went in search for some food.  After asking someone where the takeaway restaurants were and being looked at like we were mad, we saw a woman coming out of a take-away place and asked her if there were any other take-away places further on down the road, she recommended one place called “Magic Flame”, well taking on board the local geordie’s recommendation, we went in search for Magic Flame, which I thought sounded like a Chinese or something.  We found it further along the road and were disappointed to see it was a kebab/pizza/burger joint like several others on the street.  Perhaps this is the best I thought, best take-away outlet in the whole of the North East.

The veggie option consisted really of margarita pizza; I decided to go for a humous pita with salad and chips.  I don’t think a humus pita should consist of a tiny bit of humus and several lashings of that purple lettuce, which I don’t like, nor should the pita be damn from water from the salad, but onwards and upwards lol. The staff also seemed alien to anyone asking for a knife and fork and handed us kitchen towels when we asked for the table to be cleaned.
Anyway ........... enough of the slightly disastrous meal out, we went back to the hotel for a few drinks.
I say a few, but the time quickly rolled on and soon it was 3am.  We had been chatting about Joe and things in general for hours and it was time to hit the sack, or so I had planned.
Those of us who planned to go to the signing at HMV were going to get down there at 6am and queue till 8am for a wristband.  Therefore we were going to get up at 5am to get ready in time.

I was room sharing with Jen.  Instead of getting ready for bed and going to sleep, we started chatting, I looked at my watch and saw it was 4am, by this point there wasn’t really any point in going to bed, so I decided to stay up.
I was talking about something relating to steps at one point and didn’t get a reply from Jenni, I thought I can’t let her sleep on me now and sit on my own for 1 hour, so I shouted Jenni, then she responded haha.
So we continued chatting, then Joe tweeted at 4.30am and Jen spent nearly 20 minutes to reply to him with a one line reply on twitter as she didn’t put her glasses on lol.  I made a cuppa and coffee for Jen before we got up to get dressed.
We made it to the hotel reception for 5.40am as planned and made our way to HMV.  Me and Jen got a taxi and were getting questioned by the driver as to why we were going to high street at 6am.  We explained we were getting wristbands and I think he thought we were mad lol.

There were only around 15-20 people there when we arrived, we saw some of the ladies from DS and Mel and Becca.  I recognised Mel from her twitter picture, also helped by the fact she was with Becca haha.
At one point the HMV store started playing the album and there was a poster up of Wide Awake advertising the signing.  We were chatting away, heavens knows what about, perhaps someone called Joe.  Once it got to 8am the security guys went down the line giving out wristbands, the doors to the store also opened so we went inside to buy a copy of Wide Awake for Joe to sign.  I bought 3 copies, as I already had about 12 at home I told Becca and Mel to get them signed for them rather than to sit in my bedroom with the others.
After that we went to grab a cheeky McDonald’s breakfast with Becca and Mel, I think we were in there chatting for a few hours before going back to the hotel.
There weren’t any cabs around and of course we didn’t know the area.  After walking to a taxi rank, I was surprised to not see anyone in the driver’s seat on the one and only cab there and even more surprised to see a hairy thing as a passenger, I nearly jumped out of my skin before realising it was only a dog staring at me from the passenger’s seat.  The only option seemed to be to try and get a taxi from The Holiday Inn, (or was it Premier Inn, can’t remember), anyway, I wasn’t sure what the standard practice is there and if you have to be staying for them to book you a taxi.

Me and Jen planned to say Jen was about to collapse in order to get a taxi, (yet another lie from Jenni, tut tut).  However when I asked for a taxi, no questions were asked.  The lady did ask me our room number, and I wondered why on earth she would want the room number for the Drury’s Inn, I was thinking we only need to be dropped outside the hotel, not in front of our hotel room, (although that service would be lovely of course), I stared at her blankly, the she asked for my name and booked the cab.  It was only when we left the reception, I realised she was asking for our room number thinking we were staying there, oh well being dumb served me well on this occasion.

We got a few funny looks from the taxi driver as we were talking about having not slept.
Once we got to the hotel we decided to have a little lie down before going to the signing.  I think I fell asleep for about 1 hour about having a bath and getting dressed.
We got back to HMV for around 2pm to get in the queue and met up with everyone there.  Becca and Mel were further on in the queue and we didn’t want to push in.  I also met up with Adayse and Allabouteva from DS who had both flew in from Ireland to see Joe.  I went to buy another copy of the album and was happy to see different people behind the cashier so they didn’t recognise me from earlier lol. The guy at the desk asked if I had a wristband to see Joe and I showed him that I did, he then whispered to the guy next to him, these are selling well today, umm kind of obvious why but anyways.
So we chatting a while longer, a few people kept coming up and asking who we were waiting for, a couple of “mature” ladies were going “oooh and awwww” when we mentioned it was Joe, we got a couple of rolled eyes from some guys though.

It got to 4pm and Joe still wasn’t there, then he tweeted to say he was running late. Finally the queue was moving and I saw some girls coming out with signed CD’s so knew Joe was there.

Becca and Mel saw him first, I saw them come out all excited and Mel said about how she had got a hug and kiss from Joe.  I am sure Becca and Mel will do little reviews of their experience in more detail.
Finally it was time to go in and after getting up the escalators I started to feel really nervous and could tell I would lose my tongue when I met him.
As I got close to him I stood behind Jen as she was speaking to him.  Jenni said we were at G-A-Y last week, Joe asked what she thought and Jen replied it was brilliant or something along those lines, he also mentioned at he was singing some more album tracks at Spooky.  Jen then mentioned we were at Alan Titchmarsh, Joe then looked at me and said, you were there too weren’t you, I replied “yep”, he then said I will be singing some extra songs at Spooky tonight, so hopefully you enjoy it, I replied “oh good”, he then asked who I wanted my CD signed too, I said me, Hayley, (not sure if he still remembers my name or not ).  I then said bye Joe and Jen said about seeing Joe in Brighton as we were leaving, Joe said, but you are coming tonight right and it sounded all cute like he really wanted people there, we said, yes we are coming tonight Joe, he responded “see you there”.
As soon as I got in the lift I was really annoyed that I didn’t speak more too him, I just lost my bottle again.
After getting out of HMV we waited for everyone else in our group and were all talking about what each of us had said to Joe while going to get taxis.  It seems as though Joe thought Adayse and allabouteva (Eva for short) had travelled to see the Newcastle sights rather than him lol, or maybe see Jedward.
The taxi driver was asking what was going on at the Racecourse and of course he was told Joe and Jedward would be there, to which he responded, you haven’t come to see that Jedward sh*te have you, nooo we are here to see Joe we said, that didn’t get a better response from him, Josie said something like, oh you are not impressed with him either, thought you would be, him being from the North East.  The driver was a right grumpy pants anyway, wouldn’t expect him to like anyone as brilliant as Joe.
We got to the racecourse and had to make a long trek up to the entrance.  Once that was over, I went to get something to eat and got some chips with curry sauce, then made my way to the Golden Circle area.
It was really dark by now and I couldn’t really see when I was eating and ended up with lots of curry sauce all down my new WHITE coat, brilliant, just brilliant.  I had a great spot as I had lots of short ladies in front of me, hooray for a change, so the view was fab.  The two Metro presenters kept coming on and telling us Jedward and Joe would be coming on soon, I let out a little scream every time they mentioned Joe.
After lots of music and anticipation Jedward were announced on stage, talented is not a word I would use to describe Jedward, but I guess it can be used loosely these days, Jedward came on.  Well what can I say, I am sorry Jedward fans, but it was awful, a whole lot worse than on tour, I wanted to shoot myself every time John opened his mouth, I am not sure if he has a bad throat or if his voice has properly broken, but it was gruff and he couldn’t speak let alone sing.  The dancing was terrible; if it is choreographed they need to sack the dance teacher.  Edward climbed up the stage structure at one point and it was clear he couldn’t get down so pretty much stayed there the whole song.  There was a technical problem at one point too were the music played the wrong song or something, of course it wasn’t their fault.  They pleased the children and I saw some adults jumping up and down too, I don’t see it, but heyho.

After Jedward finished a few people left the queue which meant we could get nearer to the front, unfortunately I then had taller people in front of me. ;(

Joe started with DSB, just as he did at G-A-Y, then Someone Wake Me Up, I love Joe singing this live and the facial expressions he does, just love it.  The it was The Climb, everyone was singing along to this one and Joe told us to sing the chorus for him, even though it’s not my favourite song, you can hear me singing in my video lol, cringe.
Next was Until The Stars Run Out, it was a song I really liked on the album, but after singing Joe sing it live I loved it even more.  I was shocked however at Joe’s dance in the chorus, it was FANTASTIC!!!!!! Joe looked like a true superstar up there; he was really working the crowd.  Next up was Feel The Fire, Joe danced to this one on his own, I loved the jumping around and clapping, it was such a fun, energetic performance.  Next Joe slowed it down with Wide Awake, I was really happy he sang this one live, I love it on the album and the acoustic version is just incredible.  I loved watching Joe just get into the zone and perform the song; even though it’s a ballad he was still moving around the crowd, doing the occasional wink and smile.

Lastly Joe sang Ambitions and the dancers came back on stage, Joe did it brilliant as always then the performance was over. 

Joe came back on stage a few moments later to start the fireworks, which I also recorded, last little plug for the album too.
I think all of us that have been too many Joe gigs, or those who just went to the tour, could all see that Joe was absolutely amazing and had improved so much since even last week at G-A-Y.  Joe really looked like a megastar up there singing, dancing, working the crowd, he has progressed so much and his stage presence and confidence on stage resembles nothing of the boy we saw on the X Factor.

Which is incredible since he hasn’t even had the chance to get out there and do gigs and perform to audiences, he had been tucked away in a recording studio and what not for the whole year, yet somehow comes back with this amazing set and carisma.  How Joe improved in a week I don’t know, but it was the best live show I have ever seen Joe do and made me really excited for Joe’s own show in at Middlesbrough in a few weeks time.  Joe truly rocked it!  When you watch him up there performing you can see how much he loves it, he thrives off the audience’s response and the atmosphere was electric, I really didn’t want it to end, even though my arm was aching.
Joe looked over to my direction at one point and smiled and waved, not sure who he was looking at, but I am sure he would have recognised the bunch of us from earlier and from other events.
After the fireworks we made our way out of the racecourse and went to get cabs back to the hotel. As we were leaving I heard loads of people behind and in front of us talking about Joe and how great it was, singing The Climb and Ambitions, whether or not they were fans anyway I don’t know, but if they weren’t before, they definitely are now.

Once back at the hotel we made a comfy place in the hotel bar again and got chatting, main topic of conversation was how incredible Joe was and some people were playing back the video’s while we all watching the dancing.
We decided to go to bed earlier this night, after our lack of sleep over the weekend we were a bit tired.  Just as me and Jen were going up to our room the fire alarm went off, so we had to make it outside.  Many people were standing there dressed in police outfits and things, clearly on a night out.  A few people came down in their pj’s.  I had to laugh at one man, who had bothered to put his coat on, but hadn’t but any trousers on and came out in his checked boxers down to his knobbly knees, long socks and sandals.

We got up at 9am to go and have breakfast and soon after everyone else came down and we all had breakfast together.  Then we went up to get our cases to check out and had a bit of a drama with the key cards, we think due to the time change they needed to be reset to allow us back into our rooms.  Once checking out was done and dusted it was time to get in the car and make the long journey home.
I was still in the car when the chart was announced, we had radio one on to see where Joe’s album had charted.
I think I got home around 7pm, thanks again for driving big jm fan, much appreciated.  As soon as I got home I tried to upload my videos on YouTube, but they kept failing.  I hope when I get home, (I am writing this at work), they will be done.

Once again it was a fantastic weekend, brilliant company and fantastic seeing Joe live again, especially as he was so god damn brilliant.
Lovely to meet Mel, Adayse, Eva and also a lady we met in the queue at HMV who doesn’t post here but lurks, (join in ).  Also lovely to meet everyone else whom I seem to be seeing more than anyone else these days lol.
All I can say to end my review is, if Syco don’t see what an incredible talent, and pop star they have on their hands then more fool them!  Too see what a drastic improvement Joe’s performance was to any other, including one a week earlier, makes me wonder what Joe would be capable of with more experience years down the line.  To whoever said Joe couldn’t dance, hey, watch these suckers.

I know I am biased a little bit, (ok a lot), but it was one of the best performances I have ever seen, and I have been to a few now, including big top American artists, even though it was only a short set it was up there.
If Joe doesn’t get to show the world what he can do it is a crying shame, Joe needs to do a solo tour and that is it!  I am sure if some people saw him live they would be shocked and surprised at just how great he is, he would trample on Olly any day of the week.

Videos:

Feel The Fire & Wide Awake -

Spooky Feel The Fire & Wide Awake

Ambitions -

Spooky Ambitions

DSB ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGfUxE9B34k]

Someone Wake Me Up -

Spooky SWMU

The Climb & Until The Stars Run Out.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Hubz1988?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/H8e1VIbOhog

[Hubz]

Joe at Spooky S singing DSB video by YL uploaded by Michelle..

Joe McElderry - Don't Stop Believing (Newcastle Racecourse)

you may have seen .... setting off fireworks

Joe McElderry starts firework display - Spooky Spectacular, Newcastle

Someone wake me up..

Joe McElderry - Someone Wake Me Up (at Spooky Spectacular)

Posted on DS, these are Addicted2Tea’s video’s from Spooky.

[hooly]

All of these are fantastic
I really can't wait to see Joe live on stage doing his own tour!!!
I really can't wait to meet him either.
I really hope it can happen one day!!!!!!!
Love him to pieces
x

[Tacom]

Absolutely amazing Hayley.

I dont really have words to describe how im feeling when reading and watching those superb clips...its really amazing.   Im just an emotional wreck.

Cant thank you enough for posting these reviews

[susiej]

Fantastic review Hayley.  I don't know how you find all the words, it must have taken you ages to write it.  It's brilliant and thanks for posting it.     The videos are great 

[Tacom]

Fantastic review Hayley.  I don't know how you find all the words, it must have taken you ages to write it.  It's brilliant and thanks for posting it.     The videos are great 

I think Hayley writes as fast as she talks    Its not a real problem for her Im sure 

Have I said that Im extremely jealous of her? In case I did not, just know that I really am.... seeing Joe on numerous occasions and seeing him perform... why not me 

 

[susiej]

Fantastic review Hayley.  I don't know how you find all the words, it must have taken you ages to write it.  It's brilliant and thanks for posting it.     The videos are great 

I think Hayley writes as fast as she talks    Its not a real problem for her Im sure 

Have I said that Im extremely jealous of her? In case I did not, just know that I really am.... seeing Joe on numerous occasions and seeing him perform... why not me 

 

I am sure the time will come for you Taco, particularly when Joe does his Solo Tour which I am sure will be on the cards before too long 

[Sweetie]

Oh, Hayley wonderful review. I love that you put in all the detail. I was at Spooky too - in fact I think I might have seen you. Wasn't sure if it was you 'cos it was dark and could only see you from the side but I think it was because of what you said about wearing a white coat. I've only had limited computer time for Joe recently so I will be doing more catching up but I'll try and do a review aswell tomorrow. I agree that Joe did a terrific performance. 

[Hubz]

Oh, Hayley wonderful review. I love that you put in all the detail. I was at Spooky too - in fact I think I might have seen you. Wasn't sure if it was you 'cos it was dark and could only see you from the side but I think it was because of what you said about wearing a white coat. I've only had limited computer time for Joe recently so I will be doing more catching up but I'll try and do a review aswell tomorrow. I agree that Joe did a terrific performance. 

Ooooh I didn't know you where going.  Next time make sure you come up to say hi, if it isn't me you will have just embarrassed yourself, but it's fine. 

Can't wait for you review, where were you standing?  Don't suppose you got any pics/vids.  Oh Hayley shut up, I will wait for your review.

Every reveiw takes me a long time to write actually, but I don't find it hard to talk about Joe, the words just flow. 

[Sweetie]

You were walking past but you were gone into the crowd in seconds  (and I am very shy anyway, it would've taken me a good 5 mins to decide to come over, lol. I was probably watching the show quite closeby to where you were though judging by your vids. I was a couple of people back from a fence (which I think now was sectioning off the golden circle). I'm sorry, I don't have pics- I've only got my phone and it's very inadequate for this type of thing - it is quite old. My friend took some pics with her phone, haven't got them here but they were quite distant ones. I have decided to spend my evening writing up the event in glorious detail because I love reading Hubz style essays when you do them so here goes.

Here is the Review:-

Spooky Day

Started out on the Friday and took an 8 hour coach ride from London up to Newcastle with my friend who puts up with all my Joe craziness. I had to meet her after work so we didn't arrive in Newcastle until 11.00pm and we took a taxi to our very cheap hotel (even with the cost of the taxi fare). It was as the driver was taking us there that we learnt why it was cheap as he started telling us, the area is a bad area and there were riots there and then said, 'I'm not givin' a very good impression am I?'
So he asked us what we were doing up there and, my friend, who is super embarrassed about anything X-factor said, 'Erm, we're up here to see friends' and I was just smiling away to myself when the driver asked 'where abouts are your friends from then?'
So she said 'Um, they're in South Shields, is it?' as she looked at me. So I nodded and the driver told us 'well, where you're headed is a long way from South Shields'
I tried to recover the situation by saying we were first going into town and would be getting the metro to South Shields later (which was true) . Then with all the pauses that followed the poor guy said to us, 'Awr yus havin' a bit o' trooblle onderstandin' me ackcent?' but we could understand every word. He was really helpful actually.
Anyway enough of that- we did go to South Shields and went on a mini tour around Westoe but I mainly wanted to see Sandhaven beach. I can see why Joe loves it so much. It lives up to it's name. There were loads of people walking their dogs and one or two people with wetsuits and surfboards. Here's a couple of pics



Ok, so after having something to eat and going for a walk along the beach we headed back into town and happened to wander into HMV, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man; but the area Joe was at was sectioned off and only accessible to people with wristbands. I did hear the screams when he arrived (4.20pm) and then I got all nervous, (so silly) and we left. I was pleased to see a healthy sized queue still outside though. My patient sidekick wanted to see some of the shopping arcades and get some more foooood! So we did that before heading to the Racecourse. It was on the bus on the way there that I had a MAJOR panic because I could only find the one ticket. I searched every corner of my bag with it's umpteen zips and pockets but, for sure, I only had one ticket. However, I did have the ticket allocation letter and was praying the lovely geordie ticket people would be kind and let us in. We were told to go to a place round the corner to see if we could get a replacement. I was thinking well, ok if I have to buy another ticket, fine but PLEASE let us in. They were very charming and cancelled the lost ticket and issued a replacement. Simples.
We walked in through fare rides and stalls but all I wanted to know was where the stage was (and I was in no mood to try and win a giant pink toy pig-no matter how cuddly). By t he time we reached the stage area everywhere was packed and our best view was on the slightly higher ground even though there were kids on shoulders everywhere. Once we'd picked our spot, the Metro Radio DJs were on 'Welcome to the Spooky Spectacular...Metro Radio...North East...X-factor....talent....Jedward (?)...Joe McElderry...5 minutes...another 5 minutes....'
Anyway, the kids enjoyed watching Jedward and yes they were very energetic and I tried to make the best of it but there were times I was standing there thinking, 'the things I do for this lad'. I have never stood for hours in the rain or chased him around the country so I can bear a little howling I suppose. For anyone who wants to know and from what I can remember they came on and did Rock DJ, Under Pressure, All Small Things and Ghostbusters of course.

Joe

By the time Mr McElderry was ready to come on I was delighted to have a much clearer view but the first sign of him was a lot of jostling as I could see between railings by the side of the stage a smart silver limo style people mover with tinted glass approach, then screaming and camera flashes going off. He arrived in pure pop star style.
When he was introduced he strolled on, cool as a cucumber, looking as beautiful as he always does and started with Don't Stop Believing. Has he ever sang that one before? Can't remember () I'm not sure why but it sounded more mature- maybe less playful than before but it was as good as ever.
He then introduced his brand new second single, Someone Wake Me Up. It was great to hear new live material from him.
After that he did The Climb. I think I can finally say now, I never really liked that song (the words are ok, but never much cared for the tune)  and I only really like to hear it live where Joe adds a few of his lovely 'twiddly bits', which he did.
The prize of the evening, though, was Untill the Stars Run Out. We got to see Joe do a few more dance moves and he obviously loved it as much as we did. They were mainly upper body moves and a spin but importantly it didn't compromise his voice at all and that is definitely one of my favourites on the album now.
Following that he sang Feel the Fire which was up beat but not as 'slick' as the previous number, great for the event and I'll bet there'll be more moves by the time he performs it next time.
 After that he did Wide Awake and by now I was just thinking wow, is that the same lad that kept pulling his t-shirt down a few months back , bless his heart he was so at ease up there. I just felt so proud of him -which is daft really 'cos what's it got to do with me? lol. He threw the microphone stand down at the end of the song which was cute but obviously an idea from Simon or the x-factor choreographer (Danyl did it on the show last year). Have to admit it was cute though.
 Finally he did Ambitions, the routine we've seen him do a few times perfected now.
I felt this show is the best performance yet. There are always little additions you see with Joe -whatever aspect of performance he's been working on. As long as he can continue with that, he'll be fine. He hasn't reached his peak yet though and I just really really hope he has enough support to get him there. He came back on stage after a couple of competition winners were introduced to start the fireworks with them and then he left in exactly the same way he arrived.


After we got back to Newcastle town centre (Saturday night Halloween weekend, I'll leave it to your imagination) we went down to the river which looked gorgeous at night and made our way across the Millenium Bridge all lit up in gently changing colours to the South side(Gateshead I think) where we went up the stairs to the entrance to The Sage and just stared out at the view for a while. We then took a bus back to the coach station during which a young man kindly showed us the red Y-fronts he was wearing and banged his head against the window. We were just in time to get the overnight bus back to London. Another 7 hours in an uncomfortable and poorly heated coach, we got to Victoria at about 6.30am (although it was earlier because the clocks went back) and got a bus home.

Worth every minute.

[susiej]

Thank you for writing such a wonderful Review sweetie.  I highlight reviews in different colours so that fans can identify them quickly when scanning threads - just in case you were wondering why it had changed to blue text  So pleased you had a wonderful time. 

[Sweetie]

Oh, yes, I'm sorry Susie I had forgotten to do that. Glad you liked it, it took ages.
Hubz must have lightening fingers with all her essays  lol

[susiej]

Oh, yes, I'm sorry Susie I had forgotten to do that. Glad you liked it, it took ages.
Hubz must have lightening fingers with all her essays   lol

Oh no, please don't apologise - it's just that after all the effort you all go to writing the reviews I think it only fair they should be seen clearly so that everyone enjoys them and no one misses out.  I know full well these things do take a lot of time to write up and it is very much appreciated.  Thank you again.  

[Hubz]

Oh, yes, I'm sorry Susie I had forgotten to do that. Glad you liked it, it took ages.
Hubz must have lightening fingers with all her essays  lol

Lol yes with the amount of review I write and there are quite a few coming up lol. 

Sweetie, I loved your review.  Gorgeous pictures of the beach.

I agree Joe hasn't reached his peak and I want him to have the opportunity to continue to do this and improve, look how much he has improved in the last 11 months, considering he only did two gigs since X Factor tour, I think it's amazing.  What a performer Joe could be in a few years who just be wow. 

I feel incredibly proud of Joe, especially watching him up there, don't feel daft. 

[Tacom]

I loved your review too Sweetie!  and Im happy for you that you were able to see him perform again.
From what Ive seen on various clips Joe is still getting better and better, how cool is that