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Saturday March 13, 2010

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Andre Rieu

Posted by: Michael Smith | 4 December, 2008 - 10:55 AM
andre

I was privileged to be a guest at the Andre Rieu concert at Suncorp Stadium last night.

It was pure joy - a fantastic experience shared with 25,000 people.

Andre Rieu brings happiness, smiles and laughs. You can’t help but be moved.

I went backstage after the show and had a brief chat with Andre. The backstage area was bristling with vibrant young people - the cast and crew. What a cosmopolitan lot, I was catching brief snippets of German, Dutch, French - a beautiful group of smiley faced young people - it was a privilege to meet them.

Andre clearly cares for his troops, he looked after them extravagantly! They were dining together after the show - tables were spread with a huge range of food - there were fridges and eskies full of great wine, beer and softies. They were laughing and telling stories - buzzing with excitement like any young people on tour around the world.

Andre’s great humour held the crowd together when the heavens opened just before the show. There was never any question that Andre’s show would go on. As the crowd made its way slowly back to the seats on the stadium - it took 20 minutes - Andre performed impromptu songs like Singing in the Rain. He captivated people.

We can learn so much from Andre. People love to be happy. Andre’s message is just that - smile, laugh, have fun.

I also noticed that in one night, Andre’s ticket sales were more than double the yearly ticket sales for the typical Australian government-subsidised symphony orchestra. We could do well to listen and learn.

May I also pay tribute to our Police and Sports minister Judy Spence. Judy was hosting an official government corporate suite at the concert (I was not a guest of that suite but I was next to it and could see in). Judy had her choice of guests; there were some very prominent people there including business and media identities. But I was quite moved by Judy’s gesture to invite two ordinary people, a mum and dad who have been a victim of a terrible crime. Judy didn’t make any noise about inviting them; she just went out of her way to make sure they had a great night with lovely food and drink and a great show. It was a beautiful gesture, congratulations Judy.

Come back soon Andre.

Blog comments Your Say

  • We went to the 2nd evening in Brisbane and sat up on level 7 directly in front of the stage and could see absolutely everything. The sound was perfect but the walk up the stairs was fun for my 7 year old who also had a ball.

    Thanks Andre and Suncorp we felt safe at the venue and no complaints.

    luke151165 Friday 2 January, 2009 - 8:52 PM

  • I love your show, have alovely Christmas, hear you in the new year.

    Nicky Aplin Wednesday 17 December, 2008 - 5:04 PM

  • Although I didn't see the Andre Rieu concert, I agree that Suncorp Stadium is a dismal venue. I saw the Police there earlier in the year and the quality of sound, seating, everything was terrible.

    Daniel Tuesday 9 December, 2008 - 2:19 PM

  • Agree with Kathleen - Show was fantastic, but the venue was terrible. My parents went last night paying very high prices for their "VIP" tickets, bought from Ovation channel. They were in Row T, in the centre. Mum has told me they were very disappointed with the view (lack thereof) from their seats, where they couldn't see the stage, or the ice skating rinks on either side. Very disappointing to pay $350 (approx) per ticket to not be able to see anything apart from the tops of peoples heads. I went on Wednesday night, and was sitting back in the tiered seating on the sides (also Premium Seating - $230ish a ticket). At least I could see the complete stage, albeit at a distance. Thank goodness for the large TV screens (and binoculars received with the tickets). I understand Andre is playing at Boondall next year - will be avoiding that too due to similar seating/viewing concerns. Its a shame Andre needs to play to such large arenas, and can't play at the Performing Arts Centre - where every person would be able to see the stage - now that would be PERFECT! :)

    Veronica Friday 5 December, 2008 - 4:04 PM

  • Glad to hear that VIPs and the Minister, had a good time... I guess they could see the stage clearly. Regrettably many of the paid for 'premium' seats in the Field area gave a very poor view of the proceedings. To me it seemed a lot to pay to sit on plastic picnic chairs and watch a large screen.
    Nothing bad to say about Andre and his team, however Suncorp Stadium was an unsafe and unprepared venue for such an event. How someone didn't fall down the steps leading to the field area, I will never know and thank goodness no emergency evacuation had to be carried out!! When we finally reached the area (the show having already started) there was no assistance in finding our seats in the poorly signed area.

    Verdict : We enjoyed the show, but the venue prevented it from fulfilling our expectations. Best leave the Stadium for Sporting events in future maybe.

    Kathleen Thursday 4 December, 2008 - 4:08 PM

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