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Manchester, Fun and Tired

Manchester was the last of three shows in a row; and though it was amazing, everyone was a bit tired. Fortunately we had a full night and morning to catch up on sleep and get ready for the next shows. I find it a bit funny speaking as "we" because I'm sure not putting out the effort like these guys on stage, but I still feel it! Every show continues to feel better as the Osmonds make minor refinements and get more comfortable with each bit of the show.

Not that it has every looked bad, but I have listened to each of them talk about how they are at a point they can not think about so many details and enjoy the experience. Donny talked about having an epiphany on stage last night, realizing he needed to step back and just take it all in. He said he took out his "ears" (ear monitors) and listened to the crowd and enjoyed the moment. That's what it's all about.

Donny in the details

Donny relishes working on making the show the best it can be. Donny is amazingly (amazing to me) able to hear minor things throughout the show that he wants to change, typically noting it in his blackberry to make changes later. The set up behind the scenes is controlled by a series of computers that he run off of files he can work on his laptop. When he makes a series of changes he overwrites the files on the show machines to make the updates. The computers manage provide the source to manage all of the video, lighting, etc. that are managed and controlled by various experts on the crew.

If you have never taken an opportunity to get up in the stands and look over the side of the stage to see all the equipment hard at work, you really should. This show has so much equipment and expertise running it to put on what is seen by the crowd. Many people all work together to make the magic happen.

Jay grabbed me last night to catch a bit of humor with his t-shirt. Don't get between the man and his ketchup :) I really enjoy getting to the point in a tour where everyone is not only comfortable of my ever presence with a camera, but also seeking me out for photo opportunities. It sure makes my job easier!

Before each show there is a special Meet and Greet taking place, along with those guests having a Q&A session and listening to sound check. I think it is really quite an experience. Marie took some special time with the fans waiting for the session to begin.

Long Haired Lover

Jimmy at the Piano

I've had some limited Internet access, so I haven't had as many posts in the last loaded. I'll try to make up for it tonight or tomorrow. I'm currently backstage in Manchester during intermission and thought I'd get a picture up in the meantime.

One of the segments that has really grown to be a favorite is Jimmy's "Long Haired Lover" performance. It starts with some great drama, then goes into some true to the original retro singing and video. After the video the temp changes and it really gets going. The choreography and overall energy Jimmy puts into it just really makes it a great performance.

Traveling with the Osmonds

Looking back a bit over the last couple of days, I wanted to share a few thoughts about what it is like to travel with the Osmonds. I know, I can hear the "lucky dog" being muttered under thousands of breaths as this is read ;). Keep in mind that I'm out here working like crazy, really! Yes, I do appreciate that I have a job that many envy; and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

As many of you know, I've traveled on tour with Donny many times in the past, but this is my first opportunity to be on the road with his other performing siblings. This group really is as nice and considerate as you would imagine. It doesn't matter that I am only the photographer, I am welcomed just like family on the bus, and I have enjoyed already getting to know them better. So far I have managed to seated primarily with Merrill and his wife Mary, who are a complete pleasure to talk with. On the way to Newcastle we were enjoying watching the beautiful countryside as it fly by our window, snapping pictures along the way.

So what happens on the bus you ask? Well that depends on the kind of bus and when you are traveling of course. We are on a "day bus" because on this trip the venues are close enough to travel without any overnighters for the Osmonds. The bus is configured with seats and tables plus a small lounge in back, unlike sleeper buses that have bunks. That's not to say a lot of sleeping doesn't happen (see below). Marie's kids were have been able to find entertainment with the Xbox in the lounge (the boys) and one of the girls loves hitting up Uncle Merrill for some well spun stories. Computers abound as many of us, me included, uses the travel time to catch up on emails and do some much needed work.

I have mentioned this before, and likely will many times in the future; I am always amazed at the time the Osmonds make to interact with fans. I watch as they enjoy shaking hands, giving hugs, and signing countless items as they go through the lobbies and visit people along the way. A had to smile as I had fallen behind the group a bit in the Glasgow airport walking to collect our bags, watching as so many people had a sudden recognition of who had walked through ahead of me. Plenty of people turning to their neighbor exclaiming,"Hey, that's the Osmonds" or "Isn't that Donny Osmond?!" Even as we waited to claim our bags, fans ranging from fellow travelers to the airport staff and security were requesting a few moments and pictures, and the Osmonds all kindly obliged.

So, the short thought is that traveling with the Osmonds has shown me they are a great group of people. They make sure everyone is taken care of, often before themselves. No big surprise; they are just as nice as you would imagine. Here are a few traveling pictures and fun interacting with fans I selected to share this morning.

Manchester vs Chelsea

One of those small experiences that you get when being on the road is to see a bit of local scenery and culture. Truly though there is far too little time to see the sights, but I try to get in what I can. I was working in my room the other night, watching a bit of the big Euro cup game. I have never been a big English football (soccer) fan, though I don't mind the game. With time let in the game I found out that the band and part of the crew were watching it in the hotel lounge, so I headed up to join them. Any sport is better when watched with a group, especially local fans who whoop it up when the action gets good. The game was great with the overtime penalty shot drama. I count this as a memorable moment of the tour, experiencing a bit of English football in England style.

Newcastle Rocks!

We're Havin' A Party!

It's late, but I'm still buzzing a bit from the show tonight. The energy continues to grow with every show. The Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle was packed and cheering the best out of the performers. As I surveyed the arena early I spotted a high stair to the side of the stage that I thought would make a great place to capture from. I waited until the second set with the lights are up and the confetti is flying for this shot. The party was in full force!

Each show gets a little better and each day we move to the next location and it all starts again. I can't say enough about the amazing effort that goes into putting into a show of this size, from what the Osmonds do on stage to all the supporting cast of the band and crew. This incredible stage, including all the sound system and 5 huge screens are set up and dismantled all within one day. It wouldn't happen without having the right people in place for each area of expertise.

Donny at the keyboard

Merrill with a rose from the crowd

Tomorrow it is on to Sheffield by way of a couple of hour drive, directly to the next show. See you there!

On the Road to Newcastle

The Original Boy Band

First off, the show last night was amazing. The SECC was sold out and the air was crackling with energy from the crowd. The Osmonds were in full force as they fed off that energy and put on a great show. Because I have the unique opportunity to take photos through a series of concerts, I vary my angles and positions from which I take photos to try and find the best for each point in the show. I have to admit, having unlimited access to the stage and all viewpoints makes a huge difference. I have a few pictorials starting to form where I may display various vantage points of the same scene.

Crazy Horses at the SECC

One of the things that I've always talked to my friends back in the US about is the huge, energetic crowds there are here in the UK. Glasgow didn't disappoint. I took this image from the back of the stadium, and the lights and my lens don't even reach to the full breadth of the crowd. This is taken in the middle of Crazy Horses, which opens the show. An usher was trying to get me out of the aisle, but I stood my ground long enough to get the shot :).

I am writing this as we pull in to Newcastle, so I'll keep it short. I'l try to select some more photos to share later.

A Full Day in Glasgow Has Started

Live TV Link Up

The Armadillo

Jay providing some helpful direction

What a Tremendous First Show!

The first show is under the collective belt, and it was a good one. Everyone, and I mean everyone has been working very hard at getting everything just right for show time. Rehearsals carried through the day prior right up until just before the sound check and show time. Once show time came, everyone was in perfect form.

I am always amazed at the energy, precision and showmanship of these Osmonds. The power of the first few songs gets it started right, and it carries through to the end. The show features bits from throughout the 50 years of entertainment, with video to compliment the show along the way.

Here are a few "teasers" from the first night...enjoy! (click for larger versions)

Osmonds CMN Promo Shoot

Day 2 was busy with some publicity for CMN and an appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show. For those stateside and unaware (like I was) Jonathan Ross is a weekly show similar to the Tonight Show. Both events were a lot of fun and the Osmonds showed how the are the seasoned professionals. Everyone from the photographer shown here to the makeup and producers at the show all comment that the Osmonds need little direction or coaching; they know just what to do.

The photographer shown here was a nice chap that was gracious when I asked if I could snap a few over his shoulder. Typically I have found that most don't mind as long as you are not creating competition for him. I made sure not to take any photos that would have intruded on his final product, but instead focused on the overall scene of what was taking place. As the Osmonds were taken through the facility to various photo set ups, they always took time to shake hands, pose for snapshots and sign a few autographs for the employees working there. Truly this is the attitude and graciousness that has kept this family adored by fans for 50 years.

Originally I had a few photos posted, but they needed to come down for a bit because of some exclusive contracts as part of the fundraiser. We'll see if they can be put live later.

Now Broadcasting from the Road!

I am finally in London and the tour is underway! It is always such a long trip across the Atlantic, but after a bumpy ride through Chicago and not nearly enough sleep I am here!

The Osmonds are traveling pros of course having done it all their lives, so they take it in stride. I am beginning to get to know the rest of the family, and of course they are all treating me so well. Since arriving I haven’t seen them much as I had a friend here in London I visited a little bit of London with while everyone had a little time to themselves to acclimate after traveling.

Of course what does Donny do the moment he gets some free time in the airport between flights? Work on his Blackberry of course. I have to say though, right before this he took time for a Homeland Security guy that was helping us out with the airport navigation that called up his daughter and had Donny talk to her on the phone. The Osmonds are always so nice to everyone.

This afternoon there is a photo shoot for Children’s Miracle Network and a taping of the Jonathan Ross Show, so the events begin!