WOW

THE UNOFFICIAL NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 6 : ISSUE 2
Letter to the Fans
This issue coincides with the release of
the 2nd single from In Stereo. “Looking
For Someone” is an excellent single
and it has a special remix of “Tonight”
by Bright Light Bright Light (Rod
Thomas is one of the co-writers and
producer of “Tonight.”)

We are so proud to present our

sparkly and shiny Issue 2 of the
Unofficial WOW Newsletter and hope
you all enjoy...

Hello Nana Fans! We’re back for
Issue 2 and we have some great stories
for you from Davearama Higdon and
Normski Hayes. We have also decided
to slightly change the Readers Polls
this volume. We asked anyone who
wanted to submit their Top 3 Favorite
Songs from In Stereo.
Cheers Then!
Jay, Paul, & Normski
Producer: Jason (Jay) Berges
Review Editor: Norm (Normski) Hayes
Graphic Design Editor: Paul (Jemboy) Jackson
Contributed Review: Rodd Hills
Contributor/Final Looks Editor: Dave
(Davearama) Higdon

The response was pretty fantastic,

and we will had to split those up in
the next issue or two (Don’t fret if
you don’t see it in Issue 2, it may be in
Issue 3).

Davearama and Normski were so nice

to let us use their review of In Stereo
from Dave’s Poptastic Confessions blog.
Dave suggested that I throw in my two
cents in there, so I did! Thanks you
guys for an awesome album review!
Photo: Pascal Maurice
ON TOUR WITH BANANARAMA – BY NORMSKI
In January, Sara and Keren
announced a UK tour ‘An Evening
with Bananarama’ to support the
launch of their first studio album
in nearly ten years, In Stereo. This
was to be an intimate evening of
questions and answers with fans,
followed by a performance of songs
from the new album, some classic
hits, as well as a few surprises.
When the tour dates were revealed
I was overjoyed, as I had already
booked two weeks of annual leave
across late April and early May
which was perfect timing. Suddenly
the idea came to me – “Why not do
the whole tour?!?” When the tickets
went on sale, I managed to get
tickets for all five dates in London
(twice), Birmingham, Manchester
and Glasgow. Result!
I was SO excited at the prospect of
following my favourite band across
the UK and was counting down
the days, both until In Stereo was
released (so I could learn all the
words!) and the first date of the tour
a week later. A day after the album
was released, I got a tattoo of Keren
and Sara on my left calf – the iconic
image from the ‘More More More’
single cover.
The tattoo started to heal really well,
then two days before the tour began
disaster struck – I got tonsillitis! I
went straight to the doctor and was
given antibiotics. I was determined
to do this tour come rain or shine!
Friends and fellow fans were
willing me to get better and all of
the positivity helped as come Friday
I was well enough to attend the first
show at Omeara in London.
I wore a fab In Stereo t-shirt my
friend Gary had designed and met
up with fellow fans and friends
Dave(arama), Arturo, David and
Spencer before the show. We arrived
at the venue, which had a fabulous
sign outside saying ‘An Evening
with Bananarama’ and it was great
to see other fans in the queue such
as Yas, Gemma, Vincenzo and Neil.
When the doors opened we collected
our VIP gift bags and wrote our
questions for the Q&A. After a short
wait Sara and Keren came onstage
to answer the fans’ questions. My
question wasn’t answered, however
when Sara read out the question
“Who is your favourite backing
dancer?”, someone from the
audience shouted out “Siobhan!”
The girls laughed and Sara asked
“Who asked that? It wasn’t you
Normski wasn’t it? No, cos you’ve
got a tattoo of her on your arm!”
There were inevitably a few
questions about Jacquie too, which
was funny as Sara and Keren blamed had never heard that song (including
me for them even though I hadn’t myself). This was probably my
written any! It was so great to see favourite of the five shows as the
the banter between them onstage and atmosphere was just electric!
was a great warm up for the show
which followed. The setlist was It was brilliant to see more fans
incredible! A mixture of duo songs, and friends at this show – including
a few updated classics and an ABBA Gavin, Shane, Robert, Graham and
cover of ‘Summer Night City’ which the Pascals. It was also lovely to say
went down a storm – the atmosphere hello to Alice as I hadn’t seen her
was just fantastic, even though we since the reunion tour. Gavin was
were all boiling hot in the venue! wearing a ‘Movin’ On’ t-shirt which
matched my ‘More More More’
We were bowled over by such an t-shirt (we took photos together and
amazing show that we couldn’t wait Sara later commented on Instagram
for the next one in Borderline the that she loved our t-shirts!). Some
following night! This time I went of us went for a few drinks after
for a ‘More More More’ t-shirt I had the show, as Dave and Arturo were Stuart, Ted, Lee, Gary and Mandip.
designed to match my new tattoo. I heading back to the States. We all stood up at the start of the
met with Dave and Yas for a couple show to get the audience on their
of drinks in Soho, then we headed The following morning I travelled feet! Again, the show went down a
to the venue to write our questions up to Birmingham for the third show storm. Several of us waited by the
for the Q&A. This time my question that night. This time I went for my stage door afterwards to say hello
was answered (“Would you consider ‘Movin’ On’ t-shirt and met a few to Sara and Keren. It took a good
Bananarama Gogglebox”, they said fans for drinks, including Neil, hour or so (and we lost a few fans
“Yes!”) and in the middle of the Martin and Yas. Although I was still along the way), but eventually they
Q&A Sara randomly said “Normski, on antibiotics, as I was away from did come out and took pictures with
how’s your tonsillitis?” Keren asked home the tour had truly started for us (I got a lovely pic with them
“Who has he been kissing?” which me so I decided to celebrate with a both!). Sara asked me how my
raised a few laughs. ‘few’ alcoholic drinks! tonsillitis was and I felt compelled
to apologise for a cheeky question
More questions about Jacquie Neil and I had asked about Exotica
followed – to the point where it in the Q&A which she laughed off!
became a running joke and Sara and
Keren started answering any old Next stop was Manchester (and a
question with “Jacquie, obviously!” night off)! My sister picked me up
Again, I got blamed for these from Birmingham and drove me
questions which was hilarious! there which was so kind of her.
Keren also joked about my tattoos I met Yas for a boozy lunch the
saying “He has a tattoo of Siobhan, following day and we caught up
a tattoo of us – are you gonna get At the venue we found that it was with Nick, Spencer, Michael and
one of Jacquie?” I said I had space seated but my friend Fernando had Ian for drinks before the show. In the
somewhere! kindly saved two spots on the second Q&A they answered my question
row. I was quite tipsy by then and “Who is Pasty and who is Eddie?”
The show was excellent again! Dave when the Q&A started Sara and (a reference to Ab Fab, which had
and I made up an impromptu dance Keren could tell (at one point Sara come up in several other Q&As).
routine for ‘Dance Music’ with the said “Tonsillitis better then?”). Keren asked me “How’s your leg?”
shoulder-slaps from ‘Preacher Man’ Keren said to me from the stage “We and told the audience about my new
and eventually Keren joined in from saw you earlier, we were knocking tattoo saying they were flattered.
the stage which made us laugh! on the window!”. I was kicking Sara asked if it had healed yet which
They dropped ‘Summer Night City’ myself that I hadn’t noticed! was so sweet!
from the setlist in this show, which
was understandable since some fans It was fun to see more fans including The show was a little different this
time as the setlist had been changed
up. ‘Cruel Summer’ was earlier and
the normal version instead of the
Flamenco version from the past three
shows. ‘On Your Own’ was dropped
and ‘Robert De Niro’s Waiting’
was added. I must admit that this
definitely helped the atmosphere in
the crowd as everyone went wild for
those songs! Again, it was lovely to
see more fans there including Gavin,
Clare, Brian, Matt and Seb.
The final stop of the tour was
Glasgow (after another much-
appreciated night off!). I got down to
the venue early this time as I wanted
to be front row for the last show.
Just after I arrived and met Lee at
the front of the queue, we spotted
her! I felt quite emotional at the end
of ‘Love In The First Degree’ and
Keren looked over to me and said “It
makes me emotional too”.
After ‘Stuff Like That’ was finished
I put my hands out to the girls to
wave goodbye after the end of an
incredible tour. Sara took my hands
and said “Come back and say hello”.
I swiftly grabbed my things and a guy
asked “Are you Normski?” and led
me to their dressing room backstage!
My heart was in my mouth as I was
so excited and couldn’t quite believe
this was happening!!!
whole situation was! I said hello
from various fans from aboard that
couldn’t make it to the tour. They
asked me about myself – what I
do and where I live. It was all so
natural and just lovely. Sara gave me
the rest of her crisps as she didn’t
want to finish them and Keren even
offered me a top-up! I showed them
my healed tattoo and they got me
to show the band, then we took a
boomerang and some photos before
I said goodbye, thanked them for
everything and made my way.
I had the absolute time of my life

touring the UK with my favourite

Sara and Keren who had just arrived
also. I popped over to say hello and
gave them a ‘Thank you’ card I had
written earlier (since they had been
so kind to me during the tour). Keren
told me it had been fun having me
on the tour and Sara told me she had
been looking to me for lyrics and I
was her autocue for ‘Feel For You’!
The venue (an old converted church)
was seated again and the Q&A
brought more hilarious moments!
Sara said that I should be their roadie
as I volunteered to take the photos
for fans who asked for selfies. There
was more banter in the show as
Keren said at the end of ‘Movin’ On’
that they should have just followed
me for the dance routine. I had an
absolute ball standing right in front
of Sara and operating her fan for
band, with the best possible ending
imaginable. I can’t thank Sara
and Keren enough for all of the
I got to the dressing room and Sara memories I will take away from
offered me a bottle of water as I was this – I will never forget them or
so hot from dancing around so much! the great time I spent with fans/
Keren offered me a seat on the sofa
friends at all the shows! Viva
and sat next to me then poured me
a G&T. They said that they wanted Bananarama!!!
to do this for me as I had done the
whole tour with them, which was
SO incredibly kind! We spent about
half an hour chatting about all sorts.
We talked about the album (I learned
that ‘Stuff Like That’ and ‘It’s Gonna
Be Alright’ were the last songs they
completed) and the tour (Sara asked
which my favourite show was and
what sounded best live).
We talked about the cruise they
were falsely advertised for, plus the
other shows like Pontins they hadn’t
agreed to and how frustrating the
Photo: Pascal Maurice
DID YOU GET YOUR COPY?
IN STEREO REVIEW
IN STEREO REVIEW...
(ORIGINAL REVIEWS BY
NORMSKI & DAVEARAMA FOR
POPTASTIC CONFESSIONS...
ADDED REVIEW BY JAY BERGES)
Almost a decade after their tenth studio album Viva,
Bananarama are back with the release of their long-
awaited new album In Stereo and loyal fans across
the globe are overjoyed! If you are a casual fan, it’s
time to get excited, too! The album was released on
Good Friday, April 19.
Of course, Sara and Keren certainly haven’t been in
hiding all this time. Back in 2012 they released the
EP Now or Never to coincide with their US tour and
started work on a new album a few years later. It all
seemed to go quiet for a while, then in 2017 they
surprised pop music fans everywhere by announcing
a one-off reunion with Siobhan for The Original Line
Up Tour!
The tour went on to be a huge success and brought so
much joy to countless fans who had travelled miles to
witness what had felt like an impossible dream. This
concluded with a series of summer shows in 2018
and Sara and Keren went back to the studio with
producer/songwriter extraordinaire Ian Masterson
on put the finishing touches to In Stereo. Finally the
fruits of their labour have been unveiled and here is a
track-by-track by Normski and Davearama.
(aka Sugababes) song. I loved the MKS version, but
I adore the Bananarama version. You’re absolutely
right about the added “Whooos” making it a
signature Bananarama trademark.
Jay: Great start as the title track sets the pace for
this fantastic pop album. Richard X does
amazing things with Sara and Keren,
and their vocals sound the best
they have been in years!
“DANCE MUSIC”
Normski: This was the first song that we were
introduced to from the album back in January.
It is very quirky and sultry with a hypnotic beat,
thumping baseline and breathy vocals.
Davearama: The teaser single as I like to call it.
This is a cool, sexy, mid-tempo electro affair.
Normski: The harmonies in the middle 8 are quite
reminiscent of “Feel For You” from the Drama
album. Perhaps not the most instant song on the
album but on repeated listens it absolutely draws
you in!
Davearama: Agreed. I love it.
Jay: I’m glad this was released to us as a taster
track. I love the thumping sexy disco groove of this,
and the bridge up to the chorus. It’s a cute groovy
song, but doesn’t showcase the magnitude like the
rest of the album.

“LOVE IN STEREO”
Normski: This is a very energetic and confident start
to the album. Richard X’s glistening electro backing
is overlaid with an extremely sharp and impressive
vocal performance from Sara and Keren. Fans of the
Sugababes original line up, Mutya Keisha Siobhan,
may be familiar with this song as it leaked on their
unreleased album back in 2016. Bananarama’s
version is very faithful to the original demo, with
a few extra sparkles and “Whooos!” thrown in for
added measure.
Davearama: When I first heard they had a track
called “Love In Stereo”, I just knew it was the MKS
“I’M ON FIRE”
Davearama: This is one of my favourite tracks on
the album. There is an energy about it that I just
can’t get enough of. I think this would make a great
single. I really hope they perform this live on their
upcoming intimate tour.
Normski: This is definitely going to go down
a storm live! The synth opening and perfectly
harmonised verses lead into a belter of a chorus
that will have crowds jumping up and down. Quite
a departure in style with a rocky, harder edge. Sara
and Keren are clearly having fun on this song and it
shows!
Jay: I LOVED this track as soon as I heard the clip!
It does have a little bit of “Love Comes” feel in the
chorus, but that’s OK, I LOVE it!
“INTOXICATED”
Normski: This has quite a Daft Punk-esque disco
vibe, with a very catchy chorus and a beat that’s
made to make you move. Similar in style to Dannii
Minogue in her Neon Nights era, which of course
is a good thing! One of my personal favourites from
the album.
Daveararama: Interesting. I hadn’t associated
it with Dannii’s magnificent Neon Nights, but I
wouldn’t disagree. I think this is one that would feel
right at home on their Drama album because the
melody is so strong. It is a fun number with lots of
Bananarama attitude.
Jay: Such a cool vibe of a song. The clip that was
released did not do this song justice. Not sure why
I get a Duran Duran feel during the “bolt out of the
blue” part, but I do. Love it!
“TONIGHT”
Davearama: This is the track they did with Bright
Light Bright Light (aka Rod Thomas). It doesn’t
sound out of place and it blends in quite nicely with
the rest of the album. There is something about
this song that I find hard to describe and that is
the enchanted feeling I get when listening to it. It
definitely has an edge to it.
Normski: This is a very 90s-esque dance-floor
filler that wouldn’t sound out of place on Steps’
2017 album Tears on the Dancefloor. Crashing
keyboards and great harmonies lead into a euphoric,
sing-a-long chorus — Bananarama certainly know
their audience here and are throwing out all the
stops to give them what they want! Will definitely
be popular among fans.
Jay: This is a dancefloor hands-in-the-air stomper
waiting to happen! I want to hear this at every Gay
Pride event this year!
“LOOKING FOR SOMEONE”
Davearama: This initially debuted in a short clip
on Instagram in November 2016 before Sara and
Keren reunited with Siobhan for the Original Line
Up Tour. I was surprised how much more guitar
sounding the track is. Having said that, it is deeply
fab. Keren sings the first verse solo and Sara sings
the second verse solo. Both join in for the bridge
and chorus. Love the key change near the end.
Normski: This is one of the strongest, most radio-
friendly songs on the album. A bouncy, guitar-led
song with a catchy, call-to-arms chorus. I’d say
it’s quite Bryan Adams-like in style. You can just
imagine blasting this in the car on a road trip with
your friends. Absolutely begging to be a single!
Davearama: I agree. This HAS to be the next
single! It’s that FAB!
Jay: I fell in love with the tiny clip we got in
2016... Then the reunion happened, and I wasn’t
expecting to hold off another 3 years. It was worth
the wait! This has got to be one of my new all time
future classics of a Bananarama song. It needs to
be a single, it’s truly that amazing!
“STUFF LIKE THAT”
Normski: Here we have the fabulous lead single
from the album, which has classic Bananarama
written all over it! Camp, catchy and dance-y. It
really takes you back to the WOW! era with hints
of “I Can’t Help It” and other glistening SAW
productions. No surprise at all that this has been
A-listed on Radio 2! A triumphant comeback song.
Davearama: Fabulous indeed. What a glorious
return to the UK airwaves, too. Also fun to note
is that BBC Radio 2 is playing a single mix with
added horns giving it that extra wow factor, and it
just got released on digital outlets everywhere. Also
music lovers note: A couple of times in the song,
Keren and Sara switch to singing in the minor key
(“You gotta say it me”) instead of staying in the
major key. As for the music video, Sara and Keren
look amazing!
Jay: This is such a fun song, and I’m so glad
they decided to have it as the first single. It is an
amazing Bananarama Disco stomper. I do love the
Radio and Extended Mixes of this, I really wish
there were more remixes to be played in the clubs.
“IT’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT”
Normski: The first few seconds of the intro sound
like the start of a ballad, before the beat kicks in
and we’re back into familiar territory. This is quite
a typical modern-day Bananarama track and would
sit quite comfortably on Drama in production
style. The lyrics are particularly fun on this one (“I
wanted a cowboy by my side, I wanted a rodeo”)
and the chorus creeps in your head!
Davearama: Speaking of those lyrics ... several
years ago Bananarama joked about making a
country album (Kylie may have been listening). One
can’t help but wonder if this song was originally
meant to have a country flavor. I suppose it doesn’t
matter as the end result is fantastic. This a great pop
song.
Jay: This is another fun pop song. They sound
amazing on this. I love the drum sections in the
intro and chorus.
“GOT TO GET AWAY”
Normski: This is another guitar-led song, showing
a new-found diversity to Bananarama’s sound.
Again, it is hugely catchy and radio-friendly, which
just goes to show these ladies’ knack in writing a
hit song. This was debuted on their Australian tour
back in 2016 so has been familiar to hardcore fans
for some time.
Davearama: Yes, I’ve been listening to an mp3
of that live recording for a few years now. The
studio version sounds like they fine-tuned it and the
finished result is quite pleasing. I’m liking it more
than I thought I would.
Jay: Hearing the live version on YouTube, I wasn’t
exactly sure how I was going to like this one. I was
assuming it was one of their country influenced
songs that they mentioned. After a few listens, I
absolutely love this! Such a fun driving song!
“ON YOUR OWN”
Normski: The album closes with a surprising
twist — a darker sounding, atmospheric ballad.
Gorgeously smooth, soft vocals glide over a rich,
majestic, almost Latino-sounding backing. At times
this sounds like it could be part of a James Bond
soundtrack. The lyrics are more solemn, downbeat
and reflective, which evokes memories of early-
style Bananarama. A wonderful standout song and a
fantastic end to this musical journey.
Davearama: Speaking of lyrical content, there is
definitely a longing-to-be-in-love theme here on
the album. But that doesn’t mean it is all sad, I
think a lot of it (like the rest of Bananarama’s back
catalogue) is quite hopeful. Perhaps it is one of the
many reasons why Bananarama has such a strong
gay following. Bananarama aren’t known to the
public for their ballads, but fans know they have
some wonderful ballads over the years. This song
is a great way to close the album, before you start
listening to In Stereo all over again!
Jay: One of their best ballads EVER!!! Great way
to end the album, and its so hauntingly AMAZING!
I love the guitar bits in this one, too. Well done!
We simply cannot praise this album enough — the
wait was absolutely worth it! In Stereo is bold,
diverse, and concise (at just ten tracks). Bananarama
are back to what they are doing best — churning
out fantastic pop (aka POPTASTIC) songs and this
feels like their strongest work as a duo by far! In
Stereo is an album made for repeated play and for
witnessing live in all its glory.
Bravo ladies — well done on delivering a
classic album and your strongest body of
work in many (at least 10) years!

READERS
POLL
TOP 3

1. RODD HILLS 7. JASON BERGES 13. JAVIER MADORMO

IT’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT LOOKING FOR SOMEONE STUFF LIKE THAT

INTOXICATED I’M ON FIRE GOT TO GET AWAY
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE STUFF LIKE THAT LOOKING FOR SOMEONE

2. NICK CLOUGH 8. BARRY NOKE-HART 14. EDGEL MAYNARD

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TONIGHT LOVE IN STEREO

I’M ON FIRE LOVE IN STEREO GOT TO GET AWAY
STUFF LIKE THAT ON YOUR OWN STUFF LIKE THAT

3. DOUG LARAMY 9. ROB CAUME 15. NORMSKI HAYES

LOVE IN STEREO LOVE IN STEREO LOOKING FOR SOMEONE

TONIGHT LOOKING FOR SOMEONE STUFF LIKE THAT
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TONIGHT LOVE IN STEREO

4. GARY WHALLEY 10. MICHAEL WEIHN 16. HOU LEE LAI

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE STUFF LIKE THAT LOVE IN STEREO

ON YOUR OWN LOVE IN STEREO LOOKING FOR SOMEONE
IT’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT DANCE MUSIC STUFF LIKE THAT

5. JON A. LESLIE 11. NICK PELOMIS 17. PAUL HOGAN

I’M ON FIRE LOVE IN STEREO LOVE IN STEREO

LOVE IN STEREO GOT TO GET AWAY LOOKING FOR SOMEONE
STUFF LIKE THAT TONIGHT TONIGHT

6. DAVEARAMA HIGDON 12. JEROEN MINEAR 18. CLARE TAYLOR

STUFF LIKE THAT LOVE IN STEREO GOT TO GET AWAY

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TONIGHT LOOKING FOR SOMEONE
I’M ON FIRE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE LOVE IN STEREO
 5 CONCERTS
IN 3 COUNTRIES/CONTINENTS
WHAT A GLORIOUS YEAR
FOR BANANARAMA FANS
THIS HAS TURNED OUT
TO BE. I’VE SEEN 5 OF THE
SHOWS IN 3 COUNTRIES/
CONTINENTS. THIS IS MY
ACCOUNT OF THEM …
SAN DIEGO
San Diego was a blast. Several of
us fans met up the night before
the show to have dinner and then
went out drinking. The concert was
amazing. The setlist was similar to
the reunion shows, but in a different
order, and some songs didn’t make it.
However, we were treated to “Love,
Truth & Honesty”, “Move In My
Direction”, “Look On The Floor”
and the debut live performance
of “Dance Music” Yas, Jay, and
I even got Keren and Sara to do
the shoulder slap dance routine in
“Preacher Man”! After the show, a
few of us were invited back stage
to say a quick hello to Sara and
Keren. I jokingly apologized for
the shoulder slap dance move and
we had a laugh over it. We talked
about the new upcoming album,
the Australian tour, as well as the
upcoming intimate shows. They
were surprised that Yas, Jay, and I
were going to the Australia shows.
BY DAVEARAMA
AUSTRALIA AND
HEARTBREAK
Unfortunately, when Arturo and I
arrived at the airport, we found out
we needed Visas to go to Australia.
No one had ever told us. I could get
one quickly because I have a USA
Sara and Keren immediately saw
passport. Arturo’s passport is from
us and said hello. They smiled at
Costa Rica and even though he is a
us all night. The Sydney crowd was
US resident, he was unable to get
awesome, too. The setlist included
a quick Visa. So he couldn’t go. It
“Shy Boy” this time, but not “Dance
was heartbreaking. I didn’t want to
Music.” After the show, the four us
go without him. But he said that I
were invited back stage. It was good
had go and make the most of it.
fun and we mostly talked about the
new tracks since most of us had
heard the long clips by then.
LONDON IN APRIL
When the intimate shows were
announced, I couldn’t believe my
luck. I was already going to be in
London that weekend as Arturo has
a yearly conference there. I was able
MELBOURNE
to get tickets to both London shows.
The Bananarama concert in
FRIDAY NIGHT AT OMEARA
Melbourne was awesome. I went
IN LONDON
with my Australian friends.
Bananarama were amazing and the
I met up with Bananarama friends
Melbourne crowd was loving them.
Normski, David and Spencer before
It was pretty much the same setlist
the show. When we arrived at the
as San Diego, but without “Shy
venue, every person got a VIP bag
Boy” and “Preacher Man.” My
that had the In Stereo cover printed
Australian fans said they sounded
on it. Inside the bag was a poster
so much better and had so much
of the tour dates, a smaller photo
more fun on this tour.
of Keren and Sara, a lanyard, and
signed card by them both.
SYDNEY
The Q&A came first. Immediately
I went to the Sydney show with
it was hilarious. I suddenly felt like
Jay, Rodd, and Yas. We were right
a student who got the assignment
upfront in the middle of the stage.
wrong as I had asked a serious
question. Before I knew it, Keren
pulled out my question. “This was is
from Davearama!” she said. “Your
music means so much to your fans.
Your music has saved my life. I’m
sure many fans in this room could
say the same. Are you aware of the
impact and how does it make you
feel?” It got rather quiet and Keren
explained that yes, they are aware
as they heard so many stories from
the fans at the reunion shows. She
also said that her and Sara had
their favourite artists, too. So they
completely understood. It was a
rather touching and tender moment,
before it all got hilarious again.
The set list focused on the new songs
from In Stereo as well as mostly
duo songs. A big surprise was them
singing ABBA’s “Summer Night
City.”. I knew it from the first few
bars of the song so I quickly got my
phone and filmed it. You can see on
YouTube.
SATURDAY NIGHT AT
BORDERLINE IN LONDON
I met up with Normski and Yas
and went to the venue in Soho. The
Borderline seemed to a big bigger
and we immediately met up with
fans from all over and having a
great time.
The Q&A this night was even
more hilarious as the previous
night, probably because there
was an overwhelming amount of
questions regarding Jacquie. First
up was the question about how
Jennifer Saunders based AbFab
on Bananarama. Keren and Sara
laughed and jokingly said it was
Jacquie who fell out of the taxi ass
first, because they would never do
something like that (wink wink).
Then came other Jacquie question:
“Would you do a reunion tour
with Jacquie?” Sara said, “Yes!”
without hesitation, which surprised
me. They spoke about how lovely
Jacquie was and that she was a great
asset to them with the tour. Keren
even said that Jacquie was a yoga
instructor. Another question: “Do
you keep in touch with Jacquie?”
The answer was no, but they had no
falling out. “Sometimes life takes
you down different paths.” Shortly
thereafter, another question was
read aloud: “Would you ever take
a yoga class from Jacquie?” The
crowd roared with laughter. We
were laughing so hard that I can’t
remember the answer. At some
point, Sara blamed Normski for
all the Jacquie questions! She said
“Normski has a tattoo of Siobhan
and now us! Now you need one of
Jacquie!” Another question came:
“Who would you like to play you
in a movie about Bananarama?”
Sara replied: “Jacquie, of course!”
The crowd was dying with laughter.
Keren said, “Jacquie could wear a
wig for you, and then play me too.”
I was crying because I was laughing
so hard. Near the end of the Q&A,
a question was read: “Why are so
many of your fans scared to ask
questions about Jacquie?” I think
this was biggest crowd roar during
the Q&A. “Apparently not enough
fans are!” came the answer. \ many questions about her. We both
We were howling with laughter.
The show was just as great as the
night before, with the same set list
except no “Summer Night City.”
With the introduction of “Every
Shade Of Blue”, Keren said,
“Here’s one from the 90s. Sorry it
wasn’t sung with Jacquie.” When it
came to “Dance Music,” Normski
and I started doing the “Preacher
Man” shoulder slap dance routine
to the “la la la” parts. Eventually,
we got Keren to do it, too.
After the show, Normski, Yas, and
I met up with Arturo, Pascal, and
Pascal to go drinking. At first we
found the loudest gay bar ever! So
we moved to more quiet location so
we could chat. It is always so much
fun spending time with fans who
have the same passion as you.
THE FABULOUS JACQUIE O
On Sunday, Normski and Yas
headed up to Birmingham for the
show that night. I stayed in London
and had a nice lazy day. However,
I did manage to have a late lunch
with the fabulous Jacquie O herself.
I told her all about the hilarious
Q&A the night before with so
had a good laugh about it. Jacquie
told me (and she announced it on
social media so I’m not sharing
any secrets) that next year she is
planning a return to music. Most
likely with the Shillelagh Sister
and Slippry Feet. I’d love for her go
solo, too. We shall see.
 THAT WRAPS UP ISSUE 2 TO TIE INTO THE
RELEASE OF “LOOKING FOR SOMEONE”.
ISN’T THAT A GREAT SONG?

DEFINITELY A FAN FAVORITE.

ISSUE 3 WILL HAVE MORE REVIEWS,

READERS POLLS, AND WHO KNOWS? MAYBE
ANNOUNCEMENT OF A 3RD SINGLE??? ONLY
TIME WILL TELL (NO PUN INTENDED)... MAYBE
THE NEXT TIME (THAT WAS INTENDED)...
CHEERS THEN! (SO WAS THAT! LOL)