Post by roger on Feb 12, 2006 19:57:13 GMT
Hi Robert,
Okay, I'll give you an honest answer to that. No, I don't think you ever get used to it - not entirely.
Because it is significant to the question, I will tell you I have been fortunate enough to meet Hayley 27 times and I promise you, she is one of the friendliest, unassuming and delightful people you will ever meet. And so are her parents, her brother and sister, and her manager. They all put you at ease immediately. For me, the point came long ago when it stopped feeling like a fan meeting a celebrity. It really felt as though we were friends. Nevertheless, there is no escaping from the fact that a few minutes earlier, you were just one of hundreds - maybe one of thousands - who were sitting in the audience, looking up at a singer who has sold two million copies of her debut album. Then, moments later, you are there, talking to her. Despite the queue behind you, for a few moments, it is just you and her. The immense difference in those two situations can be intimidating but Hayley, and being in her presense, is not.
Then you realise there was an all important question you particularly wanted to ask... only you can't remember what it was. So you resort to telling her how much you enjoyed her performance and then feel a fool for saying what everyone else has said. The trick is to try to relax and take the opportunity when it arises because you probably won't get long. Have something ready for her to sign if that's what you want. And ask her if you can take a photograph or thrust you camera into someone else's hand so you can have one taken with her. Provided the venue staff aren't on the verge of closing, Hayley won't mind. In case anyone wonders, you don't have to shower her with gifts (which I have witnessed). A few words of appreciation will delight her.
But no, you never quite get used to it. At least, I hope you don't because then it would cease to be quite so special.
Roger
Okay, I'll give you an honest answer to that. No, I don't think you ever get used to it - not entirely.
Because it is significant to the question, I will tell you I have been fortunate enough to meet Hayley 27 times and I promise you, she is one of the friendliest, unassuming and delightful people you will ever meet. And so are her parents, her brother and sister, and her manager. They all put you at ease immediately. For me, the point came long ago when it stopped feeling like a fan meeting a celebrity. It really felt as though we were friends. Nevertheless, there is no escaping from the fact that a few minutes earlier, you were just one of hundreds - maybe one of thousands - who were sitting in the audience, looking up at a singer who has sold two million copies of her debut album. Then, moments later, you are there, talking to her. Despite the queue behind you, for a few moments, it is just you and her. The immense difference in those two situations can be intimidating but Hayley, and being in her presense, is not.
Then you realise there was an all important question you particularly wanted to ask... only you can't remember what it was. So you resort to telling her how much you enjoyed her performance and then feel a fool for saying what everyone else has said. The trick is to try to relax and take the opportunity when it arises because you probably won't get long. Have something ready for her to sign if that's what you want. And ask her if you can take a photograph or thrust you camera into someone else's hand so you can have one taken with her. Provided the venue staff aren't on the verge of closing, Hayley won't mind. In case anyone wonders, you don't have to shower her with gifts (which I have witnessed). A few words of appreciation will delight her.
But no, you never quite get used to it. At least, I hope you don't because then it would cease to be quite so special.
Roger
