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(The zoom stabilizes quickly) 2nd and final :_( encore, he came back to sing this exquisite classic from 1941 (by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer -- apparently to express the love of the latter for Judy Garland --, also featured in George's album “SONGS FROM THE LAST CENTURY“, from 1999, and sung in the movie “The Fleet's In“ by Dorothy Lamour in 1942) accompanied by harp (the great and nicest Michal Matejcik). Such a beautiful rendition. Live at Earls Court One in London during the last “SYMPHONICA“ concert last Wednesday... just two days ago... :_( --- The couple of seconds in the middle that are blurred, courtesy of the two extremely rude ladies -- to name them nicely -- behind me, who bothered, chatted away and were rude to absolutely everyone around them during the whole concert. Here they had the nerve to shake me during the last song. I did not respond as strongly as I should have out of respect for the artist on stage, and at the end of the day it is always better to ignore people like that. - Finally, the Symphonica Orchestra plays the instrumental “FREE“ (1996, album “Older), after George leaves the stage, and we can see Henry Hey, Lea Mullen, and the rest of musicians having fun one last time while the final credits roll on the screen... Then the final curtains suddenly brings us back to reality! Sigh. :) ...The last SYMPHONICA... wow. Such a weird feeling, very happy but at the same time sad. One could not forget that it was the last time, so just because of that I could not completely enjoy it as fully as other times... On one hand I wanted to relax more and just not to worry at all about recording for once, on the other I wanted to record EVERYTHING for that last time! ...or at least include the ones I didn't record so much before, but as that is always impossible because of the bloody battery that lasts so little, I always had to chose and sacrifice the less favourite ones (since I love all of them, even if I couldn't record them...) Anyway, to find a compromise I relaxed but kept recording. The result, (even) less quality (sorry!) but some very interesting bits, and at least I have something precious for my memories, no matter how blurry at times :) The side view didn't facilitate things, but provided some unusual bits too... it was funny to see what a great time the members of the orchestra were having and also see the audience enjoying themselves in the rest of the venue from there. AND WE WERE SO HAPPY WHENEVER GEORGE CAME TO VISIT HIS RIGHT SIDE!!! And he was very generous and came A LOT during the whole concert, hehe... Thanks G.! Mwah. - AND MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON “SYMPHONICA“: I already have withdrawal, G. -- which of course is a subject I know nothing about... ;) Since I was a child and was wowed by that “Faith“ man from England whose lyrics I knew all by heart... I could never imagine that one day I would have You smiling and singing live right in front of me, and some of my favourite and the most beautiful songs no more no less... I don't know if I will ever be able to afford seeing you live again -- God, I do hope so --, so I will have to treasure this unforgettable “SYMPHONICA“ in my heart forever just in case. What a wonderful ride, full of emotions, but you won again, dear G. And YOU ARE ALIVE! That's the best part. I'll never forget the happiness you gave me, many dreams in my list became true for me thanks to this dream of yours, “SYMPHONICA“. THANK YOU, forever, and forever I'll remember You. Always, X ~Mónica. - George Michael's “SYMPHONICA: The Orchestral Tour“ at Earls Court One, London, UK. - Wednesday, 17 October 2012. 8:15 pm. © 2012 Mónica del Haya, all rights reserved. UPDATE 26 December 2016, after yesterday devastating news: George's last verses and words on stage ever (from his cover of “I Remember You“ in his last “Symphonica“ concert in London, 17 October 2012): “When my life is through And the angels ask me to recall The thrill of them all Then I shall tell them... I remember You“ - “Thank you, London, I love you, see you soon. Take care of yourselves“. ...I had the great privilege of living and recording that very last music moment. Little did I know that it was really so meaningful. Thank You for the beauty and the happiness, George, forever, You are unforgettable now. I remember You Always X
