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QOL 20th Fan Club Convention

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“Nights in Prestatyn” sang BRIAN MAY at the beginning of his video message (sing to the tune of The Moody Blues classic “Nights In White Satin” and you will get the gist) for this year’s annual bash – the QUEEN Fan Clubs 20th Annual Convention, once again held in sunny North Wales resort of Prestatyn. Pontins Holiday Camp was the venue and the place came alive to the sounds of QUEEN from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and NOW – 2005!

It has now become traditional for the globe trotting fans to meet on-site in the Queen Victoria Pub and what better place to re-acquaint oneself with friends from afar – fellow followers of the worlds first class rock band of all time.

For those travelling by public transport special coaches pick you up at the railway station to take you to your home for the next few nights and friendships can be made on that short journey – honest! If you’re travelling on your own, don’t be shy; come along coos you won’t be on your own for long! QUEEN fans are renowned for being the friendliest – well friends will be friends you know!

Something new for this year was a competition for the Best Decorated Chalet Window – so some fans as soon as they had checked in started to work on doing just this – some crackers too and the winner….well – you rocked!

JACKY SMITH, head of the world’s longest running fan club EVER, made an Official Welcome to start the first night in Prestatyn off to a huge cheer and she apologised for the delay in this year’s convention due to a certain band touring. (Well it was either postpone or cancel and I’m sure everyone wouldn’t have wanted that!) Last year JACKY promised we would make the next convention one to remember. Her words she speaks came true. This year’s turned out to be one of the best we’ve ever had in the 20 years. It kicked ass! It rocked! Party time folks!

There were some stunning live performances over the weekend and first up was a welcome back to the ever popular FLASH HARRY. They did a grand job and showed why they continue to be one of the most popular cover bands on the circuit.

The first of the 3 evening QUEEN Discos followed so you could dance the night away – everyone on the dance floor singing away and imitating Freddie’s posturing and posing is a sight to behold – he would love it! The conventioneers sure know how to party! Those who were there will know exactly what I mean – those that weren’t – why weren’t you?? For those quiet reserved QUEEN fans (eh?) could sit in their chalet and watch QUEEN Live In Argentina 81 on our very own QTV.

The sun shone brightly on the Saturday morning and even fans with bad hangovers-from-hell made it to the ‘Market Place’ for all the goodies available there. Also you could take a peek at the Arts & Craft exhibitions. A very popular pastime currently is Salsa dancing so we introduced a Dance Instruction Rock ‘N’ Roll & Salsa class. It was fun to watch. Lots of people took part and it went down a storm. For other energetic fans the ever popular Tug-Of-War followed – heave-ho!

Over the weekend you could take part in other sporting activities and competitions such as crazy golf, table tennis, darts, and snooker and 5 a side football. We also held a Team 4 Quiz for fun. Joining in these teams can help you make good friendships – it’s already been said, even if you’re on your own – join in and you’re guaranteed a good time.

For those chilling out and recovering from hangovers (making this sound like a boozy weekend – hiccup!) QTV provided Queen Day In Holland, Brian Live In Barcelona and The Cross Live In Geneva.

Collectors Corner is interesting for those collectors out there. Fans bring along personal items from their collection and have them valued by the experts on hand. (Thanks to Andreas Voigt and Paul Bird for joining host Jim Jenkins). One thing that always comes to light is a fake autograph which is sad for those who have paid out lots of hard earned cash! Please beware! (For next time if anybody wants to share their items but apprehensive to bring along the real thing, simply photo-copy the item and it can be shown on the big screen).

Making a welcome return to the convention was SIMON LUPTON. Everyone knows Simon will have something exciting with him and this year was no exception. Premiering at Prestatyn was the forthcoming Return Of The Champions live DVD recorded earlier in the year at Sheffield Arena during the QUEEN+ Paul Rodgers tour. Simon talked about how the recording was made and then opened to the floor for the crowd to choose which track they wanted to see. For anyone who attended the shows it was exciting to see the footage and for those who couldn’t make it could witness why the tour was hugely successful.

GREG BROOKS, the bands personal archivist and property of QUEEN Productions was welcomed back to the stage to please the crowds with more unreleased QUEEN material from the archives. These rarities are a joy to hear and make a visit to the convention more than worthwhile! One of the questions put to Greg was on everybody’s lips! “When will they be released officially”? Greg explained it was down to the record company to schedule the release date of the box set so we’ve to wait a little bit longer folks! In the meantime, get to the convention next year to hear some more.

We held our annual Charity Auction to raise funds. All monies go to Vitalise (formerly Winged Fellowship) and Rainbow Trust raised from the sale of the items. This year it was exciting when a jacket worn by Freddie, kindly donated by Jim Hutton was wanted by two fans that battled it out. Thank you all for your generosity.

The Fancy Dress Parade was a spectacle and once again some fans had gone to great lengths to make their own costumes and try and win a place in the final chosen by the attendees.

We were promised a treat in the evening’s band performances but I think it was more than what everyone expected! DIOS SALVE A LA REINA (GOD SAVE THE QUEEN) gave such a memorable emotional performance nobody who was there is likely to forget! This Argentinean band put their heart and soul into the performance; they even brought people to tears! Pablo, their lead singer is so uncannily like Freddie in many ways. An excellent bunch of musicians all round. One fan commented that during “Don’t Stop Me Now” he looked at the big screens and thought we were showing a live concert footage of QUEEN – no it was DSALR – a compliment indeed! These are probably the best cover band I’ve ever seen, a real treat indeed. Hopefully they will grace the convention stage another time.

Straight into the Disco with a highlight watching the conga train to the sounds of “Breakthru” chuffing its way around the ballroom with members of DSALR joining in (and was that some Pontins staff in there too??). The disco finished in the early hours of Sunday morning. We know how to rock and roll on a Saturday night.

QTV showed some more rare QUEEN concert footage from Brazil 81, Paris 79 and Hyde Park 76, while over in the ballroom We Will Rock You-The Musical was shown and some fans had ‘champagne for breakfast’ while watching! Freddie would be proud. Later in the afternoon the ballroom had another UK convention premiere. QUEEN Live In Houston 1977 blasted out the speakers. The cheers from the crowd at the end showed their appreciation. Boy did they rock during that tour.

Sadly some guests who had hoped to be at this years convention were unavoidably detained elsewhere. The afternoon guest panel, hosted by Jim J introduced Queen’s first manager KEN TESTI and Freddie’s partner JIM HUTTON to the stage. An interesting panel with some excellent questions and answers. Jim H once again talked about life at Garden Lodge with Freddie and when he first met him and we heard some amusing anecdotes. Listening to these stories gives you an insight into Freddie the man, at home. It’s always a pleasure. Ken, taking time out from his new business venture Ye Olde Kings Head public house in Chester, talked about his time with Freddie from first meeting him, through the Ibex concerts and when QUEEN first formed. Ken also divulged that he was one of the groups “backing singers” on “Seven Seas Of Rhye”. Jim J was also asked questions and he and Ken reminisced about Queen’s gig at Liverpool Stadium supporting Mott The Hoople.

SIMON LUPTONS third convention appearance finished with another future release and something well worth spending your money on! To celebrate 30 years of “A Night At The Opera” a new release of the album is to be accompanied by a DVD. Simon exclusively premiered some of the films on the disc. “Death On Two Legs” featuring QUEEN live footage from Earls Court and Houston. Special effects are used to great effects on other tracks but an amazing feature is the menu – the infamous crest comes alive – you can watch “the fairies” flying around – wow – just wait and see! He also showed the commercials filmed for the GVH2 to rapturous applause. Simon also took time to answer questions from the floor and promised more DVD releases in the future and hopefully some old 70’s QUEEN live concerts.

Next up was a ‘QUEEN convention virgin’! World famous photographer DENIS O’REGAN. Denis, a rock legend himself, recalled life on tour with QUEEN and showed many of the photos he had taken from their famous Christmas 75 show up to Knebworth 86. Lots of backstage and party photos went down a treat!

Master of the archives GREG BROOKS was back on stage with Jim J to auction a piece of QUEEN history. Brian had given Greg permission to sell equipment boxes and some guitar leads. They were all sold with profits going to charity.

The Prize Presentation took place proving QUEEN fans really are the champions! The usual raffle draw followed with many prizes up for grabs. This year a very special raffle took place with a prize of a lifetime. During October QUEEN+ Paul Rodgers are off to foreign shores once more to play more concerts and one of these is to be held in New Jersey. The lucky winner won tickets for two to travel to New York to see the Meadowlands concert! The atmosphere was unbelievable as Arenas Keith Harris eliminated the crowds from the front of the stage area and he teased the crowds until the lucky winner was announced. Gimme the prize indeed!! Our weekend Official Photographer Stephen Cartledge was on hand to capture the look on the winners face and all other lucky winners of the weekends events.

The last live band of the weekend needed no introduction. There isn’t much more you can say about them. We all know they are amazing and exciting to watch with a lead vocalist who is dynamic and extremely talented. Tonight’s show was different and ‘unplugged’ – ladies and gentlemen – THE JEFF SCOTT SOTO BAND! It was an awesome performance and the crowd showed their appreciation in the only way QUEEN fans know how to! Shouts of more brought an unrehearsed unexpected encore.

Keith and Jacky gave their “thank-yous” with a special one to the fans for their exceptional behaviour over the weekend and promised we would be back to do it all again in less than a year! The roar of the crowd was deafening!

The long evening Disco of QUEEN hits ended the weekend with more dancing, singing, drinking and being generally happy.

Next year is the Conventions 21st anniversary and plans are underway to make it a 21st party never to be forgotten. For the regulars you know what it will be like, or do you, we could even surprise you! For those who haven’t been or still undecided, what are you waiting for?? Come along and make it your first, it certainly won’t be your last. Join in the fun – we want to see you there- its good company who know how to party – yes!

Nights in Prestatyn’ has never looked better to me – rock n roll til the next one!

QOL Features