May 10, 2008 - Birmingham, UK (National Indoor Arena)

[Shesings2me]

Very nice news so far people. Celine's just like everyone else...it helps to show love when you receive it. The crowd was obviously doing that and it paid off. Way to go Birmingham! Thanks for making Celine happy; we love you for that!!!!

[KimboCosmo]

I'm glad to hear Celine seems to be having so much fun! And you guys too, that you enjoyed the show! :D

That's great that she talked a lot! I wanna know what she said too...I still don't quite understand "My love", though.

Have you watched the video of her recording it?

[Koolan]

Wow, so much happening on this show. I can't wat to hear/see more!

[nano]

wow..thanks for the reviews...

[Jacqui]

I'm glad to hear Celine seems to be having so much fun! And you guys too, that you enjoyed the show! :D

That's great that she talked a lot! I wanna know what she said too...I still don't quite understand "My love", though.

Have you watched the video of her recording it?

 

Yes- that's what confused me! LOL. I understood what she was saying about the sacrifices she's made over the years, and how her son is more important than her career, but how that fits in to the lyrics of the song, or if there's something about it all that I'm missing, I'm not sure. I tend to over analyse everything, maybe that's why. But yeah, it makes me kind of interested in whatever she says about the song. Also makes me like the song less, unfortunatley :S

[destin139]

oh my word that sounds incredible!!! cant wait to see the videos!!

wish i had got tickets for birmingham

i cant believe that shes done in the uk now - i dont want her to leave

oh well, it sounds like she went out with a bang - thats so awesome!!

[Nikosn17]

This seems to be the best show so far. What was the songlist ?

[LD1977]

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwww, sounds like the best concert so far! I am so happy for you guys! Does anyone know if she's still in England???

[jim1979bob]

All I can say is what an AMAAAAAAAAAAAZING concert. Celine was really on top form tonight. As has been mentioned already, the crowd was absolutely superb and Celine was clearly feeding off the energy in the arena. This is the sixth time i've had the privilege of witnessing a Celine concert (FYI: 1995 Manchester Nynex (now MEN), 1996 Birmingham NEC, 1997 London Earls Court, 1999 Paris Stade de France, 1999 London Wembley Stadium [front row!], 2008 Birmingham NIA) and even though some of the previous concerts have been amazing (particularly Paris '99) I have to say that Birmingham 2008 has been the best concert I have ever been to (by anybody!).

 

A few reasons why: Celine just having an absolute blast, clearly enjoying every minute. Voice sounding better than ever, and incidentally for anyone following all the concert reviews please ignore all the CRAP about lipping certain songs as this is simply NOT true, every note was live, I can guarantee it! AMAZING stage, lighting, effects, walkway, projectors, etc. Band sounding better than ever. Wasn't sure if I would dig the dancers but they were very entertaining and weren't dominating the stage at all. Superb crowd and lots of crowd interaction. Arena was superb. Being a smaller venue than others I've attended (I think around 13,000 but don't quote me) you felt SO close to the stage and everyone had a really good view. We were in the tiers and it just all felt incredibly intimate. Setlist flowed really nicely and although only one French song, PQTME, there was a good mix of old and new, and Celine hit all the money notes!

 

My wife is now a fan after last nights performance. She just sat there with her mouth open unable to take everything in. She too said it was the best concert she has ever been to! She liked the outfits and was amazed at how quickly Celine changed and was back on stage. Did anyone else notice a near wardrobe malfunction? (white T/black cardigan/black trousers) Celine kept pulling her T up! lol.

 

Anyway, i'm still in the moment and sorry it has now come to an end after all these months waiting. For anyone else yet to see Celine, you are in for a treat. You will not be dissappointed. Looking forward to reading other reviews.

 

Cheers, James.

[Thomas]

Sounds like a great show! It's how she was in London on the 8th, glad the energy stayed with her.

 

Did anyone else notice a near wardrobe malfunction? (white T/black cardigan/black trousers) Celine kept pulling her T up! lol.

Is it now a white T Shirt? Because it was black at the four shows I saw. Just wondering....

[jacwar58]

I'm glad to hear Celine seems to be having so much fun! And you guys too, that you enjoyed the show! :D

That's great that she talked a lot! I wanna know what she said too...I still don't quite understand "My love", though.

 

 

I think you can interpret the words for how she felt and what she did when she supported Rene when he was ill.

[Thomas]

My Love:

 

 

MHWGO:

 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8HEXCn7gjuU

[Bellamy]

Is it me, or she's more blonde again?

[vagoguma]

I'm glad to hear Celine seems to be having so much fun! And you guys too, that you enjoyed the show! :D

That's great that she talked a lot! I wanna know what she said too...I still don't quite understand "My love", though.

Have you watched the video of her recording it?

 

Yes- that's what confused me! LOL. I understood what she was saying about the sacrifices she's made over the years, and how her son is more important than her career, but how that fits in to the lyrics of the song, or if there's something about it all that I'm missing, I'm not sure. I tend to over analyse everything, maybe that's why. But yeah, it makes me kind of interested in whatever she says about the song. Also makes me like the song less, unfortunatley :S

 

 

I totally agree with you Jacqui...I still don't get the connection between what Linda Perry says and the lyrics... maybe we should start a club or something! Celine obviously got it, though, 'cos she cried her heart out!

[Amnesia]

Is it me, or she's more blonde again?

I have the same feeling!

[hutz13]

Is it just me or is youtube taking down all concert videos as soon as they are posted?

[Jacqui]

Good to know it's not just me confused!

Thanks for posting the video.

Not sure about her hair, but it does seem to be changing a lot...maybe she's having a hair identity crisis? Lol.

[ce-line]

Is it me, or she's more blonde again?

 

Yeah, it does actually look like it's blonde again!

[jacwar58]

Attended the soundcheck yesterday at the NIA. We met the rep from Sony outside who amazingly looks like Celine. She joked she was morphing into her! We were handed our passes - a big 'Celine eye' which we proudly attached to our chests and stayed on mine all night!

 

Security opened the doors and we were lead in to our seats which were at the front by the walkway. The band were hanging around on the stage practicing their various instruments and the backing singers were there also with a few dancers. They started up a song and were singing their vocals but with no main singer, so a few of us sang Celine's part! Don't think they heard us and there's no danger that we'll be offered a job!! When they finished we gave a loud cheer and clapped which amused them There were only 6 of us but we pretty much made a loud noise and they laughed and waved to us!

 

Celine entered the stage and as well as being in awe of the great lady our mouths dropped open when we saw what she was wearing. I'm sure some fashion expert will tell me it's very expensive, straight off the catwalk and the 'in' thing but I'm not so sure! It can only be described as an oversized nappy!! It looked like it should have been a pair of black loose flowing trousers but the ends were pulled up and joined under her gusset. That's the best I can do to describe it sorry, perhaps one of the others there will be able to elaborate more. Her top was purple with batwing sleeves and the shoes were her usual killers. Nevertheless, she was there in person and it wouldn't have mattered if she was wearing a bin bag.

 

We gave a loud cheer when she arrived on stage and she acknowledged us with a wave and a 'hi'.

She started off with TC but it was totally different to the version she sings normally. She improvised and changed it around and it was amazing. We screamed and clapped and cheered when she finished and I think she was amused as she turned to us and said 'thank you'.

 

She did Man's World several times in full and Show must go on. But what was great was the French songs they were practising in preparation for Paris.

 

She spoke most of the time in French but the lady was certainly in charge on the stage. At one point she asked if it was ok for the tour photographer to be on the walkway. Not sure if it was concern or if he shouldn't have been there!

 

She came onto the walkway and sang to us and at the end did her little move where she puts her arm in the air and points....so Wendy and myself did it back and she smiled.

 

Before we knew it the time was 6.15 and the doors opened at 6.30 so she had to stop and our own personal concert had come to an end. Before she left she said goodbye and told us to enjoy the show.

 

The icing on the cake was getting my programme signed.

 

I won't say much about he concert itself as others have already done so. It was funny the way she cracked up and couldn't do her usual serious intro for My Love. In fact, she realised the moment had gone when she told the audience it wasn't helping her presentation of the song!!

 

All in all a great end to a week in the UK of which I have been fortunate to attend all shows. Only spoilt by sitting next to the smelliest person in the world last night that I thought I was going to be sick!. People around me were spraying their perfumes to try to mask the smell.

 

Jackie, Wendy 1 and Wendy 2 and Shoib...it was great to meet you all, I'm sure our paths will cross again.

[leenylover]

I'm glad I wasn't the only one to notice the wardrobe malfunction! lol! And it is a black t-shirt/vest under the glittery waist coat. It seemed to be slipping lower and lower and at one point Celine looked down to make sure she wasn't revealing too much, saw that it was just about covering what it needed to and carried on! She seems to have problems with the outfits from that part of the show!

 

I noticed that in "I'm you're angel" she sang "and when it feels as if your arms are drawing near" again, can I just check, that is wrong isn't it? I'm even starting to doubt myself now! Anyway, some of my highlights...

 

I loved the chatty part before "My Love"! She was so having fun with the audience! Everyone was whistling and wooping and shouting out I love you Celine! It took her a long time to calm eveyone down for her to be able to let them know that this song is a serious song for her. Then this guys shouts out, in the loudest voice I think I have ever heard "I love you Celine!" Shocked at just how loud he was, everyone burst out laughing, and Celine looked both taken aback and very amused! She replied "I know you do honey, but it's really not helping my presentation!" That was hysterical! The whole arena was falling about with laughter! She replied to him, I love you too, he shouted back I love you more (this will sound very familiar to those who were there for the Vegas recording lol) and eventually she stated "I love you the most, there! That's it!" and laughed! She eventually calmed everyone down and at the acappella start of My Love you could almost hear a pin drop, the whole place was so still and quiet! It was awesome and so moving!

 

For the Queen medley everyone was on their feet and clapping, it gave me chills! It sounded so powerful! The whole arena chanting "we will we will ROCK YOU!!!"

 

The whole place erupted at the start of Power of love, Because you loved me and It's all coming back to me now. It's obvious that these standards are still hugely popular in the UK and the fans were so excited to hear them again. Obviously the best part of power of Love is the live opening, Celine is able to put so much emotion in to it and taylor it to the crowd, I would love to hear her take on that song now and how she enterprets it live. It must be a little different to the track she uses. Think twice was well received, and had everyone singing, but I thought it would generate a better reaction that it got in the end.

 

All by myself must be treat for Mego, as his piano solo at the start was met with rapturous applause! At the crescendo, Celine nailed "that" note absolutely perfectly! Each song seemed to work the crowd up into more of a frenzy, no wonder they would not return to their seats for the last three songs of the night! There was so much energy! I'm feeling hyped just typing about it!

 

I have some video footage, that doesn't do the night any justice, but I will get them uploaded for you all later today. It was an awesome night, I do wonder if any of it will make it to the DVD, it would be great if it did!

[CelineRox]

She did Man's World several times in full and Show must go on. But what was great was the French songs they were practising in preparation for Paris.

 

Which French songs were they practising?

[CelineRox]

Celine entered the stage and as well as being in awe of the great lady our mouths dropped open when we saw what she was wearing. I'm sure some fashion expert will tell me it's very expensive, straight off the catwalk and the 'in' thing but I'm not so sure! It can only be described as an oversized nappy!!

 

All in all a great end to a week in the UK of which I have been fortunate to attend all shows. Only spoilt by sitting next to the smelliest person in the world last night that I thought I was going to be sick!. People around me were spraying their perfumes to try to mask the smell.

 

[hamiltonclare]

Oh my god last night was the bestest show ever. I've been to 4 of the UK concerts (Manchester 03/05, London 06 & 08/05 and last night in Birmingham) - because it was much smaller a venue than the MEN or O2, you seemed so much closer to her. I had front row again and when she sang PQTME, she sang right to me, my absolute FAVOURITE song - I'm so glad I speak French so could sing it back to her - think she appreciated it. The woman is the bomb. Roll on Paris....now where can I get me a ticket for Dublin lol

 

Clare x

[Shamrock_1982]

Attended the soundcheck yesterday at the NIA. We met the rep from Sony outside who amazingly looks like Celine. She joked she was morphing into her! We were handed our passes - a big 'Celine eye' which we proudly attached to our chests and stayed on mine all night!

 

Security opened the doors and we were lead in to our seats which were at the front by the walkway. The band were hanging around on the stage practicing their various instruments and the backing singers were there also with a few dancers. They started up a song and were singing their vocals but with no main singer, so a few of us sang Celine's part! Don't think they heard us and there's no danger that we'll be offered a job!! When they finished we gave a loud cheer and clapped which amused them There were only 6 of us but we pretty much made a loud noise and they laughed and waved to us!

 

Celine entered the stage and as well as being in awe of the great lady our mouths dropped open when we saw what she was wearing. I'm sure some fashion expert will tell me it's very expensive, straight off the catwalk and the 'in' thing but I'm not so sure! It can only be described as an oversized nappy!! It looked like it should have been a pair of black loose flowing trousers but the ends were pulled up and joined under her gusset. That's the best I can do to describe it sorry, perhaps one of the others there will be able to elaborate more. Her top was purple with batwing sleeves and the shoes were her usual killers. Nevertheless, she was there in person and it wouldn't have mattered if she was wearing a bin bag.

 

We gave a loud cheer when she arrived on stage and she acknowledged us with a wave and a 'hi'.

She started off with TC but it was totally different to the version she sings normally. She improvised and changed it around and it was amazing. We screamed and clapped and cheered when she finished and I think she was amused as she turned to us and said 'thank you'.

 

She did Man's World several times in full and Show must go on. But what was great was the French songs they were practising in preparation for Paris.

 

She spoke most of the time in French but the lady was certainly in charge on the stage. At one point she asked if it was ok for the tour photographer to be on the walkway. Not sure if it was concern or if he shouldn't have been there!

 

She came onto the walkway and sang to us and at the end did her little move where she puts her arm in the air and points....so Wendy and myself did it back and she smiled.

 

Before we knew it the time was 6.15 and the doors opened at 6.30 so she had to stop and our own personal concert had come to an end. Before she left she said goodbye and told us to enjoy the show.

 

The icing on the cake was getting my programme signed.

 

I won't say much about he concert itself as others have already done so. It was funny the way she cracked up and couldn't do her usual serious intro for My Love. In fact, she realised the moment had gone when she told the audience it wasn't helping her presentation of the song!!

 

All in all a great end to a week in the UK of which I have been fortunate to attend all shows. Only spoilt by sitting next to the smelliest person in the world last night that I thought I was going to be sick!. People around me were spraying their perfumes to try to mask the smell.

 

Jackie, Wendy 1 and Wendy 2 and Shoib...it was great to meet you all, I'm sure our paths will cross again.

 

 

so glad you all enjoyed soundcheck, and had a great night!!!

And yeah the sony rep does look like celine...lol...she even wears similar clothes , ie her shoes... he he

[WendyB]

She did Man's World several times in full and Show must go on. But what was great was the French songs they were practising in preparation for Paris.

 

Which French songs were they practising?

 

Dans un autre monde and Tout l'or des hommes. The band kept singing parts of Dans un autre monde over and over. The first time they finished we all started clapping and cheering and they all turned round, surprised, and waved and called out to us.

 

Just got home after a 3 hour drive from Birmingham and I'm still on a HIGH! Couldn't get to sleep last night so today I'm shattered.

 

Darren - thank you some much for the competition, and Jackie for taking me with you. I can't believe that Shoshanna (the Sony lady) managed to get our stuff signed. I shall treasure my CD forever. It was great meeting up with everyone. I can't add any more than's already been said about the soundcheck or the show, apart from the moment during the show when Céline nearly hit herself when she started twirling the microphone stand whilst singing RDMH. It was so funny but she recovered so quickly.

 

I've got a few photos but they're not brilliant as we were nowhere near the front and my camera only likes daylight! I'll post the best ones later.

 

Can't wait for Paris ....

[CelineRox]

She did Man's World several times in full and Show must go on. But what was great was the French songs they were practising in preparation for Paris.

 

Which French songs were they practising?

 

Dans un autre monde and Tout l'or des hommes. The band kept singing parts of Dans un autre monde over and over. The first time they finished we all started clapping and cheering and they all turned round, surprised, and waved and called out to us.

 

Just got home after a 3 hour drive from Birmingham and I'm still on a HIGH! Couldn't get to sleep last night so today I'm shattered.

 

Darren - thank you some much for the competition, and Jackie for taking me with you. I can't believe that Shoshanna (the Sony lady) managed to get our stuff signed. I shall treasure my CD forever. It was great meeting up with everyone. I can't add any more than's already been said about the soundcheck or the show, apart from the moment during the show when Céline nearly hit herself when she started twirling the microphone stand whilst singing RDMH. It was so funny but she recovered so quickly.

 

I've got a few photos but they're not brilliant as we were nowhere near the front and my camera only likes daylight! I'll post the best ones later.

 

Can't wait for Paris ....

 

Thanks, wow sounds like you had a good time! I'm very happy for you but soooo jelous!

[Nikosn17]

I don't think she is blonder. It's just the light... And by the way sounds a looot better then the last show when I could barely listen to it.

[WendyB]

Attended the soundcheck yesterday at the NIA. We met the rep from Sony outside who amazingly looks like Celine. She joked she was morphing into her! We were handed our passes - a big 'Celine eye' which we proudly attached to our chests and stayed on mine all night!

 

Security opened the doors and we were lead in to our seats which were at the front by the walkway. The band were hanging around on the stage practicing their various instruments and the backing singers were there also with a few dancers. They started up a song and were singing their vocals but with no main singer, so a few of us sang Celine's part! Don't think they heard us and there's no danger that we'll be offered a job!! When they finished we gave a loud cheer and clapped which amused them There were only 6 of us but we pretty much made a loud noise and they laughed and waved to us!

 

Celine entered the stage and as well as being in awe of the great lady our mouths dropped open when we saw what she was wearing. I'm sure some fashion expert will tell me it's very expensive, straight off the catwalk and the 'in' thing but I'm not so sure! It can only be described as an oversized nappy!! It looked like it should have been a pair of black loose flowing trousers but the ends were pulled up and joined under her gusset. That's the best I can do to describe it sorry, perhaps one of the others there will be able to elaborate more. Her top was purple with batwing sleeves and the shoes were her usual killers. Nevertheless, she was there in person and it wouldn't have mattered if she was wearing a bin bag.

 

We gave a loud cheer when she arrived on stage and she acknowledged us with a wave and a 'hi'.

She started off with TC but it was totally different to the version she sings normally. She improvised and changed it around and it was amazing. We screamed and clapped and cheered when she finished and I think she was amused as she turned to us and said 'thank you'.

 

She did Man's World several times in full and Show must go on. But what was great was the French songs they were practising in preparation for Paris.

 

She spoke most of the time in French but the lady was certainly in charge on the stage. At one point she asked if it was ok for the tour photographer to be on the walkway. Not sure if it was concern or if he shouldn't have been there!

 

She came onto the walkway and sang to us and at the end did her little move where she puts her arm in the air and points....so Wendy and myself did it back and she smiled.

 

Before we knew it the time was 6.15 and the doors opened at 6.30 so she had to stop and our own personal concert had come to an end. Before she left she said goodbye and told us to enjoy the show.

 

The icing on the cake was getting my programme signed.

 

I won't say much about he concert itself as others have already done so. It was funny the way she cracked up and couldn't do her usual serious intro for My Love. In fact, she realised the moment had gone when she told the audience it wasn't helping her presentation of the song!!

 

All in all a great end to a week in the UK of which I have been fortunate to attend all shows. Only spoilt by sitting next to the smelliest person in the world last night that I thought I was going to be sick!. People around me were spraying their perfumes to try to mask the smell.

 

Jackie, Wendy 1 and Wendy 2 and Shoib...it was great to meet you all, I'm sure our paths will cross again.

I think that's a very accurate description except she was also wearing a short "chainmail" waistcoat over it all. The "trousers" reminded me of a garment I've seen some Indian gentlemen wearing (I don't want to offend anyone here but I have no idea what its called), but Celine's costume did remind me of a somewhat saggy nappy!!! Those shoes were great though.

 

I loved the bit where she kept singing "Nothing" (from Its A Man's World) when she was obviously having trouble with her ear pieces or microphone (not sure which). They must have been asking "Can you hear now?" or "Is it working now?". She was getting more and more frustrated and her voice was getting louder and louder - OMG the power of it! A guy came on stage and switched/fiddled with her micrphone and she was fine after that.

 

Jackie - it was great meeting you too (and all the others) - sorry about your neighbour during the show. I don't know what I'd have done

[WendyB]

Some pics... Hope others will have some better ones

[WendyB]

This one is quite blurred but someone might like it!