.
I guess the place to begin is before the concert. I have finally met all of my Board Sisters! I’ve been waiting a long time. They are so cool! I couldn’t get enough just looking at them. Elaine, if you ever do run away with Gianluca I would like to have first crack at your patient husband. What a gentleman!
I’m not sure I can do the next part justice. To say that The Flight Crew is well known is an understatement! I was privileged to meet many Flight Crew Members and shook hands with a bunch of you who read this site all the time, but never comment! I can’t begin to list everyone. Here are some of the wonderful people I did meet:
Had a lovely conversation with two members of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
The Chicago Fan Club – What a fun and spunky group they are!
By-the-way Irene, you are not the only one I met who is contemplating a tattoo.
I was also lucky enough to run into the two ladies who were with me last year when I attacked that left dimple. At one point I looked around and all of us were surrounded by people! Many thanked me for our travel pictures, videos, news (In Case You Missed It – by name) and various articles. Several of you mentioned my poetry and remembered the titles of your favorites. Amazed – Grateful – Honored. Two women from Guatemala even knew all about us. One woman dragged her daughter over because she wanted to meet me, but was too shy to bother me. Me!?! Our stats show the numbers, but I never actually realized you are all out there! So, to those of you who read without commenting, Thank You Very Much!
Just so you know, quite a few of the non-commenters told me that those who of you who do comment speak well for them. If you can’t tell by now let me put it simply…I was overwhelmed!
The Concert
Once again it was stupendous! Have I said that before? I’m running out of adjectives. Piero blew out candles on a birthday cake. Ignazio jumped off a six foot high stage. Him getting back up on the stage was pretty funny! Here are a few of my concert shots:
The Meet & Greet
Ignazio remembered who I was, (again!) he said, “You are everywhere”. I told him I had one more concert too. He said he remembered me from Vienna. (He actually said, “Venice”, but I knew what he meant.) This time no tricks. No set-ups. This was my last Meet & Greet. It was all for me! I told him, “Last year I got your left dimple. Hold on, I’m going in for the right one.” And I did. He laughed. Then he gave me a hug! Thankfully a photographer took a picture of it!
I hugged my other two Boys and stood for this picture. I don’t like the picture of me, but isn’t it a beauty of Our Guys?
The Fence
Satisfied that we’d gotten our hugs from The Boys, the four of us piled into the car heading toward the hotel. Before we left the area, we noticed about 10 people standing by a fence. We also spotted “The Bus”. Naturally we pulled over and got out. Soon Piero came out heading for the bus. We led the group in singing Happy Birthday. He came over to the fence.
Then the other two came over.
You know, you think you’ll remember every word they say and everything you tell them, but you don’t. Afterwards your mind is blank. We sat around later telling each other what we remembered. At one point Michele and I had Ignazio to ourselves. He was leaning on the fence talking to us like he had nothing else in the world to do. I didn’t want to flash my camera in his face so I stepped to the side and took these:
I don’t know where Elaine was at this time, but I saw Kelly heading for Gianluca.
I tried to think of appropriate things to say to Ignazio.
“I love you.” – Didn’t say that.
“Please get in our car.” – Didn’t say that.
“So, do you like really, really older women?” – No, didn’t say that either.
Instead I said things like: “Is your family with you?” “No, none.” “Are you tired? (stupid question) “Yes very tired”. “Are you missing home? (duh)” Yes, but happy to be here.” He said to me, “I have a tattoo too” (Like I didn’t intimately know all seven of them!). He pulled up his sleeve and showed MICHELE the “Born to Rock” on his upper arm. I was so thankful for the fence that separated us. I would have bit that tattoo! In a nice way, of course. Neither Michele nor I remember anything else that was said. We do remember that we quit talking to him before he turned and left us. You try looking into that face and thinking of something to say that’s not, well, what I really wanted to say (see above).
Our Dear Boys did not want to be separated from us by a fence. Security wanted them there. Gianluca compromised and was allowed to stand by the open gate. That’s where I got that beauty of he and Kelly below.
I know this is long, but I have to add this ~
If you’re thinking that Gianluca’s sweetness, vulnerability and love for his fans (us) is real and that he is much more than a voice, endearing tweets and selfies, you’re correct.
He smiled the sweetest smile of them all.
He stayed with us as long as he could.
He got as close as allowed.
He was still waving good-bye to us from the front of the bus when it pulled out.
Marie, what a GREAT experience with our guys! To stand at the fence and talk to them; that is incredible. Thanks for all the pictures, too. Now we can put faces to the names. Wonderful report!
I can’t wait to read your Milwaukee report!
This is awesome Marie! You brought the whole night back to life for me when I read this post! I was so lucky to meet such dedicated fans (Flight Crew) and the guys as well. I hope to meet you all again! 🙂
Marie, thanks for the report! Those of us who cannot be there in person, are there in spirit! I am 83 and sometimes feel like a teenager!i!l VOLO has restored my faith that good music still is around!!!
Great report, Marie, and great pictures, too. This was a summer to remember with such pleasure for a looong time. You had some wonderful experiences, more than you could have hoped for, I’ll bet. Can’t wait to read about Milwaukee. It was such a treat to spend time with you there.
Marie, Marie, Marie…This is fantabulous!! I don’t care if that isn’t a real word…it is NOW! 🙂 What an incredible summer you have had. I am so happy for YOU and ALL of the board members who were able to meet and greet each other in person! Your story, photos and “Marie-isms” are priceless! You have such a gift for putting every detail into words here that we all can relate to…as the feelings are universal here! I was patiently waiting for the Milwaukee story, but now I’m not so patiently waiting anymore. I CAN’T WAIT! (Although I know you wanted to do these in order).
PLEASE don’t make me wait TOO MUCH longer!!! My thanks and admiration to all the board members once again. Can not say that often enough here. You all do such an amazing job of bringing IL VOLO love to us over and over again!
Do you know if he guys are doing and new PBS his year or comming out with a new album. Thanks for all yje hard work you do keeping ud up to date
Thank you Ladies for the nice comments! I had great subject matter!
Aren’t they just the cutest things you’ve ever seen?
They are the cutest things I’ve ever seen!! I’m waiting with baited breath for the next chapter!! I’ll be sorry when all the chapters are done!! Great post as always!!!!
Yes they are the very cutest. I can so relate when you talk about thinking you’ll remember every word and then can’t. Oh gosh I love them. I’d love to know their schedule after Sept. 16. I’ll be in Italy Sept. 24. Thank you so much for your extremely well written blogs. You are so talented. 🙂
Thank you, Marie. What a wonderful experience you had in Elgin. I can tell just from your story and your photos just how very much fun you have when meeting Our Guys. And even seeing Their bus! Can’t wait to hear your story on your Milwaukee concert. Even tho I was there – at the Milwaukee concert – I will be able to relive just how exciting and memorable a time it was through your words a photos. Do we really have to wait a whole year before we can see them in concert again?!
Wonderful Marie as always! You have such a way of keeping me glued to my screen until the end. Waiting impatiently for more. If you don’t mind, I borrowing a couple pics and sending to someone special. Continue the marvelous labor of love you are doing!
Thank you Lijoy. Borrow away! Yep, definite labor of love!
BTW Lejoy, thank you for accepting the job of news contributor. Lucky us!
Wow! Marie, just WOW! Next time I am going to try to come to a concert that you are going to–maybe some of that WOW will rub off on me! Great story! But then, you had great material!!
Saw on FB this morning where the guys slept over night at Gianluca’s home the night before their press conference in Abruzzo. Have to love the fact they are so down to earth and common for doing something like this. Like they said in the interview in Latvia, “just be yourself.” Don’t know if there are hotels in this area or not, but it speaks volumes for them as they value each other’s families and homes.
Not a day goes by where you can’t help but love them more and more!
Dorothy, I have it over you. Ho Ho. I am 85 and still going strong. I am trying to figure out how to get to Sicily to visit our boys local haunts. Who knows, anything is possible. Joan
Marie, what a pleasure it is to read about your experiences and thank you so much for sharing them with us. I think only a few Il Volo fans have been that lucky and being alert helps to make things happen.
Your photo’s are fantastic and your “Tighter Please” photo is memorial proof of many wishful talks, over a long time, on these Flight Crew pages.
Also Kelly, how great to have been able to be with Gianluca and I envy you! Such a lovely photo of the two of you. He is my guy too, so I can just imagine how special those moments were for you.
Thank you Marie for describing my Gianluca so accurately. That beautiful smile of his just melts my heart.
Hope to read your next report soon.
Marie, This was great! I was laughing so hard! I would probably be absolutely tongue tied if I was that close to them!! Thanks for your article!!!
Ineke, thank you my friend.
Thanks Marie. I wondered what happened after I had to leave as the taxi was waiting for us. So glad, Kelly, you got the fabulous picture with Gian. The photographer took two great pictures for me. Someone grabbed my camera when I went to meet ours Guys and took several good pictures for me and then handed me the camera as they rushed me out! Don’t know who to thank.
Yet another wonderful article to come from the talented hands of Marie! Thank you so much for sharing! And oh, why oh why did there have to be that fence! But at least even when the physical things separate us from them, there is no barrier between the spirit of love, even the ocean! You are so blessed to have so many wonderful experiences with them. But I do have one thing left to say, and that your motive behind your comment “If he’s [Gianluca] the one your heart thumps hardest for, you have perfect taste!” Now Marie, really? I think you are just trying to distract other Ignazio lovers! Am I correct? lol But it’s all fine between the two of us, since I will be distracted by none, my eyes are only for Piero, and you can have Ignazio! Shhh, let’s not let anyone else know, let them all fall at Gianluca’s feet, as we run off with our prized possessions! hehehe
Ha Carli, she’s tried distracting me from Ignazio before.Still hasn’t suceeded!!
She is one determined lady! She will try every thing possible!
Carli just remember when you try and run off with Piero you will be having this pirate take off right along with you and him!
Fist pump!
But he won’t even look back once, his eyes will only be on me, after all, we did kiss, with him initiating it, soooo. 🙂
Piero is the one for me too. He is a very special person. But I do have to say I love them all and so do my parents.
Yes, I love them all too, but Piero has my heart, of the three, he charms me most!
Me too Carli and I am so jealous of you!! 🙂
Oh Carli you are so clever! And sneaky too! Let’s do it! We’ll have to keep it just between the two of us though. You know how possessive Linda can get.
Yes! We will somehow succeed in stealing away our boys! No one can keep them from us!
How can a person possibly choose who is their favorite!! It would be like choosing which child or grandchild was the favorite. I love them all. When I’m not feeling so hot, I put the music up loud and just let it carry me away. They are so talented as individuals but as a group I don’t know of any that can compare. They compliment one another so beautifully.
After reading some of the comments, I almost feel like a kid again. I’m only 73. Some day I hope to be able to see the guys in person but until then, I read these reports and dream that I am with you, meeting them.
Barb
Barb, just so you know, I love all three of them too. It’s just that that Big Furry Prince is so hot! I hope you feel better soon. I’m pretty sure Their music played loudly is a cure all. Keep dreaming!
Great pictures & post Marie
Being at the fence was so amazing. I’m glad Michelle, Marie and Elaine suggested we stop. 🙂
And thanks for the compliments on my picture. 🙂 Gianluca is really the sweetest thing–even though I didn’t get a lot of time with him; the security was saying how they needed to get on the road. I was tickled to death that he is smiling. 🙂
What a fabulous time you had. Next year let me know where you are going to be and I will be there too. At least if some one else is talking my staring would not be so dumb looking! Oh how I wish I had stood by the fence near the bus and waited for my daughter to get the car at Freedom Hill! Oh well if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. You mention Ingy’s 7 tats. I only know of 6 — Born to Rock, We’ll always be together, Grazie, Carpe Diem, the shield he shares with his 2 friends, and nautical compass. I’m planning out his birthday sampler, like Piero’s and Gian’s, and have included the 6 I have. I need the 7th to complete that section. Hope you can let me know soon what it is – with picture if possible. Thanks for all you do.
Donna, You have been around long enough to know that “Carpe Diem” was his 7th tattoo. #6 was “Born to Rock”. #5 is the one with my name over his heart! I have to remind you guys of everything!
Yes he does!
Seriously the 5th is a heart with “Marie” written on it? Was it printed like Carpe Diem, or in cursive like Born to Rock and Grazie? I try to replicate them as best I can, and that shield was a real doozy. If you have a picture that would be great. Thanks Donna
I wonder what ‘we’ll always be together’ is for? Me???
No. gerri, Guess again.
Donna, No, it’s a lie. I did a questionnaire a while back and swore it was there! It really isn’t. You just “outed me”. Ah well, maybe someday it really will be there.
BTW – I saw the cross-stitch you made for Gianluca. It’s beautiful!
Marie is a brat!!
I’m not sure, its either referencing Il Volo, or his 2 buddies who share the shield tat on their calves. Bet Marie knows.
Marie, I enjoyed your story so much, you must have had a great time and being so close to the guys must have been a thrill, thanks for sharing.
Great story and even greater photos!! I’m so happy that you’ve had these amazing Il Volo encounters. Vicki V
Sent from my iPad
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Listen Marie, these pictures are not doing any good for us(me). you are upsetting me very much with jealousy and envy!!!!!! you lucky girl. I could never go to a meet and greet because honestly I would take one look at each one and just freeze and then faint. I would not even try to say anything because my voice would not work. I was quite near the stage for my last concert last year, and I thought my heart would stop. it just could not believe that I was actually in their presence watching them, and it was for real, not a dream, so I admire you, but I would have a real problem.
I really wish I had one of you to go to a concert with next time. I had a friend who went with me last time, but although she likes them as I have introduced her to them, she is not a fan like we are. I would prefer to go with someone who really appreciates them. the trouble is it has to be in Florida, and I know that hardy anyone is from Florida. I can hope anyway, because when they are appearing in my zone, I just have to go by hook or by crook.
Kelly, you luck girl!!
Marie, what a fabulous report and photos. Do you wear some magical perfume that entices all these casual encounters with the guys? I’m so embaressingly (?) envious. I’m always asking myself what is it about these young men that is so appealing. Darn near everything! Perfection personified! Someday it will be my turn!!! I know the joy you must feel.
Just read the review of Taormina on ALL ABOUT IL VOLO, and had to laugh at the next to last paragraph regarding “Surrender”. If anyone hasn’t seen it, please do. Thanks again Marie.
What a great report Marie, I wish I knew how you manage to get those extra moments with Ignazio, you’d make a dandy pirate. You are right about Gianluca, when he gave me his beautiful smile right before I had to let Piero and Ignazio go after my photograph, it was enough to make my heart skip a beat. There is just no doubt that these beautiful wonderful young men love their fans. Even us older gals.
Wait correction….even us older CRAZY gals.
Wow Marie !! What amazing experiences you had !! Chapter One was great !! ChapterTwo is is beyond belief !! Prey tell –what could be more incredible in ChapterThree ?? The only thing I can think of is that you tucked them under your arms and took them home with you !! After all you were on tour with them–such a loyal and devoted fan deserved at least one night alone with them !!! I’m sure you would have had lots of help hauling them off !! OMG-what a scene that would be !!!!
Next year (and they will be back next year !!) I am gonna hang with you because then I’ll be sure to see them inside,outside and everywhere you are !!
And yes Thump !! Thump !! I have perfect taste !! So your safe with me !!
Just one more thing–I love reading your stories, poems etc Marie. I don’t know how you are able to come up with it all but they’re always whimsical,tongue in cheek, totally entertaining and keep me smiling and laughing !!
Thank you so much Joanie! I certainly deserve “one night alone with them”!!!! Relax everyone, I’m not going to elaborate on that!
I have it on good authority that they will indeed be back next year. (see Chapter 4)
Chapter four! Oh Marie, you teasebunny!
What great news!!!!!
Chapter 4?? Milwaukee?? What really happened at that Hyatt Hotel?
I think you must have left out the best part—exercise room, indeed!!
Marie, thank you for bringing back those memories. Elgin was my last concert so to be able to meet our guys at the fence just perfected my journey. Marie, You are absolutely correct about my sweet Gianluca. He genuinely love his fans. I actually stayed behind Kelly when Gianluca came over. I didn’t want to interrupt since I already have a few special moments with him from other concerts. Nevertheless he stayed long enough and I was able to chat with him. This time I remember most of the conversation…too sweet!!!
Lastly Marie, chances are I will not run away with Gianluca but may run away FOR him. Either way you’re welcome to catch my hubby if you can, Lol!
Thanks Elaine. If things don’t work out between me and Ignazio (or me and Piero) tell Andy to start running!
Did you get that Ignazio? You’d better start paying better attention, Handsome!
Pirate/Connie, never been called a “teasebunny” before. At least not the bunny part. I spent most of my life doing theater (can’t you tell?). Motto is, “always leave ’em wanting more”.
Your theatrical talent shines through. No wonder you’re so entertaining.
Oh my goodness, I love everything you wrote .I can picture everything you experienced. Yes, GIANLUCA is my FAV. I love all three but Gian is it. One day Gian, one day. Thank you so much for the wonderful report. It is so vivid in my mind how the guys looked and acted towards you guys. They are so amazing. It was as if I were there next to you. However, if I were there, I would not be just standing. I would have been all over those guys. Just saying.
I LEAVE FOR TWO DAYS AND I MISS EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!! Chapter Two is fabulous Captain Crider. I’ve withered and blown away from envy. I’m also very sad that Carli and Pirate are refusing to share a certain handsome man with red glasses with a certain lonely piece of bait. I haven’t been wasting time though! I have made a new convert and I’m trying to convince her to join our Crew. You all have to promise not to scare her off though!
Maryjane, your words really said it all for me: “Your story, photos and “Marie-isms” are priceless! You have such a gift for putting every detail into words here that we all can relate to…as the feelings are universal here!” I had been trying to think of words to describe Marie’s style of writing, & there was none; until you came up with “Marie-isms”. She can tell a story in such a witty & unique way that it makes us feel like we were there experiencing things with her.
But watch out, Marie. Those 2 young ladies, Carli & Isabel, express themselves very well. If they start writing poetry, you may lose your crown.
Marie, I think you could have told Ignazio you love him, as long as you said you love all 3 of them, too. Then he wouldn’t suspect what your real intentions were!
Kelly, as close as you were to Gianluca, how did you keep your fingers away from those beautiful curls? I would have just had to ask permission to touch them, even knowing how protective he is of his hair.
Thank you, Marie, Kelly, & all the Flight Crew Board for producing this place for all us Il Volo fanatics to meet to discuss our favorite subjects. It is coming up on the Flight Crew’s 1st anniversary. Any celebration in the works?
Lynn, as much as you think you will keep cool and calm and remember everything, one look at them and it all goes away. lol You kind of go on auto-pilot and don’t remember how, what and who said what after the fact. 😀
So true Kelly, I STILL don’t remember what I said to them!
Lynn, Thank you for those nice words!
I am not worried about Carli and Isabel. Remember I control the “delete” key. Those young whipper-snappers will never steal my crown.
Isn’t that picture of Carli jumping on Piero cute? If I had told Ignazio I loved him I would have to have jumped the same way Carli did! Not so cute at my age! Plus he always smiles when he sees me. I would like to keep it that way. So much better than him hiding under tables and things.
You smart girl! Yes, August 9th is our anniversary. It will be a day to celebrate all of you!
Thanks so much for all the news!! It’s great to keep up with the news! I am a Gramma fan and would adopt all three if their families would let me!!LOL! I already have six grandsons, three more would be great!!!Love their music!!!
Hi Marie
It hardly seems possible that a year has gone by! We all love the blog so much that we hardly ever think of the bad old days when we were stuck with the official site!
On August 9 we will be celebrating our passion for Il Volo at the Minnesota Il Volo Convention….yes, we are really having one, but we will take some time to commemorate the anniversary of the Flight Crew, too. It’s how we all got together and how we stay in touch with Il Volo lovers everywhere. If only we had a Flight Crew fight song to sing on such occasions….Marie….how about it. Change fight song to love song. Maybe we’ll raise a toast to the wonderful board members who do such a great job of keeping us informed and entertained. Yes, I’m sure we will!!
Welcome Dorothy. Glad you’re here. However, you will have to get in line to try to adopt those Boys! Plus I don’t think their parents or grandparents will offer them up for adoption any time soon!
Marie you are blessed. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experienccs
Note to self: 1) Start writing poetry. 2) Find a way around delete key. 3) STEAL THE CAPTAIN’S CROWN! 😉
Note to self: Get rid of the kid.
Aw, Marie, you can’t do that! The rest of us are fond of her!
But Penina, the brat wants my crown! At least send her over to your sister. She’ll be in a whole other time zone. Isn’t your sister, Laia who lives in Jerusalem?
Yes\ indeedy! Rather interesting over there at the present!
Is she worried?
About herself, no. About everyone else’s kids in the army, yes.
________________________________
I hate that fighting. It’s really senseless. Everyone should just sit back, relax and listen to Il Volo.
But if you’re sure it’s safe, go ahead and send Isabel. I’ll pay the postage.
It might cost as much as a ticket AND a M & G!
Well, I don’t want to spend the money I could use for one of those. I’ll just have to find another way.
How ’bout a ship? Connie could be the captain.
HELP!!! I’m ge ting d leted! ! Cap ai C id r is del tin me! !! HELP! !! !!! H LP !! ! LP!
!
That’ll teach ‘er! Steal my crown, in deed! (you little fibber)
No e to sel : 1) S ART RIT NG PO TR NOW!!!!! 2) MU T GET ROWN OW!!!!
Forget it Isabel, you’ll never get the crown, it’s glued on, but good try!
Isabel! You are so cracking me up! :0
Oh, Go for it you little snit! (please notice the “n”)
Is this contest open to everyone?/Just askin”!
A ditty comes to mind–but it hasn’t got a tune …yet!
How’s this for a first stanza–or maybe the chorus:
“We are the granny goupies who are known as THE FLIGHT CREW
You don’t have to be a granny–we have fan girls with us too!”
I am working on it!
Sure it is! lol
Don’t like Granny Groupie. I’m no one’s granny! Don’t want to be!
It calls for an edit! (but most of us are–grannies that is!)
I am soooo much in envy since this used to be my home area (Milwaukee – Chicago and Elgin) and I was in both just three days later UGH ! I am glad you had a great time there.