It all began on Wednesday the 10th June at 19:27 to be precise.
I received a message from Gina Corbett, a fan friend from Ireland, notifying me that Il Volo had announced their upcoming concert on the 6th October 2024 this very year!! I could hardly believe what I was reading as I had almost given up all hope of them ever coming back to the UK.
But, here it was, in black and white, and I was already getting very excited by the prospect of actually seeing the boys in the flesh (as it were). What also pleased me the most, was that they were to perform at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Had it been a larger venue like the O2 or somewhere in Manchester I wouldn’t have thought of going as they are just too big and too far for me to cope with, especially alone. I had already said this to my good friend Alice Belles from America who understood my trepidation at such a prospect. But I knew how much she wanted me to see them because she had been to one of their concerts and thoroughly enjoyed it! (especially Piero)
So, here I was, sat on my own deciding the best way to purchase a ticket. Of course I wanted a front row seat but wasn’t a member of the Official Fan Club so what chance did I stand. The pre-sale was happening the very next day, the 12th, and so I had to make up my mind quickly.
I started by looking at the Theatres own website to check what and when they would be selling their tickets. But I also knew that Ticketmaster was probably the main one to go for. So, my alarm set for the following morning for a reminder to call the theatre at dead on 10am the next day. And there I was, stuck in a queue! But I just had to be patient and see it through because, more than anything else, I wanted a ticket regardless.
While I was on hold I thought I would log on to Ticketmaster and see what there was.
This being the first time of ever buying a concert ticket, and in a hurry, I saw the seating plan and went for it, as I could always drop the call once I’d gotten my ticket.
I clicked on the word stalls, saw rows of seats and chose an end aisle seat on what I thought was the front row. In my haste to secure a ticket at all cost I had hit “Buy” before I had a chance to see the price of £30 and I’m sure you can guess the rest. You know the old saying, less haste more speed, well I took no notice!
At 10.38 on June 11th, Gina messaged me to say she had bought her ticket and had a front row seat. My heart sank. I asked how she had managed it and was told she clicked a link from an email direct from the Theatre as she had registered for pre-sale.
I had completely forgotten that I had done the same the day before but hadn’t seen an email from them. So, here I go, and in fact I do find one from them so clicked on the link not knowing what would be left to buy.
To my utter amazement, there was a lone ticket for the front row and almost centre stalls. I was starting to panic now as I needed to get that ticket before anyone else could have it, so, once again in my haste I clicked and bought. Phew! I made it. So now I am the proud owner of a front row seat to see the one and only Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca – Il Volo. Not only that, but Gina and I are just 1 seat apart, and so I am hoping that whoever has seat A29 would be very kind and swap with us.
If anyone could have seen the biggest grin my face, they would wonder what had just happened. 😁
During all of these events, I was in touch with another fan, Roz Walters, who was having trouble getting her tickets. What an ordeal to go through, but she managed. As did Renata who I am hoping to meet up with in late July. I want to go to London as it’s been so long since I was there, just to get my bearings, find the Theatre and my hotel and have some lunch and a drink with her. I’m sure everyone I have mentioned will meet up. If there are any other fans who would like to do the same, please contact me on Messenger. Its great to put faces to names as many others have done in the past.
To say I was excited, ecstatic, over the moon, filled with joy etc, etc is an understatement and I am still smiling while I write this article. I just wanted to share my experience of the “befores” rather than the “afters” as we see plenty of pictures and videos from each time the boys sing. No doubt I will have a lot more to share though once the day has been and gone. I don’t want to wish the time away, but hurry up October 🙂
I hope you all find this interesting, especially if you are thinking about buying tickets for any of their concerts. But I know some of you are well experienced in this matter, having attended several. And if anyone would like a balcony seat, I have a spare ticket. 😊
Kate Spencer
