Keith Scott In Oz 2 - 16 Feb 97

Marg Bibic - Australia

I had originally only planned to attend three of Bryan's shows during his Australian tour but somehow it managed to turn into six, (although I'm definately not complaining!). My fortnight started with a flight to Canberra on Sunday 2nd Feb. I met up with a great friend that day, who is another Bryan fan, and we then caught a train the following morning to Sydney for the first of Bryan's two shows there.We checked into our Hotel across from the Entertainment Centre and then headed over to check out the arena. It was around 4.30pm when Keith and the band arrived for the sound check and almost 5.30pm by the time Bryan arrived. Unfortunately we weren't close enough to talk to any of them but it was still great catching a glimpse of them! Finally concert time arrived! I ended up on Keith's side of the stage and had a fantastic time. He spends a lot of the concert walking to the edge of the stage, smiling at fans, letting the fans touch his guitar and giving his plectrums away. At one stage during the show when Keith stood in front of me I put my hand out and he took it. It may have only lasted for two seconds but I certainly won't forget it in a hurry!!!After the show we had planned to wait around the back of the Entertainment Centre to try and catch the guys but as there were so many fans lining up we decided to head straight to their Hotel. We were lucky enough to meet Danny Cummings, who is a really lovely guy, and also Keith, who stopped to have a brief chat with us. He looked pretty tired but still took time to stop and say hello, which we though was great.After the show we had planned to wait around the back of the Entertainment Centre to try and catch the guys but as there were so many fans lining up we decided to head straight to their Hotel. We were lucky enough to meet Danny Cummings, who is a really lovely guy, and also Keith, who stopped to have a brief chat with us. He looked pretty tired but still took time to stop and say hello, which we though was great.The second show that night turned out to be even better than the first. We had third row seats so it was quite easy getting up to the stage. I ended up second row, again in front of Keith! The guys seemed in fine form with Keith doing his now usual run along the back of the walkway, and also trying to knock over a speaker that a crew member was desperately trying to keep up! Instead of just pushing the speaker, Keith was now taking a run up and jumping on top of the speaker as well. He interacted with the audience a lot and really seemed to have a great time.

The second show that night turned out to be even better than the first. We had third row seats so it was quite easy getting up to the stage. I ended up second row, again in front of Keith! The guys seemed in fine form with Keith doing his now usual run along the back of the walkway, and also trying to knock over a speaker that a crew member was desperately trying to keep up! Instead of just pushing the speaker, Keith was now taking a run up and jumping on top of the speaker as well. He interacted with the audience a lot and really seemed to have a great time.

Being on the walkway we were especially looking forward to "Touch The Hand" and couldn't believe our luck when Keith leant forward over the top stand right near us and even gave us a big smile! The other great part during this song was when Keith tried to knock down the speaker. During one of his run-ups Bryan actually ran over and started pouring water all over the poor roadie who was already trying his hardest just to keep the speaker upright! Bryan even picked up a note thrown on stage and, although I'm sure it probably said something different, Bryan read: "Dear Keith, I think you're awesome!" Bryan then made a comment about it not being fair that Keith gets all the attention. After the show we stopped off at their hotel and ended up getting
some great photos with the guys.photos and taking plenty more, (it was a great excuse to get a hug from him if nothing else!).

Thursday 6th & Friday 7th Feb.
Thursday we decided would just be a day of rest and some sightseeing, not to mention reviewing our last few amazing days, I said my goodbye's to the other girls and on Friday made my way back home to await the guys return to Melbourne.

Monday 10th Feb.
Melbourne and I ended up on Keith's side of the stage yet again! Bryan's Aussie accent was definately improving and he enjoyed using it at every chance he got! during "Heaven" Bryan & Keith stood together at the front of the stage, both getting their fair share of screams, when next thing you know Bryan starts undoing the buttons on Keith's shirt. I don't know how impressed Keith was but the fans definately enjoyed it, (including me)!
Back at the hotel the last one we saw was keith, who remembered me from the earlier shows and commented on the photo of the two of us taken in Canberra. The other girls took some photos with him and then he stayed and chatted to us for a little while, asking where we were from and thanking us for all our support. I also asked him why he hadn't tried to knock over the speakers at the Melbourne show during "Touch The Hand". Apparently they had gone a bit too far at the Canberra show and, between jumping on it and pouring watger all over the roadie, the speaker had come off worse for wear and they'd decided it wasn't such a good idea after all! He finished off by mentioning that he'd be thinking of us when we had to get up early for work and he'd still be in bed. Thanks, Keith!

Tuesday, 11th Feb.
This time I ended up on the walkway, behind Tommy who just never stops during a show! An early funny moment was when Bryan said he'd made the cardinal mistake of not having a pee before the show started! He turned to both Dave and Keith asking them if they'd remembered - both answering yes! Bryan asked if we minded if he left the stage but then decided he could wait and went on with the next song. when that finished Mickey handed Keith a plastic cup which he then handed to Bryan. Written on the side was "Pee Cup". Everyone thought this was hilarious. A little later in the show Bryan stopped to ask keith why all the fans on his side of the stage were up and dancing whereas on Dave's side they were sitting down. Keith looked down at his fly!!! Bryan then apologised for tonight's show being a bit "below the belt"!!!

Wednesday 12th Feb.
I decided to drop by the hotel to see if there were any signs of the guys. I hadn't planned to stay long but couldn't resist saying another hello to Keith when he came out of the hotel first.
He was nice as always and even wrote a great message for his fans to go in the Fanzine. We then chatted for awhile, especially about the Fanzine and Ceri and then I said a last goodbye, which was a little sad as I knew it would be the last time I'd get to see him in Australia for a long time.
So my last show came to an end and, although it was a little sad, I knew I'd have heaps of memories to keep me going until the next time. Thanks for a great OZ tour, guys, we loved having you here. Thanks also to Keith for all your kindness and the extra time you gave us fans who were just happy to get the opportunity to meet such a great guy. Look forward to seeing you again one day soon.