The Del Amitri Concert, April 12, 1996
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 18:59:58 -0400
Subject: Del Amitri / Connells Concert Friday, April 12th, Cleveland, MS
by Phil Purser

Dear Alison and Caroline,

Just wanted to give a quick update on the April 12th concert at Delta State Univ. in Cleveland, MS.

I was disappointed again in that the Dels weren't the headliners. The Connells were great, but what can I say. After driving a little over 2 hours I arrived as Del Amitri were about 15 or 20 minutes into their set. I was shocked that more people hadn't turned out--especially for a free show!!! The Dels were making some apt comments about the lack of bodies and lack of enthusiasm.

Despite the lackluster audience, the guys put on a heck of a good show. At one point, Justin jumped off the stage in mid-song and ran through the crowd! The guys also threw in their small bit of Spinal Tap.

After the show, I walked backstage and talked to the tour manager (heck of a nice guy from Edinburgh!) who said it would be O.K to get an autograph. I maintained my cool and asked Justin and Iain for their autographs and lacking anything for them to sign, I pulled a $10 bill from my wallet. They graciously signed it and I got to talk to the guys for a minute or two. I apologized for the lack of people and told them to consider coming back our way again. Most importantly, both Iain and Justin AND their tour manager mentioned your web page. Iain said that you guys would probably be at the Sacramento and Ventura shows.

Aside from being tremendous musical talents, these guys are regular folks! Sounding like a star-struck fan, I complimented Justin by saying that so many bands sound like they only know 8 chords he replied, "We only know nine...". Must be that dry Scottish humor.

As I watched the Connells setting up, Ashley walked by and I got him to add his autograph to the others. Also heck of a nice guy! When I asked him what effect being around Scots had on him, he told me his drinking capacity had increased substantially!

While the Connells were playing, the Dels sharpened their football skills and basically just hung around in the audience. What amazed me was that Justin sat on the grass for the majority of the Connells set just chilling out.

This is just my third time seeing the Dels, I think Ashley mentioned they might be back in the states in a few months. If they are anywhere in the South, my wife and I will definitely be there.

My only regret was that I wanted to get a picture of myself with Justin and Iain but the stupid camera had run out of film.

All the best,
Phil Purser