Saturday midday. My mobile rings, it’s Bridget. I answer, but it’s not Bridget, it’s her father John telling me Bridget was on her way to hospital with appendicitis. I felt my stomach turn to ice, and after 15 ‘Oh my God’ proclamations, I let the boys know we would be playing Meadowbrook sans our beloved fiddler! The launch was still going ahead. Saturday, 2pm. Bridget’s mother Paula called me to tell me that Bridgey was in emergency surgery having her appendix out. The surgeons said she should be able to make the launch, weren’t sure if she would be able to play, but were forbidding her to sing. They also wanted a copy of the album! Paula was utterly wonderful, and before saying goodbye, forbid me to panic. OH MY GOD, WHO’S PANICKING???
Cue 4pm. I’m in the van travelling with Mannie to Meadowbrook discussing Bridgey and hoping she’ll be ok for the launch. My mobile rings again. It’s none other than Bridget herself – straight out of surgery, may I add! Mannie was so excited he nearly drove us into a ditch. She was calling to let me know that she wouldn’t be gigging that night, but would do her damndest to be at the launch the next day. Meanwhile, she was sending the wonderful Georgia to come and help us out ‘with a list of a few things to do’. Ok then! Fortunately we managed to secure my sister Hayley (with an hour’s notice) to gig that night, it was wonderful to sing with her again!
Sunday dawned bright and early. We arrived at the Jubilee Hotel and got stuck into setting up. Georgia arrived shortly after and handed me the clipboard. ‘A few things to do’ turned out to be an entire A4 page filled with things to confirm, do and check off! Well Georgia and Davydd turned out to be my right hand people. Big thanks to you legends! They kept me sane by helping getting things accomplished while the boys sound checked (Mannie: ‘One, two, buckle my shoe!)and did secret men’s stuff (Paul holding the mic and slapping Mannie on the top of his head so it came out through the speakers. Mannie: ‘Ow, my head!). George’s family were also invaluable helping us setting up – thanks guys. I kept a stressed wary eye on the clock, and by some miracle we all managed to be ready by 2:30pm.
Not only did Bridget manage to turn up (held together by stiches and Panadol), she also looked absolutely stunning AND managed to play fiddle! I asked her if she would be ok to play tunes and she brushed me off, giving me this ‘I’m fine, my arms are a long way from my appendix’ look. She lasted the entire launch, what a trooper! (although I have it on good authority that by the end of the night the Panadol was replaced by Nurofen with healthy slugs of whisky). The launch was packed to the rafters – thank you to everyone who came along and supported us! We had the most incredible time. I am especially proud of my sister Hayley, who once again came through with the goods (and vocal talent), literally driving straight from work to the launch and running on stage as we were about to start. I was so thrilled to have her there! Huge Sunas thanks to Georgia the Door Minion, Ben & Kristie the CD Minions, and Paula & John AKA Bridget’s Minions. It was a privilege to play alongside George & Davydd for our big finale tuneset – these boys are incredibly talented. I was so elated I wanted to play it all over again!
To all of our family and friends, well-wishers, minions, groupies and stalkers (please circle one): We couldn’t have done this without you. You guys rock!
This is Sairey, signing off with freshly diagnosed glandular fever. Seriously! According to my doctor, I’m nearly over it (apparently). I’ll get through it. We’ve started calling it ‘Doing a Bridgey’.
Listening to "The Scientist' by Martha Tilston
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