For me, the definite highlight of the day was Billy Ocean.  Boy, he may be 61 years old now but he is still the smoothest operator around and knows how to get the audience into the palm of his hand within a few seconds.

For Russell, however, it seemed as though his highlight was Bananarama!  From the minute the 2 girls stepped onto the stage (yes, I know there used to be 3 of them), Russell was beside himself, jumping up and down (more or less in time with the music) and singing along at the top of his voice and yes, he knew all the words!  I’m not sure who was more surprised, me or his wife!  Neither of us had absolutely any idea he was clearly a closet fan of their work and the image of his pure enjoyment at their set will stay with me for a very long time.  Never again will I see my pinstripe suited friend in the same light I can tell you!

But back to the Spandau Ballet conversation.  In the car Russell announced that Tony Hadley would end the night by singing True.  I disagreed (obviously) and insisted that the final song would be Gold.  A true classic that would have everyone on their feet singing along.  Who was correct?  You guessed it – it was me!  For those that know me well, you will be aware that of course I am always right and it is somewhat stupid to expect ANYONE to know more than me, especially about 80s music – my specialist subject!!!