ClayManiacs.com
Archive => Indepedent Tour 2004 => Topic started by: Marilyn on March 22, 2010, 03:07:27 AM
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cjrmax
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« on: March 08, 2004, 04:00:55 AM »
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I posted most of this on another thread, but wanted to share it here too. This was my 2nd Clay concert - the first being in Philadelphia - and all I can say is WOW! Well, actually, that's not all I can say.....
Its almost 4am and I just got home a little while ago. No one is around, but that's ok. I didn't think I would post when I got home. I just drove well over 300 miles today, left Wilkes-Barre in a driving sudden snow storm that was so bad I had the illusion that my car was going backwards, not forward! We were travelling at a whopping 25 miles per hour over dark, unfamiliar roads late at night, barely able to see where the road was. But I would do it all again in a heart beat!
They seemed much more on the ball in Wilkes-Barre than they were in Philly. Yes, they wouldn't let us take in the presents we had for Clay, but I felt confident that the very nice, sweet, 50-ish woman who took them would make sure they would get to Clay. She promised, and I believe her! They did look in bags, but had a more relaxed camera policy than the Liacouras Center. NO videos were allowed, naturally - AND THEY SEEMED TO ENFORCE IT! I hope someone succesfully snuck one in so we can have some downloads, but a woman in front of us was hauled away by Jerome and Arena Security and we heard it was because they found out she had a video camera with her! She returned later but without her bag! Anyway, they said no "professional" type cameras with removable lenses, but any other kind was ok. In Philly, they TRIED to prevent ALL photography, but soon after Clay made his entrance they gave up and we were told it was ok to take pictures! No problem at all in Wilkes-Barre.
They were also very good at getting people to put down signs if they held them up. This was great, because there were a few people in front of us (we were in the 7th row this time, near the catwalk) with signs and they blocked our views! IMO, signs should NOT be allowed in at a concert! Anyway, they also stopped people from standing on chairs. The event staff actually looked like they were doing their jobs!
The reception for Kelly was good, but not enthusiastic. I think the crowd was more enthusiastic with Kelly in Philly. She did wear her "I heart Clay" t-shirt here, which she didn't in Philly. But from the moment her set was over, you could feel the excitement and the electricity building. From time to time chants of "WE WANT CLAY" or "CLAY! CLAY! CLAY!" would spring up. And then when the lights went down and the music for Kyrie started the place went wild! And it never stopped.
I truly don't think Clay was feeling well. His hair looked as if he just got out of bed. When he first entered, he didn't have the same pep in his step he had had in Philly. He looked tired. But you could tell he was giving it everything he had. He started out saying he wasn't going to talk much, but you know Clay! That just isn't possible! I think the crowd energized him. He looked around and commented on how packed the house was (it was filled to the rafters!) and how loud the crowd was and it was as if suddenly he was able to reach down deep inside himself and somehow, some way pull that extra something out! He said to the crowd "You guys are making this fun!" I have this feeling that before the show there was a big part of him just wishing he didn't have to put on a happy face and go out there. But once on stage, seeing these masses of people looking up at him with adoring eyes, it was if he was fueled by their love! Maybe even more so than in Philly, this crowd looked at him with such love in their eyes! Looking around at the people you could just see it. And it was a very different crowd than in Philly. Lots more men - several wearing Clay concert t-shirts! Many more families. But it was still a predominantly female audience. Anyway, I almost felt as if the crowd sensed Clay wasn't feeling his best and loved him all the more (if that's possible!) because there he was, giving it is all for them!
Once Clay got started, he joked (talked about the WDC dance in DC - saying he knew we all knew what happened! Ah, the power of the internet!), and laughed. He was hysterical at times! His singing voice sounded strong. His "screeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaammmmmm" during WDC was long and strong! His speaking voice sounded deeper than usual, but not really hoarce. Actually, it was sort of sexy! He hit some phenominally low notes in some of his songs that I didn't think he could hit! He changed up a few songs, but nothing dramatic.
His WDC was the most fun ever! He had a hard time not giggling during the slow part, I think because he could feel the crowd wondering what new , um, shall we say dance move, he would do tonight! And when the "dance" part came, they were really into it tonight!!! I swear it is getting sexier and sexier (although I bet he tones it down in Winston-Salem if his Mom is there!). But the best part was when Angela went down on him - OK, shimmied down on him! It caught him totally by surprise and he just lost it! He broke out laughing so hard I thought he was going to fall over! Once he regained his composure, the "dance" continued til the end! It was almost as if Angela figured that Clay had surprised her in DC, so she was going to surprise him in Wilkes-Barre! And she did! It was truly one of the highlights of the show! Pray for a download!!
At the end, when he went to sing "The Way" they were having some technical difficulties, and he tried to sing through it but gave up, and asked the audience if he could start over. Of course we said sure! He laughed about it, but I think the perfectionist in him was a teeney bit annoyed!
Open Arms was great. Kelly wore a very flattering black dress and she looked beautiful. It was only at the end of this song that I noticed him struggling a little bit with his voice.
But to me, the highlight of the show BY FAR was the moment Clay didn't sing. It was during the acoustic set - which was definitely better than in Philly. They seemed to do more of each song than in Philly. (There were slight techinical difficulties here to. The guitarist must have broken a string because suddenly there was no guitar and a new one was brought out to him!) But, when he started MOAM and he noticed the audience singing along, he just held the mike out and we all sang every word perfectly (actually, it did sound pretty good!). The emotion on his face! Angela was crying. Quinana was crying. Clay put his hand on her knee as if to comfort her and to steady himself. I looked through my telephoto lens briefly and he was crying! He definitely wiped away tears. I think it totally caught him off guard. This song that means so much to him - every word was being sung TO him with such love and respect and admiration! It clearly overwhelmed him! And the songs that followed seemed the richer for it! He was so moved it made me a little misty eyed! It just took my breath away. We just were all so caught up in the moment. We were singing this song FOR CLay! And he felt our love. It was almost as if there were 10,000 pairs of arms embracing him in the world's largest group hug! I don't know if any of what I have written can come close to conveying the emotion of that moment. It was very intimate and very personal.
And that's what this concert was that the Philly concert - for all its indescribable joy - wasn't. It just felt more intimate and personal. It left us feeling so full, so amazingly full! Maybe it was the crowd. Maybe it was that he clearly was not feeling well. Maybe it was the full moon. I don't know. All I know is that I didn't want it to end! Never in my life have I experienced what I felt tonight. I know I won't forget it as long as I live.
I only wish I could afford a 3rd concert!
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lorraine
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2004, 07:28:11 AM »
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Thank you Cjrmax. As I started reading your review I was getting nervous especially when you said he wasn't feeling well and that he looked like he just got out of bed. But as you continued and was describing the set when everyone was singing you had me crying. Oh such love for our guy. Everyday he gets more and more special to all of us. As I am writing this message I am crying out of mostly joy for Clay and the rest because of how he has changed me to a 53 year old woman, mostly happy and living life to its fullest to a 53 year old woman LOVING life and realizing what joy he has given me. I will be seeing Clay tonight and will be driving through some snow to get to him. I am sure he will leave me with such warmth and joy and not wanting the night to end. I hope that tonight he will be o.k. God please watch over Clay and keep him safe, and getting better.
Lorraine
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claylady
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2004, 07:51:46 AM »
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THANK YOU CJRMAX. What a beautiful review you wrote. I writing this response through the tears. It must have been an amazing thing to be part of especially when the crowd sang MOAM for Clay. I feel bad too that the poor boy is not feeling well but it is a wonderous thing to see what a performer Clay is. He seems to feed off of the fans and get stronger and stronger.
That's the love we have for him and he has for us. The love is almost like a living being itself.
My concert is Wed. and I am looking forward to it more than anything I can image.
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CT loves Clay
lls in CT
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2004, 08:00:26 AM »
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Hey Cjrmax,
I too am feeling every bit of the love that you showed and are talking about. To hear that he had tears makes my heart swell and my love for him even more immense. Lorraine and I are from CT and are joining a Maine Claymate tonight to attend the Worcester MA concert. So far, the snow isn't that bad. But, not matter what it takes, we will be there with bells on. The anticipation is almost too much to stand. I am just wondering how he will be feeling mainly. He doesn't have to sing, I will just look at him and get mezmorized. We also know all the songs, so we will happily sing along with him if he has any trouble with the high notes; most likely,everyone will just probably be singing along anyway. My biggest worry is that we are sitting on the first section (above the floor) and that I might fall over when I pass out from seeing this gorgeous human being. I am not kidding. Lorraine, hold me up!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will report about the MA concert tomorrow since we are staying over in MA. CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT. I am feeling like I am going on a first date kind of nervous and I AM MARRIED. HA HA Lord give Clay strength and we will PROVIDE him all the love.
Thanks again, Linda in CT
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patti
Wilkes Barre Concert
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2004, 08:22:03 AM »
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I was at this concert last night- and Crjmax you captured in words exactly what I felt; I wasn't close enough to the stage to see his back up singers crying, but they did have his face on the jumbo screen & everyone around me was commenting that he was actually tearing up when all of us were singing MOAM.
I posted my thoughts on another thread- but you put into words what I couldn't last night- well done & thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I've said it before & I'll say it again-----Clay Aiken is an old soul in a young body- maybe that's why his hmm mature fans ( me I'm 51) are totally enraptured & mesmorized by his presence.
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shaikeninseattle
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2004, 09:29:32 AM »
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Crjmax What an absolutely beautiful review! : I too am crying while I'm writing this. AND I'M AT WORK! You made us all feel like we were right there with you.
I'm so worried about Clay, as everyone else is. He's such a sweetheart and so soft hearted. He reminds me of my own son.
You truly expressed a magical moment and thank you again for sharing it!
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Pamela
Assistant Webmaster
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2004, 10:23:25 AM »
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Christie, what a wonderful review! Thank you so much for sharing your special experience with us. I hope it was as meaningful for him as it obviously was to you and the rest of the audience.
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LuvMyClay
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2004, 11:56:58 AM »
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cjrmax, Thank you for sharing that beautiful review with us. Through your words, I almost felt like I was there. You did a wonderful job of sharing your experience. :D
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quynn
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2004, 01:06:03 PM »
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Thanks cjrmax! I was there with you, beside you and Gwenn last night and had the best time of my life, and you've captured it so wonderfully in words. You made me cry all over again. I could never have explained the feeling like you just did. It was just awsome.
This concert was so much different that the D.C. concert as well. And I think you hit the nail on the head with your impression of the love in the crowd for him. You could sense it, even before he came out to sing. For lack of a better description, it took ahold of you and squeezed your heart.
The only thing I can add to your wonderful review is that when he sang "The Way" I saw tears falling down the cheeks of so many in the crowd. It was just so heart warming. And on a funny note, when Clay was getting ready to sing WDC, someone yelled out "Go get him Angela," and Clay said, "what did you say?". "Go get him Angela?" He laughed and thought it was funny. Then he said he would have to take off his jacket for this. And it's good he did, because it was getting hot in there!
Another amazing thing I noticed was how responsive the crowd was to the backup singers. That crowd had love and passion for everybody last night. And you could tell Angela and Kiana appreciated it too. They are both so beautiful.
Thanks again cjrmax and GWENN for taking a chance on meeting a fellow Claymaniac you've never even seen before and sharing the most heart warming Clay experience together. I will never forget it. I'm still smiling. :)
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clayfan18
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2004, 02:03:31 PM »
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Thanks Cjrmax for posting at that hour. I was home around 1:30 am after driving across PA, NJ and NY. I had another post under Clay in Concert. I don’t have other Concerts to compare but last night’s was a magical one. Clay had the best set and lighting. He looked great to me with his powerful voice. Just couldn’t believe last year this time he was just started to compete. What a gift is Clay to all of us!
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Pepe
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2004, 04:31:58 PM »
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Cjrmax thanks so much for staying up at 4 in the morning and giving this review for us. Oh how I wish I could have been there. I had tears running down my cheeks as I was reading it and had to blow my nose a few times to before I could write this. What a love experience you all had at the concert. I wished it was taped so they could make a TV special from it. How did Clay become such an entertainer so fast. It has to be his connection to people and his true feelings, you can't learn that it has to be natural. Thanks to all of you that get to attend the concerts and make us feel we were there with you. I am sure you know we are sitting home just waiting for you all to review the latest concert. Thanks so much to all you reviewers. :P
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cassms
Wilkes-Barre
« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2004, 05:59:00 PM »
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Cjrmax, thank you for that wonderful description of a magical night! Clay has said before that he not only gives in his singing but gets from the audience, and you all surely gave him a heartfelt gift that night that I'm sure he will always remember too when you sang MOAM. What a gift it was to him to know that he had so many true fans out there who just spontaneously were singing this special song of love for him--this song that he has said means so much to him! What an experience that must have been to connect with him that way--a real treasure. The crowd must have really lifted him up, because that WDC was the most evocative and fun yet! Wow--what a night. thanks so much for letting us be there with you.
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cgdolphins
Wilkes-Barre concert
« Reply #12 on: March 08, 2004, 08:26:10 PM »
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Cjrmax, this is my first posting on here, so I am a little nervous. I do have to agree with you on your review of the concert!!! I was there also, but all the way in the back on the first level. If it weren't for the big screens, he would have looked like a stick figure, but luckly they had the screens and you could see every emotion on his face. I also want to mention that he made note of all the fans in the back and that he wanted to make them feel special and close as well. I have to say he really did it too!!! I felt like I was right up front with him!!! Clay is such an Awesome person, and I wish I could attend more concerts for him, but I will always have this memory and it couldn't be any better!!!!!!!
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Pamela
Assistant Webmaster
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #13 on: March 08, 2004, 11:29:22 PM »
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I just posted a link to the Wilkes Barre WDC extravaganza in the video download thread.
Be sure and don your fire repellent suit before viewing!
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Elka
Clay in Wilkes Barre, PA 3/7
« Reply #14 on: March 09, 2004, 12:12:21 AM »
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Hello Ladies, I've been a member for just over a month and often log on and read, but have never posted before till I read Cjrmax review of the Wilkes Barre concert. Let me begin by saying that I too had the privilege and opportunity to personaly experience what I consider the most breathtaking, tearjerking, fulfilling concert ever. I had pretty good seats and not needed to use the screen that much to see the OMC, but just the way Cjrmax described it it was totally magical. At first, I thought the highlight of my night was when everyone expected Clay to enter from the back, opposite of my side of the arena. All gathered up together, they were yelling "we want Clay" and to my surprise when the lights came down and that beautiful voice echoed throught out the place there he was, on my side (WOW) I was only five rows up from the floor and had the side seat so I quickly jumped up and ran down the to the floor and was an arms reach from him as he passes by me. But to my surprise that did not even compare to what the show was about to bring. I had not seen Clay express this much emotion in public since his interview with Diane Sawyer. I too witnessed Clay tear up and I quickly looked up at the screen and there was a close up of him and his beautiful mouth was trembeling. At that moment I thought someone had stabbled me in the heart. I always knew the right reason why I love and suport this terrific man, but to witness him express his love and gratitude for his audience (live) was the most priceless moment of my entire life. You can not begin to describe it, you just had to be there. You can not express it, you had to feel it. If anyone was at this particular concert and left the building not feeling fulfilled, choked up, and loved in return by our One and Only, you should not have been there. The crowd singing MOAM was very, very good and in toon too. Ladies, if you can, check out the download for WDC at the Wilkes Barre Concert (when it gets posted), I assure you you will not regreat it. It was more than I expected and MORE then I've seen on the downloads of previous concerts. I still have no voice left after that number :D Just one more thing, after the concert, me and my group along with about 30 others stood outside in the freezing rain for over an hour. Our frozen fingers grasping the metal fence that seperated us from the bus Clay was about to board (hoping for a final peek). When he finally came out, we all just went crazy screaming "Clay we love you" he stopped walking, turned and looked at us, he took his hood down and waved goodbye as he boarded the bus :( . At that moment I wanted to get in the car and follow that bus. but than, I quickly came back to reality and realized I needed to dry off and head home to my wonderful husband and beautiful son. (What a WONDERFUL night !!!!! : )
Cjrmax, I too drove home in that snow storm not to mention how many times I got lost on the way. THANK YOU for posting you experience of this wonderful concert when I read it, I just had to share mine too.
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Pamela
Assistant Webmaster
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #15 on: March 09, 2004, 12:47:34 AM »
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What kind of magic resides in Wilkes Barre, PA? I'm serious. Just for curiousity's sake, I looked up the review of the AI
concert in Wilkes Barre last summer. Here's a couple of excerpts:
WILKES-BARRE TWP. - It's no surprise that a concert tour based on a TV show that draws 21 million viewers a night
drew a capacity crowd at First Union Arena. What was surprising was how well it translated into the live setting, and how
much fun it was.
The arrival of Clay Aiken brought the house down with Beatlemania-type shrieks from the thousands of young teens
in the audience. With Aiken, the comparisons are true: the kid is a young Barry Manilow, right down to the body language.
And like Manilow, he can really sing.
"This is the smallest place we've played, but it might be the loudest," said Aiken at one point. What he didn't know was
that it was probably the loudest the building had ever been. But these "American Idols," who are truly living the American
dream, deserve the cheers.
I think this might be the only review that called the AI concert 'fun.' And now the Indie tour also sounds like so much fun,
and so full of heart and passion as well. I do wonder about the magic in eastern PA!
PS to Elka - I love your name. My imaginary friend when I was a little girl was named Elka! Welcome!
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cjrmax
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #16 on: March 09, 2004, 10:58:40 AM »
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Elka wrote:
I too witnessed Clay tear up and I quickly looked up at the screen and there was a close up of him and his beautiful mouth was trembeling. At that moment I thought someone had stabbled me in the heart. I always knew the right reason why I love and suport this terrific man, but to witness him express his love and gratitude for his audience (live) was the most priceless moment of my entire life. You can not begin to describe it, you just had to be there. You can not express it, you had to feel it. If anyone was at this particular concert and left the building not feeling fulfilled, choked up, and loved in return by our One and Only, you should not have been there.
Elka, reading this today made me feel it all over again! I feel so privileged to have been at this particular concert! Never in my life have I been at any concert or event where I felt this much emotion - an emotion felt by everyone there I believe! As Quynn said - during "The Way" people were crying. It was simply overwhelming!
Pamela wrote:
What kind of magic resides in Wilkes Barre, PA? I'm serious.
I do wonder about the magic in eastern PA!
Got me, Pamela! Wilkes Barre is really in the middle of nowhere (and the arena is not easy to find!), but they obviously
get it up there! :D I'm still feeling the glow......
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Anonymous
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #17 on: March 09, 2004, 11:24:25 AM »
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cjrmax..what a wondeful reveiw!! This is the first time i have had access to a computer since the show..and I was glad to see that someone told such a nice description. We were in row 9...only a few behind the catwalk...and it was amazing how close they were...the whole expereince was just awesome and amazing. I wish I could go to more. The drive...freezing rain..and snow was totally worth it...he was (i am going to start crying now)..........just clay!
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cpnina
Clayamateur
« Reply #18 on: March 09, 2004, 11:40:20 AM »
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I was at the DC concert and was blown away ENOUGH until I read your review of Wilkes-Barre. I KNEW there was a good
reason for me to be depressed because I had neither the means or the time to be there as well. But your wonderful
description was jut what I needed. We all love Clay so much...my arms are around him in that group hug as well, in spirit.
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Clayton Clayniac
Guest
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #19 on: March 09, 2004, 11:43:10 AM »
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There'a a special kind of something in Wilkes-Barre, that's for sure! I was so impressed that his fans greeted Clay with a billboard!! Go here to check it out:
http://www.measureofafan.com/tour/wilkesbarre/
Hope he saw it on the way into town!!
PLEASE NOTE THESE LINKS NO LONGER WORK
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Shadowdancer, Hazleton,PA
Guest
Wilkes-Barre Pa Concert
« Reply #20 on: March 10, 2004, 12:56:31 PM »
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I too was at that magical concert on Sunday evening. I wish that everyone could have been there to experience the emotion that flowed thru that arena on Sunday evening. The electricity was every where, you could feel it from the time u entered the building, we were all there for the same reason, just too see CLAY . We were very fortunate that Clay sang last, what a way to end a magical evening with Clay's voice in your head.
After Kelly's set the house started to chant Clay, Clay Clay, we love you and We want Clay, everyone just wanted to see and hear him. We all knew he was coming into the arena from the floor, so the excitment was building knowing you may just get to see him up close or perhaps have him touch your hand. When he started to sing the house went wild, it just never stopped.Everyone was on their feet from that point on. We loved every minute of being there with him. He makes you feel so good in side, I too am a Grandmother in my 50's but for a fews hours on Sunday evening I was 20 again. We had great seats on the floor and with adding the run way he was up close and personal. My pictures are great and I can't stop looking at them or the program .
As we sang MOAM to him he was overwhelmed, I don't think he expected us to know that song so well or to be so happy to sing it to him. The emotion on his face was heart warming, he is so genuine. He felt the love that we all had for him, his voice gave us his love back.
We wish Clay all the good things that life has to offer and hope that he will be a part of ours for a very long time. He to us is not just another voice, he is a fantastic person with a gift from above that he is sharing with many.
I too had to drive home in the snow storm, but it was worth it. The show was awesome.
To any one waiting for this concert to happen you will love it.
CCACA(Certifiably Crazy About Clay Aiken)
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gobo826
Guest
wilkes barre
« Reply #21 on: March 10, 2004, 07:03:53 PM »
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Does anyone know if anyone was able to get a video camera in? I was able to find someone who started but was caught. Also, I found the Philadelphia one but I was at Wilkes Barre and I do not think that Philadelphia could even come close to the special night that happened in Wilkes-Barre.
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mika119
Guest
Wilkes-Barre Concert..........
« Reply #22 on: March 10, 2004, 07:28:30 PM »
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OMG, You nailed that concert!.........I couldn't have written a better review. It was everything you said it was........the only thing, I never sensed Clay being down, not for a moment. He just seemed great from beginning to end. He just leaves you
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Anonymous
Guest
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #23 on: March 10, 2004, 10:09:09 PM »
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shadowdancer...i posted a reply above yours..and forgot to login. Geez..we might have been sitting so close to each other..and your recount was perfect...it was a perfect night wasn't it???...I took some pics also...came out pretty good...got alot of hair cropping to do yet..lol...maybe we could share pics.....i am still on cloud nine.
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Her
Wilkes-Barre
« Reply #24 on: March 11, 2004, 05:28:35 AM »
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I watched the WDC and the MOAM clips from Wilkes-Barre. Oh these are my favorites so far. You lucky ones that were there I'm sure will be floating for days---
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shadowdancer
Guest
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #25 on: March 11, 2004, 11:30:57 AM »
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from: Anonymous
shadowdancer...i posted a reply above yours..and forgot to login. Geez..we might have been sitting so close to each other..and your recount was perfect...it was a perfect night wasn't it???...I took some pics also...came out pretty good...got alot of hair cropping to do yet..lol...maybe we could share pics.....i am still on cloud nine.
I was in row 13 sec 2 fl, where were u?
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Michele
Guest
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #26 on: March 11, 2004, 10:48:51 PM »
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Cjrmax.
That was beautiful. I too drove three hours to see the Wilkes Barre concert. You could not have described the feeling of love that surrounded all of us that night any better. I also had the most incredible warm feeling when I sang MOAM with everyone to Clay. It was very touching. I felt Clay's love for us and our love for Clay. It was absolutely worth the snowy drive home through those mountains plus much much more. Nothing can ever replace how wonderful that evening made me feel. I went to the DC concert which was GREAT but Wilkes Barre left a mark in my heart.
I would love a third concert too. I miss Clay. I don't think we could ever get enough.
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claymore
Guest
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #27 on: March 11, 2004, 10:55:11 PM »
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cjrmax and elka,
i can't go to the concert and your reviews really help my imagination on how it is going to be. i can only imagine and after reading your experiences i can feel it too. thank you so much for your wonderful reviews
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Clayton Clayniac
Guest
You Must Read This!
« Reply #28 on: March 12, 2004, 12:21:33 PM »
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Go to the website below and scroll down to the article "From Behind Enchanting Eyes, My Night in Wilkes-Barre." It's right-on about how we all feel about Clay and will touch your heart and make you shed a tear! Kristen's writing skills are extraordinary! Love it!
http://www.clayaikentheidealidol.com/whatsnew.html
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Note from Marilyn- could not find this on Ideal Idol BUT Rainlover at CV guided me to the article. I have posted it in its entirety but here is the direct link (Its from Singapore): FROM BEHIND ENCHANTING EYES (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:fYs1RLiSPfsJ:s2.invisionfree.com/Clay_Aiken_Singapore/ar/t656.htm+From+Behind+Enchanting+Eyes,+%22My+Night+in+Wilkes-Barre%22+clay+aiken&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us)
I have asked permission to have this beautiful piece of article to be posted and shared with everyone at CAS.
POSTED BY LuvsHisIdolEyes919 - CA.com
The face is the mirror of the mind,
and eyes without speaking
confess the secrets of the heart.
Should I note the irony that the originator of this quote was Saint Jerome? I suppose not.
The prime characteristic I analyze in another human being is their eyes. Call it superficial if you must, but I can’t help but feel that most anything about anyone can be revealed simply by gazing into their eyes.
If in fact this is the case, then my God what a story you’ve told me.
I could merely write my emotions off as a blossoming hormonal weed that has rooted itself into my garden of coherent thought, but where’s the fun in that?
It has already been three days since the most emotional night of my life and I have yet to recover. This void far surpasses the standard concert hangover because what I experienced would never classify as a standard concert.
Glowing, shimmering, radiating, blinding, spellbinding, bewitching, enchanting.
You stepped so meekly onto the stage and your eyes projected your soul. I was left breathless at the sight of them twinkling and sparkling underneath the white hot spotlight. “Jenny. Oh my God. Just look at his eyes! I can’t get over them.” I sighed into my concert buddy’s ear. “They’re incredible.” She agreed.
Thank the Lord I am not an outsider to this love and I do not lend your dazzling greens to any form of cold remedy. That would be far too practical and too colossal a departure from my romantic tendencies.
With each note, each chuckle, and each word emitted from behind your pouting, glistening lips your eyes reflected the dramatic lighting above and almost created bits of glitter to be cast out into your sea of adoring fans.
Do I love you or what?
And I was lost.
I had been fortunate enough to see you in person prior to this past Sunday, but I was never prepared for just how incredible you are up close. Great chunks of longing had hung in the air between us for too long. I was never one of the lucky ones. I took what I was given and relished in it until it faded into a mere fog of an image in my mind.
You, standing clad in a dark suit amidst a sea of blue green haze caressing a microphone stand as you belted your chart-topping anthem. You, bundled from neck to foot in layers of warm winter garments surrounded by chilly children on a frigid November day as you rode through Times Square from your decadent chariot of chocolate. You, standing tall yet humble mixed into a room of professional entertainers lucky enough to have you serenade their live audiences with a private look of pride that I swear to take with me for the rest of my days.
These are what I had of you. I would envy those who touched you, those who smiled with you. I never wanted anything more than to be close to you, even if only for a moment. I didn’t want a universal memory; I wanted one all to myself.
Why? Why so full of desire and need?
It’s love.
Until this past weekend, I wrote off my affinity to you as more or less a distant admiration traced in impossibility of becoming tangible. Though it consumed my thoughts and hard drive, I never imagined it could come to life in an entirely new way.
I’m not in love with you. I just love you. I don’t expect you to love back. I’m not that foolish. You are not even obliged to reciprocate an eighth of what I feel, though so often you express your own desire to do just that.
Let it be. You’ve done enough. I’m a fan. It’s my job to love you like this. You’re the star. It’s your job to give us causes to love.
Your heart, your mind, your voice, your being; you have myself and millions of others so engrossed into you and you fail to see any sort of rational explanation for our unending devotion. How can one so great be so humble?
Don’t misunderstand me. You’re not Jesus. Jesus couldn’t move the way you do.
But you have such a charm that you fail to acknowledge in interviews when asked what your appeal is. You blatantly deny feeling the slightest bit attractive and when praised for your chiseled cheeks and sultry smile, you blush as though you’ve been kissed for the first time, then not even a day later you morph into this magnificent performer oozing sensuality with every shift of your hips.
You baffle me, Mr. Aiken.
It’s this very welcome contradiction that I am starting to feel is the reason behind your power. I could have never arrived at this conclusion until I witnessed you up close for myself. I am forever grateful.
You don’t walk, you saunter. You don’t know it, but I do. It should be flattering for you that proclaiming you “owned the stage” is evolving into a fan cliché. Cliché it may be, but I fear that there is no way to arrange these twenty-six symbols in any form of thought sufficient enough to do justice to your presence. You’re that magnetic.
Banter from stage to seat came so casually to you. Joking and laughing with patrons and pals, you happily made sure that everyone in that space felt the joy you held inside. Where as most knees would buckle in front of a sold out arena- yours bent deeply as you belted out the glory notes of your song.
I cheated. I’m sorry. I knew your plan of attack before you presented it. I have to admit that I was prepared to grab your attention. But preparation is never grounds for a guaranteed result. Though I took pleasure in dreaming of what might happen, I was never once blessed with a bit of certainty in my heart that it would indeed fall into place.
Then it did.
What my mother has deemed as an “award for good behavior,” I was fortunate enough to obtain front row center tickets to your first real national tour. Sitting and trembling and still dripping from my shower, my shaky hand guided the mouse and selected the payment option for the pass of a lifetime.
Finally. It finally happened. I wasn’t going to be a speck of neutral flesh high up in the rafters of a massive arena or deep within the shivering crowd of parade spectators. I was actually going to see stray hairs without the aid of video equipment.
That in itself was enough to send me into a fit of euphoria, but I was so fortunate to have my hopes met that night.
The time had arrived. My left hand was happily holding my cell phone complete with a giggling friend on the other end. I knew that if I reached high enough, you would have to spot me. If I could just jump a little higher you would notice me. And you did.
Initially mocking my desperation, in an adorable manner only you could create, you then proceeded to tease me by reaching for my hand and abruptly pulling away with a resounding “Ooooh” that made me just… weak. Back you came with a high pitched “Okay” as your elegant hand snatched the cell from me and you confidently raised it to your infamous ear.
“Hello?” And the crowd roared.
Jenny and random others clung to me in excitement as I bounced up and down in place frantically snapping pictures of you holding my phone (which pathetically sports a black and white picture of your hand below the banner ‘TOUCH’- it also rings ‘Kyrie’, but you couldn’t possibly have known that).
In the moment, I missed your words until you asked my name. You turned happily on your heels and- okay, breathe- looked into my eyes and said “Kristen, is that your name, Kristen?”
Cue the liquefying of my internal organs, please.
As silly and girly as it sounds, I’ve wanted to hear you say my name for so long. It’s bordering on petty and near insignificant, but I was so eager to hear it. It could have easily been, “Hey Kristen, stop following my tour bus” or “OUCH! Kristen, you stepped on my toe! I hate you!” The fact that you said it would have been plenty for me.
But… you looked at me too. You actually looked at me. Your inviting green eyes ripped into my disbelieving blue. And you smiled.
Handing my phone back…
You winked. An Aiken wink all for me.
Once more, you leave me scraping to describe my emotions. My heart was racing at a speed that would demolish the fastest time on a racetrack. My stomach was so tangled that even the craftiest of scouts could not untie it. My knees were the equivalent of pudding on a hundred degree day.
And you have no clue you’re doing it.
Or do you?
You tease. You taunt. You flirt.
You sir, are a far better actor than you make yourself out to be. You know exactly what you are doing at all times. Sure, you play the humble card. But the king of hearts is next in the deck. I hate to break it to you, Clay. We’re catching on.
You heard us catcalling to you during the A Capella introduction of “When Doves Cry.” You heard us declare Angela as our hero. You ate it up. You basked in the glow of this new little game you’ve created and we were happily along for the, pardon the pun, “bumpy” ride.
And as an audience, we were overjoyed. You could see it all over your face. This is where you belong. This is your calling. You were having the time of your life. It may be a maternal instinct or something, but to see you so happy, makes me so happy too. When you laugh, I laugh. When you sing, I try to sing. And when you cry…
I cry.
Clay, in all my eighteen years on this earth, I have never been moved to tears by a perfect stranger before. I’m not the only one overwhelmed by you as a person and that much was evident Sunday night.
Singing to you, singing for you was our gift. You even said during the set that you wanted to thank us. But Clay, what you don’t realize is that… we want to thank you.
Thank you for being at the heart of our joy for the past glorious year. Thank you for reaffirming our faith in an industry that was rapidly descending to new lows. Thank you for being that one person that we could adore collectively, regardless of age. Thank you for being the voice of faith to so many who admire your ardent dedication to your own. Thank you for lighting our days with your beaming smile. Thank you for gracing our eyes with your innocent yet toxic beauty. Thank you for melting our hearts with your undying compassion. Thank you for uniting me with the some of the most incredible people I have ever known. Thank you for being you.
I watched adoringly as you couldn’t “wrap your mind” around the love and affection being given to you. There was a feeling of irresistible joy filling the confines of the arena that night and your face- and eyes- said it all.
A failed attempt at your trademark lip bite caught my eye. You could not catch it. It was quivering too quickly. In your eyes, tears began to collect adding a delicate glaze over their green hue. With a smile, a single tear fell and was quickly bottled away by your hasty hand. You clutched to Quiana for strength and she offered you a comforting pat of the back as you sat in awe of what you heard. Our voices joined together in praise of you- in love for you.
I dare say that there wasn’t a single dry eye in the house. There was more power in that room than anything I’ve ever felt before. To hear your fans in unison proclaiming their affection for you through the lyrics of your favorite track in conjunction with actual breakdown of your once bubbly stage self was by far and away the most incredible mixture of pride and joy that I have ever felt in my life. I was blessed to take part in it.
As I watched your eyes scan the crowd of thousands, I saw it all. In your eyes, I saw your thank you. For each little tear that formed in you, ten collected in mine. You exposed your heart through those tears Clay, and I heard it all too clear. You need not feel obliged to thank us. Having you as you is plenty. And you that night was more than I could bear.
As I close my eyes, I am bombarded with your face so passionately mouthing the words to your song and my heart swells to know how enjoy it so. It is giving and receiving in an endless, loving circle between you and your fans. You thank us and we thank you. Always.
Whether your singing, dancing, laughing, teaching, loving, living, learning, giving, embracing, chasing, crying or flying we are with you each step of the way. For you have united our hearts in ways I never thought conceivable. All of this from behind enchanting eyes.
Love,
Kristen
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FAITH
Guest
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #29 on: March 12, 2004, 01:05:36 PM »
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I haven't yet found the article from Wilkes Barrie, but while I was looking for it, I found another great one called 'Hugging Clay in Miami'. Another wonderful story told in great detail.
http://www.clayaikentheidealidol.com/whatsnew.html
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Anonymous
Guest
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #30 on: March 12, 2004, 05:47:24 PM »
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shadowdancer...we were in middle section..front...5 i think...9th row..just amazing!!!
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Anonymous
Guest
Clay in Wilkes-Barre, PA - 3/7
« Reply #31 on: March 12, 2004, 09:14:17 PM »
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This is Kristen's love letter - what a beautiful and touching love letter.
http://pub227.ezboard.com/fthatstheclayfrm43.showMessage?topicID=481