I spent this morning at Eastland along with about 3000 others!

It was a very interesting experience. I was there at 1000 but some had arrived at early as 0530!

There was a small stage and video screens showing selections from Andre's DVDs. There was a promotional DVD for his 2008 tours, including Melbourne, shown several times. Master of ceremonies was Alan Pearsall from radio 3AW.

Andre appeared on time at 1200 and played "My Way" with some backing from the DVD. Then he played Waltzing Matilda with Alan Pearsall holding the sheet music in front of Andre!

The performance was very short. Andre spent an hour signing autographs. A couple of us timed he was signing at the rate of 16 per minute giving each person about four seconds!
 

There were three "minders" for Andre and many security people. One woman tried to kiss Andre and she was promptly removed by the minders. That was the only incident I observed.

About 1315 Andre said farewell to his Melbourne fans and the entourage left through a staff exit.

The crowd seemed mostly people middle aged and older. Many I spoke to had come from distant suburbs.

The acoustics were poor but the balcony was a good place to see Andre from where I was standing. Several times he gestured to the people on the balcony.
 

It is a delightful day in Melbourne today (Saturday 22 September) so we gave him perfect weather! He must be impressed.

The wait was long but people didn't seem to mind. J&B Hi Fi, who appeared to sponsor today's promotion, were doing a good trade with Andre's DVDs on special at $17.99.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many fans Andre had gained simply by people stumbling on his performances on Ovation or DVDs on sale at the likes of J&B Hi Fi.
 

I hope the acoustics are better at Warringah Mall to tomorrow for Andre's Sydney fans. Be prepared for a big crowd and a long wait for a short appearance.

But it's worth it!

Paul in Melbourne

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