Classical tenor records England World Cup song

jonfan · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 260

Did not wait until Monday to download HOE, did it today,perfect song for

the England Rugby Team ,and Supporters , a powerful song , beautifully sung by Jonathan.

Was a pity they did not show it on TV but 80-OOO rugby fans heard it sung live on the pitch,

Jonathan sang Abide With Me. and the National Anthem, which we did see on TV, felt very proud of him,a wonderful performance as always

Jonfan

Marian · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 724 Location: Middlesex

Sorry to make you all wait for our report but have only just back home after our fabulous day out Jonathaning in style!!

Chelle and I met up at Wembley at around 10.45 this morning as we didn’t want to miss a thing! The sun was shining and was already warming up rapidly.

For those of you who have not seen the new stadium, it is a glorious sight as we left the station, gleaming in the sun and adding to our excitement. We wandered slowly up Olympic Way towards the club entrance – a special one for gold seat holders (that’s us!!) Many fans were also arriving early and some of the costumes had to be seen to be believed. One thing about rugby crowds is their good nature and up for a laugh.

At 11.30, we were allowed to enter the stadium where a series of escalators carried us up to the second tier where all the club members congregate. The Bobby Moore suite is situated on level 1and we think that is where Jonathan waited before he came onto the pitch. Sadly, we were not allowed in that part but we did keep our eyes peeled just in case! It was like walking into a modern art gallery, glass windows from floor to ceiling, a seating area with comfy sofas and live musicians playing in the background. Wish it had been Jonathan though!!

We were itching to get onto the terraces to get our bearings but we had to wait another hour for this so we spent our time getting the free programmes we were entitled to and settling down for a pre-match burger!

We were very impressed with the cleanliness and facilities Wembley now has to offer not to mention the copious number of staff who were willing to give assistance. We scanned the programme for any mention of Jonathan and to our delight we found info and a photo prominently displayed.

Finally it was time to take our seats. As we walked through the doors we were astounded by the view

We found our lovely padded seats in the front row right opposite the tunnel where the players would emerge. There was a rugby match already taking place between two schools so this gave us an opportunity to try out our photography skills! We debated whether we should go to the other side of the pitch when the entertainment started so Jonathan would be facing us but it would have been impossible as we would have had to sit in the Royal Box! – We are not THAT special haha. Plus the fact, we were sure the BBC cameras would get that part of it for you all.

At 2pm, the choir along with the Blues and Royals came onto the field and performed amongst others, Carmen Burana which sounded great if a little drowned out by the crowd that had now joined us.

At 2.15pm, the MC introduced Jonathan to the crowd as being known as a former member of G4 and now out on his own – well words to that effect anyway! He was going to sing Hearts of England

He came onto the pitch dressed in a dark grey suit and open necked shirt looking pretty cool in the baking sun and took up his position on a little podium in front of the choir.

The band struck up and at first he wasn’t very loud but as soon as the song got going, there was no mistaking who was singing and by the end, the place was vibrating to his long and high powerful notes as they echoed around the stadium.

Sadly, he was not shown on the big screens at either end of the pitch but instead the words were displayed

It was received extremely well by the crowd and got loads of applause. He turned around briefly to look in our direction to take in the occasion. Must have been quite a sight for him too!

He remained on the podium as the team sheets were announced and a minute silence was held for a former Wakefield player, Don Fox

Then he led the choir and the crowd, who had stood up for this, in singing Abide With Me, one of my favourite hymns. He did it so beautifully too. The power in his voice was certainly evident and I am sure half of the district surrounding the stadium must have heard him too, it was that loud! The crowd was very appreciative too. It sent a shiver up my spine.

Again he remained where he was as the teams came onto the pitch to be introduced to the dignitaries. He must have been extremely hot in that suit in the full sun but still he looked cool as a cucumber!

Jonathan then led the crowd in God Save the Queen and that last note of his was awesome to say the least. We might just as well been in a small room to feel that note, it was so powerful. Great stuff and very stirring for all concerned. I could hear cheers from the crowd behind us.

Jonathan then left the pitch and our eyes followed him down the tunnel as he stopped to talk to a couple of people before disappearing out of our sight and into the cool of the rest area.

Jonathan was in front of us for 15 minutes and what a 15 minutes it was too. We had seen what we had come for and were very happy bunnies indeed. He came across well and was wonderfully accepted by the crowd.

We then settled down to watch the match but I have to say although the game was good, it was an anti climax as far as we were concerned!! At half time we darted off for a pit stop only to be serenaded by Jonathan coming over the PA system singing Hearts of England again!

We left shortly before the end to avoid the crowds and made our way to find refreshments outside the ground.

We were very sad to hear that the BBC did not do a full coverage of Jonathan’s performance, such a shame but the consolation is that he was brilliant on the day and at least he will get played when the world cup starts in October.

Well done Jonathan and I hope you enjoyed the experience as much as we did.

My great thanks to Chelle for her company today and making it all possible. Very Happy

nataliegooner · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 318

Lovely report thank you

JessicaL · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 694 Location: Belfast

Lovely report Marian -Jonathan did brilliant I thought Very Happy

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I Downloaded Hearts of England yesterday -beautiful track Jonathan in stunning voice Smile

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cathyk2002 · Joined: Sep 18, 2007 Posts: 776

Great review Marian and he was looking good on TV as well Very Happy

, shame we didn't get to hear HoE though after all the hype about it Crying or Very sad

JessicaL · Joined: Sep 19, 2007 Posts: 694 Location: Belfast

Molly · Joined: Jan 14, 2006 Posts: 648

Thanks Marian - great review. Smile

I absolutely love Hearts of England. At first I wasnt sure - but after a couple more plays I could feel the passion and emotion in it and Jonathans vocals are beautiful.

I've downloaded 4 copies now - three for friends! Smile

Love Molly xx

E05297535 · Joined: Sep 21, 2007 Posts: 136

Will have to wait till I buy the new album...can't have much of a good thing!! Embarassed