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2002

High Wycombe - The Band's Perspective
Greetings From Home Port... - SAILOR newsletter December 2002:

SAILOR, Grant Rob Peter and Phil, were all initially very nervous about attempting such a large venture in the UK - their own 'Headline' concert, and at the same time arranging to have the first ever 'Live In Concert' DVD filmed by Angel Air at the November 16 2002 Show at the Swan Theatre in High Wycombe.
As soon as we walked out on stage however all those fears quickly sank to the bottom of the ocean, the response from SAILOR's loyal and devoted fans, some of whom travelled from all over Europe and the 4 corners of the UK being absolutely fantastic. From the very first note of SAILOR's now famous Overture going into "Champagne"...the atmosphere was simply electric on stage!
'Naylorman' - our trusty "Flex, Plugs and Rock and Roll-meister" and Rob, who had built the elaborate and highly atmospheric set entirely with his own bare hands, (ably accompanied by his charming partner Anna, sewing mistress supremo!) were at the venue very early setting everything up. By the time Peter Grant and Phil arrived at around 11.30am, one or two technical problems had ensured the day was not going to go all that smoothly, and as everyone involved knew how important this was for us, the temperature started to go up more than a few degrees!
But as usual the crew and several helpers and 'palm-tree preeners' just about made it in time for SAILOR's performance, although the band had no time at all to run through the many cues necessary for the camera crew and production staff who were only going to get one stab at it - The actual performance itself! So when we went on everyone was pretty "wired-up," but as the Concert progressed it became more and more enjoyable, particularly in the performance of material never before played by the current line-up of SAILOR, and indeed for over 25 years!
Meeting everyone afterwards at the After Show Party was also a delight, especially as we now knew we had something very special on DVD already "in the can." The producer of the video told us it was one of the best things he's ever filmed including all the interviews etc and couldn't wait to get back to his studio to start assembling the final package. Our new PR representatives, Wharts and Hall, also confirmed that press and media interest was running very high indeed, and that concert reviews would be *****
The best news for SAILOR however came from a large number of fans who had seen the group perform over many years since the 1970's all of whom confirming what at least Phil and Grant had suspected, that although always having been undeniably a terrific and unique live band, the 'present' SAILOR was by far the most musical, entertaining and theatrical line-up they had ever enjoyed.
SAILOR would therefore now like to sincerely thank everyone wholeheartedly for supporting us, - especially those that came such long distances, and also to say that this particular "SAILORs Night On The Town" was one of the most special evenings ever and really meant a lot to us.
We do hope to be able to do something again next year along similar lines and if we keep getting the kind of ecstatic reviews and e-mails so far received about the show, SAILOR will feel very confident about doing it all over again!
See you all just after Christmas, at New Year in Mainz, and throughout 2003.
Bon Voyage
SAILOR

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