Has anyone else been lucky enough to go to any of the HMV album signings?

I went to the Leeds one on Tuesday with Karen, Tina and Kerri. We all met and had a good catch up before moving on to the HMV store, where we heard the G4 Love Songs album blasting out loudly on both floors of the store, and copies on prominent display at both entrances. A proud moment to be a G4 fan!

A small queue was forming outside the top entrance. We commented that we didn’t really recognise anyone – presumably some were Merrill fans (as he was going to appear with them at the Leeds signing), and perhaps some just came along to album signings out of curiosity as it seems a good way to see and meet bands.

In due course we were led over to stand at a barrier, behind which was a long table decked out with HMV coverings, and the huge G4 sign shining away to one side. At 5.30 the CD music was turned off and G4 entered from a lift on the left side of the stage area (I personally think there should have been lights and smoke at the entrance, but there wasn’t lol!) looking very handsome in their blue suits with white shirts and ties. I wasn’t at all sure what to expect as I’ve never been to a signing before – I knew they were going to sing with Merrill, but I certainly wasn’t expecting 4 additional songs!! We were treated to ‘I Would Do Anything For Love’, ‘Your Song’ (with that delicious long note at the start!), ‘Love Changes Everything’ and ‘Amigos Para Siempre’ all performed to perfection with those wonderful harmonies echoing around the store. It was an intimate but warm audience and Jonathan was quick to interact with ladies in the front row in his inimitable style, which I’m sure gained them some new fans! Jon’s mother-in-law, Wendy, was there too, providing enthusiastic support at the back during the performance. It must have been nice too for the lads to be able to see the audience reaction without being blinded by theatre lights (although I think I stood grinning like a Cheshire cat as it was all just so fabulous!) Merrill entered from the back of the audience for his duet and received a very warm welcome (definitely some Merrill fans there!) – it was so wonderful to see them all performing together!

After the performance, we were told to line up for the signings. The HMV staff handled it all very efficiently, making sure that the queue kept moving but giving everyone as much time as they needed to get things signed and have photos taken. A staff member was on hand to take photos, using our own cameras/phones. I chatted to another staff member who said that, although it wasn’t her kind of music, she was completely won over by the guys’ friendliness and politeness, compared with some other bands they had had performing (no names mentioned) who could be rather rude and unfriendly. I was over the moon, not only to have a hug and chat with each G4 lad, but also to meet the wonderful Merrill Osmond – as a huge pop music fan of the Osmonds and pop music of the ‘70s in general, it was a dream come true to meet such a legend, and to find him just as warm and friendly as our own lovely G4 guys – a real ‘fangirl’ moment!

We left the store as G4 were posing for photos with HMV staff. It was a lovely evening and a great success. I’d definitely go again if there is a chance in the future.