My Vegas Journey Options

[Marshy]

Hi everyone, I'm just about over my jet lag so I thought I would put a few words together about my Las Vegas journey to see Mr Matt Goss. I'll start from the very beginning as this is where the emotional journey began.

So there we were, stood in the queue at Heathrow airport waiting to use the check in kiosk. I was still pinching myself with regards how fortunate I was to be going to see Matt live in Las Vegas and was eager to get checked in so that I could start to relax and enjoy the experience. The family were all very excited too as we had not had the best 18 months to say the least, everyone has things in their life to deal with I know but for us as a family we lost my father and Alisons mum in the space of 18 months, and this trip was about the kids as much of anything. Dealing with the loss of a family member is hard when your an adut,, let alone when your 15 and 12.

So now it was our turn to check in, I checked Alison's and the kids passports in no problem and went to do my own, as I entered my name on the screen an error message appeared asking me to contact a flight representative. I went to find someone and they checked what the problem was, I had stupidly put Dave into Expedia when booking the flight and not David as is on my passport. They started to talk like i was not gonna be able to fly without changing my name and to do this they would have to cancel all the tickets and re-book, for which I would have to pay again for. I started to panic like mad i can tell you, the only approach to take was to be nice and not to get arsey like to see on the TV programs. I explained it was an honest mistake and with that the lovely check-in lady went to try and get clearance from security. Thankfully she came back smiling and said that I needed to be more careful in future. I apologized for the inconvenience and we were allowed to check in.

Just imagine yourself in my shoes at this time, everything I had been looking forward to could have been taken away in an instance. Note to self, be more bloody careful. LOL

Matt had previously, as some of you may have seen had twittered me to say to let him know when I was in Vegas as he wanted to ensure the family and I had the best time ever. As you will see when you read on (if I've not bored you already that is) Matt did just that.

We were booked into Palms Place for 8 nights and had booked two rooms using the QMGOSS promotion. We had tickets for Saturday 24th October and Friday 30th October, I had not planned to go to the show on the Friday 23rd October as I thought I would be too tired. On the contrary I was buzzing, as I had received an message from Matt to come to the Friday show on him, he had ensured I was on the guest list. I could not believe it. Alison was too tired and decided to stay with the kids so I went on my own.

I walked down to the Gossy room, for those that have not been, if your staying in Palms Place you get the lift to level 2 and there is a covered walkway to the Palms Casino, and the Gossy room is about halfway down the Casino on the left with a nice bar outside where you can chill before the show. This is where I met the lovely Nikki, this is another wonderful thing that Matt does, he brings people together, Nikki and I chatted about the show and sat together once inside. After my long day I was so excited that I didn't feel tired at all, sleep was the last think on my mind.

The curtain to the Gossy room was drawn back and we were shown to our table, we chose the one next to the piano, still my favorite table as your so close to Matt when he comes to sing 'Goodbye', but I know Nikki prefers the front for photo and video purposes. The show started soon afterwords and I was in heaven, after all these years I still find it hard to explain what it is about Matt Goss that makes the hairs on my body stand up, its a strange but wonderful experience as Matt sings and I felt so so proud. I scanned the room and you could see everyone who was seeing Matt for the first time thinking god this guy is bloody good. I got chatting to a fan from Iceland who reads the forum but does not post and he will kill me but I have forgotten his name, but I know one thing, he was a true gent. I also met Matt's friend Simon who again was a top top bloke, a Chelsea fan unfortunately lol but hey you can't have everything. Simon was later to do something that I wont ever forget. Matt also gave me a mention during one of his songs which was again was overwhelming.

I had read from everyone else who had been and Nikki said it on the night that if we hung around Matt would come out. Well we didn't have to wait, Matt's assistant (Gille) apologies mate if I've spelt it wrongly and you read this, came over to me and said Matt wanted to see me. I was like your joking right. Nikki and I went back to see Matt and had a quick chat and a hug, I was so nervous, yes I have met him before but that made no difference. We chatted about the show and my trip and then Matt had to go back into the room. I was on cloud nine as I headed back to my room and I promptly woke the kids to tell them i was that excited, LOL.

I woke up Saturday morning with the biggest smile, I could not stop talking about the night before, I could not wait for Saturday night to come. Saturday was earmarked as our shopping day, we hit the malls and seriously dented my wallet, but we all bought some really cool clothes for ourselves, remember this was a holiday not just a trip to see Matt for us. This week was a time to enjoy our time as a family together and lay to rest some of the hurt from the last 18 months. Back to the hotel we went laden with bags and time to chill before the show. We decided to have a look round the hotel and by pure coincidence bumped into Matt as we got into the lift. Matt being a gent said hello and chatted to Alison and the kids, a lovely moment for Elise as she had been looking forward to meeting Matt.

It was 20:00 hrs on Saturday 24th October and it was time to head to the Gossy room once more. I told the kids the Movies, Internet and Mini Bar were on me as Alison and I headed for the show. we met Nikki outside the room and Nikki being who she is allowed me to choose the table next to the piano once more, thank you Nikki you are a lovely person and I feel honoured to have met you. We took our seats once more and sat back to enjoy the whole Matt Goss experience. This time we waited for Matt to come back into the room after the show and got a few photos with Matt. Having booked into Palms place using the QMGOSS promo code we got a free VIP pass for the Playboy bar and decided to head up there hoping Matt would go there. Fortunatley for us Matt followed close behind and said we could join him for a drink. Could this really be happening, I was gonna be having a drink with my idol of 20 years.

For this next part you have to put yourself in Matt's shoes. You only have to be in the same place as Matt to see how much little time he has to himself, everyone and I mean everyone wants to talk to him, he has so little time it must be so difficult for him to spread himself around everyone. Whether it's because I'm a bloke im not sure but I'm more a stand back kind of person when it comes to Matt, I didn't want to invade his space, I stood back and chatted with other people and just watched on thankful that I was in the same bar as Matt, I didn't need to talk to him if that makes sense. I got talking to Simon who was wearing a Dirty Virgins T-Shirt and we talked boys stuff, yes u guessed it we talked about the Playboy Bunnies walking around, lol During the conversation I called him a Dirty B*stard, at which point he called me a genius and we both agreed their should be a range of Dirty B*stard T-Shirts for the blokes to wear, lol. At this point Matt walked over and said so I see you have met my mate Simon. We talked about lots of things the 3 of us, just like normal blokes in a bar, football, girls etc...

I then told Matt how his voice and lyrics move people in way that I can't explain. I told him how Alison who isn't a fan as such, started to cry during the show when Matt sang 'Goodbye' and as I was talking I could feel the tears running down my cheeks, I was struggling to get the words out, so Matt being the gentleman he is gave me a huge hug to comfort me and told me things in a way only Matt can that comforted me. It was like a huge relief, like I had been holding things back about what had happened during the the last 18 months. Simon also at this time spoke to me and hugged me, it was like I had known him all my life, like a best mate reassuring hug. Weird I know but that's how it felt. Thank you Simon.

Matt said he wanted Robin to hear my story and brought her over, she is such a lovely sweet women, she gave me a hug and told me that they will always be there for me. I genuinely believe they will too. Thank you to you both, I will never forget your kind words, ever. We left shortly after feeling emotionally drained but Matt asked that I share our moment on Twitter, which I'm sure most of you have seen by now. It was hard for me to share online but in a way it was the perfect thing for me to do, I think Matt suggested it for that reason.

Sunday morning broke, the sun was out and I'd had one hell of an emotional night but we are all ready for a week of shopping and sightseeing before coming back to see Matt the following Friday. During our stay we did so so much, we flew out by helicopter to see the Grand Canyon, flew over Hoover Dam and flew back over the Las Vegas Strip. we went to see the Blue Man show in the Venetian Hotel, bizzarly my name was put up in Lights saying it was my birthday when it wasn't lol. We also took in the Titanic and Bodies exhibitions, before being half scared to death in the Zombie run on Brooklyn Bridge. this guy with a chainsaw scared the s**t out of us. Our last show was the KA Circ de Soleil performance in the MGM, which was amazing, no other words for it other than AMAZING. A must see in my book.

It was now Thursday evening and Alison and I were having a quick drink in the Rojo Bar, this bar is in the reception of the Palms Place hotel. Id seen all the tweets asking if Matt vas back in Vegas when who should walk into the bar to say hello, you guessed it Matt himself. we chatted briefly and Matt wen to his room. Another bizarre but good moment.

So now it was Friday and the ultimate highlight of the holiday was still to come. We went down to the GOSSY room at 20:00 as usual and had a few drinks before the show. We were meeting Nikki again but Gin and Liz were also coming too. Again what lovely people they were, so genuine and lovely. Gin had kindly brought T-Shirts for the whole family which was so kind of her, thank you Gin. This time was Nikki's time to choose where to sit and she managed to get us front row seats. The perfect seats for our last show. This time Matt had another surprise up his sleeve, as he sang 'Let it Be' on the piano he sang my name and said 'Goodbye my Friend' This is now on You Tube, thanks Nikki. I was overwhelmed once again. The night was not to end there. I promised to get a couple of Gossy Cd's signed so I went to see Matt when he came back into the room after the show. As he signed them he said don't go anywhere, wait in the room I have something I want to do for the four of you. The room emptied and Matt said that he wanted us to hear his new single up in the Studio. We are like OMG, is this really happening. We followed Matt, Gille and Robin up to the Studioand were privileged to be played the new song twice, its bloody amazing and I told Matt that I think its going to be career defining record for him. I'm sure you will agree when you hear it.

I think I got away with this next bit while in the studio, but while listening to the record I felt tears once again, not for the song but for the kindness Matt had showed me by allowing me to be one of four fans to hear the song for the very first time. I was overwhelmed, but i dont think I was seen, lol not that it would have mattered mind you. We thanked Matt and Robin and had a group photo done, which I will treasure forever.

So that was my journey guys, I hope I didn't bore you with my tweets and I hope I have now rambled on too long now.

My love to everyone, Long live the GOSSMEISTER

[Kate G]

DAVE ... I don't know what 2 say ... u made me cry !!! 4ever may your memories make u smile. Thank u for sharing ur journey in such amazing detail !!xx

[Claire]

LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!
Thank you so much for sharing dave. had a tear in my eye and a smile on my face!
what a wonderful story and experience. Everything happens for a reason even though sometimes the reason doesnt ever seem clear...but its the only way of making sense of stuff. Me and my hubby been thru similar experience to you and you have to just keep going...when wonderful things like this happen i think you appreciate it so much more than somebody who has never suffered a loss as you know that a moment in your life when something amazing happens should be savoured and u just buzz from being there in the moment and emotions like tears are so natural and cathartic...now im rambling...Im just so pleased for you and wish u nothing but happiness!
And id loved to have heard the lad chat about girls and football! lol!xxxx

[Sandra]

Beautiful and moving story Dave! It is amazing, how Matt tries to take time for everybody and somehow manages to give most people the impression he cares - which he probably really does, that must be why!

Thanks for your story, will have to read it again...

[Lisa]

Quite clearly you had an amazing time. I'm so pleased for you Dave. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

[Ray]

Fantastic story mate
i felt like i had been on the trip with you and your family
So pleased you had a great time with Matt
your story clearly proves what a wonderful person Matt Goss is.

[Dee Dee]

Wondeful memories honey, that will be with you and your family forever, thankyou so much for sharing xxxx

[Fiona]

Thanks for sharing this with us dave. It sounds like it was an amazing trip, and i'm really happy you had such a wonderful time.
The only problem, how to top it with the next family holiday!!lol

[Binks]

What a fabulous story and an amazing time you and your family had. As others, I am sat here with tears in my eyes but such a big smile on my face. Excellent xx

[Gin]

David, me friend! You have gone & made me cry! I miss you guys! I miss everyone I have met. Y'all are so very lovely! Matt does have a special way about him. He brings good people together. You have a very big heart & you really are a sweetie! Your wife is so pretty and you two look so good together. It was really really nice to finally met you. You have always been so kind to me on Facebook. I hope the shirts fit. It was my pleasure. Friday was the best night every! I haven't even wrote anything yet on my first meeting of Matt! At least I can't bloody remember. I don't know where to begin or if y'all would think I was weird. Nikki is fun to hang with & so is Liz! I am so happy that your whole family had a great time, a time that was willed with joy, hope, faith, love & good times to heal the wounds you have endure the past 18 months. Blessing, Light & Love to you & your family, Always!

[Nikki]

Dave! What a wonderful story! I didnt even know half of it and I was there lol I think I miss out on a lot of twittering when Im sleeping. I didnt know anything about you going up to the Playboy Club and seeing Matt. Thats great for you. You and Alison were absolutely wonderful people and I enjoyed all of our good times together! Im still convinced it was because of you that I got backstage and up to that recording studio so for that I thank you! Im so happy you guys had such a wonderful time. So sorry to hear about your dad and her mum. My dad passed away in February so I know how hard it is. Its actually because of his passing and the money he left behind that I am so blessed to be going to the Gossy Room so frequently and meeting such lovely people week after week. Its always a little bittersweet to know thats the reason but Matt always makes me feel better and has really helped me keep my mind off the crap year I was having up until September. Im just so happy your whole family was able to come out and enjoy Las Vegas. I just wish the kids could have come to one of the shows and had those memories to take back with them also. Im so happy I was able to get your little shout out from Matt on Video. Now you can treasure that forever along with the many special memories you made in Vegas! I will send you the photos tonight so you have good copies of them. Im glad you all made it home safe and sound and I hope one day I can come see Matt in England and catch up with you then!

[Trisha]

That is such a beautiful story Dave and after meeting Matt for the first time in Vegas myself I can honestly say that nothing Matt did for you and the other forum peeps surprises me. He has to be the most wonderful kindest loving genuine star that has ever lived. I loved reading all your tweets it put me right back there. I truly believe that was just the start of many happy memories with Matt and Robin for you and your family. Its only gunna get easier from here on in for you mate cause you deserve it. So glad you are all home safe and sound even if REALITY SUX after Matt in Vegas.................

[Kathi]

Wow!! What a truely moving story Dave.A heartfelt thanks for sharing.Matt truely is a gift to us all,I'm still crying tears of joy as I type, but so very happy for your experience.Its so enlightening to see you and you family take home so many happy memories.TY and bless x :)

[SPK]

Glad you had a nice time!

[Sue]

Thanks for sharing your story Dave. I loved reading it (& it wasnt boring @ all!)
So glad you had a brilliant time.
That was lovely of Matt to invite you to the first show.
Youve got lots of great memories there,dont ever let them die xxx

[Sammy]

Wow what a fantastic story! Glad you had a great time with so many memories to treasure!
We had a great time too but My story is not as good as yours!! I had a butterflies in my stomach before the show and felt ill! I only reckonised Nikki from the forum and even then I wasnt 100% sure if it was her. Nikki helped me and my husband to meet Matt - if it had been left to me I'd have been stood there like a startled rabbit just staring at Matt. I felt like I was 15 again!
I know Matt is such a nice person but when you meet him you realise even more - he was so sweet! He congratulated us on our wedding and said he hoped we would be very happy together. I told him I had waited 20 years to meet him!! He signed my Gossy cd and we had a photo together. Matt went to talk to other people. My husband was saying ask him 4 a photo with both of us. I could see Matt was busy chatting to others and i had already had my turn with him but I plucked up the courage and asked him and of course he didnt mind at all! We had a pic then Matt shook my husbands hand gave me a kiss!! It was brilliant!
I have a couple of photos of you and Matt Marshy not sure how to show you them though! On here or facebook? Or I could print them and send them to you?
Sorry I didnt talk to you but I didnt realise who was who! Even when you introduced yourself as Dave (dont forget I know you as Marshy!) It was not while later I realised it was you! Im a bit slow! Lol!
We have some fantastic memories to treasure. It was an amazing time xx

[Liz]

Oh boy, it's Tuesday already and I'm still on a high... What a weekend! IT WAS FANTASTIC BEYOND ALL WORDS! I got to see 2 magnificent shows, got a signed CD & an unforgettable treat from Matt to top it off! Besides sharing fun with my buddies Gin and Nikki as well as meeting Dave &Alison and 2 other lovely UK couples, Sammy &her hubby on Friday and Anna &Lee on Saturday, I'm so glad that we were lucky enough that our man Dave ("Marshy") was present - you're absolutely right, Nikki, he sure was our lucky charm that night! It was so nice meeting him and Alison, they're wonderful people. Dave is such an affable and sincere person, he and Matt both - it's not surprising the two of them connected &got along so well and ended up parting as good friends! So happy for you, Dave, for these memorable moments in your life to treasure forever! I have you, and Matt, to thank for mine!
xx Liz

[Isabelle]

Well this is a wonderfull story Marshy and it really sounds wonderfull, I know that the life version would have been better, but yours was very good ya know? I AM REALLY so-o very happy for you, Alison and you 2 kids that ya have had the perfect time ever and you really do deserve this, never forget that ok?
When you have a hard time, just think straight away at those times and perhaps put on the cd that Matty signed for you? That can also help!
It must have been very hard for you to put on twitter but I think that some people who are affraid to do so can now also relay onto you now to and say "Oh yes .... ". Thanks anyhow for sharring your meetings and your trips in Vegas.
Have a very good evening & keep the faith alive forever!
Lots of love, hugs & kisses,
Isa xxx

[Blonde Lee]

Well it certainly was a memorable trip for you, Dave, and your family.
I was able to follow right along on Twitter as well.
Matt truly is a wonderful man and who makes dreams come true.
I know my weekend in Vegas was a dream come true !
A once in a lifetime holiday it was and never to be forgotten.
Thank you for your beautiful story and sharing your family's Vegas journey.

[Kells]

awww mate you have bought the biggest smile to my face, yet made me cry at the same time ! i am soooo chuffed for you . It sounds absolutely amazing !!! So so pleased for you Dave xxxx

[Marshy]

I know i'm not around much but i just wanted to say a big thank you for all the kind words on my journey whilst in Vegas.

I cant believe i have been back two weeks already. where does time go.

Take care everyone

x

[Isabelle]

With pleasure man! You're a very nice person and hope we will meet one day when Matt's in UK? Have a very nice weekend! Take special care, God bless Love Isa xxx