Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Elton show ‘best ever’
Excelsior hailed for atmosphere
elton John’s triumphant airdrie show on saturday had “the best atmosphere” of any of the superstar’s 100 dates of his world tour.
Praise for the 14,000 fans who filled the Excelsior was delivered to stadium boss Paul Hetherington by highly-impressed members of the pop icon’s road crew.
it is fitting that the words of the canadian national anthem make reference to natives travelling “from far and wide” as that’s exactly what great White north residents pat and Barbra doherty did to sample the spectacular sights and sounds of sir elton John’s airdrie performance.
The Canadian couple made an 8000mile round trip – spending 30 hours in the air – from the town’s namesake in Alberta, for the icon’s Excelsior show.
As reported in last week’s Advertiser, Pat and Barbra won tickets to the concert, flights and spending money, as well as accommodation at awardwinning Chapelhall bed and breakfast Shawlee Cottage through radio station Air 106.1’s “Big Ticket” competition.
The pair flew across the Atlantic to take their place among the 14,000 enthusiastic Elton fans at Saturday’s showcase – and they were Still Standing at the end, rocking along to the legendary performer.
A thrilled Pat told the Advertiser: “It may have taken 15 hours to fly from Airdrie to Airdrie, but it was well worth it as Sir Elton was superb.
“The crowd was into everything he did and the atmosphere was tremendous all night long.
“We were delighted to discover we’d won the radio competition and we’ll never forget the experience of seeing Sir Elton perform in our home town’s namesake in Scotland.”
And how did Airdrie, North Lanarkshire compare to Airdrie, Alberta?
“Very different, but it was terrific – and a little strange – to visit a town with the same name as ours”, said Pat.
“The weather was a little cold, but we’re used to that with the harsh winters we get back home, and at least it stayed dry for the concert.
“The people of Airdrie were extremely welcoming and very friendly too and we can’t thank them enough for their hospitality.”
That warm welcome was exemplified by Shawlee Cottage owners Cathy and Sandy Aitken, with Pat adding: “They were wonderful company and made us feel right at home in their B&B.
“They told us all about the area and were very warm, down-to-earth people; I can’t recommend staying with them enough.”
Cathy and Sandy were also in attendance for Sir Elton’s gig on Saturday night, with their B&B packed with fellow concertgoers all weekend.
Cathy said: “We were very busy but it was brilliant and there was a great feeling of joy in the B&B as everyone looked forward to the concert.
“It was great to see Pat and Barbra enjoy themselves so much and Sandy and I had a wonderful time at the show too; Elton was tremendous!”