REPORTS/PHOTOS/VIDEOS for Mika in Los Angeles, CA -- Wiltern: 11-02-2008

[Hannah]

 

Perez's hair looks fabulous.

 

 

Love the reports, everyone!

[artsyfartsy17]

Yeah, Yasmine spoke to him in French and he answered in English and then, he said something in French and she answered in English.

 

I saw you when you came out; I was with Sivan and the others, but a couple of feet ahead in line!

 

I wanted to say hi, but I was in the back and I'm a bit shy.

[Candboys]

Around 11:30pm, Alison escorted us to a private room to wait for Mika. In this room, there were 2 couches, water and sodas set up for us and oh, yes...a restroom. YAY!!

 

I actually thought that we were going to be meeting him cattle-call style so I was so shocked when we found out that it was a private meeting. Andy came in the room about 10 minutes earlier and was just having fun with us. He interviewed Kathleen and I took a pic of him interviewing her and he said with a huge smile, "Hey, behave!". I said, "No! I'm only taken your pic because you always have that annoying camera on me. Crap, then he turns the camera on me. LMAO!! His smile is to die for. I think I have an ANDY crush. Yep, it happened.

 

So, Andy then interviewed Kathleen's adorable nephews and they were so nervous! OMG...so fun to watch them shake.

 

Then, I could hear Mika walking our way! I looked at Kathleen and said, "Here he comes." He walked right in behind me and I could feel the breeze as he walked around me to get to Kathleen. He gave her a big hug and then turned to me and said, "Awe, Salt Lake City" and gave me the biggest hug. Awe, he smelled so good and his hug was so tight. Andy, then said, "She was in Glasgow too." and Mika said, "I know...but Salt Lake was recent." You know, I don't think I've still ever told them my name. I'm such a dork. Although in Glasgow Mika said my name...so, I'm not sure. LOL

 

So, Kathleen and Mika got in a lengthy conversation. Since it wasn't mine, I won't repeat it here. Sorry, however, Mika did look at me and say, "Well, how did Salt Lake City compare with tonight?" I said, "There's no comparison. Tonight, we got the big, theatrical production and Friday night, we got the all natural, lets sit down and play a gig. Salt Lake was so intimate and fun that I don't know if anything could compare. He smiled and said, "Yes...that was fun. So, did you like that more than the Big show?" I said, No, "It was different..one that I'm glad I got to witness because you'll probably never do it again." He then said, "Well, Glasgow was different too...huh?" I said, "Yeah, it was..didn't have half the stuff that you did tonight. Wow, I've been to three totally different shows.....sure couldn't accuse you of not putting on a different show!" He then said, "Ugh, you went to the ony shows where there weren't Big Girls and now, I can't make my point." I said, "What's your point?" Andy was filming the whole thing and then, I said, "Hey, when did this turn into an interview. Shouldn't I be the one asking questions?"

 

Then.....PEREZ walks in and interrupts our flow just when Mika was going to tell me his point. But, that's okay...Mika told him and us that he was going to be on the Tonight Show this week and to watch for it." Perez hugged Mika and on his way out, he pointed at me and sang, "Doo da da dee da dee doo."

 

Then, Mika was handed about 15 CDs to sign and Mika said, "Can you help me? Make an assembly line and take out the covers and hand to me?" We obliged and he quickly signed them all. While he sat on the couch, he talked to us some more and then, Yasmine came to get him. They spoke in French/English but, I could tell that he needed to get going.

 

Since it was just us in the room, I felt like it was okay to be taking pictures. If anyone else had been in there, I wouldn't have. He was so cute and on with everything. On his way out, He did a "Swoosh" with his hands like in that black and white video of his and says, with a giggle and smile, "Stop with the pics." I giggled and said, "Great, I stopped taking pictures when you started doing something cute." He gave me that great laugh of us and hugged me bye. Then, that was it.

 

There was more...I'm sure but I can't think of it all right now. As I remember, I'll add.

 

So, on our way out, I saw John and he stopped me and took my hand and said, "Nice to see you again." I said, "Nice to see you too." He really is a very NICE person. And, when he smiles, he just looks like a Teddy Bear.

 

It sounds like you had such a nice meeting with him! I'm so excited for you! Thanks for your report and pictures too.

[LadyGodiva]

AH! thank you everybody who put up pics and reports! wonderful! Ah! can't wait for more!!!

[robertina]

charlotte

your story is so exciting!

thanks a lot for sharing...you are a lucky peep!

 

say hallo to kathleen for me, she was so nice to us with the badges!

[Piperita Patty]

Yeah, Yasmine spoke to him in French and he answered in English and then, he said something in French and she answered in English.

 

They are mutts!

 

Oh and what has he got on his hand? even in Turin it was fessed...

[kath]

Charlie!!! That is a fantastic story!! You lucky lucky girl

 

What fantastic memories you must have! You must be absolutly floating!!!! Thank you for giving us such a full report

[Mika4Life13]

So, Mika was amazing and everything, but these are the people that made my weekend:

 

 

You guys were awesome!

 

 

 

You all look amazing!!!!

 

 

(Lolly looks a tad insane...*das smile but won't fit*)

 

 

And artsy *wolf whistle*

[artsyfartsy17]

Finally got it up:

 

Sorry about all the MFCer screaming and chitter chatter.

 

 

And M...*wolf whistles back*

[Mika4Life13]

Aha i see you wore the pants of awesomness.

[soon-to-bemrs.penniman]

8:34 am

 

Wake up far too early after an awful dream that that gig was moved to a Walmart, and that thousands of people were lining up. Shower, get dressed. Venue is one block from our hotel...very, very handy.

 

 

11:09am

 

Spot Sivan, Summer and Summer's sister (I think?) already in the queue. At this point, they were the queue. Head over to the Denny's just up the block, where we spot Taylor (lollipopgirl83) in the corner. Amy (artsyfartsy) is also there. Soon, Vanessa and Beatrice show up (findingmywords and her friend...cousin? Who has yet to join MFC). Nono (Fmbm) arrives shortly after. Breakfast is great. Pass out MFC badges and rosettes to the gals (talk about a way to score points!). Attempt to eat despite nerves.

 

 

11:50 am

 

Finish eating. Run to Starbucks (because a double espresso hits the spot when you're nervous and excited beyond repair). Join Vanessa and Beatrice running through a random grove of trees in the middle of LA.

 

 

12:22pm

 

Still not many people in the queue. Start thinking of what a long wait this will be. Be thankful for the weather (about 73F, or 24C ish, and sunny).

 

 

12:37pm

 

Time to stalk what we think may be Mika's tour bus, parked behind the Wiltern. We made friends with the security guy, a fellow called Timothy. I think the poor guy was lonely, because he quite liked chatting with us! See Luke walk into the venue from a distance, with Cherisse and Saranayde. See roadie walk in with Mika`s jackets. I think this is the point where it all started to seem really, really...real.

 

 

2:25 pm

 

Again with the stalking of the tour bus. A town car pulls up right beside us, carrying John (Mika's manager). We walk up to him, and he stops and talks to us. He tells us that it's gonna be a good show, and that he prefers LA weather over Midwest snow - although Salt Lake City was okay, he says, because it's a "dry cold".

 

 

3:10pm

 

Back out front in the queue. Timothy (security guy) comes out to tell us that the band came looking for us where we had been stalking the tour bus. Panic and run back over.

 

 

3:20pm

 

Luke and Saranayde come out to chat. They ask us if we were at the infamous Salt Lake City gig - no, we weren`t, but we heard all about it! Thank them for improvising for the SLC fans, even with their equipment stuck in another state. Saranayde - beautiful, sweet girl - jokes that during the SLC acoustic set, she got to upgrade from the cup and spoon she plays during Holy Johnny. Luke came around the barrier to see if he could spot the queue from where he was standing - stood right next to me. OMG.

 

 

4:23pm

 

Playing cards in the queue. Silly string makes an appearance. Neon paint makes a reappearance. Nono brought portable speakers, and Andrew (StandardToaster) had the entire LICM DVD on his iPod. Dance, sing, and feel the excitement build.

 

 

5:48

 

Sun goes down, excitement levels go up. Queue is beginning to grow. Singing Mika`s songs loudly and fabulously off-key. Love the atmosphere. Make last bathroom and other such breaks - doors open in less than an hour!

 

 

6:51pm

 

Potential catastrophe. Venue staff had come around and given orange wristbands to everyone with floor seats. However, Sivan, Summer, Summer`s sister and Michelle had stepped out of the line for a moment - and security wasn`t going to let them back in. Girls managed to convince them, complete with digital pics of them sitting with the rest of us from early in the afternoon.

 

 

7:07pm

 

Gahh, impatience! Open the freakin` doors already! They take away everyone`s silly string. Hmph, there goes that idea.

 

 

7:12pm

 

Doors are open! Security is checking purses. I get the joy of extra scrutiny because of -heavens! - an empty Ziploc bag. Power walk into the venue, get down onto the floor. Front row - slightly onto Martin`s side of the stage. Phew.

 

 

7:30pm

 

Shwayze takes the stage. Random rapper guy, performing slightly melodic but meh-ish rap to a backing track - no live musicians. Okay, but not Mika...certainly not Mika.

 

At this point, there was a screen above the stage with a number to text messages to, which would then be displayed on the screen. Was more entertaining than the act, sorry to say.

 

 

8:00pm

 

Midway State takes the stage. At least they played some freakin`instruments! You know, if I was in a bar or something and Midway State took the stage, I`d have been thoroughly impressed. Lead singer (Nathan, who talked to us MFCers before the gig) has a pretty voice, and he sure ain`t bad to look at. But again, they`re not Mika. I was trying SO HARD to live in the moment, to try to enjoy their music. It was so hard, though, when I was bubbling from toes to tail in Mika-anticpation.

 

 

8:50pm

 

Midway State wrapped up twenty minutes ago. The anticpation in the room was palpable. Everyone would have been on the edge of their seats, had their been seats. Watch the roadies get the stage set for our Man. The crowd is literally buzzing. Very good atmosphere, though - plenty of space at the front, no pushing whatsoever.

 

 

9:12pm

 

Jump outta bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition...workin`9 - 5! What a way to make a livin!

AHHHHH!!

 

that is a FANTASTIC report!!!! :punk:

 

THANK YOU

 

i feel as if i were there:wink2:

[BonjourMika1990]

Back from school:mf_lustslow: Horrible day, but it's nice to see and read these reports.

 

How many times do I have to say this really? Mana, you are an amazing writer, and I knew that a long time ago:wink2: but you brought me to where you were... now, I'm just jealous of course because my book is sitting on my shelf ripped at the corners from the drunks around me at my gig:sneaky2:

I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE, I SAW THE PICCIES, AND SOME OF YOU ARE MY FAVORITE PEOPLE ON HERE LOL

[Mika4Life13]

8:34 am

 

Wake up far too early after an awful dream that that gig was moved to a Walmart, and that thousands of people were lining up. Shower, get dressed. Venue is one block from our hotel...very, very handy.

 

 

11:09am

 

Spot Sivan, Summer and Summer's sister (I think?) already in the queue. At this point, they were the queue. Head over to the Denny's just up the block, where we spot Taylor (lollipopgirl83) in the corner. Amy (artsyfartsy) is also there. Soon, Vanessa and Beatrice show up (findingmywords and her friend...cousin? Who has yet to join MFC). Nono (Fmbm) arrives shortly after. Breakfast is great. Pass out MFC badges and rosettes to the gals (talk about a way to score points!). Attempt to eat despite nerves.

 

 

11:50 am

 

Finish eating. Run to Starbucks (because a double espresso hits the spot when you're nervous and excited beyond repair). Join Vanessa and Beatrice running through a random grove of trees in the middle of LA.

 

 

12:22pm

 

Still not many people in the queue. Start thinking of what a long wait this will be. Be thankful for the weather (about 73F, or 24C ish, and sunny).

 

 

12:37pm

 

Time to stalk what we think may be Mika's tour bus, parked behind the Wiltern. We made friends with the security guy, a fellow called Timothy. I think the poor guy was lonely, because he quite liked chatting with us! See Luke walk into the venue from a distance, with Cherisse and Saranayde. See roadie walk in with Mika`s jackets. I think this is the point where it all started to seem really, really...real.

1:30pm

 

Artsy calls Alexandra to say hi but phone dies.

 

1:45

 

Artsy calls back and we all talk to alexandra WOOHOO

 

2:25 pm

 

Again with the stalking of the tour bus. A town car pulls up right beside us, carrying John (Mika's manager). We walk up to him, and he stops and talks to us. He tells us that it's gonna be a good show, and that he prefers LA weather over Midwest snow - although Salt Lake City was okay, he says, because it's a "dry cold".

 

 

3:10pm

 

Back out front in the queue. Timothy (security guy) comes out to tell us that the band came looking for us where we had been stalking the tour bus. Panic and run back over.

 

 

3:20pm

 

Luke and Saranayde come out to chat. They ask us if we were at the infamous Salt Lake City gig - no, we weren`t, but we heard all about it! Thank them for improvising for the SLC fans, even with their equipment stuck in another state. Saranayde - beautiful, sweet girl - jokes that during the SLC acoustic set, she got to upgrade from the cup and spoon she plays during Holy Johnny. Luke came around the barrier to see if he could spot the queue from where he was standing - stood right next to me. OMG.

 

 

4:23pm

 

Playing cards in the queue. Silly string makes an appearance. Neon paint makes a reappearance. Nono brought portable speakers, and Andrew (StandardToaster) had the entire LICM DVD on his iPod. Dance, sing, and feel the excitement build.

 

 

5:48

 

Sun goes down, excitement levels go up. Queue is beginning to grow. Singing Mika`s songs loudly and fabulously off-key. Love the atmosphere. Make last bathroom and other such breaks - doors open in less than an hour!

 

 

6:51pm

 

Potential catastrophe. Venue staff had come around and given orange wristbands to everyone with floor seats. However, Sivan, Summer, Summer`s sister and Michelle had stepped out of the line for a moment - and security wasn`t going to let them back in. Girls managed to convince them, complete with digital pics of them sitting with the rest of us from early in the afternoon.

 

 

7:07pm

 

Gahh, impatience! Open the freakin` doors already! They take away everyone`s silly string. Hmph, there goes that idea.

 

 

7:12pm

 

Doors are open! Security is checking purses. I get the joy of extra scrutiny because of -heavens! - an empty Ziploc bag. Power walk into the venue, get down onto the floor. Front row - slightly onto Martin`s side of the stage. Phew.

 

 

7:30pm

 

Shwayze takes the stage. Random rapper guy, performing slightly melodic but meh-ish rap to a backing track - no live musicians. Okay, but not Mika...certainly not Mika.

 

At this point, there was a screen above the stage with a number to text messages to, which would then be displayed on the screen. Was more entertaining than the act, sorry to say.

 

 

8:00pm

 

Midway State takes the stage. At least they played some freakin`instruments! You know, if I was in a bar or something and Midway State took the stage, I`d have been thoroughly impressed. Lead singer (Nathan, who talked to us MFCers before the gig) has a pretty voice, and he sure ain`t bad to look at. But again, they`re not Mika. I was trying SO HARD to live in the moment, to try to enjoy their music. It was so hard, though, when I was bubbling from toes to tail in Mika-anticpation.

 

 

8:50pm

 

Midway State wrapped up twenty minutes ago. The anticpation in the room was palpable. Everyone would have been on the edge of their seats, had their been seats. Watch the roadies get the stage set for our Man. The crowd is literally buzzing. Very good atmosphere, though - plenty of space at the front, no pushing whatsoever.

 

 

9:12pm

 

Jump outta bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition...workin`9 - 5! What a way to make a livin!

 

THERE :roftl:

[lovelove_mika]

wow, what great reports :]

I'm glad you all had a wonderful time

[soon-to-bemrs.penniman]

BTW- I just have to say that Perez is adorable. While I was talking to Mika, he came in the room and apologized for interrupting but he had to go. Mika told him/us that he was going to be on the Tonight show this week and then Perez left the room. On his way out, he pointed at me and started singing, "DOo dah dah dee da de doo. Da Dadee dadee do." Awe, he's a sweetie. I've heard differently, but, he was really nice to us.

:eek:

the Tonight show? the tonight show????!

 

what tv station is that on??? it sounds so familiar:boxed:

 

 

all these awesome reports have turned my mind to jell-o

[mandilambi]

Oh, I misread that the first time to say that Perez was going to be on the Tonight's Show.... What day is Mika going to be on???

[iheartmika]

 

UGH you got the picture i wanted!

i tried to get him sitting on the M in Minneapolis lol

[Queenie]

Wow, i finished reading it all.

My tummy hurts, my heart aches and i feel so overwhelmed! (yes, i told it already but i´m very sensitive lately XD)

Thanks for the pics, vids and the REVIEWS (with big capitals), specially Charlie & Mana. An incredible experience lived from different perspectives and sides in the same day.

Mana, you put it in words what i always wanted to say, but my crappy english never let me do it. You left me speechless

And Charlie..how i envy you!! it seems like a great great fun and an unforgettable night for you. You were the first one. More to follow, please!!

[level28]

I just finish reading the thread too.

THANK YOU all especially to charlotte!

It's like I was there thanks to your detailed report and the pics

It's such a great experience! I wish I could meet him and talk to him so naturally.

I wish I could all meet you too!

[Mika4Life13]

I am making pictures using the concert pics if anyone is interested

[carrinevie]

Lollipop Monkey - am sooo with you on the emotions - you just made me cry too!!

 

When I first saw him at Brighton last year I was soo excited I turned to Jemma and said "Oh mY god Im going to cry!"

 

This from a 40yr old with 2 kids, 2 dogs and a mad gerbil - who also pretends to be a normal 9 to 5 er!!

 

So glad you all had such a fabby fab time

[Mika4Life13]

[Finkster]

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who got teary eyed from reading Mana's report.

 

Wow..you guys have left me speechless.

Sounds like it was an amazing show.

And the MFC meetup looked like such fun!

 

Thanks Mana, StandardToaster, artsy, and Charlotte.

 

Charlotte..you are one lucky lady!

[Fmbm]

If I write a report will anyone read it? haha

[Lucy]

Around 11:30pm, Alison escorted us to a private room to wait for Mika. In this room, there were 2 couches, water and sodas set up for us and oh, yes...a restroom. YAY!!

 

I actually thought that we were going to be meeting him cattle-call style so I was so shocked when we found out that it was a private meeting. Andy came in the room about 10 minutes earlier and was just having fun with us. He interviewed Kathleen and I took a pic of him interviewing her and he said with a huge smile, "Hey, behave!". I said, "No! I'm only taken your pic because you always have that annoying camera on me. Crap, then he turns the camera on me. LMAO!! His smile is to die for. I think I have an ANDY crush. Yep, it happened.

 

So, Andy then interviewed Kathleen's adorable nephews and they were so nervous! OMG...so fun to watch them shake.

 

Then, I could hear Mika walking our way! I looked at Kathleen and said, "Here he comes." He walked right in behind me and I could feel the breeze as he walked around me to get to Kathleen. He gave her a big hug and then turned to me and said, "Awe, Salt Lake City" and gave me the biggest hug. Awe, he smelled so good and his hug was so tight. Andy, then said, "She was in Glasgow too." and Mika said, "I know...but Salt Lake was recent." You know, I don't think I've still ever told them my name. I'm such a dork. Although in Glasgow Mika said my name...so, I'm not sure. LOL

 

So, Kathleen and Mika got in a lengthy conversation. Since it wasn't mine, I won't repeat it here. Sorry, however, Mika did look at me and say, "Well, how did Salt Lake City compare with tonight?" I said, "There's no comparison. Tonight, we got the big, theatrical production and Friday night, we got the all natural, lets sit down and play a gig. Salt Lake was so intimate and fun that I don't know if anything could compare. He smiled and said, "Yes...that was fun. So, did you like that more than the Big show?" I said, No, "It was different..one that I'm glad I got to witness because you'll probably never do it again." He then said, "Well, Glasgow was different too...huh?" I said, "Yeah, it was..didn't have half the stuff that you did tonight. Wow, I've been to three totally different shows.....sure couldn't accuse you of not putting on a different show!" He then said, "Ugh, you went to the ony shows where there weren't Big Girls and now, I can't make my point." I said, "What's your point?" Andy was filming the whole thing and then, I said, "Hey, when did this turn into an interview. Shouldn't I be the one asking questions?"

 

Then.....PEREZ walks in and interrupts our flow just when Mika was going to tell me his point. But, that's okay...Mika told him and us that he was going to be on the Tonight Show this week and to watch for it." Perez hugged Mika and on his way out, he pointed at me and sang, "Doo da da dee da dee doo."

 

Then, Mika was handed about 15 CDs to sign and Mika said, "Can you help me? Make an assembly line and take out the covers and hand to me?" We obliged and he quickly signed them all. While he sat on the couch, he talked to us some more and then, Yasmine came to get him. They spoke in French/English but, I could tell that he needed to get going.

 

Since it was just us in the room, I felt like it was okay to be taking pictures. If anyone else had been in there, I wouldn't have. He was so cute and on with everything. On his way out, He did a "Swoosh" with his hands like in that black and white video of his and says, with a giggle and smile, "Stop with the pics." I giggled and said, "Great, I stopped taking pictures when you started doing something cute." He gave me that great laugh of us and hugged me bye. Then, that was it.

 

There was more...I'm sure but I can't think of it all right now. As I remember, I'll add.

 

So, on our way out, I saw John and he stopped me and took my hand and said, "Nice to see you again." I said, "Nice to see you too." He really is a very NICE person. And, when he smiles, he just looks like a Teddy Bear.

 

You were very lucky that got an amazing chance to meet him and actually have a conversation!!!!!