Madonna fans queue for hours for gig tickets
Two hundred lucky Madonna fans were today celebrating after queuing overnight in the cold and rain to bag free tickets for the star’s gig in London tonight.
The most devoted had arrived early on Monday afternoon at Koko, scene of the singer’s first London show back in June 1983 when the venue was called the Camden Palace.
As soon as fans got there, they were given a wristband which entitled them to claim a ticket once the box office opened its doors at 9.30am. By 8.30am all the wristbands had gone, disappointing scores of others who had turned up too late. And for those in possession of a ticket, the waiting was not over.
Many began queuing on the pavement again immediately afterwards so they could be at the front of the gig, in which Madge will perform songs from her acclaimed new album, Confessions on a Dancefloor.
Kimberly van Pinxteren, 24, from Amsterdam, arrived at dawn this morning and said she was looking forward to hearing the new material. She said: “I travelled all the way from Amsterdam once I heard that tickets were available. It’s been a long journey but worth it. Madonna is my complete idol. Last year I saw her 12 times. Her music is great, her image is wonderful and she has never looked better.”
Fabiano Soares, 27, from Rio De Janeiro but currently living in Lambeth, south London, had stood in the pouring rain for three hours. He said: “I missed her shows in Brazil when she played there 12 years ago and I was very upset. This will more than make up for it. I like everything about her, she works very hard on her image and she has been going for 20 years. She is brilliant.”
Nazan Sevim, 29, from Bethnal Green, east London, camped outside the Koko club after arriving at 2.30pm yesterday. She said: “When I first arrived there were just a few people here. Last night it was extremely cold but it was even worse when the rain began falling. Luckily we brought umbrellas. People in the queue were helping one another and keeping each other’s spirits up – we have even made a few new friends. As soon as I got my tickets I went back round the end of the queue for tickets so that I will be right at the front of the queue when the doors open tonight. I will not have time to go home or change what I am wearing.
Doorman Scott Allan, 24, who has been on the box office door since 2pm on Monday, said: “Fans started queuing before it was announced on the radio. When I arrived for work yesterday afternoon I couldn’t believe there were already fans waiting to grab tickets. I wouldn’t let anyone in the queue unless they had wrapped up warm – one girl turned up in a mini skirt and no coat so I sent her away. Some of these fans can only be described as crazy.”
From Life Style Extra
• Fans sleep rough for Madonna club tickets
Fans queued overnight in an attempt to get into Madonna’s club show in London tonight. The date at Koko today will see the singer return to the venue where she made her first ever UK appearance back in June 1983. The club was then known as the Camden Palace.
Fans have been told that 200 tickets will be available for free on the door for tonight’s show, prompting many to brave the cold for a night under the stars on one of the chilliest nights of the year to date. One fan, who slept on the steps of the club, told the London Evening Standard newspaper: “It’s a bit harsh, but we couldn’t miss it. It’s a one-off show, it’s the world premiere of the new songs, so it’s a really special occasion. And it’s a really small venue – it’s going to be amazing.”
It is expected Madonna will play five songs from her “Confessions On A Dance Floor” album released yesterday.
From NME