CHILDLINE CONCERT 2002
On January 26th 2002 Dublins Point Theatre was filled with people of all ages
in anticipation of the annual Childline Concert. This years line up was as good
as ever, with performances from S Club 7, Abs, Reel, Samantha Mumba and of
course Westlife returning to the stage as they do every year. " It wouldn't
be the same for us if we didn't do Childline" 
said Mark Feehily when I
caught up with him backstage. "We'd be sitting in some tour bus in France
or somewhere just feeling guilty". The boys in A1 felt the same way.
"This is our third year doing Childline, and we feel we're progressing
somewhere each year. This year we will be performing our new song 'Caught in the
Middle' and we believe its a new feel for the band'.
S Club 7 were happy to be among the madness. Childline would be but a warm up
for them in the Irish dates of their tour which would commence on Jan 29th. Jon
told us that he was looking forward to spending a few days in Dublin, and taking
in some sights. Naturally I recommended him to visit Galway!
Reel were extremely
excited as they were awaiting the impending release of their latest single 'You
take me away'. Such friendly guys they were seen backstage having a laugh with
the other performers. When asked who they would be chatting up that night they
all agreed on one particular lady- Rachel from S Club 7. Unfortunately for them,
Rachel is in fact engaged...
A silence decended on the room when Blue finally made it to the building.
There had been worries that they wouldn't make it as their plane had been
delayed,
but thankfully all was well and they sat down to tell us all about
their latest escapades. Between laughs and giggles and a slip up where I called
them a 'boy band' we learned all about their up coming tour.
Irish five piece Fifth Avenue, and S Club 7 were given the opportunity to
meet each other for the first time. It was a case of arms and legs
everywhere as the twelve tried their utmost to fit into one picture
A rumour quickly spread through the room that Westlife were going to make an appearance in the media center and hearts all around me started to race . (and mine too, if truth be told). As soon as a quiff of Shane's hair was seen stepping through the door a mass lunge occured in their direction. Professionally and calmly, the boys strolled through the groups of journalists eager for a word or two, and stood by the photo-shoot area. Once they were finished it was time for a quick appearance on the Den... and like a fox I ambushed Mark Feehily leaving Dustin and Soky's 'little big area'. Delighted to be back in Ireland, Mark was preparing to t travel to Asia for the MTV Asia music awards where they would be performing the following night. I managed to nab Kian a few minutes later as they were on their way out the door to ask him the all important question..."Where's the Change, Kian?" for a second he looked puzzled until he replied... "The Change is in your pocket !!", the famous slogan from those highly irritating 'Euro is coming' advertisments.
With Westlife after leaving, there was only one band who had not made an
appearance so far. The winners of the Popstars series, Six, who were to have
their first major performance that very night as part of the Childline Concert.
With only minutes left until the performance was due to commence it was unlikely
that we would 'catch a glimpse' of the lucky competition winners. However, as
journalists began to pack up and prepare for the show, a sea of white costumes
flooded through the door. Sara, Kyle, Andy, Liam , Emma and Sinéad were ushered
to the photo shoot stand, smiled relentlessly for just over five minutes before
they were ushered out again. Obviously they were told not to give any
interviews!
With all the performers preparing for the show it was time to leave and secure my place, in anticipation of a concert that lived up to everything I believed it would. Yet again the Childline Concert was to be the highlight of the pop music year.... as I'm sure it will continue to be for years to come.
By Sinéad Ní Mheallaigh.
Check out more pictures below!!
Blue (2)
One of the Reel twins answers a question
Keith Duffy interviews Bellefire
Mark Feehily being interviewed by Shady
Da Boyz in Westlife chill out with Keith
Six on Stage- debut performance
