Russia - October 22, 2005
Hello Everyone, Since our 2+ weeks rehearsals in Neuchatel, Switzerland we've played shows in Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki, St. Petersburg, and Moscow. Today we are flying into Vilnius (Lithuania). The city of St. Petersburg is the most beautiful city in Russia. I would consider it one of the top 5 beautiful cities I've ever visited. A group of us were able to take a tour of the city with a couple Russian interpreters. The architecture was stunning. Some of it reminds me of the style of building you might even see in Paris. The people I encountered generally were friendly. As far as the concert, the audience was very warm and enthusiastic. They seemed to mouth the words to all the songs. We loved playing for them. I would love to go back there again someday. The promoter took the band out to an excellent Russian restaurant where they served great food and had a live trio (guitar/keyboards/vocalist) playing during and after our dinner. They were very good musicians. After enough food and drinks our rhythm guitar player Ronnie Caryl got up to sing with the band and was soon joined by one of our backing vocalists, Bill Cantos, on piano and vocals. Needless to say, we left shortly before we were subjected to any more abuse! The Moscow show was much different from St. Petersburg. It seemed as if the main floor (expensive seats) were reserved for the well-to-do and the bleachers in the back for the others (real fans). At first it felt like we were playing a corporate party. Needless to say, the elite take quite a while to express there excitement......if ever. Eventually we got most of them off there feet. We could see the real fans in the back showing their excitement with no problem. I'm probably being a little hard on the front row people, but usually the people up close are generally the biggest fans and go berserk. I picked out the few in front I knew were really into it and played for them. At breakfast the next morning the hotel offered a buffet breakfast. There was a beautiful and friendly young Russian girl at a buffet stand making any style of eggs you wished to have. As she cooked up some fried eggs for me I struck up a conversation with her. Her English was broken but understandable. She asked me where I came from and what am I doing in Moscow. I told her and she put her hand on her heart and said, "I love this music you play". Since she wasn't able to see the concert, I pulled out one of my guitar picks to give to her. It has my name on one side and "Phil Collins 1st Final Farwell Tour 2005" on the other. I handed it to her and she again put her hand on her heart and said, "Oh thank you, thank you so much". She looked like she was almost going to cry. I was struck by this reaction and was touched by it. After that exchange I went to sit down to eat in the breakfast room. About 5 minutes later she walked over to my table and said "excuse me, this is for you, please have this." She handed me a pen with both hands. It was a beautiful fountain pen. I was again so touched by her gesture. I hadn't encountered this kind of friendliness and kindness the whole time I was in Moscow. Most of the time people seemed very serious and generally unfriendly. On the way out of the restaurant I had to say goodbye and give her a hug. I then went to check out of the hotel and pay my bill. The check out girl at the reception counter was also sweet and friendly. It was a good day in Moscow! Best Regards, Daryl Stuermer |