It was pitch-dark. Even though we were over 25 000 Dolly fans standing in the O2 Arena at 9 p.m. in London we didn’t make a sound. It was as we weren’t even there. The lights were off and the only thing you could distinguish was your own hand if you put it straight in front of your face. The tension was in the air. All we wanted to see was a big chested lady from Tennessee. And suddenly people in front of me started to raise their voices. Before I even could take it in, the lights went on and Dolly walked out from behind the stage with an expression saying: “Long time no see”.
I felt happy and I noticed everyone around me felt the same. As always this little country girl was cheerful and she asked us how we’ve been. And at that moment it didn’t matter if I was great or not. Because I was fantastic after she walked out.
The opening number was Katrina and the Waves’ ”Walking on Sunshine” from 1983. The whole stage was on fire. The tempo was high and so were our expectations. The little lady was singing with so much passion that my whole face lit up in a big smile.
The greatest thing about Dolly is that she basically can be alone on the stage but it doesn’t feel empty. And I think that was the concept for the concert – and for the whole tour – to keep it simple. I think that what she’s trying to create was a nice, homely and comfy feeling. She became the main attraction by having a simple concert but it still had so much feeling put into it. Because she has the confidence in her voice so she doesn’t have to have any stage props for it to look or sound good.
With the Better Day World Tour Parton traveled around North America, Australia and Europe. During the tour – which was her tenth in total – she sang some of her most popular songs as Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, Islands in the Streams and 9 to 5.
Since Dolly’s been active as a musician since late 60’s most of the music that were played was old. But all of the performances were fresh with new sparkling clothes, accessories and hair.
I loved the concert. I felt welcomed, happy and incredibly joyful. After I left I was still taken by the “Dolly” moment that I’d been in just a couple of minutes before. When they had a little problem with the guitars Parton didn’t panic. Instead she started to talk to her audience as her family and even asked us which part of London we preferred and would recommend for her to visit.
My overall impression of the concert was fantastic. Time flew by but everything was amazing. Parton never sang off-tune and except the little guitar problem everything went by smoothly. I have nothing to say to such a great musician except ´Thank you´ for an amazing experience. And I wish everyone who reads this would attend Dolly’s next concert.
By Fanny Sandstrom
fannyfrost 