The Fizz

Our usual Friday meetings passed without anything eventful. I was glad. I wrapped up my week before 6 p.m., allowing me to leave before 7 p.m. It was a train and a tube to North Greenwich. We stopped in the O2 at Wasabi for some sushi for dinner before heading into Indigo at The O2. Many people our age were there, all waiting to see Bucks Fizz, although we were repeatedly reminded that we were actually watching The Fizz.

Bucks Fizz, formed in 1981, was famous for winning the Eurovision Song Contest with "Making Your Mind Up." The original line-up included Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan, and Jay Aston. Over the years, the band experienced various line-up changes but continued to tour and release music, maintaining a dedicated fanbase that was at the O2 this evening. Tonight, there were three originals: Mike, Cheryl, and Jay. So, in my opinion, it was Bucks Fizz, but legally, it was not.

They were supported by a tribute band, Ultimate Earth, Wind & Fire, who got the party going. Unlike when we were last here, we didn't have tickets for the seating area. We stood downstairs. It was mostly okay, but the people we were standing behind were oblivious to how much space they used when dancing. It felt like we bobbed up and down all night just to see around them.

The backdrop to the performance was clips from the original promotional videos for the songs. It was interesting to see how the fashions of the '80s were brought back to life.

Of course, they performed the big hits, including my favourites, "My Camera Never Lies," "London Town," "If You Can't Stand the Heat," and "Now Those Days Are Gone." The show wasn't complete without "Land of Make Believe" and concluded with "Making Your Mind Up."

Mike Nolan will retire later this year. I suspect this line-up is the last time at least three of the four originals will perform together. It was an enjoyable evening.