suzie

I most certainly remember meeting you but my face memory is really bad so I'd like to apologize from you in advance in case I look a bit uncertain where and when I met you before:teehee:

Looking forward to seeing you again!

To be honest, I'd prefer if the evening was about Mika impressing me and not the other way round. We did plan a surprise for Mika at last year's Balaton Sound, for example, but it was only to make him feel more comfortable given it was not his own gig. The Vienna gig two and a half years ago was awesome without any particular things planned and that was because of the audience. I expect the same diverse and enthusiastic audience to be present this year as well and even with some genuine surprise for him in terms of personal banners, dance moves or simply being able to sing with him and enjoy themselves the way they prefer to do so. If anyone comes up with any special idea, I am happy to participate, of course, but I personally don't think it would be needed for Vienna.

I would have considered Iceland for a gig if it wasn't announced for December:aah:. I hope he'll return next spring or summer:teehee:

They are obviously preparing an announcement for the next set of small gigs you wouldn't want to miss...

That is sad to hear. It means that there is no expectation of this album to do well in the US.

@Yuna I always understand you but this time I am not sure what you mean. I must be tired but can you explain / paraphrase the last two sentences you wrote to Marilyn, please.

I think he has had it, that's all the results. People get invited to shows like that, with record companies 'nominating' them, most likely. Shame the interest is not there. Him performing The Origin of Love or Underwater at the Jools Holland show would be lovely. Perhaps for some Xmas special.

@krysady I can totally imagine them not having enough quality applicants for some Eurooean gigs. I think it has to do with the method of choosing fans, ie. that you need to video yourself and post it for everyone to watch. Anyway, are you going to any of the gigs?

There is definitely a big, deep story behind it, it's just that he doesn't consider it important to share details. I don't think it is needed, actually.

@Kata Be careful, Mika will put his magic spell on Junior and she'll want to start chasing him around Europe:teehee:

On the first album there were many standout songs (probably different ones working in each coutnry, like here we had Big Girl as the most played one), on the second there were none. I couldn't point out any that would have worked better than WAG, anyway. On this album, however, almost any song would have worked better than Celebrate, in my opinion. And that is what I find annoying. It is not about one liking the song or not. It is simply the wrong representation of the album in sound (it sounds old-fashioned dance music vs the very much current sound of Stardust, for example), the lyrics that were left in this version have no real story and neither are they witty that is characteristic of many Mika songs. And, of course, there is Pharrel's rap that , to me, is a total mismatch, making the song sound UNclassy and a desparate attempt for a chart return. There may be more to a successful return to the UK charts than choose an outstandingly great song but it is a starting point. The reason I find it so sad is not that a song may fall short of expectations for many (Mika is 'allowed' to make mistakes ), but the fact that it really sounds to me like an originally good Mika song was manipulated to deliver success, and, consequently, failed to do so. Otherwise, I think it was Mika's image that led to his downfall in the UK and it happened years ago. Let's be honest: there is a snobbish attitude to pop music over there. You are defined by how you look and act and the audience follows judgement of 'opinion leaders'. That's why Mika started out with such success : him announced as the BBC Voice of 2007 gave him credibility that lasted until his colourful image and ridiculous costumes appeared. Then everyone (incl. radio stations) backed out. It seems to be that in the UK you either play dumb, simplistic pop and act accordingly with regular tabloid appearance or act miserable to sell your 'alternative' pop stuff . You can't have it in-between. Even George Michael failed to do so and he is also being frowned upon by critics over there. His luck is his huge back catalogue and his age.

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll book a night and spend Tuesday at the Schönbrunn Palace.

@faballa Thank you for all the explanations. I look forward to meeting you, too I think I will arrive with 1 or 2 Hungarian fans now and by train. So we'll get off at the Westbahnhoff as there is a direct line to the Gasometer from there. As for going back, I think the earliest train is from Meidling at 6am, so we may just be hanging around till then - not sure where though. Perhaps in some hotel lobby with other fans

Report about your view from the balcony. That should be interesting as well. Who cares about him doing any signing afterwards, anyway.

Good to see him perform The Origin of Love at such important, high profile shows.

Have fun and tell us all!

Thank you! it is helpful indeed. So Südbahnhof is out for the way back. I just need to figure where to catch the train or bus back

Critics review thread: http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27459 - it would be good to collect them all in one place.

We have a fan review thread here: http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27316 you may want to post yours there as well.

I am pretty sure you can sing. It may be for the younger generation who record everything and feel relaxed about posting personal stuff on community sites. I am more old-fashioned in that respect. Singing as part of a choir and on stage does not have much to do with posting a film about yourself on YT. Anyway, I wanted to ask some quick advice from the Austrian fans as I still haven't bought my train ticket. Which station would you recommend to use (the one most convenient by public transport to the venue) - U3 Bus station - Westbahnhoff -Südbahnhoff - this must be the best choice... -Meidling -Hütteldorf - that is for a morning train back - must be in the suburbs:dunno:

I don't think so. Celebrate didn't do well anywhere. In theory he has a second chance with the second single but of course with that one he won't get much media exposure any more. I am still positive that good songs do get played on UK radio. I agree. Anywhere, probably.

My enthusiasm is yet to return - still too many other things I need to deal with till then. I think it is a good idea they are checking applicants as clearly for people who can sing it actually means more than it would for the rest. However, as one needs to make a video of themselves to apply, I bet it will be the same 10 - 15 people applying for each gig, except for France, probably, where it will be more. I don't have the time or the willingness to video myself for that but I wouldn't exclude volunteering for that prior to that gig if it won't take much effort...

I'm not surprised by that song doing well in the US. I'm coming late for the party on MFC but I am really pleased for him, too.

Please don't. I logged in only to read them. of course not. My guess is that this bloke is supposed to represent the port of Mika's call.