Yes, indeed, last year in Paris he didn't feel quite Ok (he couldn't talk...exhausted perhaps) and I bet he "put n his polite act". In Vienna I had a different perspective on him: VERY chatty, happy and ...he just seemed to have enjoyed the gig and was up to meeting new fans.
I really like the bolded part! and I really agree with you. Even though he lets himself quite accessible to say the least to his fans at the M&G's after the gig...is just a way to even protect himself you know. I mean...if he was this pop star who would run away through the backdoor all covered in everything, the kind that runs away from his fans...it could only "feed" the obssessiveness (is that a word? ) and gets more vulnerable. So I think that these M&G's are a really healthy decision and keeps everybody happy: Mika AND his fans.
As for the touching part...I'm afraid there are people around me that I have known for years and still feel strange if I touche or get touched by them. It is a pretty personal thing and you need to have a pretty stable friendship relationship with one to touch/be touched, IMO. Mika...we know him, we're well familliar with him, he's "here" everyday...but we're not there everyday for him the way he is for me. He may have heard of us, but doesn't know us, so ..yes I agree with you. We should maintain our "well behaved fans" not groupies. (I repeat: I RESPECT all of those who had the guts to ask for a hug/kiss! )
In fact this distance is even a proof of politeness. You know, I really enjoyed his genuine and unexpected laughter he left out when I gave him the medal. I wouldn't trade that for a hug in a million years. A hug is a hug...the genuine laughter is the genuine laughter.
And yes, Caz, that DOES make sense...if he feels like touching us (shoulder, hand, whatever) it's ok.
as for my Jimmy moment...I can't remember who had the initiative of shaking hands...I just remember I shook hands with him (damn...it was only 2 weeks ago how could I forget...*) and he made a pause expecting me to say my name. That was cute.
*actually if it wasn't for my video I would've forgotten right away that I said "HI! and "how are you to Mika "