2022 - Mika @ TV recording for The Piano, Royal Festival Hall, London - 10 November

[krysady]

25 minutes ago, Hero said:

And I truly hope that those who still need them are able to obtain tickets.

[Hero]

28 minutes ago, krysady said:

Fingers crossed for you! 

[krysady]

Just now, Hero said:

Fingers crossed for you! 

Thank you! X

I hope everyone will get tickets and would be nice all the MFCers to be together 

[mellody]

1 hour ago, Anna Ko Kolkowska said:

 

In my country there is a saying that "someone with a full belly will never understand a hungry one".

If I had a ticket I would have agreed with Deb's rule and wouldn't have asked to be put on the list.

But I don't want to fight with those who don't want to be honest in this situation.

 

If I don't have a ticket I will not go to London. Whatever...  first row, last row.... 

 

That's how I see it as well, and yeah, maybe I also trust too much that people are honest? Of course I can be wrong. I also was wrong with thinking that they wouldn't fill the (back part of the) venue in the general sale, it really surprised me that it sold out so fast. I'm in a similar situation like you, except that I had a choice and decided not to get a ticket early, for several reasons. I rather overthink than making decisions too fast, and that can sometimes be an advantage and sometimes a disadvantage. What it is in this case, I don't know, depends on if I get a ticket or not. Same for those who already have tickets - it will be an advantage if Deb only gets very few tickets for MFC, because then you have yours for sure and don't have to fear that you might not get one. I just *think* that we should get enough, because the front stalls area is nearly 700 seats, and I don't think the contestants have that many fans yet. Anyway, it's just what I assume, maybe I'm wrong as with the sold out general sale.

Anyway, I haven't booked anything yet. Hope it won't get even more expensive until tomorrow, my timing isn't very flexible because of my family, and the flights for the times I need are already 300€.

 

2 hours ago, Anna Ko Kolkowska said:

The best thing that can happen is that Mika gives us as much places as we need. I cross my fingers for this option.

 

That's what I hope for, too.  Tomorrow... when it comes we can worry then.

[crazyaboutmika]

I hope everyone who wants a ticket get one  Good luck guys

[silver]

I think people should remember that this isn't a Mika gig, he is only one of the performers.  Most of the show will be dedicated to the other artists and competitors. 

 

One of the best things about Mika events is meeting up with other MFCers and I'm sure you will all enjoy the socialising, wherever you end up sitting

[dcdeb]

Wow.

 

That's my reaction to reading all of this. Just wow.

 

First of all, I had no idea we were going to get tickets for this show. In fact, I didn't even know there was going to BE a show. I found out about it when the rest of you did, when Naomi posted here on MFC about it.

 

So it's not like I was withholding any information from anyone.

 

Secondly, I don't quite understand the reaction this is getting. By all accounts, this is going to be a fairly minor performance -- it's not like a full concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I am surprised that so many of you want to make the trip for it, especially after having spent a gazillion dollars traveling all over the US/Europe this year -- I was even more surprised to learn that a number of you had decided to purchase memberships at Southbank Centre just to get a ticket. The only reason that I even mentioned the MFC was going to get tickets was to prevent more of you from spending money needlessly. I never dreamed that it would cause this kind of dissension and criticism.

 

All this talk of "punishment" and "fairness"... No one is being PUNISHED. I could have -- should have, apparently -- said nothing, and just held a drawing after I knew how many tickets we had. Lesson learned. I mean, even then I'm sure I'd get accused of not being fair, but I realized long ago that I will never please everyone. 

 

I have a list of 28 fans who say they need tickets and a list of 10 or so others who have said here or have told me in private that they already have tickets. I am hopeful that we will get a sufficient number of tickets so that every MFCer who wants one will be accommodated and sitting with MFC -- hopefully near the front, but I'm not positive of that, either. I hope to get all the details tomorrow, but, as you all know, things in Mikaland don't always go according to plan.

 

[Prisca]

7 minutes ago, dcdeb said:

First of all, I had no idea we were going to get tickets for this show. In fact, I didn't even know there was going to BE a show. I found out about it when the rest of you did, when Naomi posted here on MFC about it.

 

So it's not like I was withholding any information from anyone.

I never said anything like this. I never said you were not transparent or withholding information.

 

8 minutes ago, dcdeb said:

Secondly, I don't quite understand the reaction this is getting. By all accounts, this is going to be a fairly minor performance -- it's not like a full concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I am surprised that so many of you want to make the trip for it, especially after having spent a gazillion dollars traveling all over the US/Europe this year -- I was even more surprised to learn that a number of you had decided to purchase memberships at Southbank Centre just to get a ticket. The only reason that I even mentioned the MFC was going to get tickets was to prevent more of you from spending money needlessly. I never dreamed that it would cause this kind of dissension and criticism.

I guess because it's the only thing we know that Mika will do in the future. We have nothing else to plan for in Mikaland. At least that is my opinion.

 

10 minutes ago, dcdeb said:

All this talk of "punishment" and "fairness"... No one is being PUNISHED. I could have -- should have, apparently -- said nothing, and just held a drawing after I knew how many tickets we had. Lesson learned. I mean, even then I'm sure I'd get accused of not being fair, but I realized long ago that I will never please everyone.

I have made one criticism and that is that the MFC tickets should be available to all and not just those who don't have tickets (anyone can say they don't have tickets). Equal rights for all.

 

12 minutes ago, dcdeb said:

I have a list of 28 fans who say they need tickets and a list of those of 10 or so others who have said here or have told me in private that they already have tickets. I am hopeful that we will get a sufficient number of tickets so that every MFCer who wants one will be accommodated and sitting with MFC -- hopefully near the front, but I'm not positive of that, either. I hope to get all the details tomorrow, but, as you all know, things in Mikaland don't always go according to plan.

We didn't know how many people were on the list until now...

[Hero]

1 hour ago, dcdeb said:

 

I suspect there have been some misconceptions here. Deb, none of this is aimed at you personally. Please don't take it as such. No one is suggesting you withheld information. That's not even a concern. I should say, in my experience, you are probably one of the fairest people I know. 

 

My comments about fairness and transparency were regarding the mechanism itself. I didn't see how the proposed method could be applied fairly. 

 

I'm surprised we're only talking about approx 40 people, I thought there would be more, given how quickly it sold out. 

 

My fingers are crossed that everyone who still needs a ticket is able to have one. And hope this is a rare occasion when things in Mikaland run on schedule. 

 

[Prisca]

9 hours ago, dcdeb said:

Wow.

 

That's my reaction to reading all of this. Just wow.

 

First of all, I had no idea we were going to get tickets for this show. In fact, I didn't even know there was going to BE a show. I found out about it when the rest of you did, when Naomi posted here on MFC about it.

 

So it's not like I was withholding any information from anyone.

 

Secondly, I don't quite understand the reaction this is getting. By all accounts, this is going to be a fairly minor performance -- it's not like a full concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I am surprised that so many of you want to make the trip for it, especially after having spent a gazillion dollars traveling all over the US/Europe this year -- I was even more surprised to learn that a number of you had decided to purchase memberships at Southbank Centre just to get a ticket. The only reason that I even mentioned the MFC was going to get tickets was to prevent more of you from spending money needlessly. I never dreamed that it would cause this kind of dissension and criticism.

 

All this talk of "punishment" and "fairness"... No one is being PUNISHED. I could have -- should have, apparently -- said nothing, and just held a drawing after I knew how many tickets we had. Lesson learned. I mean, even then I'm sure I'd get accused of not being fair, but I realized long ago that I will never please everyone. 

 

I have a list of 28 fans who say they need tickets and a list of 10 or so others who have said here or have told me in private that they already have tickets. I am hopeful that we will get a sufficient number of tickets so that every MFCer who wants one will be accommodated and sitting with MFC -- hopefully near the front, but I'm not positive of that, either. I hope to get all the details tomorrow, but, as you all know, things in Mikaland don't always go according to plan.

 

I totally agree with @Hero. I never meant you weren't being fair, I just meant that I don't think everyone on the list who says they don't have tickets actually don't have tickets. I don't believe that all those on the list are honest and the people who are not honest make the procedure unfair. I see that you have more confidence in people's honesty than I do. Of course it is your decision what you do with the tickets.

 

I am really sorry if I have hurt you and expressed myself wrongly.

I didn't mean to.

Edited October 10, 2022 by Prisca

[holdingyourdrink]

11 hours ago, silver said:

One of the best things about Mika events is meeting up with other MFCers and I'm sure you will all enjoy the socialising, wherever you end up sitting

Yes!!  Just planning the trip, speaking to other fans and the anticipation of seeing both eachother and Mika - again, much sooner than we thought… is a true treat!! 

 

 

Off topic, but I might even see my newborn niece when I’m there. My cousin’s due date is the week before, so I can cuddle up with either a newborn, or her huge belly  it’s a win for me either way 

[Patricia Birden]

18 hours ago, mellody said:

 

I think Deb just said that those who don't have tickets yet will get them first, if we don't get enough for everyone. That's why I was wondering if Patricia already had one.

Hi, NO I don’t have a ticket. I think I was too eager and said I was going, which I now can see meant to other people that I have a ticket. Sorry for the confusion. I realize now as well that today is the day for allocated tickets and it wasn’t yesterday.

[Patricia Birden]

My personal view on so many fans wanting to go to London for the Piano, at the Royal Festival Hall, is that Mika gained new fans during the Eurovision Song Contest this year, and because 8 tour dates got cancelled, that left fans in a saddened state and some a little bit angry. Not being able to go to the concert that “You” were so looking forward to, has made, maybe some wanting to go to anything that gets them to see Mika, hence going to the “Royal Festival Hall”.

 

I so hope that Mika will pick up on the popularity that he has gained this year in May, and his fans he left stranded. I hope that some magic will be happening very soon, and that the feeling of being a ‘Mika Fan” will stay joyous in our hearts.

[mellody]

Obviously "we won't get news before Monday" doesn't mean "we will get news on Monday" in Mikaland.  I should've known, as always, Mikasoon.    Years and years that Mika has been trying to teach us patience, and I still can't wait without, lol!  🙈

[Anna Ko Kolkowska]

2 minutes ago, mellody said:

Obviously "we won't get news before Monday" doesn't mean "we will get news on Monday" in Mikaland.  I should've known, as always, Mikasoon.    Years and years that Mika has been trying to teach us patience, and I still can't wait without, lol!  🙈

 

[mellody]

Flights already got more expensive since Sunday.  I wonder if I should just book and hope, before the prices go up even more. I said I wanted to go mainly to meet my lovely MFC friends, and that will happen in any case, with or without a ticket.

 

The flight at 6am would still be cheap, but I'm wondering, is it safe to travel to Heathrow by tube late at night? Does anyone know? The last Heathrow Express runs at ca. 11pm, but there are underground lines and night buses that are running later than that, so I could spend more time with MFCers and won't have to leave right after the show. The airport hotels are cheaper too than the ones around Waterloo station... I think I'd feel safe in the tube late at night in central London, around the usual tourist spots, but the Piccadilly line to Heathrow runs through all the suburbs on the way, I have no idea if that's safe late at night... do any of you know? Or are any of you also staying at the airport (or planning to), for an early flight the next day? Going in a group would definitely feel safer.

[Prisca]

33 minutes ago, mellody said:

The flight at 6am would still be cheap, but I'm wondering, is it safe to travel to Heathrow by tube late at night? Does anyone know?

I can't tell you about London Heathrow, but I took the train to London Gatwick in the middle of the night after the concert last July and felt totally safe because so many people were already on the road.

[Hero]

1 hour ago, mellody said:

The flight at 6am would still be cheap, but I'm wondering, is it safe to travel to Heathrow by tube late at night? Does anyone know? The last Heathrow Express runs at ca. 11pm, but there are underground lines and night buses that are running later than that, so I could spend more time with MFCers and won't have to leave right after the show. The airport hotels are cheaper too than the ones around Waterloo station... I think I'd feel safe in the tube late at night in central London, around the usual tourist spots, but the Piccadilly line to Heathrow runs through all the suburbs on the way, I have no idea if that's safe late at night... do any of you know?

 

I'd be very surprised if you have any problems. There'll be other tourists heading to the airport so you're unlikely to be alone, and other commuters are more likely to be shift workers. The worst you might encounter is drunken idiots after the pubs chuck out at 11pm, but they tend to clear quickly.  The western suburbs towards Heathrow are usually very safe. Most reported crime tends to be in the busy central stations, and most of that is the usual tourist stuff like pickpockets, scammers etc. 

 

Just as a general note for everyone, there has been a rise in incidents of bag snatching by gangs riding mopeds. The usual advice applies - keep bags close/hidden, be aware of your surroundings, don't advertise yourself as a potential target.

 

[Patricia Birden]

Hi Melody, well I’m wondering too what to do. With or without ticket do I go to London. So perhaps we should join up?  I know  London and also outskirts quite well. What is your plan exactly? In general the underground is not great late at night unless you are bang in the center of London. Heathrow airport is quite a distance from Waterloo. Also the underground does not run  after midnight with some lines, hence why there are night buses.
 

I will probably stay in a hotel in Harrow which is cheaper. We could share if you like? Or maybe I can find something closer to central London?

When exactly will you be in London and when do you need to leave? 
 

 

[mellody]

8 hours ago, Patricia Birden said:

Hi Melody, well I’m wondering too what to do. With or without ticket do I go to London. So perhaps we should join up?  I know  London and also outskirts quite well. What is your plan exactly? In general the underground is not great late at night unless you are bang in the center of London. Heathrow airport is quite a distance from Waterloo. Also the underground does not run  after midnight with some lines, hence why there are night buses.
 

I will probably stay in a hotel in Harrow which is cheaper. We could share if you like? Or maybe I can find something closer to central London?

When exactly will you be in London and when do you need to leave? 
 

 

 

Thanks. I decided now to pay more for a later flight and stay near the venue with a friend who had already booked an affordable hotel and was still looking for a roommate. It's always a decision between money and time/comfort, and in this case I rather pay a bit more than having to get up super early to catch a flight at 6am. 😅 And also they say in the reviews that the breakfast at this hotel is super delicious, it's included in the price so I don't want to miss that!  

 

Now we only need tickets...

[Patricia Birden]

Great. Your sorted then. Good that you’ve taken a later flight. So what is the place you are staying at?

[Patricia Birden]

Does anyone still need a roommate? 

[mellody]

7 hours ago, Patricia Birden said:

Great. Your sorted then. Good that you’ve taken a later flight. So what is the place you are staying at?

It's one of the hotels around Waterloo station, but it's fully booked.

 

7 hours ago, Patricia Birden said:

Does anyone still need a roommate? 

 

I suppose most people might start booking when we finally get the tickets, fingers crossed that you'll find a roommate then! 

[kath]

Hello.

just wondering if there was any update yet on tickets please? 

[silver]

10 minutes ago, kath said:

Hello.

just wondering if there was any update yet on tickets please? 

 

Nothing yet