Torchsong Report

[madbottoms]

Torchsong 2009

or

The Con of Doom

or

Torchtanic

or

The Gareth David-Lloyd Show (dubbed by Gareth himself) - My personal favourite.

or

Garethsong (again dubbed by Gareth)

or

John Barrowman Lovefest

 

So what can I say that hasn’t really already been said in the way people felt when we heard the news about John? Well I’m gonna say it anyway. I was devastated so much that I couldn’t even cry. Having flown all the way from Australia to meet John you can imagine how I felt.  I was in total disbelief, then I went numb and then I got a little angry before I resigned myself to the fact that there was nothing I could do. But I’m not going to dwell on the negatives but try to concentrate on the fun and good times I had. My sister, who came along with me, took it all very well but then she had her own agenda. Anyway what’s done is done and I am now home after three long weeks away and ready to write down the memories I can actually remember. Oh and my camera crapped out so I didn’t get all the pictures I’d hoped to. I managed to get a few before it went kaput and was also lucky enough to have wonderful friends who shared their memories with me too. Thanks ladies. To try and keep it clear in my own frazzled brain I am writing it down in days. The report itself turned out to be about ten pages long (eek), a little long but it could have actually been longer. Read it all, skip to the end to see my overall highlights or totally scrap the lot, it’s up to you. Enjoy!

 

 

Thursday 4 June – The beginning of the End!

 

Our flight was delayed out of Brisbane (travelling sux) – should have known something was up then. I’d actually heard the evening before about Kai so maybe that should have said something too but I was remaining positive at that stage. Anyway, plane delayed, then reports of cooler than expected weather for Chicago and me only having packed for summer! *rolls eyes*

 

Arrived in Chicago about 6.30pm on Thursday, checked in, freshened up and went in search of alcohol and fellow peeps. Little did I know of the impending doom because at this stage I was unaware of the happenings and ultimately did not find out until about 9.30 that evening.

 

I cannot tell you how shattered I was. The very person I had maxed out my visa for was not coming. Damn his ankle! I was so looking forward to meeting him and seeing him perform his Cabaret but unfortunately his injury was bad enough that his doctor advised him not to fly.

 

Anyway, so feeling out of sorts I had a few drinks and decided whatever happens next I was going to have a good time. I was in Chicago with fellow fans and no amount of whinging would magically transport the man to Chicago in the flesh.  And now quietly sedated with a generous helping of JB (Jim Beam, that is!), I fell into an uneasy sleep dreaming of what could have been.

 

Friday 5 June– Harry Potter, Downtown Chicago and Cocktail Party...Oh my!

 

A bunch of peeps had organised beforehand to venture to the Museum of Science and Industry to check out the Harry Potter exhibit. It was very cool and the exhibit was awesome. My favourite parts were the Dark Forest, the Fat Lady and Hagrid’s Hut.

 

After the museum, my sister and I wandered around downtown, checked out Grant Park, Millennium Park and walked the Magnificent Mile. We checked out Trump Tower and some of the wonderful architecture Chicago is famous for. We didn’t do too much more as our time was limited. We wanted to return to our hotel with plenty of time to get ready for the Cocktail party in the evening. Besides we were also planning to return to Chicago later in our trip.

 

On our return to the hotel we met up with some others to find out that the Con of Doom had struck another actor. Tom Price had broken his wrist in a freak accident. It was going from bad to worse. I was ready to just curl up in the foetal position and wait for the damn weekend to be over. Apparently Tom had been attempting to cross the road in Chicago and being used to traffic conditions like me (Europe and Australia both drive on the left side so I can totally understand his actions) looked left instead of right and stepped out only to be struck by a cyclist and was injured badly.

 

So that was really classed as the third bad thing that happened – Kai, John and Tom and I pleaded to whatever Deity out there that Gareth would remain unscathed. Knowing that he was already in Chicago I think I did ask someone if he was still there. To my great relief he was.

 

Later that evening we arrive at registration and Cocktail Party. I have to agree with Kerryblaze and other peeps – a clusterfuck. I admit in the beginning I thought it would have been fine but I can admit when I’m wrong.  In any case we lined up with some of our new friends and waited. *waves to Linda and Jane* The lovely Jane who I had met earlier in the day then pulled me inside and we had a drink while waiting. While doing so it was mentioned that Gareth was in the room and I found him standing alone at the bar so promptly went over and introduced myself.

 

‘Hi, I’m Sandy from Australia’ (yeah I know not very original but it was an opening). ‘Nice to meet you, Sandy,’ he replies. ‘I think I just met your sister downstairs.’ The witch stole my thunder.J I guess it pays to be a smoker sometimes. I got over that quickly because hot damn the man is even better looking in person and OMG the facial hair is so him. Yum x 100!

 

We had a lovely conversation, me cheekily asking him about his health just to make sure he was feeling okay, you know no broken bones or Swine flu symptoms. He had a laugh and said he was feeling 100%. He would cop a lot of the ‘Last Man Standing’ comments throughout the weekend. We chatted about his band, among other things and I found him very pleasant to be around. I was very happy with my one on one time with Gareth and it really did make my evening to be able to have this time with him. I got and hug and kiss from him which may have made me swoon if I hadn’t tried my hardest to remain composed and not all fan-girlish throughout the encounter.

 

Tom Price arrived a little later, arm wrapped up and in a sling, hair a little messy and eyes a bit glazed over, but looking adorable as ever. I managed to speak to him for a while and he commented on how far I’d travelled to be there, commiserating with me over my loss. LOL! Tom was very gracious though and surprisingly coherent with the amount of painkillers I’m sure he was on. He really is gorgeous and quite funny too.

 

Next up was Carole and again after finding out where I was from she smiled sadly but I told her it was all good. We chatted about John’s new book ‘I Am What I Am’ and other projects they were working on. While we knew about the collaboration with the Torchwood Comic it was also mentioned that she and John will be working on a Torchwood novel together and also they are teaming up to write and original sci-fi series about a group of teenagers. Sounds intriguing. We also discussed the rumours surrounding John’s injury. Two theories included him practicing in heels for La Cage and my personal favourite, dismounting from the trapeze onto Scott while having sex. LMAO! We would find out the next day the real events. John’s niece Claire was also there and I had a lovely chat with her, too.

 

Mark Shepherd was also fun to talk to. The only show I really knew him from was BSG and I cheekily addressed him as ‘Mr President’, to which he replied that was the correct way to address him. He was charming and not afraid to joke around. Sadly I would not get to see much of his Q&A because most of the time during his panels I was in line for photo ops.

 

Throughout the evening I also chatted to some other lovely fans. It’s great meeting other people at these type of events. It really is a big part of the weekend. I made lots of new friends (too many to name really) and met up with some old friends. *waves to gals from Legendary Gathering*

 

It was a good night in all.

 

Saturday 6 June – The Gareth David-Lloyd Show! Panels and Photo-ops and oh yeah a cold snap too!

 

Saturday had arrived – frackin freezing and a little rain to add to the proceedings. Miss Sandy and all her summer gear were in fine form in the cold weather. Not! What can I say, shit happens and then we carry on.

 

Anyhoo, woke up a little tired and hungover, hoping that a little makeup would cover up the obvious tiredness. I wanted to look fantastic; well at least presentable for my photo-ops. Originally we were meant to have some taken at the Cocktail party but that was canned at the last moment. The place was small and crowded and with everybody there it would have been too much for all involved but damn it, I looked great at the party. J

 

So, photo-ops were first up and I got Gareth and Tom on Saturday. Gareth was first up for me and he was looking oh so good, once again. Black jeans and shirt and that lovely beard making him look even better. *swoon* I got my arms around him again as he cuddled me for the first shot. For my second shot he hugged me from behind and I said a silent ‘Squeeeee’. I have to say that these guys really are gracious and so giving during these photo shoots and really do have a lot of fun with the fans. I can recall lots of laughing and wolf whistling during the photo sessions. During my second shot with Gareth hugging me, Tom Price walks in, big grin on his face and gives us a thumbs up sign. Both Gareth and I crack up and I can only hope this picture turns out great.

 

Tom’s photo ops were next but they were limited because of his condition. He was in pain and not afraid to show his emotions either. He happily admitted he was a big cry-baby. He was planning on flying home early – poor baby. So we got out pics with the cripple (his words) and he was great, joking with everyone and making fun of himself in the process.

 

Tom still did his panel he was great. He was charming and funny but obviously still in pain. He told us all about the accident and even showed us the skid mark on his shoe. He was a real trooper and soldiered on nonetheless, even though he was clearly uncomfortable. Any little movement and you could see him wince in pain. It wasn’t until a fan, who happened to be a doctor, pointed out his sling was on all wrong and if it was adjusted he would feel better. When this was done you could see the immediate relief on his face. Tom joked about not being able to pee and finding it hard to change his undies one handed. LOL! I wish we had of been able to see more of him.

 

I didn’t stay around for the next Q&A which was Mark Shepherd because I was starving and still felt a little crap. Jo and I went to Gibson’s for lunch and who do we bump into having a drink but the lovely GDL. He was at the table next to ours so I was able to have a quick chat to him where he gleefully admitted to being an attention whore – gotta love that.

 

After lunch we returned for Gareth’s panel. As this was my first time seeing Gareth I really had no idea what to expect. I was not disappointed. He was awesome. Gareth began his panel by limping on stage with a crutch to everyone’s hilarious laughter and applause. He caught everyone’s attention immediately and held it throughout his entire presence on stage during the ‘Gareth David-Lloyd Show’.

 

Intelligent questions were asked and answered as well as some cheeky and outlandish ones too. Gareth entertained us with his personality and quick wit and really impressed me. His presence on stage is enough to hold anyone’s attention and I have to say that he is so totally opposite Ianto Jones. It’s amazing how much different. I think it is a testament to him and his acting abilities.

 

Gareth talked about his band and other projects as well as of course the upcoming Children of the Earth. He is very proud of it and is looking forward to being able to do more Torchwood when and if it gets re-signed for another season. I’m sure we’re all crossing our fingers for that. He mentioned that when it gets picked up again he would actually like to see them do two or three mini-series like Children of the Earth rather than a 13 part series. I kind of like that idea too. I can’t wait to see TW3, the previews look awesome.

 

He spoke of so much more but I think that I was in awe of him that I have forgotten so much already which is a shame. But suffice it to say, he was awesome and I enjoyed all of it. When they tried to tell Gareth his time was almost up he said something like, ‘No way, I’ve got an hour.’ In other words, ‘piss off and let me finish.’ LOL! But I have to say I have a new found respect for the man. I mean I have always liked him but now even more so. Sadly, his time on stage came to an end off he went so Carole could come on before introducing John at last.

 

Carole was great, telling us some stories of John and one in particular caught our interest when she explained how she thought John and Scott were having sex when she heard loud moaning from their bedroom, when in fact John thought he was having a heart attack. Carole was quite relieved to that fact that he might have been dying and not actually having sex.

 

Anyway it wasn’t long before the man himself splashed onto the screen, decked out in a long dark wig and tiara and a great big JB smile on his face, to which he received thunderous applause and laughter. It was great to see him, larger than life via Skychat from his home office in Cardiff.

 

Firstly, John apologised profusely for his absence and carefully lifted his braced leg as if to say, ‘See, I really got a booboo.’ LOL! He also mentioned that he’d heard the rumours too of how he injured himself. He proceeded to inform us with a straight face that yes he did it while dismounting the trapeze having sex with Scott. J

 

John was actually a little embarrassed to tell us the reason why because it was so stupid. He said the family were sitting out on the deck at the back of his house when he stepped on the edge where the concrete surrounding the swimming pool met the grass and with it being a little uneven he stepped on it the wrong way and snapped his ankle along with some fairly extensive ligament damage. I can commiserate having done similar damage to my own ankle while playing netball. He was under Doctor’s orders not to fly under the threat of a blood clot forming. John’s injury had not only caused bone and ligament damage but blood was pooling in his ankle.

 

John said his mother was kicking him and said something like – ‘...get up you idiot, you shouldn't have been wearing those stupid shoes). He had been wearing thongs (or flip flops to others). His mum thought he was messing around. John said she made him some chicken soup afterwards so all was forgiven! And I am sure he said that when she went shopping she bought him new shoes too. LOL! John yelled out for his mum and she made a brief appearance giving her version of events to which he teased her about it. It was quite funny too.

 

John and Carole’s banter was really great. Lots of teasing back and forth with John threatening to tell their mum that Carole had been having sex to which Carole threatened to tell their dad that John had been mean to her. John laughed and grinned replying that he didn’t care because he’d just bought their dad a new set of golf clubs. Cheeky bastard!

 

Moving on to questions, John was awesome and very attentive. He repeated everyone’s name when they introduced themselves. He answered everyone’s questions plus some and did it with great ease and as always lots of innuendo thrown in for good measure.

 

Not far into it, we were introduced to a lovely side of Scott. Sometimes I think he is just as devious as John. 
 

I remember at one point, I think closer to the start, Tom Price walked up to the mic and when John saw him, he yelled, ‘You idiot!’ To which Tom heartily agreed. Funny moment. 

 

More questions and wonderful answers followed with John being his sexy, funny and charming self. He really did a wonderful job considering he must have been in pain. The banter continued between John and Carole and I can’t remember what was said but it must have been something about kissing Gareth because Gareth then bounds back out on stage and snogs Carole while John sat there gobsmacked. It was funny but I’m sure that others including myself wished it had been the other Barrowman on the end of Gareth’s lips. That would have made the wet dreams of many fangirls I’m sure.  There was something said about how did it compare with kissing John and Gareth said that because of his own sexual preferences he preferred kissing Carole being that she was a woman but that John kisses great too and that he had nothing to worry about. John teased Carole about sloppy seconds too.

 

One of the questions asked was about John’s sexual exploits with Scott mentioned in Anything Goes. It was something about was he sure it was the kind of tree he mentioned because if they did what he said they did the boys would have been spiked by more than one thing. Well that got John yelling out for Scott and he re-entered, fully dressed of course, and John asked him about what he remembered. Then to everyone’s delight they simulated a couple of positions as if up against the tree in question. Very entertaining to say the least.

 

The talk went a little longer than planned but that just meant we got more of John. No-one else was complaining. In the circumstances we were really lucky to have had the facilities to do the Skychat and lucky that John is such an awesome man who cares for and greatly appreciates his fans. I really couldn’t see anyone else doing what he did for us. John apologised again for not being there, he was genuinely disappointed and blamed only himself for his clumsiness and promised to make it up to us by trying to make sure we still had some memorable moments with him, hence the hook up.

 

He truly was magnificent even if not in the flesh.

 

After the last panel we did the dreaded lining up again for autographs before going back to the hotel to relax for a bit and get ready for the altered evening events. Dinner wasn’t much to write home about but hey the beans were good. LOL! Anyway, moving on....

 

Saturday Evening – Garethsong – Flashing, cheeky talk and taking it like a bitch!

 

With John not being there, Gareth had graciously agreed to do more Q&A and sing us a few of his songs his own. ‘Welcome to Garethsong’, he invited to everyone’s delight. We once again probed Gareth with questions about the show and also some fanfic stuff which I love because it gives all those writers ideas when we get the answers. I think there was a question earlier that day about how Ianto knotted his ties and he answered it was a half Windsor.  A question that evening followed on with how Ianto ties up Jack to which he answered, ‘a full Windsor’. Funnily enough I read a fic this morning with Jack being tied with a full Windsor. J

 

John came on again briefly during the beginning of the evening and apologised again. He took a few questions and was great, even if a little tired, but then it was 4.30am in Cardiff and he’d waited up so that he could talk to us again. John said his ankle ached at night and it was hard to sleep anyway. He said it felt like a dead chicken on the end of his foot to which Gareth added something rude and cheeky about the end of his dick if I recall correctly. These guys together are perfect I tell you.

 

John thanked us for being there and told us to enjoy whatever had been put together. Before he signed off again he said he wanted to give us something even if he wasn’t prepared but he cleared his throat and sang to us. “Where is Love?’ is what he sang. It took everything I had not to burst into tears at that moment because it was so beautiful, so bittersweet because I was seeing what could have been, what I had come to see him do in person. However, it was a testament to the wonderful man and talented entertainer John is that he could pull off something like this so beautifully while still freshly injured and at 4.30 in the morning. Awesome performance. Awesome guy. But I think a close second would be John’s salute to us that evening. I’m sure there are many who know what I am talking about. We all now know just how cute and pert it really is. J

 

The evening was then handed back over to Gareth. He said he would sing us a couple of songs off Blue Gillespie’s EP Cave Country and also a little song he wrote as a sexually frustrated 15 year old. First up was a song called ‘Bam Bam.’ Not his choice but he asked the fans to choose. Next was ‘The Oblivious’ which he preferred and so did I. Cheeky sod even introduced his invisible band members.

 

I have to say although I wasn’t that impressed with some of the lyrics, I was with the music and his voice was awesome. If I like the music I really don’t care too much about the lyrics anyway. I do hope he takes care of his voice though because he really belts it out. Gareth got the audience on their feet and played us well. I have a very eclectic taste in music so it really isn’t that weird that I like both his and John’s types of music.

 

Peter Wingfield of Highlander and Stargate SG1, who came in the last minute as an extra guest, did a few songs with his guitar but I could take it or leave it. I’m sure though that others appreciated his performance. Even so, well done to Peter for stepping up at the last minute.

 

Gareth came back out to perform his teenage angst ridden frustration on us. It was priceless. He said no one would have sex with him so he wrote his feelings down and it resulted in a song called ‘Take it Like a Bitch!’ LOL!  Gareth sat at the piano and played - awesomely by the way - and as I said his voice is great, either when surging or gently singing.  The words were a total crack up but he pulled it off well with his charisma and obvious talent. He spiced it up even more by cheekily changing some of the words to ‘Captain’ as in ‘Take like a Bitch, Captain’ and made it all about Captain Jack.

 

Now, even though no videoing was allowed during any part of the convention, I am sure that someone got that. Even Gareth said that if someone got ‘Take it like a Bitch’ he was okay with that because it was him alone and it would actually be very awesome to have that. But he did ask kindly and very appropriately that if anyone had recorded the two other songs that they keep it private because as the band was still trying to find representation it wouldn’t do their reputation any favours by posting them around. I hope the fans present will honour his wishes. If they are real fans they will.

 

It was a great night despite it not being what we expected, or paid for, but John was terrific for the short time on line and Gareth was fantastic. I was pleasantly surprised and glad I got to see Gareth perform even in this small way. I have already bought his album and when in the UK I hope I get to see Blue Gillespie perform live.

 

After the Cabaret it was drinks and chats with fellow con goers until I couldn’t keep my eyes open and knowing full well that I had more photo ops the next day I needed some beauty sleep before the last day.

 

Sunday 7 June – Gareth-flavoured cuddles, my song and more of the John LovefestJ

 

Last day of the Con of Doom, Torchtanic, Garethsong or The Gareth David-Lloyd Show and for the most part it really did become his show. It did for me anyway.

 

Sunday was my last chance to get up close and personal to the only other reason I was there. I swapped my Kai ops for Gareth and got two more photos with him and once again I applaud the man for his graciousness and accommodation. I cuddled him from behind this time and he felt lovely. *sigh*. Next one I got even closer, getting my leg up around him. I couldn’t help myself but get something like this. To be completely honest it was one of the more tame poses that Gareth was asked for. So anyway I get my leg up and he grabs it and rips it up – Oh my! And then it was over in a flash. But those fleeting moments will be lasting memories. Oh please let my photos turn out good. I couldn’t stand for them to be anything but good. Maybe I can get Kerry to go south-Philly on their asses for me or Linda with her NY bravado to go all Amazon on them for me. LOL!

 

I got the remaining photo ops with Mark, Carole and Peter and then that was it until Gareth and John later in the afternoon. It was nice to have a break for a while and so I took the time to just chill and came back afterwards for the panel.

 

The John and Gareth Show was great as expected, both playfully bantering back and forth and entertaining the audience. First up John was looking very good and after his news about another little mishap, John was his ever exuberant self and launched straight into the Q&A.

 

I recall someone asking how they felt about tattoos and John answered that he found them very horny and would love to have one but was put off because he knew of someone that had to spend extra time in makeup covering it up before going on set so it wouldn’t show up. If he could get it somewhere no one else would see he would consider it. Gareth then said that John could get one with something along the lines of ‘Welcome to Wales and have a nice day...’ on his dick but John suggested there would be space for more than that. He really is priceless.

 

At some point too, Gareth was flexing his muscles and not to be outdone, John rips his shirt off and goes into full pose. We all of course cheered and wanted more of this stuff. This type of frolicking and that of the night before were really entertaining and really for us only and it was these antics that John asked that we keep to ourselves and not post pictures to forums or anywhere online. He said it could ruin it for future con goers and hurt him professionally. I agree and would like to think that we, as loyal fans, would grant this simple request. By doing so he would be able to continue to entertain us in this way. Have I said already how great this man is?

 

Among some of the questions, re fanfics it was asked of John and Gareth who they thought was more dominant in the Jack/Ianto relationship. John told Gareth to answer first and he said ‘Ianto’ of course. John tended to agree because of the fact that Jack was in charge at work so it actually made sense that Ianto would be the one to take charge in their personal relationship. I swear I could actually hear all the Janto fans squee with that.

 

John showed off his amazing vocal talents again when one fan introduced herself as Sherrie and bursting into a few lines of the 50’s song, hitting the notes perfectly without even trying. Sherrie, a doctor in Alaska then proceeded to tell John about a young Inuit girl who was bedridden for some time and was introduced to TV and John at the same time. It was Tonight’s the Night and she loved it so much she made John a dreamcatcher  and had it blessed by her father, the Village Chief, because she saw that he was a person who tried to make people’s dreams come true. She’d also written him a note which took a long time, being that her first language was not English. Well you can imagine John being the emotional man that he is was reduced to tears by this stage, as were many in the audience. Even Gareth was looking very sombre up on stage. John was desperately wiping his eyes and trying to compose himself but was overwhelmed by the gesture. He did eventually manage to say thank you and then Gareth shouts out, ‘Stop crying you big poof,’ which made John laugh and get back his composure. Well done Gareth.

 

At this point I was about the second person back in line and I thought I can’t top this and I’ll never get him to sing to me. So I waited my turn and it finally came. This was my moment to talk to John at last and I was a little nervous. I said, 'Hi John, I'm Sandy from Australia' and he said ‘Hi Sandy,’ and shouted out with 'I come from the land Down Under' and then promptly burst into 'Sandy' from Grease. Strangely enough that was my favourite song from the movie, a little biased I know but true. When I told him this he looked surprised and said ‘Shut up, no way.’ He really does crack me up sometimes. But that and him bursting into song really made my weekend and put a huge smile on my face.

 

My question was to him and Gareth really and I asked them about their feelings in coming to Australia for a convention. Gareth said he would consider it (maybe he should promote the band’s new EP here too) and John mentioned that he had been approached before around the time Another Side came out. He was asked to promote it down here and do all the morning shows, etc but it was only over a period of two weeks and he would want to be able to stay for longer. So I told him he should bring Scott and they could go diving around our beautiful Aussie reefs. He replied that would be awesome as long as they didn’t get left behind and a movie made about it. (Open Water  - anyone know that?) Anyway he said yes he would consider it if time allowed him to combine work with a holiday Down Under. Let’s hope that eventuates some time soon. I recall too that some time during Gareth and John answering my question Carole yelled out that they were both whores and would do anything for the attention.

 

What struck me the most was John’s attention when he answered my questions, he was attentive and looked directly at me and made me feel as if I was the only one in the room even if there were hundreds around me. He did go off on a little tangent though *rolls eyes* but did come back to me with an apology and continued answering. He was awesome and as I said, he made it a very special moment for me that I won’t soon forget.  

 

The final question to John came far too soon I can’t recall the question but I do recall that it made way for John to close off by telling us all that he was so completely lucky to have such fantastic fans who have stood by him through everything and were still willing to show up at the convention and have a great time despite all that had happened. He thanked us profusely and wished us all well. I also recall him mentioning that he would be willing to do Torchsong again next year and would see us there if we were able to make it again.

 

So the panels ended on a high note and all that was left was final autographs and the con of many names was coming to a close. I should however mention too, Tommy Lee Edwards and his awesome drawing talents. There was a drawing of Captain Jack and the Face of Boe. I wanted it but damn it I couldn’t afford it. It was truly a great piece of art.

 

I enjoyed all of the weekend but to give you my highlights, they would have to be –

 

o   Meeting Gareth (of course) - He really went above and beyond to make the weekend awesome for all of us.

o   John singing to me - A cherished moment

o   John’s flashy antics - such a JB thing to do.

o   Gareth’s ‘Take it like a Bitch, Captain’ - awesome!

o   And of course meeting new and old friends - priceless.

 

As I finish this very long report I would like to say that even if only seeing John supersized on screen it still turned out to be a great weekend. Everyone pulled together to make it a good experience for all. Reading someone else’s report they said that this whole crazy experience had reinforced their loyalty to John and to quote, ‘…he genuinely cares about the people who care for him. He doesn’t treat us like silly sci-fi nerds who don’t get that it’s “just a TV show.”’  Very nicely said and I totally agree. I am now and will always be a John Barrowman fan.

 

As long winded as this report has been I hope those of you who stuck with it enjoyed reading it. Let’s hope next year my experience will be even better.

 

As a side note I then went to New York and proceeded to get sick with what has been affectionately named the ‘Torchswine Flu’. I’m all better now though. J

 

Cheers

Sandy

Comments

[ebineez01.livejournal.com]

Hi Sandy,I did make it all the way to the end - thanks for the report it was great.John is gorgeous & I hope to meet him too one day.I really wanted to goto Torchsong myself this year but my boyfriend just about exploded when he found out it was in Chicago & I would be going by myself when I've never been overseas before.So if there is a Torchsong next year & you wouldn't mind a tag-a-long Barrowman-mad Aussie companion keep me in mind :)
cheers Karen

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hey Karen

Glad it was a good read for you. And I have to admit that even with the disappointment of him not being there in the flesh he still made it great for all of us and Gareth was awesome too.

The first time I went overseas I was 20 and I did it onmy own and ended up living in New York on my own for a few months. That was an experience I can tell you. Never be afraid to do it on your own.

Anyway I am pretty sure that if John signs on again I will definitley go and would be happy for you to join me.

Hugs
Sandy

[ebineez01.livejournal.com]

well maybe with your comments to him he may decide to come down here one day.I wasn't worried about doing it on my own, I knew I'd meet heaps of people and there were enough offers on the talk group to share rooms etc. It was my fiance that freaked out, with that & the amount of money it would cost.And you know sometimes that the amount of grief or arguements that are going to ensue isn't worth it sometimes.I think I would've been okay with the money side of things as I even told him I'd work OT to pay for it all - but he was worried about me travelling on my own.Plus we sort of always planned to visit the US for the first time together & there wouldn't have been enough $$ for him to come too. So maybe next year

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

It would be fantastic form him to come to Australia. I'll be sure to be the first one to buy at ticket for that.

[ebineez01.livejournal.com]

I think it'd be a toss up between us :)
BTW - can you tell me where the clip came from of JB saluting & then sticking his tongue out?

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

The clip is actually from outtakes from Season 2 of Torchwood. It's great, yeah?

[ebineez01.livejournal.com]

it's gorgeous yeah. I have all the DVD's, but when you watch all of everything all at once it's hard to remember everything. I must check all these out again one day :)

[musac-luver.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful report, Sandy. I'm glad that you managed to have a great time even though John and Kai could not attend. I really hope that John will visit Australia one day - that would blow me away!

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

I think it would be a wonderful thing for many of us Aussie fans if he came here. Let's hope it happens one day soon.

Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed reading about my experiences.

Cheers
Sandy

[(Anonymous)]

thanks for such a great report Sandy. To have come so far and then all that! But your spirit of adventure and ability to make it good proved the real winner. We all love John and I think I know yet another reason why John loves us too.

Andrea

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

You're welcome, Andrea.

As much as I wanted to crawl under the covers and perhaps wish for some Retcon, I realised that wasn't going to work and threw myself into the frey and had a great time, with a little help from friends and of course GDL and the man himself.

Sandy

[whitepuppy.livejournal.com]

Hi Sandy!
Thank you for sharing your experience! I really enjoy reading your report. Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! I cannot help admiring your positive spirits. I'm glad you had a great time and John seems to be a really nice person.

John singing to me - A cherished moment

So sweet! It must have been special. Lucky you!

I also recall him mentioning that he would be willing to do Torchsong again next year

In Chicago again? I wanted to go to Torchsong myself this year but I gave up.

Shirochan from Japan

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hi Shirochan

Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed my little bittersweet tale. I had to remain positive, you know, otherwise I would have broke down really. I travelled a long way for Torchsong. But there was no use in feeling sorry for myself.

As for next year I believe John said he would be happy to return to Chicago for another go, commitments notwithstanding, but even with some of the negativity that surrounded the event I will more than likely go again.

Sandy

[(Anonymous)]

Wow, thank you so much. I really have appreciate to read your report.

Bertrand of Geneva

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hi Bertrand

You're welcome. I'm glad to share my experience.

Sandy

[hmsbacklash.livejournal.com]

Wow, that sounds like it was a great time.

I feel so bad for Tom and John though. God, that's just bad luck all over the place.

I wish I could have seen the thing with John and Scott *is jealous* that sounds like it was a riot. Perhaps somebody videotaped without getting caught? I hope?

Thanks for sharing :)

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Thanks. It was a great weekend despite the shit that went with it. Tom was a real trooper and so sweet. And John great doing the skychat.

John and Scott are so cute together too. It was great how Scott joint in on some of the antics.

But Gareth was by far the nicest, most gracious guy and definitely the star of the weekend.

I can only hope someone got it on video but they were pretty strict and if they did they are keeping 'mum' about it.

[weeping4eva.livejournal.com]

Although it has been a while since this con, I am glad that you enjoyed yourself and shared your week-end with us. I felt as if I was there. Once again thank you.

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Wow, I had forgotten about the report I did. Cheers for reading and commenting.