A personal account of the events of 20th October, 2002
Back in October 1987 the faithful gathered at the Selfridge Hotel, London, England. We were there for our own "Audience With Donny Osmond".
Fifteen years on and an audience with His Holiness is easier to get than one with His Supreme Purpleness!
But, praise Donny, His Puppy Love shone again on the humble servant, Sister Petunia, and a ticket for the Purple One's first solo TV special in the world was found! Well, 'won', actually! Ah, the power of His Sacred Emotion is mighty indeed!
However, this loyal, devoted Sister-in-Donny is not as happy as a fan of 30 years and counting should be. Why is this so? What grieves the bosom of the Reverend Mother of the Adolescent Boy's Ward?
The Purple Socked one was verily as handsome as before. He performed with an energy that put the younger members of the visiting boy bands, Blue & Westlife to shame. His velvet tones filled hearts with songs old and new, and the audience of celebrities & wannabes cheered and screamed, danced and clapped, and generally 'got down' with the power of D.
But, and it is a big BUT, Sister P. knew that this was the wrong audience.
Only a handful of the congregation were true followers, and we, the chosen few, alone, understood the magnitude of the events of that evening.
Joyfully I freed myself from the confines of the Purple Chapter of our Worshipful Order to join in thanksgiving with whose allegiances lie with the Blue, Orange, Black and Green Chapters.
To our merry band of ticket holders fell the task of witnessing this epic event on behalf of all those weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth outside in arctic conditions. Conditions of bitter winds and driving rain that many had endured since dawn.
The presence of the Purple One (and His 'special guests') often leaves one on an emotional high, it is true, but this just didn't feel right. Where were the true believers of the D-Vine One? At home, mostly, or outside.
It was a far cry from 15 years earlier, although the weather conditions were similar. Then we had been picking up the pieces after the previous night's hurricane, and our Purple One had not showered because there was no electricity at His dwellings. But His life partner and the fruit of His loins were there, as they were on this night. And His Supreme purpleness was surrounded by enthusiastic and gushing people who spoke to Him of their love and devotion. Again, on both occasions, members of the congregation showered Him with testimonies of how His Puppy Love had touched their souls, but 15 years ago, WE meant it and WE still do!
Donny, it is part of the mission of this great Order to assist you if you lose your way. It is my job as a founding Sister to warn you of the dangers you face.
At our gathering of 15 years ago you were asked what your goals were for 5 years' time. You said "To have a hit record!" Then, you were asked what they were for 10 years' time. I quipped from the cheap seats "To have a hit record!" (Boom! Boom!)
Well, maybe it took a little longer than either of us imagined, but you have worked hard and truly deserve all the adulation you are getting. But, as you told us this night, Elvis told your mother the most important thing is to remember your fans!
The family call us 'friends', but friends are not left out in the cold. Friends are not given a handful of tickets whilst others with the right connections take their seats and join the party.
It was a momentous night. A one-off special. A first in 22 years and so few of us were there to share it with you. Did you even notice those of us who were there? It seemed not.
I was honoured and privileged to be there and you were wonderful, as always. I understand the occasion was largely to display your amazing talent to a celebrity and corporate audience. I acknowledge the fact that your mind was on much more important things and it's likely that you were completely unaware of the heartache and anguish outside. But I beseech you to recall the tortured feelings which inspired the lyrics to "Groove". Beware the "self-servicing lips" and what they are doing in your name. A name that we, the real fans, have always thought was worth screaming about.
I can only pray, for our sakes and for yours, that the next time you sing "Without You" you will not be referring to us.
MAY YOUR SACRED EMOTION BE WITH YOU UNTIL THE TWELFTH OF NEVER.
