Ricky Martin Autism Rocks- Hammersmith Eventim Apollo London September 23.09.2016

 

Ricky Martin- Autism Rocks

Hammersmith Eventim Apollo

London

23.09.2016

 

Cast your mind back if you can to Summer 1999, cause it was then this performer 1st came to the attention of the UK with his smash hit 'Livin La Vida Loca' the Red Hot 'Puerto Rican' Hip Shaker Made waves across the world cross-referencing Spanish speaking music with #Spanglish Genre to cross language barriers he was a smash all over the world not just The Americas .

 

At the time I did not know that 'Ricky' had been famous for much of his life from being in a boyband 'Menudo' as he was in in US magazines notably (Bop, Super Teen, 16) the same time as 'Madonna' early 80's (they later recorded a ballad together in 1999 for his 'Ricky Martin' self titled Spanglish Album  titled 'Be Careful With My Heart').

 

I and my mum were fortunate enough to have gone along that Summer to 'Virgin' Megastore London Oxford Street to meet him at an instore appearence, we joined a throng of excited young girls and women #RickyMania, and we eventually got a glimpse of him sat down signing things fast No Photos were allowed and he only signed his name no dedications, security moved people down the line quickly, he said hello and smiled ( he didn't speak much English like today) but my mum touched his hand and said "Ooh Thank you Ricky" when he signed our cassette tape it made me laugh luckily she didn't get restrained lol .

 

Since then then my mum has always been a fan and now she dosent get out of the house much except locally so I want to bring back some memories from the show.

 

So Here I am some 16 yrs later ready to party I'm in a centre seat 6 rows away in a quite small theatre, resident DJs are playing Spanish Latino Dance music to warm up the crowd, tonights show is 'Sold Out' I'm aware how lucky I am to be at the show as there are mainly 'Spanish' fans accounting for over 50% of the venue's audience tonight, many have travelled from as far as 'Chile','Italy','Poland' some have brought large flags (My hackles go up immediately ,hope my view isn't obscured).

 

As the time is approaching 8pm the stage is set and soon after the lights go down there are musician's in 'Ricky's Live band on the stage and some male and female dancers, then as the crowds excitement goes to boiling point "It's Hot in here" he appears descending from top deck stage where 'Autism Rocks Logo' has been displayed , He's dressed in 'Black' his Muscles Pecs and Abs very well worked out by the looks of it as he commands the stage with remarkable stamina he dosent look a day over 31 , with that unmistakable grin as he casts his glance over the front row of excited exhuberant fans who are screaming and jumping up and down.

 

He runs through a lesser known song over here 'Mr Put It Down' a few songs later and one of my fav's 'Shake Your Bon Bon', he played a lot of Spanish material and another wardrobe change was required for 'Livin La Vida Loca' the room shook as he powered through it, during the lyrics for the song he changes them and says "Woke Up In London City" lights go off and crowd scream then on again, and away we go that guy can dance.

 

 

 

 

 

He continues to shimmy across the low stage, this is not the usual size venue 'Ricky' is used to playing , he normally plays huge stadiums in the Middle East and Across the Globe in particular The Americas where he became a rising star .We get a really varied setlist tonight with 'Sound Loaded' s 'She Bangs' another of my favs, dressed in White now it's the ballads section with his self titled '1999' album song 'I Am Made of You' a fav album track so glad he played it .

 

This part began with the 'Ricky Martin Foundation' film screened about poor children and coinciding with the spoken message of 'Autism Rocks' ending that part with a powerful emotional 'Vuelve', 'Ricky' turns away from the crowd with the microphone stand held behind his head and you think oh that's it what a show .

 

 

 

 

 

 

But No he comes back again in a Maroon suit with a cane and some scantily dressed female dancers for his Spanish songs , then back to Black again for 'Lola /Maria' ('Maria' was the first 'Ricky' song/video I'd heard I first spotted him on VH1 in 1998) I had an idea then I liked his music.

 

 

 

 

It just gets better with a storming version of 'La Bomba' where he flirted with the crowd giving us a chance to win the 'Who Is The Loudest in the venue competition I think we won , I can recall parading around the house in 'Flamenco' fashion to his Latino Dance songs this one & 'Por Arriba' Yes I'm a Rock Chic but I'm also a multi faceted diamond when it comes to musical taste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought again it had ended when he returned again this time with a supreme version of 'The Cup Of Life' (Football  Song from 1998 World Cup Ah now you know it right ? lol), I think he's played every song I wanted to hear tonight, it has been a magical fantastic night and for a worthy cause 'Autism Research', in December 'Autism Rocks' Sessions return with 'Nile Rodgers & Chic' one to put in your diary if you are in West London.

 

 

 

 

So as the night slips away I gather my things to get a taxi back to my hotel, I have some great memories to share with my mum including the full video of 'Livin La Vida Loca' Live, and I've shared some with you all in this blog now, What a performer so glad I came down to see his exclusive intimate show he dosent come to the UK much .

 

So Adios !!

 

Lmi xo