I feel our recent performance in Paris (Grand Rex, March 15) deserves some explanation.
It was such an unfortunate situation in Paris, and it really was one of those very rare phenomena. The source of the evening’s difficulties was entirely related to sound problems. I knew that in some venues on this tour we would have challenging moments reconciling such a wide number and variety of instruments ranging from the lyra to the kit drum set, but I wasn’t expecting anything quite this difficult.

At soundcheck we ascertained that because of the shape of the hall (not very deep, and quite high) we experienced a rather “live” and “bounceback” sound which was only borderline acceptable from a performing standpoint. Both the sound engineer and we the musicians expressed the hope that when the audience came in, this troublesome dimension would likely diminish enough for the situation to be workable. This is often the case; in this case, sadly, we were wrong.

The first set was barely manageable. I called my sound team into my dressing room between sets to see if we could come up with a few “improvements”, knowing that nothing was certain. Alas, to our bad luck, the adjustments only made a difficult situation much worse and no manner of instruction that I or Brian Hughes gave to the engineers could really save the situation, even though they were trying very hard. When I started singing off key, and then stumbling on lyrics, I felt so embarrassed and humiliated that it was all I could do to stay on the stage. I felt so badly for the audience who had given us such a huge welcome and I felt badly for ourselves, adrift on a sinking boat. By the last song, after singing the last lyrics, I couldn’t help but just weep.

Of course, no one wishes to feel that they are in such an emotionally vulnerable state that they cannot complete their professional responsibilities to the degree of their satisfaction, but when one is on stage performing the kind of material I am and the way I try to do it, one is already in a heightened emotional (usually positive) state. But then to find oneself trying as hard as possible and still feel like one is failing, and disappointing everyone, it was just too much for me to bear.

I don’t wish to argue with anyone who attended this show and who thought it was less than optimum. I was deeply appreciative and tried to express my gratitude for everyone’s forbearance and tried to pull myself together as I ran up the three flights of stairs from my basement dressing room to undertake two encores – which I did, although the sonic environment was no better from the standpoint of my performance needs. Following this, I went out to the street and signed autographs, again as a gesture of appreciation. I always enjoy meeting the people who have found a place for my music in their lives. I must admit, however, after a rather upsetting evening, there was a part of me that wanted to retreat to my hotel room.

Although I find it a bit disappointing that there were a very few individuals who, not knowing the situation I was up against, chose to interpret my distress as an act of indulgence or petulance, I was deeply grateful for the numerous others who generously gave me the benefit of the doubt and who were genuinely concerned for me. This was an event that has never occurred before in all my performing career.

For anyone who felt shortchanged by that performance, I would like to offer them their money back and would ask you to contact businessaffairs@quinlanroad.com to make the appropriate arrangements. Thank you to all who were sympathetic and managed to find some merit in the performance. Your understanding is deeply appreciated.

Loreena

Dearest Loreena,

Aye, you beautiful soul, you should not be so hard on yourself, as there can exist situations at times that are beyond our control.

I have observed that you always seem to strive to provide your audience(s) with the best quality you can find. In considering the circumstances that you were up against, there is really no need for embarrassment here.

You are a noble artist, from what I've gathered, by true definition, with much integrity, I might add.

Please rest your spirit and mind. I'm looking forward to experiencing you in September.

Warm blessings,
Shan-Lyn xx

Dear Loreena...

I'd like to tell you this story. As recently as last Christmas I'd virtually never heard of Loreena McKinnett. I did remember a song on the radio sometime ago called Mummers' something and thought it was OK, but that was about all I thought about it. I've always been a Pink Floyd, the Who, rock&roll, C&W guy. Lately however, I've been feeling I need something different, and I've always liked that Irish highlander sound. In 1995 I was driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway around Asheville NC when I tuned into a syndicated radio show out of L.A. that was playing Irish/Celtic (I guess) music and it was really great. Didn't know any of the artists though. You might have been one of them. The only artist I could think of associated with that style of music is Enya. I've seen "Celtic Woman" on PBS, but that didn't do it. Seems too contrived. So I did a LimeWire search for Enya, and, along with Sail Away, Mummers' Dance came up. LimeWire sometimes confuses titles with artists. When I played it, it hit the spot. I was what I was looking for. That LimeWire search also confused some of Enya's titles with someone named Loreena McKennitt. A Loreena search basically opened up a whole new world. I found your website. It was just a coincendence that Ancient Muse had just come out so I went out and bought it. I must confess it needed to grow on me a little, but on a trip to L.A. one weekend last Janurary it was the only record I took along and I came to appreciate it's a really great record. The more I listened the better it got. The next day I bought 3 more of your records. At the same time, Caravanserai from Alhambra Nights showed up on you-tube as well as your 1998 Letterman Mummers' Dance. Alhambra Nights on PBS, as well as your European tour were announced by about this time. By now I was thoroughly hooked. I wanted to see the show but the North American tour dates weren't announced yet. So, I decided to jump right into the deep end and bought a ticket for the Barbican Center in London on April 3. Never been to England, always wanted to go, so I planned a 5 day trip with April 3 in the center. I flew 7000 miles to see you Loreena. And you delivered. You had me in tears within 5 minutes of the start of the concert, the emotional tide was so high. Magical is too lame a word for that night. I'd never heard such music before. To top the evening off, I'm sure you don't remember, but I was in the 1st row balcony on your right. The balcony at the Barbican was a lot closer to the stage than the Paramount in Oakland, and it had really wide aisles on the sides. At the end of the 2nd set when you were taking your bows, you came over to my side of the stage. I was standing at the rail of the balcony in the aisle with nobody around me. You looked up and for a long moment our eyes met. I pointed at you, and you waved back and threw that big smile my way. Made my knees buckle. The next morning I got a car and did a 300 mile road trip around southern England...Portsmouth, Southampton, Stonehenge, Avebury, Marlborough, all the while that amazing concert and the enchanting Loreena were fresh on my mind. I've been to a lot of places and did a lot of things, but that was about the best 24 hours I think I've ever experienced. Meanwhile, just before I left for England, the North American tour was announced and thanks to Quinlan Road, I got great seats at the Paramount Theater in Oakland. Another teriffic show. So now, a few weeks later, the tour is over. The other day I was in Borders looking for a computer programming book and ended up buying the Paris/Toronto concert record. I believe Loreena it's about the best record I've ever heard. I especially like the slightly up tempo Mummers' Dance, and Santiago rocks. In my minds ear I can hear Tal Bergman on that track. He really layed it down those nights. And All Souls Night...I'm mildly disappointed after the fact that you didn't throw that one in.
As for Paris, don't beat yourself up too much. Everyone is entitled to a bad day. It's going to happen. Sometimes the stars align against you and there's nothing you can do about it. In fact, it seems the harder you try to fix it the worse it gets. You simply cannot control all the variables. It sounds like the building was the problem. I have the feeling that even if you screwed it up entirely it would still be magical. You couldn't be anything else. You give so much of yourself Loreena...the wonderful songs, that beautiful voice, the great music and the commitment you give it...and I, just like everyone else who knows you, appreciate it very very much...

Yours in love and friendship,
Dennis James Laws
Monterey, California

I often listen to Loreena McKennitt music through my horrid laptop speakers. The feeling in the music is still lush and amazing. The music defies sound quality. Her music, no matter how horridly marred by acoustics and such, is something I treasure beyond words.

This message brought tears to my eyes too...& more when I read all the loving supportive messages here.
I love you very much too!
The 3 concerts I just saw here in California were SO wonderful!!!
Hope you're wearing the necklace I gave you.
xoxoxo

Our beloved Loreena...
Although most of us members of this board believe that you are not a mortal human being like we do, we can recognise you the right to have bad human times and make human mistakes... You shouldn't feel bad, we still love you and support you... I did not attend the french concert, but me and Mihalis below can't wait till your concert here in Greece... And we'll be there even if all your musicians abandon you and you'll come only with your harp... (which by the way is a great idea, you should try it sometime... )
I wish you all the best for the rest of the tour, and may it lead you to the Mediterrenean as soon as possible... Greek hugs #2#
Anna

Loreena how is it possible to dissapoint someone???

You are the light of music, the fairy of our hearts !!

Please dont feel sad , our angel

I wasnt in Paris concert but i would give anything even to see u smiling from distance ..Your voice has proved and keeps proving the blessed gift from God ..

We love u so much !!

I will never stop being a proud Loreemaniac !!

Greek Hugs

Mihalis

sure The grand Rex was a little sad.
But Roubaix!when dream becomes reality.All was perfect,from the first note to the last song in french:what a beautiful present fur us!
Your kindness to sign autographics;never i'll forget this concert.full happiness.
You are a great artist and a great Lady,and i have much respect for you.
thank you very much to give us so much pleasure.

quote:

our understanding is deeply app

Loreena,
I was in Paris at "le grand Rex", the concert was a pure moment for me (i had tears in my eyes, when the Dante's prayer came). PLEASE don't be ashame with this perfomance, we (french people) were proud to have you here for us for a night. The sounds problems were nothing considering your presence and your voice. I think all the people will agree with me, i'm ready to pay again and again to have the same performance. What is money in front of emotion and shared pleasure ? Please be back soon quickly in Paris, even if the sound would be awful and the Hall in ruins. To see, hear and be near you is the important. You are THE musician, THE singer i always listen. Excuse me for my english, sure i would be more expressive in french. Thank you for being you.

quote:

Originally posted by Deirdre:
Hello Rheannon,

All her fans in France have allready started to write to her (read messages below yours and you'll see !!! ) and say the love we have for her and the respect we have about herself, her work, music, the musicians, the crew... and of course her feelings !

We all are supportives of Loreena and her staff ( I should say fellows travellers )and we do really care about them.

For me Paris's show was a gorgeous magical moment and I still have sparkles in my eyes when I think about it !...

And yes I would love to see her come back to France as much as possible for a live show in Paris or around ! Anyway, who doesn't want to see her again ? Actually, she will be in Roubaix on 5th of April ! So bad I wont be able to attend to it !

See ? We all give her cheers !

Bye

DEIRDRE

quote:

Originally posted by Rheannon:


Come on France! Ask her to get back as soon as possible

And I won't be able to go to roubaix too.

izarriel

This message has been edited. Last edited by: izarriel,

Loreena this concert was wonderful...and you are the best remember..!
Betty

Dear Loreena,

Thank you for this explanation. Like many others here, I had the feeling when you left the stage that your obvious distress had been brought on by painful memories or bad news. It is a relief, relatively speaking, to know that it wasn't so.

I must confess to not having noticed much in the way of sound difficulties - I've always had inferior hearing I'm afraid. I did hear a few words I couldn't remember exactly that way, but to be honest, I didn't come in expecting perfection: I came in expecting YOU, your voice, your music, the musicians that play with you with such talent. And I got all that, and not for a second was I disappointed.

I came all the way from Ireland to see this concert (I'm French, but expatriate), and it will always remain one of the best experiences in my life. Thank you, for that, for your music, and for the integrity and class you showed by posting this explanation.

Please, don't let your bad experiences in Paris put you off France. Come back soon. Try Bordeaux, or Tours, they're great cities too (and closer to home for me!) Also, Ireland is a viable destination I'm sure!


With all my respect, admiration, and thanks,

Jerome, from Ireland.

Dear Loreena,
Thanks for your comments but you don't have to explain us such "minor" problems... To my part, I don't understand all that sound things you're talking about (I'm not a sound engineer... the drum set was just too loud for me at the beginning of the concert but that's all). BE SURE IT WAS A GREAT MOMENT OF HAPPINESS FOR YOUR (french) AUDIENCE ! IT WAS AMAZING ! I stood up from my chair to clap my hands as loud as I could (my husband can testify !) and faithfully... from my heart. You are a REALLY GREAT ARTIST and it is very kind of you to explain what happened.
I would like to say just one last thing : I was very very sad for you at the end of the concert because I though the Never ending road song remembered you bad moments of your life you've been through
Well, if it was just sound problems that make you weep so don't worry anymore and continue with joy and skill your Tour. I can't be in Roubaix on April ("don't catch the flu" there (those who were at the concert will understand ) Please come next time to Le Havre or Rouen next to Paris
THANK YOU FOR BEEING PART OF MY LIFE (and many others' on this message board). Take care.

Hi Loreena, ( and Karen (: )

I just wanted to say I felt so sorry for you at the end of the concert, it really shocked...
Of course, like many others I wondered what happened.
Because you know, where I was sitting, I didn't have a clue something was wrong. I was too far from the stage, and above all, too extatic.
It was the most beautiful day of my life, and I didn't notice a single default in your whole performance.
Please, don't be so hard with yourself... Whatever happens, it wasn't your fault : your performance was absolutely perfect.
I understand it must have been very embarrassing to you, and again I feel sorry for you, but I'm pretty sure many others, like me, didn't even notice the problem.

We were just happy to hear you.



I hope your tour goes on better, and I can't wait to see you again in Roubaix.


With all my love,
Caroline. ( the dumb fan with pink hair )

In another topic CelticKat gave us a quote of Loreena. I think we can give it back to her:

"I have learned that one does not always get what you think you want most and that there will be cruel disappointments and anguish. These are all part of the journey. Not getting the thing you want may sometimes take you closer to the thing that you are."

I was not in Paris but I think the important thing is that Loreena wanted the best for her audience and gave the best she could. That is more than most people would give.

At least the part of the Paris audience that visits this board loved the concert so Loreena succeeded even with the setback.

Thanks to you Loreena for what you give us.