X Factor Behaviour

Evening all

Went to see the X Factor Live last night. Hats off to Jeff Brazier who, even though the mother of his 2 boys is on her death bed, managed to pull it together to be a warm and welcoming host to the evening's proceedings. All of the acts were superb, not one bum note was hit, not even from Daniel King of the Sob Story Evans. You see, the good thing about going to a concert like this is that the eight performers involved are still trying to establish themselves as serious artists, having one foot on their own ladder of success and the other firmly planted on the heartachingly mundane ground that we non-celebrities inhabit. They therefore try to turn out a groundbreaking performance, ensuring that each song performed is more memorable than the last and as a result of the lust for fame, they work bloody hard and turn out well.

Only one or two minor problems arose... Whilst trying to take photos of each of the acts, I was angrily tapped on the shoulder by a woman with the face of a bitch chewing a wasp and the demeanor and tact of Shrek. "My daughter can't see for you and that bloody camera" she growls. As I start to apologise profusely, partly out of genuine remorse, partly out of sheer intimidation, she continues "She's paid her ticket the same as you and deserves to see the fucking show". Now am I the only one who can see a problem or two with this statement. 1. Unless this 5 year old is subject to childhood labour, how can she possibly pay for her own ticket, think about what you say before you say it love, it's the first rule of picking an argument. 2. There was absolutely no need to approach this situation so completely on the defensive, just ask and I would have gladly put the camera away, no question. To swear and rant about it only highlights her inability to communicate effectively and sends unbelievably negative messages to her children. Consequently, any attempt by me to sway with the music, clap my hands above my head or generally show any merriment were met both with fear of retribution on my part and the occasional tap on my shoulder and dirty look. So now I'm going to go on the defensive and say... if you want to ensure that the 5 year old kid that you're taking to a concert on a Sunday before school can see the show, fucking book better seats you cow-bag moron!

Again, as you may or may not be aware, I work in a busy childrens' hospital that are often blessed by the presence of minor celebrities trying to score Brownie points by going to see the poor sick weans. This afternoon, as I was leaving work, I was met by 2 fuck off Jags, complete with chauffeurs standing guard waiting the return of the stars of last night's show who were doing the rounds at the hospital. I decided what the hell and waited for a glimpse and hopefully a photo cause I still had my camera on me from last night. As I stood waiting, I was met by 2 women who were clearly bonkers, asking if I had a favourite, I reply that I didn't I was just a fan of the show, Bonkers Number 1 blessed me with the fact that Daniel King of the Sob Story Evans was her favourite, really as well as being bonkers and unfortunately glakit looking, this poor girl needed to turn her hearing aid up! Bonkers 2 then went on to say they heard that X Factor stars were to show up at the hospital and they wanted to see them in the flesh before the concert. When asked I explained that I worked at the hospital, I was then offered bribes and compliments to 'try and get them on the inside'. Erm, this is a fucking childrens' hospital, these people are here for the children, not to satisfy the curiosity of the Bonkers. Please don't speak to me until you have a shower, see a psychiatrist and a plastic surgeon (ugly tree and every branch come to mind).

When the stars finally came out, they were ushered to the car, not stopping to smile or acknowledge the small crowd of parents and children. They kept their heads down for fear of catching the eye of a hopeful child asking for an autograph. They never waved or laughed, they just looked grumpy. Again, this is a childrens' hospital, the main demographic these stars have are children. By coming across as so arrogant merely served to alienate a small number of this demographic, not a wise move for people hoping to plant their second foot on the ladder of success.

My estimations of these individuals has been slightly marred by the short glimpse I got of them, and whilst it may be a hasty judgement, I saw at least 20 disappointed children, sad that their heros had snubbed them. Talent is no excuse for dismissive behaviour.

So that's my experience of these individuals for this year, hopefully next year's X Factor brood will be more tactful and humble.

See you soon
J x