Opinion CHAMBER


The Official Publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce


LINK


Editor’s View


By John Lamb


Our venues shine just as brightly as the performers


Sutton Coldfield


Chamber of Commerce


Greater Birmingham


Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce


reminded me of excellent nights out enjoyed at their various venues throughout Greater Birmingham. Most recently, there was The Who at Arena Birmingham. A packed venue turning the clock back to numbers like ‘My Generation’, their first hit in 1965, ‘Pinball Wizard’ and ‘Tommy’, the rock opera hailed as a masterpiece when it was released in 1969. And who can forget a bizarre night in May,


T


Front cover: Kathryn James, See page 6 & 7


Editor John Lamb 0121 607 1781, 0797 1144064 j.lamb@birmingham-chamber.com


Deputy Editor Dan Harrison 0121 607 1887, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com


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2003, at what was then called the NEC Arena. In another column at the time I described it as a “surreal experience”. I went on: “Eight thousand people were


packed into the area. Total adulation for a world- wide star being backed on stage by a 40-piece orchestra and chorus. “… most of the audience, who had paid


around £30 each to see their hero, were standing and calling for more. But the star simply thanked them, turned his back and said he hoped to see them again soon. “He won’t. Elvis Presley died 26 years ago. “And yet on three occasions in as many years


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the Arena has been packed with his fans from across the age spectrum. Some dressed like the King in white costumes and black wigs.” I won’t repeat the whole column, but you get


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4 CHAMBERLINK November 2018


the message. This was just another example of the NEC


hitting exactly the right spot when it came to selecting appropriate concerts.


he NEC features heavily in this edition of Chamberlink. Quite rightly too, I think. And in putting this edition together, it


There was Shania Twain at Arena Birmingham


recently and a little longer ago I remember another packed night at what was now the Genting Arena out when the Eagles performed. I believe they’re back again at the Arena in 2019. What struck everyone was the amazing price these guys can still demand, long after their heyday.


‘I had breakfast with LDV, who certainly provided far better sausages than the vans they produced’


And then, of course, there have been some


classic and memorable events, like Crufts at the NEC and the flagship BBC Good Food show, where you could buy a glass to sample all the wines and then taste chilli paste that blew your head off. I recall covering the Motor Show for the Birmingham Post, having been asked to write a colour piece. However, I ignored the cars and instead wrote about the food. I had breakfast with LDV, who certainly provided far better sausages than the vans they produced. Lunch was with Seat, who provided magnificent


paella and rioja. My abiding memory as I sat enjoying lunch was of a Spanish guest eating a prawn, shell included. I just managed to prevent myself from retching as he crunched away. However, I recovered in time to enjoy tea and


scones with Rover, who I seem to remember were launching one of their first cars under BMW ownership. Happy days!


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