“New York, just like I pictured it – skyscrapers and everythang!” There we were, me and Mr. Buss, dressed up in our best whistles standing in the lobby of the MTV building at 1515 Broadway looking at the fans outside waiting for us to ‘arrive.’ We smiled and wondered how come the fans could bear to be standing out in the cold so long, it’s not like they were being paid or anything. And then they were ready for us.
We were bundled out into the cold and in 2 seconds were sitting in the limo that was going to drive us to the Premiere. The walkie-talkie was buzzing “Where’s Serena? Which car is she in?” I was disappointed to hear she’d left already – GREAT. QT gets to meet Britney but do I get to hang with Serena? No chance. The walkie sparked again. “OK, we’re ready for Nigel and Alan…go, go, go!” The car started and we drove to the Premiere – exactly 20 feet! The doors opened, we climbed out and the fans were going nuts…I mean MENTAL. They didn’t have a clue who we were but Buss could have been Brad Pitt and I could have been Jennifer Lopez and they couldn’t have made more noise. The cameras were all over us, and there we both were up on the big screen across the street! A second or two later we were standing back in the lobby we’d left about three minutes ago laughing hysterically.
(Outside the MTV Building on the night of the Premiere)
Illusion? Yes, but such fun and it’ll look great on Monday night. I hope I don’t look too much like a Dick. I met Dave Holmes and was interviewed by someone I didn’t recognise who rubbed her hand up and down my back as we talked for the camera – very nice technique – it keeps you smiling the whole time. The guys were jumpy and nervous sneaking out for ciggies (Mickey) or chugging loads of water (Jerry). They all gave me a custom-made 2gether coat with their names embroidered inside as a memento of our weeks in Vancouver and I got dewy-eyed. Chad got into trouble for calling ‘Miss USA’ ‘Miss America’ (or was it the other way around) and she said nice things about a movie she’s not seen yet! Finally the guys performed “Before We Say Goodbye” twice (first time good vocals, second time good moves) and Calculus twice. They stressed over their vocals but did a fine job. And suddenly it was all over…
Friday afternoon brought another TRL appearance and plug for the movie. A nasty storm had blown in from the West and Times Square was full of snow and miserable pedestrians. Just a few months ago the guys asked me with wide open eyes if they’d ever get to visit MTV. Today was their third appearance in the TRL studio and they’re blasé already chatting with Carson like they were old friends. We looked down on the kids outside and saw five t-shirts with YOU on one shirt, + on the next, then ME, = and finally US. We laughed as they screamed at us from the cold and were convinced they were plants from the record company: sharp marketing move we all thought.
I slipped out of the building on my own and heard screams and the sound of running feet. I looked up to see 2gether were being mobbed for the first time! (Apart from in the movie of course). The kids outside broke through the barriers and gathered round the guys taking pictures and asking for autographs. I watched and beamed. I wish Bob Buss had been here to watch his protégés doing the right thing by their fans. And the 5 t-shirts? They were for real – 5 fans from Connecticut had them made up and were standing outside in the cold wind and sleet for 2 hours just to see the guys! O lordy…