"Sono nella lista delgi invitati" , so says my note for the box office. Mab are not playing their own set at this special gig, but are making guest appearances during Franco Battiato's evening. In Italy Franco Battiato is big (tomorrow Peter Gabriel plays here).
I am lucky that I thought ahead and have the italian for 'I am on the guestlist written down as the box-office tent does not appear to have any English. Actually they seem quite amused by my note (PJ wrote it for me earlier this afternoon).
For the occasion I have dressed in my aged rockstar look - linen & silk suit with a stripey t-shirt. The invited have a reserved block of seats at stage left, most of them seem to be journalists and their friends. 

The show is due to start at 9, but nothing happens till 9.30. The orchestra is milling around backstage (which is a blocked off area to the left of the stage). The girls are also there and wave to me, which is sweet.

I am not familiar with Franco Battiato's music, but he has a ton of cds out in Italy. He starts with some slow numbers where he sits and sings. After maybe half an hour he introduces Lisa and Marina from Mab, who sing with him on 'Era L'inizio della primavera'. Its so moving my eyes threaten to water.

Some more songs from Battiato, then he brings back Marina and Lisa, and introduces PJ. They join him in singing Ruby Tuesday, the Rolling Stones song from the sixties. For the final chorus PJ's soprano pierces the venetian night and brings a tear to the eye.

 A few more songs from Battiato. All this time everyone has been seated (apart from the occasional drifting smoker) not least because the seats at the front were more expensive, but as Mab (with instruments) join Franco for what is to be "il vuoto" his recent single and title track of his latest album, there is a sudden charge of people to the stage. There seems to be no objection from Security, so I don't know whether it is orchestrated! This is the finale; this is Mab on the big stage; this is Mab in venice; this is wonderful. I'm so glad I came ...