Hi all,

Iím definitely getting itchy feet now and cannot wait for the tour to start. It is amazing how it becomes a way of life and not only do I miss performing on stage but the contact with the people. Itís just a few days before I hit the road and I am thrilled that my regular musicians, sound and lighting teams are with me again, as well as the incomparable Colin Keyes and of course my side kick Paul.

With the tour finally upon us I am very excited as well as a tad nervous. Excited as I am looking forward to putting my new show out to the public and nervous, as there are fourteen new songs to get my head around. Even though everything looks great on paper, you never know how it will really work until you perform it for the first time in front of an audience. I have included lots of special songs that have a special meaning in my life as well as a very special tribute to dad.

I tried to lose a few pounds but my diet is a ëseafoodí diet. I see food and eat it (the old ones are the best). I must remind myself next time Iím eating something fattening how long it takes to get rid of those extra pounds. It seems the older you get the harder it is. I could use a cardboard cut out of myself and say ëthis is one I made earlierí.

We are repeating the exclusive offer we did last year, as it was so successful. Backstage Pass is ONLY available to Friends of Matt Monro so if you are not yet a member, join up and you will receive this extra bonus absolutely FREE - no strings attached. Michele has started to take bookings so get your requests in early. The only show this offer does not apply to is opening night at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.

Sadly there is a recession upon us and it has definitely affected ticket sales but if on certain nights numbers are low it will just make it more intimate. In these uncertain times I am even more appreciative to everyone who has bought tickets and supporting the show.

I am shocked by how much the credit crunch has affected theatre business in general. Last week one of my publicists Jean Levy kindly invited me to the Shaw Theatre to see Al Martino. I was interested for two reasons, one being that I myself am performing at this theatre towards the end of the tour and secondly I had never been fortunate enough to see Al Martino live before.

The theatre itself is beautiful and is such an intimate setting that I am more excited than ever at performing there. Although I like performing at the Beck Theatre, purely because it was dadís home theatre, the sound is not the best but it is always nice to visit a new theatre.

I know several fans including Peter and Marian wrote to Michele telling her they were going to see Al Martino at the Shaw Theatre on the Monday and they mentioned that the audience was only half capacity but those that were there were very appreciative and he got a great reception. I found the same to be true on the following night but he gave a great show and looked fantastic and showed what a classy performer he is. I only hope I will be going that strong at 81. He certainly wowed the crowd with firm favorites like Volvare, Spanish Eyes and Speak Softly Love. It was a tremendous thrill for me to be there. I know Harry and Lena were going again the following night to the Fairfield Hall so letís hope they share some of the photographs they took of the occasion.

The publicity has already started for the tour with the usual adverts in the Daily Mail, newspaper interviews as well as several appearances on radio but I did something rather unusual last week, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was asked to Paradise Wildlife Park to support their Wildlife Heritage Program by Steve Sampson. It was a truly incredible experience and as well as the usual publicity photographs with the animals I got the chance to hand feed the lions and cheetahs. I was also introduced to Zara, a lion cub of five months and after playing with her for over an hour I was smitten. I had wanted to get involved with a project of ëFreedom in the Wildí for many years and this presented the perfect opportunity.

After speaking to Steve Sampson whose family owns the Wildlife Park, I was delighted to be granted permission to adopt baby Zara. The parkís main aim is to fly her back to Uganda next year where she can eventually be released into her natural habitat. This is an exciting ambition and I am planning on doing a concert at the park next year to raise funds for their cause. I also plan to follow Zaraís progress from now all the way through to her going home. Iím hoping I will be allowed to go and check up on her from time to time. My father was delighted to be involved with the Born Free Foundation, following the success of the film and it is something we spotlight and support of the website. From the homepage click on the button on the right hand side marked ëOfficially Yoursí and at the bottom of the page you will see the link to the Born Free Foundation and information on adopting a lion.

It seems that things have come full circle and I am delighted to be involved in a similar worthwhile enterprise. If any of you get the chance you should take the time to visit the park. They have several unique selling points that put it ahead of their competitors. The first is that it has become the UK's leading interactive wildlife park and they have also developed several experiences which visitors love and remember including feeding the zebras and camels and meeting lemurs, meerkats, penguins, reptiles and birds of prey. Give it a try; it makes for a wonderful day.

Paradise Wildlife Park
White Stubbs Lane
Broxbourne
Hertfordshire
EN10 7QA
01992 470490
www.pwpark.com

One piece of bad luck is that my DVD will not be ready for the tour after all, but through no fault of our own. Adrian Stout the guy who had been editing the frames has gone missing in action!! Michele and Richard have managed to complete the editing so that the project can definitely go forward at a later time.

I am still hoping that Michele and my Filipino promoter Danee Samonte will manage to organize the filming of one of my concerts in Manila this year. My shows are slightly different overseas and I thought it might be nicer to show you what I get up to when I leave England. The bonus of doing that is that the musicians are slightly cheaper so it makes it a more viable project.
Friends of Matt Monro is our official Fan Club run by Geraldine Vine. Membership includes a Welcome Pack and four issues of our exclusive newsletter. Where possible we give you advanced access to concert tickets and pre-sales as well as the opportunity of purchasing tickets for concerts, personal appearances and special gatherings. The Newsletter also features discounts on exclusive merchandise and Geraldine runs several competitions with the chance to win tickets and merchandise. Membership is £12.00 single/£15.00 joint membership for fans in England or £15.00 single/£18.00 joint membership for overseas fans. If you wish to join the Fan Club either contact Geraldine Vine at gerivine2005@yahoo.co.uk or access our website and go through to the News page. By scrolling down the page you will find the heading Friends of Matt Monro. You will find the application form there for you to print out.

Until November, keep the music playing.