Since 1996

     Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective
     Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready..
 
Home
Subscribe
About Us
Features
News

Album Reviews
Movie reviews
Concert Reviews

Top 10
Resources
Contact Us

*Losing a Princess: Gaining the world*
An armchair review of the Concert for Diana
by psychologist, Dr. Bruce L. Thiessen, aka Dr BLT

When I saw it on my not-so-big screen TV, I wanted to be there in person.  I wanted to be part of the approximately 63,000 who attended the Concert for Diana on what would have been her 46th birthday. Instead, I was there in spirit.  Instead, I was among the 8.9m people representing 140 countries, who tuned in to watch the live broadcast of the event, held at London's Wembley Stadium.

The electricity in the air must have been phenomenal because I, who was removed by miles and miles of geographical distance, couldn't help catching a good surge of the spirit. 
All monies raised by the event went to what were known to be Princess Di's favorite charities.

Back in August of 1997, I was one of the mourning members of the world community who was hit unexpectedly by the news of princess dying tragically in a car crash in Paris.  I handled my grief, like I usually handle any sorrowful experience, by writing a song (which you're welcome to hear):

Losin' a Princess: Dr BLT (c) 2007 Smash Records
http://www.drblt.net/music/PrincessDi2.mp3

It was a song I actually spoke with Elton John's manager about having Elton sing at Princess Di's funeral.

Sir Elton John, Duran Duran, Rod Stewart and Josh Stone were part of the all-star line-up featured in the event.  Others included Bryan Ferry, Kaye West, Natasha Bedingfield, Take That and Supertramp's Rodger Hodgson.  World leaders like Tony Blair and Mandala offered video-broadcast statements of praise for Diana and her work.  I heard that, sadly, Tony Blair, who just stepped down as one of the best Prime Ministers the UK has ever known, was booed, the one dark spot in an otherwise brilliant and bright event. 
Sir Elton was the one who played Candle in the Wind (the "new," rehashed edition that was originally written for Marilyn Monroe that became the biggest selling single of all time) at Princess Di's funeral.  He opened the concert with Your Song, which he performed in front of a larger than life image of Diana.

The British clearly must have had candles with hotter fires than performers from the U.S. and other nations, for the British performers like Rod Stewart, for example clearly stole the show.  In fact, though I was not there in person, Rod Stewart seem to have the best time and seemed to connect best with the audience present at the event.

After Elton closed the show with a couple of his classic hits, Hosts Prince William and Prince Harry joined Elton John on stage and whole-heartedly thanked everyone who attended and everyone who performed in honor of their magnanimous mother. 

The show was a testimony to hear spirit, her tireless generosity and her endless efforts to make the world a better place for all of us to live.  I only wish I could have been there in person.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

  Copyright © 1996 - 2007 The Phantom Tollbooth