My Week on tour backing for Stevie Wonder, (Part 4).

About 2 hours after hearing Andre explain how upset the groom was, he forwarded a text with a glimmer of hope. The text was sent to him by the bride. The bride turned out to be an ex college friend, from Brits school! The text read, 
"Hi Andre, sorry I missed your call, just heard that Gavin can't make the wedding, just wondering if there is a sutable replacement in mind, or if not what do you advise as I don't know anyone else?"


It was the response that Andre had imagined, but of course, Andre was quick to explain the whole situation with his discussion with the groom, and shared that he did not want to let anyone down. The bride however, had made up her mind that Stevie Wonder was the right choice to take, regardless of the fact that it was going to be at the expense of her own wedding reception celebration!


Both Andre and I later spoke, knowing that the replacement was already in place, and we were very relieved that the bride had a totally different tone and outlook, as we were both sure that left down to the groom, who was even mentioning legal action (though no contracts were formed), I would have been obligated to do the wedding reception, and would have done so even just for conscience and peace of mind sake!   


So the story continues, with me at the airport, two days before the first gig, after queuing for an hour at the check in desk, thirst kicks in, and so I decide to go for a quick drink at the bar. As I am finishing my pastry, someone, obviously from London judging by the accent, walks past me whilst muttering to her husband directly behind me "I don't like the look of that 'cancelled' sign next our check in desk." Realizing that she was probably on the same flight as me back to london, I looked over to the check in desk that I had left, and sure enough, there was a cancelled sign up! I looked on the electronic flight display above my head to see what that read, and I was not at all happy to see 'cancelled' next to my flight details. 
Now trying hard not to panic, I rushed over to the small but growing crowd of people circling this poor check in attendant who was breaking the news to everyone that there was a strike with air traffic control. The questions from angry stranded folk came flooding in, none more important than, "when is the next flight back to london?". The response was one of the most gut wrenching statements I have ever endured! She calmly stated, "There is one tomorrow but it is fully booked, so I would try the other airlines to see if there is one on Saturday, because we dont have any scheduled before then!" 


Now I am stuck in Italy, with the biggest engagement of my musical career 48 hours away, and I potentially have no way to arrive back in london for it!
To top it off, I hear a lady in the crowd mentioning to her friend, that she has tickets to see Stevie Wonder at Hyde Park on Saturday, and needs to get back!

Find out how I managed to get back in London on time, in part 5!