Being inspired on the Unbreakable tour
by Shilla Patel
Sangita Patel
Lee Orridge
Shilla Patel
Steve Foster
Seeing Janet in Miami, Orlando and Tampa was an amazing experience. She was certainly back and was on fire. For me personally to see her on stage with her all female J-Tribe was inspiring. They were fierce and the crowds in all 3 arenas were ready to dance and scream as we were. We were dressed in our Janet gear and of course was flying our union jack flag. The UK J-Tribe were ready. When Janet first appeared on stage at Miami we lost all inhibitions and got swept up in the euphoria. To see Janet after 4 years was humbling and we know we are extremely fortunate. At that stage we hadn't heard the new album 'Unbreakable', so hearing songs like 'After You Fall' and my favourite of the album 'Shoulda Known Better' was a definite treat. One of the highlights of the whole tour was appearing fleetingly in the 'Burn It Up' video.
On our return the tickets for the Europe tour went on sale. Even though we had already seen Janet in Florida, she was now coming to our territory. We managed to get tickets for all the Europe shows, mainly front row and was so excited. When Janet announced she was postponing we were of course upset however knew we had another opportunity to see Janet, in Dubai. Next step was to book the Dubai World Cup tickets and flights. The journey started off well when we got upgraded to business class on the Emirates flight. The fun had already started. We arrived at 3am and the concert was the same day. Even though we were all tired excitement took over. For this event, there were no Janet tshirts. It was of course the 'plush' World Cup so we dressed in our best and for me 'high heels' and got to the venue early as we didn't have seats. Whilst everyone else was watching the horce racing, we were the first real fans there so got to the front. Some of Janet's team were walking around, so we were lucky to get photos with Gil and Lil John. A few other fans turned up and we bonded as we normally do as Janet's Janfam. It was a long wait of over nearly 8 hours but it was certainly worth the wait, Before Janet and the J-Tribe came on stage there was an amazing firework display, very apt for the Queen of Pop, Soul and Rock and Roll. When Janet appeared on stage the crowd went wild. The feeling of elation took over as there were 80,000 people behind us. It reminded me of being front row watching Janet's brother, Michael, at Wembley Stadium in London. The show was electric and so special, being out in the fresh air. Reflecting, this was the best I have ever seen Janet perform. Did she have a point to prove? In my eyes Janet never does. She could stand on the stage and and that would be enough. She is a true inspiration as is her entire crew and team. They with Janet are so inspiring and make me want to make a difference in everything that I do, to be creative and to inspire and be inspired. Thank you Janet for sharing your gift, you make the world a better place.