Face To Face Goodbye Mr Mackenzie

[Germaine Greenweig]

Approachingthe venue, whichever way you turned on Sauchiehall Street and the surrounding bars there was someone wearing a Mac man t-shirt. Following the tremendous feedback from the first two gigs on the tour, in Dundee and Dunfermline, expectations were high and the atmosphere in and around the venue electric.

Martin Metcalfe is an imposing sight. Elegant and suave as ever, dressed head to in black, save a burgundy waistcoat, dark glasses and battered oversize top hat, one side encrusted with bones, he is a striking frontman. One of the best, with a commanding deep brogue that matches the image down to a t.

Can you follow that? Well, apparently you can. Returning to the stage to a rapturous reception, the band went on to play one of their most controversial songs. Face to Face is a vivid lyrical depiction of a horrendous rape and the fall out at trial, where toxic masculinity & power tripping misogynistic men deal out their pathetic excuses. A powerful indictment on the state of the legal system when it comes to victims of this heinous crime. The performance was magnificent and sensitive.

A staggering thrill-ride, a phenomenally unforgettable evening. Looking around the venue as we were leaving there were stunned faces all around, as if no-one could believe what they had just witnessed. Talking to a few folks immediately after, to a person, they found it almost impossible to put their feelings into words, such was the spectacle they had just witnessed.

All thatchanged in a press announcement in February heralding their triumphant returnto play a handful of dates in celebration of the 30th anniversary ofthe release of their seminal debut album, Good Deeds and Dirty Rags

Friday wasa different beast altogether. Yes it was emotive, but it felt like a band attheir peak, revitalised and in the mood to party. I had no tears tonight justsheer joy. This was a celebration of all that is good in live music.

The scene was set, the band playing the entire album, virtually in order, save for keeping their eponymously named single and the aforementioned classic The Rattler to end the main set. The audience lapped up every track, singing, dancing and cheering along to every track. From my vantage point on one of the steps to the side of the floor, I had a perfect view across the whole crowd. On occasion throughout the gig I looked across and all I saw were rapt joyful faces. Every one of the gathered throng captivated by the band.

As well as the entire classic album, we were treated to the punch to the guts that is Normal Boy with Marie Claire sharing the lead vocals and proving herself a more than worthy replacement for Shirley. The powerful if harrowing Face to Face remains as potent today as it always has. Fan favourite B-sides Green Turn Red and Here Comes Deacon Brodie completed the setlist for the main set. Closing with Goodbye Mr Mackenzie followed by The Rattler is something that will remain with me for some time. The sight and sound of 2000+ fervent fans singing the words to The Rattler in harmony with Martin made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and sent shivers down my spine.

Earlier this year, my husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary and vacations were enjoyed. Then, life changed. A scan in July showed that one of the cancers had metastasized and additional treatments would not be helpful. It was a devastating day, realizing that my life and my career, as I had known it, would end.

Dear Nancy,. I have watched your show for many years. I have enjoyed your with and wisdom and learned so much from you. One of the funniest things I learned is that it is okay to mess up and that everyone does. I am.grsteful for all the time and effort you put into creating your shows, your patterns, and your books.

Long story short, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. I will always be grateful for your contribution to my sewing journey. Sending you big hugs!

Nancy: Thank You so much for your valued information that I faithfully watched for years. So many special projects that are still valued to me. My favorite was making Christmas Stockings. To this day with 6children & spouses, 7grand children & spouses & 3great grandchildren my favorite project is the Stockings. This Christmas again the stair way steps stockings will be hanging in our open stairway tucked with a gift or two. There are so many projects that I currently do that were Sewing With Nancy Projects. I have sewn for over 50 yrs. Thank You for adding many creative ideas to my projects.

My husband and I both are Cancer survivors. We know how fortunate we are.

My thoughts are with you and your family!

My prayers will be with you!

Thank You!

Jan

You have always been an inspiration to me throughout my sewing projects. Always thinking in the back of my mind, what would Nancy do. I know I speak for so many that we will miss meeting you during morning coffee to see what new and innovative things you have for me.

Nancy,

You are the reason I started to sew a few years ago. I found m passion because of you and your show. I am truly heartbroken by your email about your further health sorrows. Know that I, and millions of other sewists have you and your family in our prayers. God Bless You Nancy.

Sincerely,

Pat Hunsucker

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I did meet you in NH a couple of years ago and you were so gracious to all of us who wanted a minute of your time. Your videos got me back into sewing and taught me so much. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. My love and prayers to you and your family.

Dear Nancy, You have been my inspiration for many years. I feel like you are also my friend. We have met and talked at quilt expos, and it always amazed me how sweet and down to earth you are to your fans. Your bravery and creativity are traits to be admired. Thank you for your friendship. We all love you.

With tears and hugs, Wendy

This is a sad, sad day for the sewing world. Your presence on tv, magazines and social media will be a Great loss to millions of us. But we all collectivelt send you love, white light and peace in the days ahead. Thank you for all your hard work over the years. God be with you.

Dear Nancy,

I have watched you from the very beginning. Many Saturdays were spent sitting in front of the TV absorbing everything you had to say. When I could not watch I made sure to record it and watch later. My DVR has been permanently set for your show. You have been a great inspiration to us all. May God give you the peace that passes all understanding in the coming days.

First, thank you for sharing your talent and love with us for these past several years. You are truly an inspiration. You will be missed. My prayers to you and your family as you go through this valley, but it sounds like you have a faith that will get you through.

You have left a great legacy by showing us how to use our gifts and talents to better the lives of others. For that, we are truly thankful. You not only taught us to be better at our craft, but to be better people as well. Again, thank you.

I recently found you and your show. You have such knowledge and are so gracious to share it. Enjoy your family and friends you have left a wonderful legacy to the sewing world for that we all thank you. Sending prayers of hope, strength, and positivity.

Nancy you have been an inspiration to me and many other people. Because of your help online and on facebook I am slowly venturing further into my love of sewing adjusting patterns for myself and eventually for others. Thank you for your inspiration and Blessings on your journey and God Bless. Much love to you and your family. from Helen in Australia.

Dear Nancy,

My son was born in 1991, and had medical problems including a mild palsy. When he was allergic to the pajamas, etc with the flame retardant, I was desparate to do something for him. I saw you and your show, and went out and bought a Viking. It was fleece that gave him the most comfort, so I started making PJs, sheets, etc before they were available to buy. Now all these years later, today I am finishing a fleece blanket/quilt for his 12 yr old stepdaughter, using one of your books. She loves the other two I have made her, and that gives me so much joy.

May God give you peace and comfort, and please know that you have given the same to so many yourself.

I am just so sad to learn about your diagnosis and retirement. You have brought such joy into my life. I have recorded so many of your programs. I was absolutely delighted the day you read my embroidery tip on your program !! Cancer is such a monster! I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. It was caught early but I am so greatful for each day because you never know when it will return. I am so happy that you have faith in God and know that HE holds us in his hand. God bless you and your family.

God bless you and your family. My prayers are with you for a miracle of healing but if God wishes you to be home then prayers of comfort for your family. Your sewing ideas have been an inspiration to me

Love and Prayers Mary

The news you have gotten is a great sadness to all that have watched your series. Your series allowed me to refresh and learn new skill to continue enjoy sewing.

We do not know what is in store for each of us as we walk the path of life. God will send you the direction to which you will follow next .

Prayers to you and your family

Nancy, I my heart is filled with sadness at your news. You have taught me so much over the years and I will never forget you. You are loved by so many, including me and that love will continue on. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep strong in your faith and let God carry you through.

Like many others I too grew up watching you on PBS. Your talent and beauty is God given which you used to help make our world a better, more beautiful place. You are an extraordinary person. May you find comfort and peace as you take this journey. May God bless you, may He comfort you, may you find oeace.

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