At that time there was no Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Not even DVD’s, CD’s or downloads. There were videotapes with music clips, which you recorded yourself straight from the TV. For hours and hours, you lay down in front of the TV with your finger resting on the record button of the videorecorder, waiting for that one cool clip of your idol.
Also there were music tapes (MC cassettes), which you recorded yourself with the famous "record-button", when your favourite artist was on your favourite music channel.

Alright back to my first concert in Rotterdam. The Support Act was finished, and there was a break. The excitement went to a higher level. We went for a drink very quickly and straight back to our seats. The lights went out and the band started playing.
Only one spotlight went on, and in that light there was a shadow of a woman with this big hair. The audience went nuts!!! And me…?? I was hooked, and she didn’t even sang one note. (while I write this down, tears are building up in my eyes again….. Charisma with the capitol C!!) I think that I looked very silly and dumb during the rest of the concert. My mouth was wide open of admiration and astonishment. At that moment, I figured out what I wanted to be when I would be a grown woman…..Tina Turner!! <3
To be really honest, and I know that’s a real disgrace, I don’t remember the rest of the concert. I was totally blown away… But what I do know, that it was one hell of an experience!!!

From that day on, there never passed a day that I didn’t think about Tina, sang one of her songs, or listened to her music.
I started collecting albums of Tina. I listened to them and sneaky with the volume wide open when I was home alone. I had this huge standing mirror in my bedroom. I would often quickly change my clothes like putting on my mini skirt, high heels and sexy sweater. Dancing and singing in front of that mirror, pretending to be Ms. Turner herself.

Until my father came home, o boy…! Screaming and shouting to shut down that awful noise…!!
My father also hated the way I looked. I did my hair the Tina way (skyhigh!!), and put on that bright red lipstick. So later, I saved that look for school 😉 No, my father didn’t like Tina at all, lol!!
At school, they knew I was a huge fan, so everybody called me Tina. I also won a few playback contests. I was the Diva of the night and that felt wonderful!!

After that first concert in Rotterdam 1985, I went to many Tina concerts. I’ve attended concerts in Belgium 1987, Rotterdam 1990, Utrecht 1990, Amsterdam 1996 and Paris 2000. All of them were great experiences! And afterwards crying and longing for Tina when the concert was over…

I remember one concert in Belgium, at the Belga Festival in 1987. I was so close to the stage, that I could see Tina’s lipstick was smeared all over her cheek, and I felt so sorry for her. I wanted her attention (who doesn’t??) and I wanted to warn her. I pointed at my own cheek. But she didn’t notice me….

The concert in Paris in 2000 was another great experience. I went there by bus, organized by the ITTF (International Tina Turner Fanclub). My sister and sister-in-law went with me.
Oh men, it was a huge Stadium, Stade the France!! And what a crowd! Tina was in great shape, and looked stunning as ever! I remember that my sister-in -law yelled in my ears: "What a body! If I weren’t married to your brother, I’d became a lesbian right away, hahaha!!!"

There is only one thing I still regret. I couldn’t make it to Tina’s final farewell tour in 2009.
I just gave birth to my son. Whenever I see pictures or concerts of that year, I think: "Ouch…!!"

Social Media is great for die-hard fans! You can download/upload so many pics, music, clips, films, etc. of Tina. You meet new fans and friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share all your experiences with each other. Even the most rare pics and music will be shared among fans. Also the newest news and pics about her.
So Tina will be with us for a long time, even though she’s enjoying her well-deserved retirement…! 😀

With Love,
Miriam 😀