The Take That fans who got stuck in the River Wear - and other amazing fan stories from 2011
The fans who were stranded on a boat in the River Wear
Take That fans really did go to incredible lengths to see their idols when they performed in Sunderland in 2011.
As we continue our look back at the band and their ties with Wearside, we turn our attentions to the superfans and their incredible support. Get in touch and tell us more if you are one of them!
Five fans found themselves in desperate need of RNLI help as they headed to the concert in an alternative form of transport. The Sunderland lifeboat was called out after the group had headed up the Wear to listen to the concert close to the Stadium of Light.
But the three adults and two teenage girls, were left stranded after the boat suffered electrical failure.
Emergency services were called at about 9.40pm after a member of the public reported seeing the crew waving for help.
Brothers Paul and Peter Waite from Washington were paying more attention than most to the opening night in 2011.
As two-fifths of tribute band Re-Take That, they will be recreating last night’s show for their forthcoming gig at Rainton Meadows Arena in September.
Helen Shepherd, 24, from Amble was such a big Take That fan that after seeing the first show. she went back outside to camp out for the next night’s performance to ensure a front row spot.
Marianne Foster, 35, Sue Swiderski, 54, and Katie Elliott, 28, travelled up from Hull.
After the show, Sue said: “It was the best thing since seeing my children born. You had to see it to believe it.”
Maz Benton, 40, from Redcar was at the show with Shaz Gibson, 42, and Sue Hannon, 45, both from Middlesbrough.
And the Black Cat’s then chairman Niall Quinn was among the celebrities eager to take his seat for the show.
He said at the time: “It was fantastic to see the months of planning and hard work culminate in such an amazing evening.”
We would love to hear from anyone who was there for that first Sunderland gig in 2011, or maybe you were one of the people stranded on the Wear.
Get in touch and relive the 2011 memories by emailing [email protected]
After all, it only takes a minute to re-live those great days!