On the Road
I’m in Glasgow tonight, soon to be on stage with my brothers for their 50th Anniversary in Entertainment tour. It’s not my 50th. I’m not that old. Donny is.
Between now and June 23rd we will be performing 17 shows in countries from Scotland to Malaysia, a new city every other night. Being the solo female with 7 performing brothers, I’m pretty certain I’m the only one who will stop to ask for directions!
My four youngest children are traveling with me. The 5 year old keeps looking for the Glass Cow today. The older four are at home, occupied by their jobs and taking classes.
This tour is almost like a flashback for me. I look at my young kids and remember traveling to Japan, Sweden, the Philippines and other countries when my brothers and I were just a bit older than they are now. The difference for us, though, is we weren’t there to take in the sights; we were there to be seen. My parents raised us to be entertainers, not celebrities. We were there to make the audience happy, to take their minds off their problems. At least for a while. I remember our amazement when we landed at Heathrow airport in the early 70’s and saw thousands of fans pounding on the windows and doors of the terminal, screaming, “We want the Osmonds.” Okay, it was a bit scary.
I’ve met so many incredible people through my years on stage and heard so many fascinating stories. I’ve already noticed faces here, on this tour, which I recognize from years past and I love seeing the scores of new fans: teenagers and 20-somethings that are showing up to the concerts. Even my own teenagers listen to the music from artists who first became famous in the 70’s like Joni Mitchell and David Bowie, so it’s fun to see the growing interest in the Osmonds from a new generation of fans.
I know Ritch and Josh and their teammates with Program Partners continue traveling the U.S talking to many of you about my new talk show. (I wonder what female is giving them directions? Kidding. Actually, Josh and Ritch are overly capable of laying out the map to a great show…they’re the best in the biz!) I was able to meet some of you (general managers, station owners, programmers and advertising) in New York, Las Vegas and L.A. before I left on tour. Thanks so much for your interest and enthusiasm about the show. You know, my goal is still the same today: To make the viewers happy and help to take their minds off their problems…at least for an hour.
And, hey, if you have a question for me leave a comment here. I’ll try to get back to you with an answer in my next blog!
-Marie
LindaFromKY commented:
I am so happy you are back out there singing. Your voice was truly missed. Hope your "new" life is full of joy, friends and happiness every day.
Linda
Carol commented:
Hi Marie,
I have an idea for your show that I thought you might be interested in. I know you have adopted 5 of your children. I have adopted two children. I have worked for years as a teacher, a volunteer guardian ad litem, and now, as a professor, on making people aware of the need to adopt foster children. You hear very little about it and we have no national spokesperson who really brings attention to it. Dave Thomas (founder of Wendy's) tried to do this until his death. You are so famous and so well-loved and respected, I think you could do wonderous things for these children. There are thousands and thousands of children in the US who need a home (over 3,000 in just my state of NC). There are a lot of myths and false beliefs about adopting from foster care that, if addressed, may increase the number of children getting adopted. I could go on and on with statistics, research, details, personal experiences, and stories and on and on, but I'm limited on space here. Please consider it. I would be willing to talk with you or anyone on your staff about how I could be helpful if you'd like more information. I'm looking very foward to your talk show...been a fan since the days of Paper Roses :-) I'll also email Kesti on your doll site...don't really want to post my email address here. If you're interested and if I could be helpful, maybe someone could reply to me from that email. Thank you!
Carol
Sue H commented:
Hi Marie
Went to the Newcastle show and loved it ofcourse, I have not seen you, on tv or otherwise for some time and I was delighted at how open and funny you were! You still look very good, could I ask if you have your own brand of makeup if not what do you use? Do you always wear false eyelashes? I think they look great but have never tried them, thankyou for appearing with your brothers the show was very special to me and many others, take care of yourself and good luck with all your endevours.
Sue H
Rebecca commented:
Marie
I just want to thank you and your brothers for such an amazing night at Wembley on Saturday! Me and my mum were totally blown away! Is there any possibility of a uk tour dvd?? The whole concert left me smiling from ear to ear and have felt quite sad at the fact that I will never be able to see you all perform again! Keep up all the humour and good entainment was so amazing. Good luck and thanks again Rebeccaxx
James McCord commented:
Hi marie
I asked at the Q & A in Glasgow whatever happened to your lost recordings with songs like
The Loft
Dream On
you couldnt remember and Jimmy joked Dream On
I can now clarify what I'm talking about, I have a televised concert apperance of you at The Showboat Hotel in Alantic City(must be early 90's)
(the guy who plays the piano on the 50th tour in the Uk is also on this show I think his name is Jerry - he was also at the 50th in Vegas) the featured songs you sang on the mentioned show are
The Loft
Dream On
Caught Between A Rock and A Soft Place
Boogie Woggie Bugle Boy
I Dont Have The Heart
True Love Never Goes Away
Maybe this will now jog your memnory
Many Thanks to you ALL for the great shows in Belfast Northern Ireland and also in Glasgow
Good Luck and Best Wishes to Everyone
James
Northern Ireland
Hanne commented:
Hi Marie, I met you at the M/G in Cardiff 27.5. I told you how sorry I was that I wasnt allowed to get my doll signed.....well you did it and we had our picture taken together with my two danish doll friends. I will send the picture to you and Kerstin. You were all great and you are just so cute:))
Angela Price commented:
Hi Marie,
I was with you in the lift in Manchester hotel with Grahaem the Security man,Did you know that when your bus left the hotel he cried like a baby on the pavement after waving you all goodbye..we ladies had to comfort HIM !! My mum and I just wanted to say a huge thankyou to you for making the effort to come and talk to us and have our photos taken with you ..it has made me SO happy to meet you.I also gave you the photo of your lovely Mum and Dad at the meet and Great in Cardiff and was pleased that you seemed glad it came to you on that particular day.See you in Vegas at the MGM,
Love Angela x
Phebes commented:
Hi Marie!
Went to Wembley on the Friday and WOW!! what a show!! and michael bless what a star!.. It must be great to be with your 6 brothers again talking and laughing! ha
Enjoy every minute! love to all
Phebes xxx
ps LOVED the "personal summers girls" HA!! Oh Yeah baby!
kcoggins commented:
Hi Marie,
I have seen the UK performances on UTube and enjoyed seeing you with Jay and Jimmy on "Crazy Horses". Looked so fun! Must be great having your children enjoy all this with you. Children help us see things through different eyes, huh?.
My child just sent off an audition tape for your Vegas shows with Donny. Even though she is 18, I allowed it. She is so determined, and believes you have to take risks. She says maybe SOMEBODY will see it. Her comment was, "Well if I don't put myself out there, nothing will happen." What do yo think? Was it a risk worth taking? She has experience in local community musical theatre and dreams of performing on Broadway someday.
Can't wait to see you back on QVC with your dolls. I have collected dolls forever, but only have two of yours. I bought "Just Ducky" from OVC when you were on before the Tour began, and I recieved Tiny Tots- Baby Abby from my hubby as Christmas gift.
They are both adorable, and even more so "in person" or is that "in porcelain'?
Take care, and hurry home to the US. We miss you all,
~Kim
South Carolina
suee commented:
Hi Marie,
i am glad you are having a great time
touring. It is a wonderful time for
Osmonds and Osmond fans.
I wanted to tell you that I have the
best girlfriends in the world
I had just tunred 50 in April and they
brought me the Olive May 50th Doll
I love her.
I am truly blessed and think it's
wonderful that I turned 50 the same
Year my Osmonds are celebrating 50
years in Show Business.
I love all of you
Sue
Lynda commented:
Hi Marie, I first saw you and your family perform in Earl's Court on the 29th May, 1975. Now, finally after so many years of wanting to see you all again, the dream finally came true, on the 24th May, 2008 in Manchester. Thanks to all of you for a wonderful concert and reviving very happy memories for me. You certainly made me very, very happy, but for longer than just an hour. Take care and my love to you and your entire family. Lynda
Dave Wyatt commented:
Hi Marie
I was lucky enough to have had a VIP ticket and met you all in Cardiff on 28th May. I was the cute guy who kissed you on the hand in the meet & greet. Remember me? lol
Anyway it was such a shame that we were told not to ask for autographs or photographs in the meet & greet even though we had paid £250.00 for our tickets.
It was great meeting you all though and you put on a fantastic show. I didn't want it to end.
Love
Dave x
Barbara commented:
I can't wait to watch your new talk show, any idea what the format will be? Strictly
talking with guests or more of a variety show singing, dancing etc? I'm sure whatever it is will be great! I love your laugh and spunk! Wishing you the best Marie!
charlene commented:
Marie I did not know you had a weekly blog.
Kristin from Georgia commented:
Hi, Marie
I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you and your brothers..from what I've been hearing from the reviews that everything is going well. And from the pictures from the concert everyone seems happy and healthy, I just can't get over how Alan looks now. He looks amazing.
I won't be able to see you and Donny in Vegas in July..would it be televised or no?
Good luck on the other tour.
I love reading your blog and looking forward to reading more of it.
kate commented:
Hi, It is great that you are all back on the road. I am going to miss you in the UK as I am here in Saudi Arabia, and will not be back in the UKuntill July for two weeks. I was wondering if you and your brothers have ever thought of doing a concert in Bahrain. Westlife did one in 2005 in April before it got to hot, and it was wonderful. They did it in the open air very close to the beach. Maybe you could all think of that, you have a lot of fans in the expat community over here.
Stephanie commented:
Hi Marie =]
My mom was diagnosed with cancer right before Christmas last year & because of that we have had a lot of quality time with the tv! We have found that each talk show has their own thing.... Oprah gives things away... Ellen dances... Rachel Ray cooks... Regis & Kelly talk about all the famous people they have dinner with... & Martha talks about the thousands of products she has on the market... so we want to know what will be your thing?? singing would get our vote =]
Thanks for the updates!!
Stephanie
Misty from Tampa commented:
Marie thank you for all you do for your fans. I am a new fan. I became a big fan of yours while you were on Dancing with the stars. Now Iam a MDF member and avid doll collector. Its awsome that your brothers are behind you 100 percent. Its been really cool to be able so see some of the shows you have preformed together on youtube. What was like to sing Meet me in Montana with Merrill. See you in Vegas in July.
Barbara commented:
Marie, I just love your family and would love to see you all together one day... close to home... please...
Will you and Donny ever record a new album together? Plus, are you going to recorded a new COUNTRY album?
Keep the Smiles, laughter, and Songs coming please.
Barbara Wright
Lynn Marie commented:
Marie, Thanks for taking the time out to keep everyone informed of your tour. I haven't seen the entire family perform since the late 70's (in Miami) but am living it through my friends in the UK and their stories and photographs. I've met some wonderful, long-lasting friends through being an Osmond fan! Thanks so much for bringing people together. I'm eagerly waiting your own show and want to know if it will be taped or aired LIVE and will you be interacting with the audience? I would love to come to be part of your audience!!
Maya NY commented:
Thanks, Marie. I've looked at some of the clips and it seems like a fun, energetic performance. I wish the tour would stop in a few places in the US, but c'est la vie, I guess. Questions: What adjustments have you had to make to join the classic songs usually sung by your brothers (like Crazy Horse)? And, when is your talk show going to debut?
Michaelle from New Orleans commented:
Thanks Marie, for the update on your tour in the UK. I am happy your four younger kids are with you. Also, I am happy to say that I was fortunate enough to see the Osmonds 50th Anniversary Tour in Vegas last August. It looks like the show is even more spectacular now from looking at the youtube clips. I have to say you are so right! Watching you and the brothers sing, (also meeting you at doll signings), definitely brings a little joy to the soul and helps one forget about all the problems and trauma of life for a while. Thanks Marie!
Barbara P from CT commented:
Marie,
What is the best thing about touring with your family again? I have seen pictures of all of you on stage and off and you always are smiling, I know recently you have gone through some personal issues and you always seem to smile, I have to say you are a true inspiration for me, I have seen better days but most recently I have lost a job found a new one and my heart has been broken but as you always say Time + tradegy=humor so I laugh and smile and think what would Marie do in this situation. thank you for being such a great role model for me and my daughter. I truly am glad I can call you my friend! Thanks for being so special to MDF!!!!