Annie Lennox’s Retrospective

Back in August, this story of gratude, luck and being at the right place at the right time began. I was on my phone at work (what else does one do at work?) when I saw Annie Lennox tickets just went on sale for her two October nights in New York City discussing and signing her new book, “Retrospective.” Two nights, meant getting a room and rates were higher than usual, so I lowered my standards…as if I have any. I stayed at a lovely place that didn’t have heat, an elevator or soap but the room did come with ear plugs and possibly hepatitis. Totally worth it to meet Annie Lennox though.

Night one: The Discussion! It was at the Great Hall Forum in The Cooper Union (7 E 7th St). Tickets were free but came with a catch, it was first come first serve with no guarantee of entry. To be safe, I got there three hours early. The Great Hall Forum has a Roman Coliseum vibe but the massive columns obscured late comers’ views.

New meaning to pole dancing!

Annie spent two hours talking about her childhood and humanitarian work but mainly focused on her albums, with The Tourists, Eurythmics, and solo. Annie dropped her guard and shared details behind the albums fans have grown to love. She was more down to earth and funnier than I expected. The highlight, in my gay opinion, was her singing a few song lyrics a cappella. With no musical backing or warming up, her voice was perfection and brought a tear to a few eyes. The next day, she told me that was unrehearsed and unexpected, even to her.

Yaaasss Diva!

Night two: The Book Signing! It was held at a small shop called Rizzoli Bookstore (1133 Broadway). Email rules were sent beforehand, including the line would start outside, rain or shine. Mother Nature must be an Annie Lennox fan because it was beautiful out. Not being my first rodeo, I showed up a couple hours early but the hardcore fans (although I try, I’m never quite that level) were already 20 deep.

Annie’s been bringing fans to their knees for years!

The event started early…when does that ever happen? The staff systematically herded fans to the back of the store in small clumps, this wasn’t their first rodeo either. Annie was graciously sitting at a table with her books around her. Each fan had their moment to gush, get their book signed and have a staff member take a pic. I never imagined Annie would pose for pics. She even grabbed my hand and my first thought was “Oh shit, I’m holding hands with Annie Lennox” and then “Oh shit, we’re both going to need a tissue after this!” I was so excited that I’m sure Annie got a damp handshake.

I’ll never wash that hand again!

The Book: Retrospective! I lugged the book, it’s too heavy and big for my day pack, all the way to Grand Central. It was like having a baby in my arms, except this signed book is more precious and valuable. “Retrospective” is a treasure for fans, because unlike typical autobiographies, it’s 248 pages of quality snapshots, visually and in the random stories Annie felt worthy of sharing. It encapsulates her decades-long career (from 1976 to today) in images and words. It’s a beautiful piece of art from an equally beautiful soul.

This video was shown at the end of Annie’s discussion, I’m sure to keep us in our seats so she could safely leave the building!

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