1981 Dancing with Marvin Gaye

My unforgettable moment at St George's Hall Bradford.

It was June 26^th 1981, St George's Hall, and the atmosphere was electric, Marvin Gaye the 'Prince of Soul' was on stage, we were all completely enthralled, swaying and singing to his every note. Then midway through his set, Marvin looked out over the crowd, smiled and asked for a lady to join him on stage to dance with him to the iconic 'Sexual Healing'. Without a second thought, I jumped to my feet, leaping over seats, driven by the excitement to reach him first. I could hear people clapping and cheering as I made it to the stage, I was fuelled by adrenaline and a dash of determination.

When I finally reached Marvin and stood next to him, I could feel my heart pounding. The difference in our heights was comical - Marvin was 6ft 1inch towering over my 5ft frame - he gave me a warm smile and said “Don’t be nervous” which instantly made me feel at ease. Then as the familiar, sultry opening notes of “sexual healing” began he took me by the hand and led me into the music. We smooched and spun to the beat, and I felt I was part of something extraordinary.

At one point Marvin paused and grabbed a towel to wipe his sweating brow. Then with a smile, he offered it to me as a token to take away, a small and generous gesture. However, in that moment, I thought “Err no it's sweaty” so I smiled and politely refused. Looking back now, maybe I should have accepted it, not realising the treasure I was passing up, it would have been a piece of that magical night in my hands.

As 'Sexual Healing' came to a close, Marvin Gaye gave me a nod and a smile which seemed to say “Thanks for sharing the moment” I returned to my seat, exhilarated, the applause from the crowd ringing in my ears.

That evening at St George's Hall I didn’t just watch a concert, I became part of it, it was a moment where time seemed to stop, a memory that always brings a smile to my face. It’s not every day you get to dance with a legend.