Do you believe in fate? Do you believe that a film released 32 years ago could predict my future? I am here to tell you the universe works in mysterious ways. The film in question is Buddy’s Song released in 1991. The same year as Doctor Hollywood featuring my all-time favourite actor Canada born, American raised Michael J. Fox
The opening scenes of the movie are set at a hotel. This would be the wedding venue firstly for my cousin Anita a mere year later in August 1992. I recall being a bratty 10-year-old in the car park walking past her wedding gift. A brand new bright blue Peugeot 205 GTI – which sparkled in the summer sunshine. It was probably the first time I began to appreciate cars for their beauty. The car does not look as shiny with the passing of time.
Fast forward almost exactly 19 years I got married to my better half Michelle there as I rode in on the horse from EastEnders at the start of our Hindu ceremony.
Many of the scenes were shot in the local area of Bracknell and Slough. Towns I would later spend many years living and working in. Without question, while the song and artist are considered a one-hit wonder – that is false. Chesney actually has three entries in the Guinness Book of Hit UK records. So let’s connect all the dots.
For a certain generation of kids born in the early 80s – I don’t want to want to use the M word. This anthem will be one of their favourite songs of all time. A student anthem that has taken on a life of its own. So much so that I would see Chesney perform in Leicester at a Hall of Residents gig in 2001.
In the same year of the song’s release it was featured in a hit US movie featuring one of my favourite actors. It is as if somebody upstairs was building a big Easter Egg of my life. Oh, I suppose I should give a plug for the wedding venue. It is The Bellhouse Hotel now owned/run by Crowne Plaza