Well what can I say; it has been a very interesting journey indeed. I didn’t quite know what to expect having not played outside of the US for a good number of years but to my delight, the reception that we’ve received across Europe has been better than I ever imagined … outstanding! I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for the kind words you all have to say and for the relentless commitment and loyalty each of you has shown. I read a lot of your postings saying things like “he gives so much at his concerts” or “I wonder if he knows how deeply he touches people”. Well those are wonderful things for anyone to hear but the truth of the matter is that the phenomena that takes place either at the shows or through personal experiences listening to the albums, is really a two-way event. The reason I am able to continue doing what I do is largely due to the incredible amount of love and good wishes I receive from almost everyone I meet. I remember being approached by a woman about a year ago in Chelsea. She told me that she’d hoped that she would meet me one day to tell me how much the music had helped her through a difficult time and that I would never really know what it had done for her. As she was telling me this, there were tears welling in her eyes but she hastened to point out that she was no longer in a dark place in fact, she was the happiest she’d been for a while but she was clearly overcome with the emotion of the situation. “I just want you to know this” she kept saying.
Well, the reason I tell you this in such detail is that I’m trying to give each of you an understanding of what it is like to experience something like this. It is like God telling you that you are doing what you’re supposed to be doing in this life … serving your vocation here on this earth. That is an amazing feeling, to know that in your own small way, you are contributing to the cause … LOVE!

There are so many questions I wish I could answer but there is only so much time. One subject I want to touch on however is the state of the records commercial success in the UK. I don’t really know what to tell you other than that I worked my ass off (well not literally of course) doing everything they asked of me by way of press etc. yet seemingly ... to little avail. Far be it for me to ever pass the blame for the lack of success of one of my records but I think in this case, one has to look at the facts. How is it that ‘SEAL IV’ can enjoy considerable success in the US and other parts of Europe including a # 1 airplay record in France (non-English speaking country where, by law, 70 % of all music played on French radio must be French), Germany (where we have sold over 400,000 albums), Sweden #1, Switzerland (platinum), US (platinum) the list goes on. Yet in the country of my birth, my producer Trevor Horn wasn’t even aware that ‘Love’s Divine’ had even been released as a single! … an indication of how pathetic the promotion behind it was. There are some people at the grass roots level of WB like Andy Preveso, Sarah Adams and Andy Hipkiss who have endeavoured to do the best they can but the truth of the matter is that the head of WB UK has shown no enthusiasm whatsoever in promoting this record and has therefore not championed it nor made it a priority! So there you have it … another over-paid, tired record company executive deciding the fate of yet another Seal record.

On a brighter note, ‘SEAL IV’ is not the only record I will make, as long as there is life in my body I will sing and make records for whoever cares to listen. This brings me to the next topic, THE NEXT OFFERING! Well I know a lot of you are asking for a DVD and I can tell you that the plan is to record a double album which will consist of a greatest hits with perhaps four new tracks and an acoustic album which will be accompanied by a live DVD of probably both the acoustic sessions and our live shows.

One of the things that I feel particularly blessed by is my amazing band. Chris Bruce, Darren Johnson, Ramy Antoun and Eric Shermahorn are quite simply the best musicians I’ve had the privilege to work with to date. I regard them as my family because that is what it is like to travel with them. Every night I feel as though they completely have my back and there is little I wouldn’t do for them. Also I want to give a nod to Charlie who does the lights, what a hard working, brilliant lighting technician he is, not to mention … a great person to be around. My dear friend Steve remains as steady as a rock (his official title is guitar tech but does much, much more). Tom, whose commitment over the years has proved priceless,

Well I must sign out for now but once again I want to send everyone my gratitude and love for being there during the rough and the smooth.

Love, love, love,
S.

Thats made my day! You have know idea how good it feels to know that you are appreciated in this world; esp when it comes from SEAL!

P.S Did you read my letter (the pink one, I handed to you at the Manchester gig?).

God bless you.

Love, love, love

Lana xx

Thank you! You have no idea how much your music helps me.

Love

Wow I must say it is nice to hear those kind words. I know I will get the chance to see a show of yours and experience what other fans have been talking about.

I'm a huge fan and can't wait for more Have a great time on the rest of your tour.

P.S.... Do a show anywhere in Florida, I'll be there

[This message was edited by Hot Like Wasabi on Wed March 24 2004 at 07:53 AM.]

Thank-you Seal.....

Only 1 man is in charge of his destiny, you are an inspiration to us all. Record boss or no record boss, your music will infect and enlighten us all, and record sales in the UK wont change the fact your in our hearts and minds, whether your at no:1 or not. Things can only get better, roll on the DVD and future single releases.

Its a pleasure to have you back Seal, Bournemouth rocked and im still spinning.

Regards and best wishes for your bright future.

Dan

Hi Seal! I am glad that you are enjoying the tour in europe. I am sad to hear that the promotion is not what it should be. I have thought about the same thing here on the east coast in the US. There needs to be more promotion! I will buy the new CD/DVD Set when it comes out. Take care, and don't forget to rest! Love, Janet

hey seal, thanks a lot for these words! today here in switzerland it's cold and it rains the whole day but when i just saw your writing the sun was shining for me and my heart was smiling too! i tell you something...this 2 hours at the concert in vienna where you sang and performed and danced...these were magic 2 hours for me. i felt so happy, so free just an amazing joyfulness! when i am not in a very good mood, i remember how i felt at your concert and then i feel good! THANK YOU!

Love, Sealdrops

Again I am awed at your humility! Having met you in Cleveland at the meet & greet, I was taken back at how humble you were with your fans! You took the time to ask all of us questions and listened along with signing everything that was presented to you, including a life size poster [Sara ] and the taking of photos! It is no wonder that you have reached and touched so many people through your music and presence.
As for Warner UK, they sound about as good as Warner Canada Still with next to no promotion here Love's Devine went to #1! Here's hoping that when you swing back through the States again, that you will stop in TORONTO!
As for the new album I know that I will be waiting, as will many more, with baited breath for those releases!

Again,.......... thank you!

We all feel somewhat connected to each other here in this forum. I myself do not post often, but do read what everyone has to say, each day. I try to put in my two cents when I can. Regardless of how often one is here, we all are connected because of who you are and what you do. Thank you for your personal addition to the forum because now we are connected to you here. For those of us fortunate enough to have attended your shows or met you in person, this note from you is just another little piece of you we get to experience, but for those, and there are quite a few, who have not seen you "live and in person", this is MOST special. Hearing from you personally. Thank you for reaching out to ALL of us.

really wanted to see Seal live and attended the recent concert in manchester alone, i was truly touched, loved it... and from comments i heard on the way out seems many others also felt the same... i shall certainly be seeking out the albums i have missed out on...

...hope its not another 9 years before you share such beautiful gifts again...

thankyou

Hello Seal!

Thanks so much for caring about us the way you do! You have such a wonderful, kind soul. And just like the others have said, thanks for your personal message. You dont know how much that means to us. Coming in here today and seeing your post has made my day SO much brighter, although I never doubted that you read our posts!

You and your wonderful voice and gift of song have brought so much love,happiness and inspiration to our everyday lives. I'm glad that you will continue to spread the love, and I'm SO GLAD that you are coming out with a DVD!! Wow!!Like Xmas in April!!

Thanks for this forum and website. It's an awesome feeling to know there are other people out there who feel the exact same emotions I do when we listen to your music. All this time I thought i was the only one! LOL You've introduced me to my second family.. (you guys are awesome too! )

Thanks for extending your US tour!
I know how hard it must be to keep up such a rigorous schedule.And thanks to your band! They truly are awesome musicians and I know they dont always get the credit they so truly deserve.. God bless you guys!

Hope to see you soon at the Grove in Anaheim. Already have my tix in hand!!

Take care on the rest of the tour and please rest!! We love you!!

Love -
SP

[This message was edited by Sweetpea on Wed March 24 2004 at 01:33 PM.]

Hello Seal,

i myself also, do not post often here, because my english is terrible, but i read everyday what everyone has to say. i saw your show in munich, it was so great.
i want only say thank you for your music. it
helps me a lot the last 5 month. i found back in the heart from my darling "Dudi".
your music says what i not bringing over the tongue.
my best wishes for your future, god bless you
Conny

PEACE
Bluejump

[This message was edited by Bluejump on Wed March 24 2004 at 09:20 AM.]

[This message was edited by Bluejump on Thu March 25 2004 at 03:01 AM.]

If you weren't so willing to share the love with us, we wouldn't be here. I consider myself lucky because were it not for you, I wouldn't have connected with some really wonderful people.. you have my kudos!

As each of us goes through our paths in this lifetime...well its will be interesting and amazing that so many of ours has crossed each others...my own seems to me making some serious changes and being here and talking to people helps me to understand and accept that path.

BTW Seal, you need to come to chat more often. Its a great place to get some different perspectives on stuff!(plus its a barrel of laughs most of the time)can't promise we'd tame it down, cause we're erm...just interesting..LOL

You bring joy and happiness to SO many with your God given gifts!

There's a song I remember that goes something like "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine" Those empowered by that light need to do all they can to share those gifts given to them from God and let people see that light so others in turn can show their own lights.

So if you don't continue..you'd be in trouble with me dood..LOL

Will definitly be looking out for the new stuff (in the meantime I'm really enjoy IV!)

Thank you for being you! We love you man!*hugs*


-BOS

----------------------------
"I'm bored. Pull my finger"

Thanks Seal...

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bluejump:
Hello Seal,

i myself also, do not post often here, because my english is terrible,

---

Don't let the stop you...There are enough people here who speak your language, so post away! Seal's music is appreciated world wide and I'm positive that he'd like the forum to project that...

quote:

---

Originally posted by Seal:
That is an amazing feeling, to know that in your own small way, you are contributing to the cause … LOVE!

---

Share Everything About Love.....

quote:

---

...as long as there is life in my body I will sing and make records for whoever cares to listen.
Love, love, love,
S.

---

SEAL the world!

CU 2morrow!!

Respect!! Love is Power

Seal,

Thank you for your post. It's exciting to know you are here with us!!
You are truly an amazing, gifted, magical, beautiful man amongst many other things. Your inspiration and kindness are contagious. I find myself doing things I wouldn't dream of doing thru inspiration from listening to your music. I cannot imagine what the world and the world of music would be, had you not found your calling. The way you present your self and your music makes everyone of us here feel special. May God keep blessing you with inspiration to continue doing the great things you do, and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

Love Katy

quote:

---

Yet in the country of my birth, my producer Trevor Horn wasn’t even aware that ‘Love’s Divine’ had even been released as a single! … an indication of how pathetic the promotion behind it was.

---

"...a prophet is not without honor save in his
own home..." Matthew 13:57

Not saying you are a prophet. Just offering
some encouragement. If the "Prophet from
Nazareth" didn't receive honor in his home,
then you are in some excellent company!

There is always a way around the "trolls" in
life. *Hey! Seeee! I learned that word "troll"
here at forum!* Just keep doing what you
do with love, joy and abandon, and G-d will take
care of the rest.


On to the Miraculous!


Lifesinger

Thank you so much for posting! It's so great that in your busy life you have time to think of us all. I met you in Plymouth and still haven't quite got over it!! Everytime I feel abit down I just look at the photo and my mood is instantly lifted - I hope it always works otherwise I'll have to come and meet you again! (Oh no! I hear you cry!!!)
I'm really frustrated that your music hasn't done so well here, but "always know that I need you, yes I do!" The show in Plymouth was so good and the crowd were great - please come again!
Here's to the new stuff and a DVD - Mmmm lovely!

Well what more is there to say after that?
The gift bestowed, message received!
We all find our own uses for that gift.
The lack of hometown success, well that's sad, but keep pressing on........
We Americans made as much noise, and STOOD UP as much we could at some of the UK venues!!!!

Love Love Love......