Posted July 28, 201014 yr Mercedes Benz. Alexandra Burke, The Saturdays and The Wanted at Mercedes Benz World 4.7.10 10:25 Posted by Rob Labels: Alexandra Burke , Music , Olly Murs , The Saturdays , The Wanted , Will Young , 0 comments Last night my very good friend Luke Smith took me along to a pop concert in the heart of Surrey where some popstars performed for a few thousand mostly drunk yummy mummies and their spoilt while at the same time completely ignored children. The weather was marvelous which thankfully was pointed out by those performers lacking personality and some woman in a polo shirt who came on between every act and shouted for a few minutes, otherwise I probably wouldn't have noticed the massive great burning ball in the sky. Olly Murs took to the stage first. He wore a hat and told the audience a lot about his new single in between some very poor renditions of the songs he had previously murdered on The X Factor before eventually performing the aforementioned new single which is in fact quite good. Next up it was the wonderful Alexandra Burke who was, as usual, full of energy, note perfect and absolutely fantastic at interacting with the crowd. In addition to her hits (Bad Boys, Broken Heels and All Night Long) she performed the song "that should have been on the album" 'Dangerous' as a tribute to Michael Jackson and her new single 'Start Without You' (more on that to come). She should have rounded off her set by shouting "f*** YOU MURS! That's how you win The X Factor!" but sadly she didn't. I went to join the MASSIVE queue for the bar when officially the worst band in the world took to the stage - ladies and gentlemen it's Scouting For Girls. They played the same song seven times from what I could make out. A surprise addition to the line up came on next. It was The Wanted! I'm starting to think they might be the first boyband in the world to have been cloned. They are actually everywhere at the moment. In fact, I sort of hope they have been cloned because I would be willing to pay quite a lot for my very own Siva... In addition to their amazing debut single 'All Time Low', the boys performed three more tracks from their forthcoming album which all sounded very promising indeed. JLS might want to start scaling down the amount they spend in All Saints come the Autumn. What came next was a very big disappointment for the world of pop... Four of The Saturdays ambled onto the stage (Mollie was 'ill' apparently) in what can only be described as some of the worst outfits known to man. They then proceeded to make a lackluster attempt at grinding out their hits and a couple of questionable album tracks. There were massively out of tune bits, missed cues and an overall sense that they could not really be bothered anymore. We didn't even get to hear the new single 'Missing You' (although apparently that's because they are performing it exclusively at T4 On The Beach later). I do hope things in camp The Saturdays sort themselves out and that these girls start to realise how lucky they are and try a bit harder. Rounding things off was Mr Will Young. A top quality performer and entertainer who can get away with singing some of his less familiar songs because him and his band do it all so bloody well. Sporting a slightly bizarre shimmering silver suit which he claimed to be from 'the Eighties', Will had the crowd in stitches with his jokes and banter and a particularly amusing, if futile, attempt at getting Mercedes to give him a free car. It was a nice reward for the now totally sozzled yummy mummy brigade who had to endure Murs and The Saturdays before it for the sake of the children. Henley FIRST NIGHT REVIEW: Henley Festival 9:12am Thu 8th Jul 10:: written by Justin Burns http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/__assets/__w165t/2010/07/Jul8_HenleyFestWillYoung2.jpg http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/__assets/__w165t/2010/07/Jul8_HenleyFestWillYoung.jpg A festival experience like no other, Englishness in all its glory, topped off with a popstar performing on a floating stage - lovely. Being my first time at the festival and having preconceived perceptions of it, I walked through the gates and everything I had imagined was realised. Gentlemen in tuxedos, ladies in cocktail dresses, all sipping the finest champagne and vintage wine - in the car park. After grabbing myself a pint of Bitburger from the Adnams Busker's Bar it was time for a wander, as delicate Albert Roux-crafted dishes filled the air, rowers did some lengths on the River Thames and opera singers passionately sung from yachts and punts. The beauty of the festival was the variation of intimate areas all laid out along the banks of the Thames, leaving you free to muse the many contemporary art galleries, listen to jazz by the Kosmos in Club Rendez-Vous, or bands in the bandstand. The grandstand then packed out as Will Young took to the main stage, and the atmosphere went up a notch and more concert-like. Although not previously being a Will fan, I was impressed with his voice and his ability to entertain and build a rapport with the crowd. All was topped off when Blind Date star Cilla Black waltzed past with Reading Football Club owner John Madejski, capping off a perfect English evening. I for one will be heading back in future years for another dose of a festival that manages to encompass all the finer things in life in a very classy way - splendid. Classy and carefree HENLEY has become a by-word for elegant riverside events, but this festival strikes a wonderful balance between culture and carefree fun. It was my first taste of Henley Festival – which ran from July 7 to 11 – but the opening night has made a convert of me. It is certainly a classy event thanks to a black-tie dress code, giving women the chance to wear their best evening frocks, but the mood is anything but stifling and formal. In fact, as soon as the lovely Will Young (pictured) walked on to the floating stage, without ceremony, ladies’ kicked off their heels to stand on chairs or danced in the aisles as dusk fell. Headliners during the rest of the festival included Welsh Bass-Baritone Bryn Terfel, violinist Nigel Kennedy, the stars of West End musical Queen, and Ronan Keating. But on the opening night, the self-assured Pop Idol star proved himself to be a true entertainer. Young seemed totally at ease, bopping about on stage, and in between songs he regaled the crowd with seemingly spontaneous anecdotes, such as his grandfather’s penchant for Carol Vorderman. The presence of members of his family gave the gig a more personal feel and this was reinforced by the intimacy of the stage, which was strikingly close and had no barriers to separate the crowd from the singer. This led to an unusual – and highly amusing – sight of several women clad in evening dresses attempting to storm the stage at various times. But an evening at Henley Festival is much more than a headline act and the entertainment continued well into the night at the festival’s various venues, after a sparkling firework display. Strolling around the festival enclosure, the grounds were dotted with sculptures, including wire figures by Rachel Ducker and woodwork by James Golding, while several galleries exhibited work by a range of artists in various styles and media. Before Young took to the stage, those who chose not to splash out on a meal at one of the various plush eateries – which this year included Heston Blumenthal’s Hinds Heat at Henley – laid out picnic rugs, or even picnic tables and chairs, in the car park. It is not a cheap festival, and bubbly is the drink of choice, but the nectar tastes all the sweeter on a balmy evening in such sumptuous surroundings. Rochester.. As you no doubt know, there was a tragic start to the Castle Concert featuring Will Young last night, as a member of Will’s backstage team suffered a fatal fall. Our sincere condolences go to the family, Will and the crew at this sad time With the stage taped off until the police had finished their investigation, the concert was delayed for some time, before BB Diamond and her band Hold Tight rocked the castle with their mix of classic dance tracks and original songs, Tell Me Something Good and Smile Another Day. Andy Walker, KMFM’s new breakfast DJ was on presenting duty - and played a mean trumpet for BB, too, from where I was standing ! It also looked like BB had Stephen Merchant on keyboards! With a shortened set due to the circumstances, BB finished with Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and gave way to the rock steady reggae of Rox, who the Guardian say will be one of 2010’s hottest new acts. The man himself, Will Young, didn’t disappoint, as he ran through all my favourites: Changes, Love is a Matter of Distance, Friday’s Child and more. With an unusual dance segment involving light suits against a blacked out stage (they must get him for Strictly Come Dancing!), Will entertains in a very un-rock-god-like way. He’s very much the eccentric English gentleman, with daft asides and quirky routines to complement his excellent vocal, all combining for a thoroughly entertaining evening, if one somewhat tinged with sadness. .The original and best, that’s the reality Will Young Kenwood House, Hampstead, London by Cary Gee Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 Before Simon Cowell littered the airwaves with tomorrow’s has-beens, providing reality television bookers with a ready-made cast of swivel-eyed castaways and enough characters to fill an encyclopaedia-sized “Where are they now?” feature, there was 2002’s Pop Idol, which saw Will Young’s battle bus career into Gareth Gates’ in a race to become Britain’s first fully-fledged pop star made for and by TV. There was only ever going to be one winner, although I thought Young had blown his chances after both wannabes were filmed “at home”: Gates in his council flat in the north-east of England, Young sitting around the family’s Aga in Devon. There was – and remains – something irremediably middle class about Young, so it’s perhaps fitting that he should find himself headlining a gig, promoted by English Heritage, in the environs of Kenwood House, Hampstead. “Do you like my new pad?’ asks Young, nodding towards Robert Adam’s masterpiece. “I’m having an after show party, so please make yourselves at home.” Despite this, this evening’s concert progresses at a cracking pace, perhaps because of the 10pm curfew. The crowd is grateful to Young’s workmanlike approach. People have come to hear the impressive number of hits the singer has accumulated while his rivals have fallen by the wayside and Young obliges – cranking them out one after the other, while acknowledging, perhaps more than most performers, the role the crowd has played in his success. He is charm personified, chatting away with the slightly risqué enthusiasm of a student home from his first term away at university. His task of crowd-control should not be underestimated, given that many punters have enjoyed a longer picnic than some of Young’s contemporaries have enjoyed a career. Hits such as “Love is a Matter of Distance” and “Light my Fire”, the latter owing more to Jose Feliciano’s cover than The Doors’ original, are sung in the sweetly soulful voice that surprised so many back in the day. In fact live, Young’s voice is something of a revelation, although at times he still has a tendency to move about the stage like a cow on ice. But so what if it’s not sexy? When he sings “Leave Right Now”, it is clear, once again, that here is a performer who certainly had the talent to make it with or without Simon Cowell’s help. The evening has exceeded all expectations. The original – and still the best. http://www.tribunemagazine.co.uk/2010/07/2...9s-the-reality/ Edited July 28, 201014 yr by truly talented
July 28, 201014 yr Author IOM Young star proves he is Friday's child http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/IOM//TH1_167201024MP100709%20(51)-294.jpg SWITCHING IT ON: Pop Idol winner Will Young gives an electrifying performance at his sold out cconcert at the Villa Marina Royal Hall on Friday, July 9 Published Date: 16 July 2010 By LOTTIE RAY POP Idol 2002 winner Will Young has definitely made the transition from TV talent show material to respectable musician. Despite bad weather, the 31-year-old made it to the Island to satisfy those who had managed to secure tickets for his sell-out concert at the Villa Marina. Wearing a buttoned-up shirt, retro jacket and tight jeans tucked into boots he entered the room. And flaunting his chiselled looks and charming smile the singer immediately transformed the Royal Hall with his uplifting vocals. With the help of a band and backing singers, one-by-one he unleashed his hits upon the frenzied crowd. First came my personal favourite, Switch it On. Then followed Friday's Child, Keep On, Who Am I, Changes and his version of The Doors' Light My Fire. Midway he changed into an all black outfit with red braces - perfect for his jolly and carefree demeanor. He zipped and bounced around the stage showing off his dance skills while continuing to impress with his voice. He was an all round entertainer and very good at including the whole audience. In fact two lucky fans were hauled up on stage to enlighten the singer with facts about the Island. But too starstruck to come up with anything interesting about longtails or fairies, they just got as many hugs in as they could before being sent back down. The star's final wardrobe change saw him reappear wearing a glow in the dark jumpsuit allowing the darkened room to come alive with his funky dance moves. And of course he left us - all danced out -with Leave Right Now. After becoming the first ever Pop Idol winner, Will has won multiple awards and sold more than eight million albums worldwide. His first single, a double A-side featuring Westlife's song Evergreen and Anything Is Possible, became the fastest-selling debut in UK chart history selling 403,027 copies on its first day and more than 1.7 million copies in total. He has since sung Papa's Got A Brand New Bag live with James Brown, performed for Nelson Mandela in South Africa, featured in the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium and headlined at the Proms in the Park. Will has even added acting to his repertoire by appearing in the BBC film Mrs Henderson Presents starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. The film was released in 2005 to excellent reviews – not least for Will's performance. And the scene, in which he appears naked confirmed his entitlement to the British male Rear of the Year Award 2005. Will's greatest hits collection, released in November, has already gone platinum. This year he collaborated with Groove Armada on their album Black Light, singing vocals on the track History, and he will be undertaking an outdoor summer tour supported by Sophie-Ellis Bextor. During his Manx gig he announced how much he loved the crowd's enthusiasm and energy. He told us he'd like to come back – let's hope he does.date posted: 10/jul/2010 11:27 by: john gregory will young: Talented and charming will young's sold-out show at the villa marina last night proved what a charming star he is, writes our isleofman.com correspondent... the performance-based reality show format has come under fire for dominating the schedules and making bigger stars of the judges than the contestants. There is so much criticism it is easy to forget that at the heart of shows like the x-factor there is some genuine talent. In the villa marina's royal hall on friday night the elder statesman of the format gave a 90-minute show which reminded us all of just why he was crowned the first pop idol winner. It seems hard to believe that it has been more than eight years since a fresh-faced will young took an unlikely victory from simon cowell's favourite and perfect pop star package gareth gates. But the maturity, confidence and wealth of familiar hits will brought to the stage on his first visit to the isle of man showed the former politics student has learned a lot in the intervening years. The evening got off to a rocky start - doors should have opened at 7pm, but instead the audience was held in the foyer or, for an unfortunate number, outside, huddling for shelter from the rain. An hour later than expected, the doors opened and the sell-out crowd surged into the hall, keen to take their places before the performance, scheduled for 8pm, started. Instead, the increasingly-frustrated audience found itself waiting another 60 minutes, as the temperature in the royal hall soared, before will's band finally took to the stage. No announcement was made to explain the apparent delay, or offer any apology, and rumours circulated like wildfire - will's flight had been delayed, leading to a late sound check; his band nearly didn't arrive and plans for an acapella concert were being formulated; the planned support act failed to show, leaving the stage empty until 9pm. Some, all or none of this may be true, we don't know because the promoters who asked for £45 for tickets didn't tell us. However, for me at least, will's show quickly banished any resentment. The rapturous welcome he received showed perhaps the delay had built anticipation rather than diminished it, and he rewarded the packed villa with a string of his greatest hits and a truly energetic performance. Pop idol, chart stardom, theatre work and movie appearances have helped the singer hone his craft. He commanded the stage, bringing an infectious enthusiasm and a beaming smile which showed what looked like genuine delight at the welcome he received - it was either genuine pleasure or he really is a good actor. The set featured his biggest hits - switch it on, changes, friday's child, who am i, let it go, grace, your game and so on - showing this is one product of the reality show format who has managed to move beyond the tv show and become a star in their own right. He cannot, of course, ignore the fact that he came to public prominence thanks to pop idol and there was a nod to the show with his rendition of the door's classic light my fire, the song which helped make him a genuine contender on the programme. Some may have been disappointed not to hear evergreen or anything is possible - the "winner's" songs and will's first release, which became the fastest selling debut single in uk chart history - but will young has moved beyond the show which launched him and has much more to offer than generic, chart-friendly pop. His remarkable voice was near faultless throughout the show, perhaps helped by clever pacing of the slow and fast numbers, the spacing out of the powerhouse tracks and the interaction with the audience. If anything, his interaction with the audience broke the pace of the show too much. Claiming he'd been unable to learn about the island before arriving after failing to get an internet connection, will said he would invite members of the audience up on stage to tell him facts about the isle of man. The two ‘guest’ appearances could have been funny, but felt a little laboured and tacked on, actually losing some of the atmosphere he had worked hard to build up with his singing and dancing. Appropriately, will, wearing an odd light-covered outfit after a quick costume change, closed the show with leave right now, bringing the curtain down on a thoroughly enjoyable night out. People can scoff at performers who find fame through reality shows, but thanks to pop idol and, it pains me to say it, simon cowell, britain has a genuinely talented, engaging and very charming star who is completely at home on stage - a class act. There were plenty of highlights, but i'm going to take the chance to mention a personal lowlight of the evening. A young lady who chose to stand behind me spent the time before the band appeared shrieking about how excited she was and had been waiting years to see will young, then spent the full 90 minutes of the show apparently trying to compete with the singer's volume as she chatted to her friends about anything and everything other than him and then brought her evening to a close by engaging in a pushing and shoving match with other concert-goers during the closing number, a tussle which, eventually, security had to deal with. Congratulations, £45 well spent. In a bizarre coincidence, this same woman had sat directly behind me during the first evening of the bay festival and had demonstrated then her extreme vocal talents by taking on, and frequently beating, lemar, the saturdays and jls - i can only hope we don't meet again. http://isleofman.com/News/local/arti...medium=twitter Leicester Will Young Plays With Some Balls At Welford Road The Leicester Tigers hosted Will Young on Friday 16th July for the second ever concert at their grounds at Welford Road. Some of the entertainment provided by Will was suited to the environment Will was suited to the environment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-C9wuDpGNQ...player_embedded With the stage positioned just in front of the largest stand, the Caterpillar Stand which holds 10,000 people, the evening started off with two artists Jersey Budd and Edei performing under a dark and tempestuous sky. Unfortunately for anyone sitting in the first 10 rows in the stand, the intermittent downpours sprayed freely over all concerned. These people (myself included), would have been soaked through if it wasn’t for the free rain macs provided by the staff. These provisions also meant that there were no umbrellas blocking the view of the stage. One of other disadvantages of the Caterpillar stand is the roof which is apparently made of some kind of metal? The weather in the middle of summer is hot of course, but this means there will sometimes be sudden and violent downpours. Even though the rain may have only lasted for a few minutes, it came down with such ferocity that the sound of it banging on the roof of the stand almost completely blocked out the music that was playing. This can get quite frustrating after it occurs for the third, fourth or fifth time….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmodV82p1RM...player_embedded But in all fairness, that kind of weather is rare and in any case the clouds had quickly passed over by the time Will Young came to the stage. He made his appearance by scoring a drop goal at the Goldsmiths stand end of the field – which was blocked by the stage for half of the audience. Several thousand people looked on in bemusement at the other half of the audience who were going wild for something…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O0E_njZyyU...player_embedded I was attending the concert with my mother who had won tickets through a local radio station. The normal price of the tickets would have been £35 – which is a great price for both the artist and the venue. Since the stage was positioned so close to the stand, the only seats which would have provided a bad view of the stage would have been those right on the edges in blocks AL/AU or GL/GU. Every other seat was in a brilliant position. Congratulations to the Leicester Tigers for hosting such a great event – I hope to attend more concerts that they’ll hopefully host. Even though this was only their second event, they obviously are experienced at handling such large crowds. As for the performance by Will Young himself – well what can be said? The songs are pleasant but quite generic and the man has the voice of an Angel. He is an absolute pleasure to listen to – any sounds that he makes seem to be covered in honey and sunlight. As seen in the above videos, Will Young is a brilliant entertainer as well. Rather than just standing on stage and belting out a few hits he’s willing to go that extra mile. He’ll kick a rugby ball or go and high-five members of the audience, and as a commentator on one of the videos stated – his shows are never the same. While he may not be in the same theatrical league as Mika, the playfulness is just right for the songs that Will Young performs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8qVu...layer_embedded This is Leicestershire - Saturday, July 17, 2010, 07:30 'Saddened' Will Young on stage at Welford Road just 24 hours after tragedy http://i.thisis.co.uk/275565/article/images/2426777/1679489.jpg Will Young at Leicester Tigers' Welford Road pitch Pop star Will Young played through tragedy last night, performing at Welford Road 24 hours after a member of his crew died. The stage hand suffered face and head injuries after falling backstage at the singer's open-air concert in Kent on Thursday night. Last night, Will performed to about 6,000 people at the Tigers stadium – the second concert at the venue in two nights. The 2002 Pop Idol winner went on stage hours after releasing a statement to say he was "shocked and saddened" by the "tragic accident". He said: "I was unaware of the seriousness of the incident until after I left the stage. My deepest sympathy goes out to the bereaved family." The singer did not let Thursday night's tragedy affect yesterday's performance. He ran on to the Welford Road pitch with a rugby ball, kicking a drop goal through the posts before going on to the stage. Some 6,000 people in the audience sang, danced, cheered, swayed and clapped along to him for more than an hour. They gave a big thumbs-up to the concert and the venue. Sam Hill, 38, from Braunstone, Leicester, went with daughter Megan Palmer, eight. Sam said: "It's been brilliant. Hopefully, there will be a lot more concerts here. "I think it is a very good venue." Janice Coulson, 56, of Desford, said: "I come to see the Tigers play so I was a bit worried about how this would affect the pitch. "But I think it has been amazing. It has worked really well." Last night was only the second concert to be held at the Tigers' stadium, following James Morrison's performance on Thursday. The club said about 5,000 people had been in the audience that evening, with at least 6,000 in the crowd for last night's gig. The only empty sections of the Caterpillar stand were the columns of seats at each side. Stella Freestone, 27, from Aylestone, Leicester, said: "It's been brilliant. There are a lot more people here than I thought there would be. "I'd really like to see more concerts here. This has been a great start." Karen Gilding, 32, from Glen Parva, said: "It has been a lovely night. "I thought it was going to be strange with everyone in one stand but actually it's been really personal." Charles Rayner, the Tigers' head of stadium operations, said yesterday he was "pleased" and "proud" of how the venue's first concerts had gone. http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.u...l/article.html Will Young and his fans were in fine voice at Welford Road on Friday evening http://www.leicestertigers.com/images/news/webwillyoungball_rdax_601x343.jpg Young and his band ran on to the Leicester Tigers pitch passing a rugby ball before the original Pop Idol landed a drop goal at the Goldsmiths Stand end, to the delight of a big crowd who then cheered him all the way on to the stage. With heavy rain having given way to clear summer evening skies, Young enjoyed plenty of banter with his fans, and bounced off stage to greet the front rows as ran through hit singles including Changes, Leave Right Now, Your Game, Evergreen and Light My Fire. After an hour-and-three-quarters on stage, including a second drop-goal success at the other end of the pitch, the Brit Award winner brought the curtain down on two nights of summer entertainment at the home of the Guinness Premiership champions with a rousing encore. Leicestershire-based singer-songwriter Jersey Budd, who also appeared on the support slot for James Morrison at Thursday's Welford Road musical opener, set the ball rolling on Friday, with singer-songwriter Edei in the second support slot. http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/15161.php South Devon http://i.thisis.co.uk/275585/article/image...578/1693607.jpg DOWNING a pint on stage and dancing in sync in an illuminated boiler suit, Will Young proved his showmanship to the delight of his Newton Abbot fans. The honey-voiced warbler trooped out all the favourites including Your Game, Light My Fire and Changes. He donned three costumes and had time for a drink in his hour-long set. "From what I saw the crowd seemed to love Will Young. I only saw his second half and he was a very good showman. He held the audience and delivered the crowd pleasers to give people their monies worth." Teignmouth's The Quails kept up their fighting spirit as the crowds deserted them to see Will Young on the main stage and declared it was their smallest gig in their history. Many had made the journey especially to see the former Pop Idol winner. After his first number, Will said to fans: "If anyone has a pint of beer I shall attempt to down it for your patience for waiting for us." This he duly did after a costume change into bowler hat and red braces. Some sound problems left the star initially looking a little uncomfortable but they were eventually ironed out and Will relaxed as he made the crowd sing to birthday girl Rachel after her husband threw a special message on to the stage. As the skies got dark Will and his two dancers donned illuminated suits for an entertaining routine before belting out Leave Right Now and finishing with his first number one Evergreen. It was calming finale to finish on but a serene send off. Mr Barrs said: "It was really relaxed and chilled — a family affair, which is just what we wanted." Edited July 28, 201014 yr by truly talented
July 28, 201014 yr Billericay Sunday 25th July Headline is "Will wows 6000 at Billericay gig" Pop Idol winner is the star attraction at one-off concert in Lake Meadows Pop Idol Will Young wowed more than 6000 revellers during a special one off gig at Billericay's Lake Meadows. Fans packed into the park for a programme of his hits, including Better Leave Right Now and Evergreen. The singer who shot to fame after winning ITVs Pop Idol in 2002, treated the crowd to a diverse set, featuring a cover of Ray Charles's Hit Hit The Road Jack, several costume changes and break dancing. He even whipped off his top to the delight of screaming fans. Mo Larkin, chairman of Basildon Council, was among the thousands of people who attended Sunday nights concert. She said "It was absolutely brilliant, there was a lovley atmosphere and Will Young was superb. His voice was pitch perfect, just like you would hear on the radio or CD." Mrs Larkin got to meet Will just before he went on stage. She said " I was wearing my ceremonial chain and he said 'oh what a little lady with a big chain, I like that chain its proper bling'. He was really nice and very down to earth. A lot of pop stars wouldnt be interested in meeting council leaders." The event which saw Will supported by singer/songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bexter was part of a gala weekend at the Billericay park. On saturday night Basildon Council hosted a free Proms in the Park event.From the local Echo. Thanks to Sandra on Devoted for spotting this one. Shame Mara Carlyle didn't get a mention but I'm redressing that error now :lol: Jersey Friday 23rd July Where there’s a Will… Will Young was the highlight of the Channel 103 Big Gig in the Park on Friday (01014714) IF you weren’t one of the several thousand people in Howard Davis Park on Friday night, you missed out on one of the best nights of entertainment Jersey has seen for some time. ThOUSANDS enjoyed a spectacular evening of entertainment at this year’s Channel 103 Big Gig in the Park. On a warm summer’s evening, Howard Davis Park played host to some sensational performances from stars Will Young and Beverley Knight. The event, supported by Airtel-Vodafone, also raised funds for Help a Jersey Child. Kicking off early in the evening, the event began with 70s troop Disco Sensation warming up the crowd, before local girl group Honeybun stormed on stage to deliver a flawless set. Read more: http://www.thisisjersey.com/2010/07/26/whe.../#ixzz0v1dw3lpV Edited July 29, 201014 yr by munchkin
July 29, 201014 yr Another for Billericay: Will wows the crowds as proms prove to be a hit http://i.thisis.co.uk/275586/article/images/2456608/1694942.jpg FAMILIES made the most of having a concert on their doorstep and headed to Lake Meadows for the gala weekend. The roads leading from Billericay town centre to the sprawling parkland were teaming with people strolling along with folding chairs hanging from their shoulders ahead of Saturday night's classical concert and Will Young's performance on Sunday. On the first night, families enjoyed picnics and long, cool beers as they waited for the Proms in the Park to get underway. Headlining was top soprano Elizabeth MacDonald, accompanied by the City Orchestra as crowds waved the flag of St George along to the rousing music. Groovejet star Sophie Ellis-Bexter warmed up the crowd on Sunday, telling them she was amazed by the picturesque setting. Picnics were banned but chairs were set up at the rear of the crowd while eager fans pressed forward to get close to the real star of the night, Pop Idol winner Will Young. The signer stormed onto stage at 8pm in a flamboyant military-style jacket and launched into an impressive set ranging from upbeat, rock-inspired songs to the mellow ballads he is famous for. Dave and Dawn Harvey, of Central Avenue, Billericay, took their children Harry and Hannah to see the star. Dawn said: "I have always wanted to see him and as he was on our doorstep we thought this was a perfect opportunity. "We all thought he was great, half way through Harry turned to me and said 'this is brilliant'." Dave added: "The only downside is that we couldn't bring food and drink in. It is a nightmare queuing up with kids." The family moved towards the front so the children could get a great view of Young and Dawn confessed: "We probably wouldn't have done that if we had chairs and a picnic with us." The whole family are already looking ahead to next year. "It is great coming here, we can walk over and it is ideal family entertainment," said Dave. Alan and Cally Hawkes, of Ilford, left the park on Sunday as Will Young converts. "I was pleasantly surprised, I didn't know he was such a vast catalogue. And he is very personable. There was a great atmosphere."http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/news/wow...il/article.html Vast catalogue. If only the man knew that was just a teeny tiny part of it. :lol: Edited July 29, 201014 yr by munchkin
August 2, 201014 yr Will Young - Tatton Park Picnic Concert By Katie Fitzpatrick. http://www.citylife.co.uk/img/19484/42277_490250_will_young.jpg Will Young Tatton Park Picnic Concert August 1, 2010 The Pop Idol and X Factor phenomenon began with Will Young eight years ago. After winning the first ever series of Pop Idol in 2002, his debut single Evergreen became the fastest selling debut single in chart history and he has sold more than eight million records and four platinum albums. He famously ignited his career with the withering retort to judge Simon Cowell 'I don't think you could ever call that average’. And this is no average picnic in the park. Will bounds onto the stage - with one of Tatton Park’s beautiful lakes as a backdrop - looking handsome like George Michael circa 1984, tanned in a pale grey suit, with designer stubble and big curly hair. With a delighted wave to the picnicking crowd dotted around concert area - and die-hard fans who have faithfully waited for him in a cordoned-off area at the front of the stage - Will launches into the pounding hit Switch It On. And Switch It On he does, taking us on a whistle-stop tour through his greatest hits and favourites including the sublime You and I, Friday’s Child, Love is a Matter of Distance and the more recent Grace and Changes. He banters happily with the crowd, even stopping to sign and read extracts from his book On Camera, Off Duty and he borrows a fan’s Batman hat and later a balloon to hold for Leave Right Now - the hit that cemented him as a national treasure. As well as his vocal gymnastics - shown to full effect in a surprise cover of the rhythm and blues classic Hit the Road Jack - Will also showcases his theatricality in some nifty dance moves. Even if you stay loyal to The Doors' original Light My Fire, his version has an energy and enthusiasm that is always more than just sing by numbers. And he always manages to convince us he is singing the Pop Idol winner’s song Evergreen to somebody he loves. With his distinctive tremulous voice and mellow, soulful collection of hits Will has proven that he has grown to rightfully become one of our most successful male solo singers. http://www.citylife.co.uk/music/reviews/18...g___tatton_park Osborne House Summer Concert 10:46am Monday 2nd August 2010 By Lorelei Reddin » Entertainments Editor A MEDLEY of hits from the decade that fashion forgot closed a weekend of pop and partying at the historic home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert last night. In a stunning settting overlooking The Solent, thousands of revellers partied to the sounds of the original Pop Idol Will Young and a number of re-formed 80s chart-toppers. Up-and-coming Southampton songstress Charley Macaulay opened the Osborne House event on Saturday night with a set of self-penned songs and crowd-pleasing covers. She was followed by singer songwriter Lizzy Pattinson before an amiable Will Young, pictured left, took to the stage, joking with the audience, taking their picture for his Twitter page and even answering the mobile phone of one of his crew during an enjoyable one-and-a-half- hour set. As the sun set over Osborne House, the multi-platinum singer and his team of dancers dressed in neon skeleton suits for an impressive instrumental section. The undoubted highlight of the night was a rousing sing-along encore of his biggest hits Leave Right Now and Evergreen, which sent partygoers away with smiles on their faces. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/leisure/music/r...Summer_Concert/
August 2, 201014 yr Author Two more beauties. Love reading him referred to as a national treasure. :wub:
August 5, 201014 yr Will wows his fans at Osborne House Osborne House Concerts 2010 review http://www.efestivals.co.uk/photos/osborne/2010/small/WillYoung-OsborneHouse31July201-SRC07.jpg As the sun set, it was left to Will Young to reclaim the crowd's attention from their glasses of wine and sausage rolls. Fortunately he's one of those artists who appeals to a wide range of people, with both teenagers, their mums and grannies getting equally excited. It was also interesting to see that while the loudest cheers for him came from the female two-thirds of the audience, there was a sizeable group of men who were also vocal in their appreciation – and not just the gay ones. Will Young is one of those rare people who has managed to just about shrug off his reality-star origins and become accepted as a musician and star in his own right. And I suspect this is largely down to his likeability as a person, even if you're not a great fan of his music, it's hard not to take to heart his genuine affection for people and willingness to take the gentle p*** out of not just himself, but his sexuality and his status. You get the feeling that he would be just as happy to stand up on stage and talk to the audience as he is to sing for them. Musically all the big hits were there as well as a very good cover of 'Hit the Road, Jack'. And the crowd cheered, screamed and sung along with him with gusto. His performance also had a first for me, as it was the first time I'd seen someone actually have a song to introduce the band, half improvised though it was – each member of the band getting a verse dedicated to them, even though it had to be stopped while he recovered from a laughing fit over the bass player's inability to get his 'catchphrase' out. My only criticism of the show was the decision to perform 'Leave Right Now', and 'Evergreen' as the last two songs of the encore. Whilst they may be his biggest hits to date, they are both quite downbeat songs that meant the evening fizzled out rather than ending on the high it could have. But despite this, it was and end to a largely enjoyable evening, in a beautiful setting. http://www.efestivals.co.uk/photos/osborne/2010/WillYoung-OsborneHouse31July201-SRC12.jpg review by Steve Collins / Marie Magowan photos by Steve Collins http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/osbo...-saturday.shtml
August 5, 201014 yr Author Thanks BanyellowM&M's. I'll add the Tatton one. Knutsford Guardian "A PICNIC with 7,000 people is not any everyday occurrence for the spectacular venue that is Tatton Park, but Pop Idol winner Will Young made it happen on the first day of August, and with good reason. Will's feet did not keep still for an hour-and-a-half as he performed almost the entire track list from his Hits album with the occasional improvised number to demonstrate his unbelievable musicianship. The costume changes, audience involvement, dancers, casual jokes between songs, anecdotal band introductions and slightly camp dancing all added to what was a fabulous night for young and old alike. It did not sell out to the capacity of 10,000 as it did when he appeared at Tatton five years ago, but this allowed some breathing space so it was easy to get to the front to try and touch his hand, or sit further back in a chair and enjoy a bottle of wine. Warm up act Alan Pownall did not seem out of place, but perhaps might be more successful if he flashed the occasional smile. He could learn a thing or two from Will about that."
August 7, 201014 yr Author Thanks to Pearl. County Press (Osbourne house) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/GillP/Cpress1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/GillP/Cpress2.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/GillP/Cpress3-1.jpg
August 8, 201014 yr Pop star Will Young plays to a sellout crowd of 10,000 people on the Queen's Sandringham estate. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/norfolk/hi/peo...000/8895309.stm SLIDESHOW: Will Young delights Sandringham crowd ANNABELLE DICKSON Last updated: 08/08/2010 10:06:00 Thousands descended on the Sandringham Estate last night as Will Young took to the stage for the first pop concert to be held in the grounds. Word perfect fans sung along as the striking voice of the 31-year-old Pop Idol star delivered hit after hit to a thrilled crowd. The singer performed for an hour and a half, rushing off for four costume changes during a show which saw him donning red braces for a rendition of “Hit the road Jack” as well as a light suit. The mature trees around the royal estate looked like they had been lit with fire as the dazzling production lights shone out from the vast stage into the dark. At one point the singer whipped out his phone to picture the crowd stretching out before him to post on the social networking website, Twitter. The only blight on the evening for many was the gridlock as thousands of cars tried to leave the royal estate at once leaving some fans waiting more than a hour to even get out of the grounds. Laura McSpadeen, 24 from Wisbech, said: “I've been a Will Young fan since he has been out. I got here about 4pm. “It is a really nice setting for a concert. Very royal. I don't see why they shouldn't have more concerts here. As long as it's in keeping. To start with Will Young for the first ever pop concert was a good idea.” “I just wish he had come on a bit earlier. I think Will Young is so good at what he does. My favourite song is Leave Right Now.” Paula Pattison, 56, from Watton, said: “I've go all his albums and his greatest hits. I've been to see him at Blickling Hall too. “He is such a versatile singer. He creates such a good atmosphere. He is one of the greats, like Robbie Williams. I knew as soon as he sung on Pop Idol that he was going to win it. “I think Sandringham is a good place for a concert - but it was shame that we couldn't bring our picnic inside. At Blickling we were able to sit and watch with our picnic and that made it a bit more special. We had to eat and drink outside. It's so expensive anyway. I don't know if that's because it is a royal residence.” http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/...3A06%3A14%3A640
August 9, 201014 yr Author Thanks to Rachel. http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/funkbucket/edp.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i27/funkbucket/sandringham7810235.jpg
August 9, 201014 yr Thanks TT. Those pix are on the EDP website. There's a nice of Gill in her pink hat :D
August 9, 201014 yr Author Thanks TT. Those pix are on the EDP website. There's a nice of Gill in her pink hat :D Just to clarify it isn't me. :)
August 9, 201014 yr No it's Iscagill who lives in Devon. :D Just seen this over on the O/S: Thanks to Steffana for finding it: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/norfolk/eveningnews24/assets/images/dynamicfeed/parkins20100807121124.jpg Will Young was the first ever Pop Idol winner and has since blazed a trail other hopefuls seek to emulate. Now he has become the first ever pop star to play at the Queen's Sandringham Estate. SARAH HARDY catches up with him. You may have been one of the millions who watched and wept as Will Young battled with Gareth Gates to win the inaugural Pop Idol series back in 2002. It was compulsive viewing and really got us all hooked on talent shows. Just look what has followed - X Factor, Britain's Got talent and many more. Unlike many wannabees, Will not only emerged from prime time reality TV with likeability, humour and dignity intact, but has, against many people's expectations, stayed the course - presumably because he has actually got some talent. Blessed with a soulful, tremulous vocal timbre, he has gone on to enjoy a credible pop career selling eight million albums featuring hits like Leave Right Now, Who Am I, All Time Love and Evergreen. Within days of becoming the first ever Pop Idol winner, he came out as gay, exhibiting a relaxed honesty that would characterise his future relationship with the media. The public school educated, university graduate has also presented the more thoughtful face of the music business, invited onto Question Time and to speak at the Oxford Union, as well as articulately championing several charities including those for mental health and domestic violence. He's certainly not your average identikit pop star then, as he manages to get the balance right in satisfying his own artistic needs and be commercial enough to make some cash. He's made some catchy hit pop tunes too, appeared in a movie with Dame Judi Dench and even been the subject of a South Bank Show - one of the last - and now he is about to become the first ever pop star to play at the Queen's Sandringham Estate. So life is pretty good, a view he readily agrees with. “Yep, I'm very comfortable with life at the moment. It was very exhilarating during Pop Idol, we were chased everywhere by the paparazzi but now I can go out and about without people jumping out at me to get a photo. I quite like being left alone. And obviously I'm happy with the way my music is going,” he says. Again unlike many previous talent show participants, Will is happy to chat about his Pop Idol experiences and is very grateful for them. “I'll always be proud of the show - and thankful. It was an amazing and manic time. But it is where I found my voice, discovered what I could do - and wanted to do,” he says. And he adds that he enjoys watching talent shows such as the X Factor and Britain's Got Talent. “We all do, don't we, they are great fun. I'd never be snobby about them,” he says. The Sandringham performance is particularly exciting as Will hasn't been on the outdoor concert trail for a few years so he's itching to get out there in all that fresh air. “You are a lot freer outside, it's a different atmosphere, especially as the light starts to fade and the shadows begin.” The audience can expect plenty of his hits, from Leave Right Now to Changes plus new material. “I do tend to try out new pieces, to road test ideas and see what the reaction is,” explains Will, who says he hopes to see Prince William or Prince Harry in the audience. “That would be something, wouldn't it” he laughs. “I'd get them up on stage, get them up dancing!” This summer's shows, of which Sandringham is the highlight, were pretty much last minute decisions in what was meant to be a quiet year. “This year was meant to be a quiet one, but it's ended up not being so quiet,” says the singer who released his The Hits greatest hits album last October and recently duetted on a Groove Armada dance track. “The last tour was very much the greatest hits, which is great for the audience. I always give the audience what they want at a gig but outdoor gigs are fun to play around with it. That's part of the creative process, working out what kind of vibe, and what kind of covers can change things around. People respond to that because that's part of live music, otherwise you might as well put on a CD.” The 31-year-old is infectiously enthusiastic about live performing. “I love it more and more as I have got older. I used to be really hard on myself if I missed a note but I have got more confident on stage. I started learning my craft a bit more. I have a new singing teacher and I feel a lot more accomplished as a singer.” He also takes regular dance lessons and pilates classes. So he's not complacent about himself as a performer? “I do take it really seriously, that's what's so wonderful about my job, there is always so much more to learn about performance,” he says earnestly. “It's about having that artillery to hand and the different disciplines aren't mutually exclusive. I do acting as well and as quite a nervous person I never knew what to do with my hands. It took me three years to stand with my feet apart with my arms out by my side not clutching a mic.” In fact he sees the gigs as part acting, so if he's having a bad time, it doesn't necessarily mean the audience is too. “It's more of a service. The art is to look as though you are relaxed and enjoying it even if you are not. My prime responsibility is for the audience to have a good time - but I do enjoy every gig. I still get really excited just singing into a microphone. I love sound checks, they go on for hours.” The mention of acting is telling as he has also dipped his toe into the acting waters with some success, appearing opposite Dame Judi Dench in the film Mrs Henderson Presents and playing the lead in Noel Coward's The Vortex at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre. His next project is also a bit different - he's the executive producer on a new movie based on Shakespeare's Coriolanus which has been filmed in Serbia, with Ralph Fiennes as the director. It's a big, meaty piece with Will also taking a small role. “You get to learn a lot from someone like Ralph so it's a big opportunity for me.” The film world definitely holds some appeal for Will who seems to like being both behind and in front of the camera and it's an area he wants to explore more and more. And it's obviously great to have different strands to a showbiz career. “Sure,” agrees Will. “I've got bills to pay and nephews and nieces to look after - and a mortgage, of course!” Will has also just been in an episode of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, with Julia McKenzie as the seemingly innocent little old lady turned ace detective, Jane Marple. In the Mirror Cracked From Side to Side, he plays Casey Croft with Joanna Lumley and Lindsay Duncan also in the show. He has also just taken part in an episode of Skins, too, the edgy C4 youth show about Bristol teenagers and their rites of passage. Despite his success which keeps him away from home for long periods, Will remains close to his family, particularly his twin Rupert who has struggled with depression and alcoholism and now runs a charity called the Mood Foundation, which aims to help others with similar problems. Will grew up in Berkshire, and he says he wanted to be a pop star “from day dot”. His mum had “really good taste in music” and he would listen to her Joni Mitchell and Beatles records as well as buying his own - memorably Michael Jackson's Thriller. “I remember putting it on the turntable with that picture of him lying down in a black suit with white socks, and I would sing along. There were no moves, a more mal-coordinated man you wouldn't find.” After making a pact with a childhood friend to become a famous singer, he nurtured “a stubborn belief ” that that's what he was going to do. “You have to have that kind of belief and weirdly it goes very contrary to my character, but in that field I have been very driven and I think the reason I enjoy it so much now and haven't lost my love of the job is because I didn't have it for so many years and it was such a quiet passion.” Once he got his foot onto the Pop Idol stage, Young's enthusiasm just exploded. “I enjoyed every minute, I was like a kid in a candy shop. I couldn't believe it.” Afterwards he says he didn't feel pushed around by his handlers. (He is still represented by Simon Fuller's 19 Management.) “I did feel in control. There was a bit of illusion that people would force me to do things but I was very aware it would take time to work out what I was doing and I was extremely lucky that Simon Fuller gave me a lot of space. If I didn't want to do something, I didn't do it and he was respectful of that.” It's telling that Will keeps in touch with some of his Pop Idol colleagues, especially Gareth Gates. He says it was an "instant decision" to include their No 1 duet Evergreen on his new greatest hits album. “We run into each other quite often, I think he's done really well for himself - and, of course, he's married with a child so it's all going well for him, too.” The only time the good-humoured Young bridles is when asked whether he writes his hits. It turns out he pens around half of his material. “My writing has got much better but I love singing other people's songs,” he says. “I have never been ashamed of singing other people's songs but a lot of people are and it's bizarre. That's why I love singing jazz. You can sing all these covers that people have done over time but people get funny about having a career like that as though there is some sort of false credibility in saying 'I have written that'. It isn't about that, it's about delivering the song. If you have written it that's amazing. If you haven't, it doesn't matter.” http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/e..._medium=twitter I always give the audience what they want at a gig but outdoor gigs are fun to play around with it. That's part of the creative process, working out what kind of vibe, and what kind of covers can change things around. People respond to that because that's part of live music, otherwise you might as well put on a CD.” Totally agree William. Devon guy caused a bit of a kerfuffle when he said he was disappointed when singers changed songs from how they were recorded when they sang them live!!!!!
August 9, 201014 yr Loved that one that Steff found so much Chris that i gave it it's own thread.. :lol: ..what a fab interview . :D
Create an account or sign in to comment