milly

Last night, for the first time in many years - since The Circus tour in fact - I saw the boys really happy and at ease with each other. I wasn't one to believe at the time that Robbie joined TT for the Progress tour out of personal interests, but, lately, I'm reaching the conclusion that he somehow used TT for his own benefit. I do believe he made peace with Gary, but he did not join the band because he wanted to be in the group again. In all the interviews taken during the Progress era, there was a tension in the air. I doubt they had open conflicts, but they clearly were not comfortable with each other and, in Jason's case, it was the most obvious. Gary seemed genuinely the happiest out of them all, probably because he thought Robbie was truthful and was willing to put the past behind them and to apologize. Unfortunately, I did not get the same feeling from Robbie. I stand by what I said - Robbie may have helped TT sell more, but he ruined the balance and dynamics of the group and changed people's perception of the band. I still remember all the comments about Rob's behaviour and language during the gigs and how these elements put many people who perceived TT gigs as family events off. As you all know, I haven't been able to see the boys live, but I do have all the dvd-s and, for me, Progress is the least enjoyable. I get sad every time I watch that dvd because I hate seeing Gary reduced to a backing singer and Robbie taking all the glory. Even now, I get annoyed by comments such as Elizabeth's, stating that Progress was critically acclaimed due to Robbie, which is simply not true, because even Robbie admitted that the new sound was all down to Gary - whether I liked it or not is another matter. I would have preferred to hear more from the boys in last night's documentary, but, at least, I got the sensation that everything is right between them and the tension present during the Progress era was gone. They did seem a bit nostalgic, but, at the same time, well down to earth and willing to put the effort and make the band work. When Gary said that they had been watching the social media for 48 hours to grasp people's reactions to Jason leaving the band, I really felt sorry for them and realized that it wasn't that easy for them to decide to go on as a trio. I know some people think that they stood together for money, but I don't see any evidence of that.

That documentary was something else when it comes to dvd spoilers :D You should have watched the dvd when you had the chance, Aphrodite :D I hope the programme helped the sales, at least a little bit.

I can concede to Jay, but Robbie...why? Because some of his fans want to take advantage of TT for as long as it suits them? Why would Robbie still be a part of TT? Why should he still benefit from everything TT does or wins if he's not willing to put in the effort and be in the band? His stunt in 2011 seems to have damaged the band more than it helped, so why should TT fans be loyal to him and grant him the honour of being a TT member? And what does have to do with the discussion we were having anyway?

If you're apologizing for your typos, I should stop posting altogether, seeing how many mistakes I make :) I'm disappointed to hear the dvd isn't in stores. I was sure it would have been in all stores, considering TT dvd-s usually make good Christmas gifts.

The dvd is sooooo good. The visuals, the vocals...everything is perfect.

I know it's hard to believe, Elisabeth, but, not for all of us, success is the most important thing. I'm proud of TT for simply being asked to do those shows, because it means someone appreciates them and considers them worthy of doing something only a few artists were asked to do. I've never heard of Robbie being offered a residency in LV. It may be true, but allow me to have my doubts. Most of the Americans who leave comments on Robbie's videos say he can't sing, so I doubt he would have made an impression in America anyway. I know that, for you, Robbie is the centre of the universe, but can't you stick to singing his praises in his appreciation thread? I promise not to come posting anything in there that would rain on your parade like you do on ours. Yes, I feel like celebrating another week in top 40. Acts like Fleur East or Louisa who just came out of XF struggle to sell 2K after HUGE promotion, while TT have added 45k to their 400+k with only a few appearances. I don't care if TT break new markets or not. I'll be happy if they do, but I'll also be happy if whatever they're doing stimulates them and inspires them to keep going with music. I, for one, doubt TT are doing the LV shows for for money. Gary, at least, is rich enough for him, his kids and their kids to live happily ever after without working a single day of their lives. And, to be fair, I've seen the boys way happier this era, despite the drop in the sales, than they were at the peak of their success, when they were with Robbie or Jay.

#39. Another week in top 40 :) Why do you doubt it, Kath?

I'd have been pissed if Robbie had been allowed to take advantage of this opportunity presented to the boys. He can have his own LV show.

There was an article saying that the residency is strictly for the 3 TT members.

This might be a long shot, but here is my view on why TT are suddenly more open to the idea of exploring new countries: it all started with Gary and Howard joining twitter and recently Mark too. It was easier for them, before 2011, to put to rest the idea of doing gigs across the ocean or in Asia, because their fans there did not have faces or names. Since joining twitter, Gary has been assaulted with requests and campaigns from fans all over the world to come to their countries. He even got a book put together by a fan with wishes and requests from fans from everywhere. Goodness knows that their fans from France, South America and Australia have been campaigning relentlessly for years now for TT to perform in their countries. It's harder to ignore these requests when you face them daily. It might also have something to do with Jason leaving, because I always got the feeling he didn't love the performing part of their job too much - he said it himself that he was in TT more for his parents' sake than because he really wanted to. Anyway, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth :) If whatever makes them wanna tour the world brings them to Romania too, I'll be over the moon :) I'm happy they're finally expanding their horizons, even if they should have done it a long time ago.

It was 41 in the midweeks on Monday, Jay. It's slightly better than last week, which means the physical sales must have increased, cause the Amazon ones have dropped.

Not only in musicals, but in albums in general. The FN album is head and shoulder above Adele's album, yet we can see the difference in reviews. Then again, the critics loved Hey Boy, so who am I to argue with their tastes? As far as I'm concerned, most of the critics are just a bunch of snobs. Play - the ensemble version - and All of London is Here Tonight are so catchy and playful, I just don't see how anyone can hate them.

Agree with everything you said, Dylandog, especially the setlist part. I could have sworn that they'd do at least a couple of new songs on the Heart gig, instead we got Pray twice because Gary and Mark forgot the lyrics. You can listen to the other 2 demos here: http://milly-gb.tumblr.com/ I'm in love with Stronger.

You do have a point, Kath, but, in the end, that's how it's always been: Gary as the lead singer. Even during their recent gigs, Gary has the most leads, so that wouldn't be much of a change in the States. They just have to choose carefully the songs for Mark - there could be plenty of moments for him, without making it seem like he shares the leads equally with Gary. The audience needs to know at all times that the best singer is put forward. I don't think that, just because Gary takes most leads, Mark and Howard become backing singers. Their harmonies are some of the best and I don't think some backing singers would pull them off. Besides, Howard and Mark taking leads on The Flood and The Garden, Howard on What is Love or Beautiful World should take care of people not perceiving them as backing singers. I agree with you that EDILYLAL needs some angst, but all Mark brought out, from my point of view, were really bad vocals. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Gary suited the song more, his vocals were just better, that's all. I still don't know why they covered that song.

Considering they'll be performing in front of a new audience, I think they'll have the brains not to do the funny dance routines that only hardcore fans can appreciate. And song choices are also essential. I can't see them prancing on the stage on Do What You Like :D They'll have to dig out new songs to perform: Don't Say Goodbye, Sleepwalking, 6 in the Morning Fool....and, of course, Will You Be There For Me :P And I know this is a touchy subject, but I think they should keep Mark's leads on a minimum, at least until they manage to draw the public in. I don't know that many people who are fans of his voice and I don't see that changing any time soon - I actually hate his part on Everyday I Love You Less and Less; I think it's one of his worst moments. He works well on Said It All, Up All Night (although I hate that song), The Garden, Into the Wild. His biggest problem is the diction. The diction is one of the reasons my sister - who is not obsessed with TT like I am :P - likes Gary and may be an important factor in helping him connect with the American audience (something that would have happened in the 90's if Clive Davis hadn't screwed him over like he did with many other artists). Usually, I'd agree with you, Dylandog, that Las Vegas is for artists who can't break the charts anymore, but TT may be the exception to the rule. WE have to consider the fact that they've been given this opportunity not because they're an established act in USA and they have nothing else to do anymore, but because someone was very impressed with their work and wants to break them to a new public. It almost sounds like a new beginning for them, imo, rather than like an end. God only knows if this will turn up to be a good or a bad thing for them, but, since we can't predict the future, we can only keep our fingers crossed for them and wish them the best. To everything there's always a downside, but this is just too big of an opportunity for them to have turned it down. And I don't think we need to worry about them putting on hold new music projects. They're releasing a new album in 2016 and a Greatest Hits album in 2017, which means they can come back with new music in 2018. Maybe Las Vegas will even get them inspired and the new album will be conceived while doing those shows. As for the LV residency being more of a vanity project...everything is possible, but who could blame them? Who in their right mind wouldn't want to try it out? Gary's a musicaholic and he does love success; now that most of his kids are grown up and Dawn is having her own business, it's understandable that he's exploring new avenues and Mark and Howard don't seem opposed to the idea. PS: Does anyone like the demos for Finding Neverland?

I'm remaining optimistic. Word of mouth is pretty powerful. Their first audiences will be there out of curiosity: "what does this act have to offer? Why have we never heard of them before?" and, if they are impressed, they'll tell others and the news will spread. At least I'm hoping this will be the scenario. Music wise, they have nothing to worry about. Their back catalogue is great - all they have to do is choose the songs wisely for a new audience. Their biggest enemy at the moment is their anonymity in the States.

Oh, you all of little faith :P Happy bunny as Gary has just confirmed it's all true.

Seeing that Gary has packed his bags for LV, it's pretty official :dance:

https://soundcloud.com/rocknrollsweatshop/0...neverland-demos Gary's voice on these demos, especially Stronger.... :wub: Much better than Kiezsha's version. And Better is such a beautiful song. If I didn't know, I'd never guess it's from a musical.

OMG!!! :w00t: I'm so happy for the boys :yahoo: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showb...-residency.html

#40 this week. Let's hope it keeps climbing.

I don't think it was even meant to chart. I know that both albums went top 20 on Amazon.com and they did well on iTunes US as well, which means the sales in America must have been good. The albums are very different though. It's like having 2 completely distinct albums, which is very enjoyable, cause that means we have more songs to listen to.

I don't know why Gary doesn't like to admit to having nerves before a gig or an interview. There are just too many instances when it's clear as daylight that he's nervous. When he performed Let Me Go on XF, I thought he was about to cry at some point and he kept looking at Mike and the rest of the band for reassurance. Even in the Dare video, he keeps rubbing his hands - a clear sign he was either nervous or uncomfortable. I think the presenter on the Fox news was a bit infatuated with Gary, I found it funny. One more lady to fall for the Barlow charm :P

Gary on Fox news: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXOAkCxz12s He's singing a bit of WYFDTTG.

Maybe the stores haven't re-stocked yet? Usually their physical sales are pretty good.