dylan62

Not quite sure what to say Jay....... I like the string arrangement. The Party Like a Russian bit is catchy - hate the song. Betcha anything the critics love it. Not sure what direction Rob is going here - album sounds like it's going to be very interesting indeed.

I think the plan is for TT 3 to tour their new album next year and a GH tour with Rob in 2018 - at least that's my understanding of it. In term of demographics I'd guess 80% are firm TT fans with 20% casual fans including men dragged along by their other halves :) Of all the concerts I've attended TT seem to have the most diverse crowd in terms of age range. I'm often surprised how many young people attend and equally surprised how many are at the other end of the spectrum. In terms of the set list it would be relatively easy for them to perform new songs without compromising the balance of their concerts too much. I mentioned Hyde Park on an earlier post. Including CMH and WYBTFM would have been incredibly easy to do and they wouldn't have needed to leave out any of the regular set list. Jay I didn't think Rob's single was out for some time. Is it not performing well? I think he has a slot on the GN show soon which may boost sales.

Pippa you are right about the changing face of pop. Many of the old avenues have indeed closed down, although I think NMS was right for TT at that time in their career. YouTube/Facebook etc have stepped in to fill the gap left by TOTP, teen magazines and Saturday shows. I wasn't aware Kylie had undertaken a tour of this kind. I get the impression that TT underestimate their audience and believe if they don't bring out all the 'classics' fans will be left disappointed. As I've said previously there's only so many times one can listen to RLMF, BFG and so forth. They seem happy to experiment with their trademark sound when it comes to albums, but revert back to 'safe' options when it comes to touring - very strange.

NMS has many faults (that's an understatement) but he certainly knew how to promote them and garner publicity. Their present management is very low key. Now that may be at the behest of the band, I'm not entirely sure. JW did a decent job in the 2006 - 2009 period. Rob's return was so hyped in 2010 that they didn't particularly require a cohesive PR/management strategy. Since that time the band has lost direction. We've all noticed the poor release campaigns and the shambolic timing of videos but it's difficult to know exactly what part PR/management has played in this. I believe Gary took his eye off the ball. He may continually reiterate that TT comes first but after 2010 his other projects must have been very time consuming. I also think they should have recognised things weren't right with Jay much earlier. Many noticed his demeanour in 2010 and it was evident in the documentary which aired that there were issues. Something was wrong as far back as that - but they were too wrapped up in Rob's return to notice. If they said they were touring and performing only B sides and album tracks I would be there like a shot because there are so many gems which deserve to be heard - sadly it's never going to happen :(

Whilst I may not be a fan of Rob, give him his due, at least he does introduce new material into his live shows. TT are far, far too cautious and I simply don't understand why they're so reluctant to perform new material. One only has to look at their back catalogue since BW to see how many songs have been discarded - the amount is staggering!!

I'm of the same mind as you , Milly. You know how much I love seeing them live but the same songs time and time again begins to grate. Chance is they will sing the new release but performing CMH or WYBTFM as well would give the public the opportunity to hear more of their new material. I think this is particularly important given that the last single was the dire HB. That said they'll probably take the cautious route and sing one old song and the new single.

TT appearing at the CIN concert and scheduled to perform two songs. Gary has tweeted asking for requests. I'd go for RTW and WYBTFM. Can't see the latter being performed but RTW a possibility. It seems ages since they've performed on TV. Maybe this is the start of their promotional campaign.

How times have changed. Only six years ago anything other than a No 1 or 2 would have been considered a poor result. Streaming has absolutely killed off many artists so far as the singles chart is concerned. The only chance they have, and it's a slim one at best, is to make it not just a download but an actual physical release with a b side. The chance of this is, however, extremely unlikely. I still believe that they need a fantastically strong opening single. If they don't their album sales could stall at around 300,000. That would represent a staggering drop from 2006- 2010 figures and still well below those of III. I'm not so sure they'll secure a XF slot, Jay. Simon really does have it in for Gary at the moment and whilst he's not the shows producer he still holds a lot of sway in terms of the show. I can well see a slot on Strictly but performances of that show don't seem to translate to sales in the way XF performances do.

Gary gave an interview recently where he stated that nobody buys records any longer. Whilst generally he's correct, if the album/single connects with the public it will sell in vast quantities. It seems to me that TT may be resigned to much lower sales but will make their money from touring more frequently. My problem with that is it moves a band into the realms of nostalgia. Bands end up playing their 'hits' from bygone times over and over again. Secondly it impacts on the atmosphere within an arena/stadium if the crowd isn't familiar with the new music included on the tour. This was apparent to some degree at the III tour, with the newer songs, with the exception of TD, received with less enthusiasm and audience participation. I also noticed it at the Progress tour (although sales were massive the album didn't connect with the public). In stark contrast the BW and Circus tours were very inclusive and in the main the crowd seemed to know all the songs which made for a wonderful atmosphere.

I think Rob's proud of his 'new body' and he's definitely in better shape than he's been for some time. Difference between him and Gary is, Rob lets it all hang out and Gary hides behind a piano :) Taylor Swift releasing will certainly be stiff competition for Rob or any other artist outside of Adele. Agree Milly - for me the fourth quarter of the year is a no brainer sales wise. I also think the studio time may be linked to The Girls album, as opposed to anything TT related.

Pippa, if they don't release in the last quarter of the year, specifically the end of November into December then their sales will go into free fall. Adele aside, I think any other artist would struggle with sales outside of the Christmas market. Although Rob is releasing late this year I don't know of any other major artists with albums coming out, but I could be wrong on that score. I don't understand why they're so late with the finishing touches (music) as they normally they have that side of things under control. I wonder if Gary's other projects have led to delays with TT stuff? If they do release in January it could be a strategy to capitalise on Let It Shine which is due to air at the beginning of the year.

That's a late finish if they're looking to release the album before Christmas. It doesn't leave long for videos to be filmed either. I saw Gary's tweet and for some reason assumed the studio time related to one of his other projects. The strings etc were recorded in the studio a few months ago, if I remember correctly. Maybe the studio time is to finish off some of the harmonies. God, I hope this album is like BW or Gary's recent projects. Pippa, I agree with you and Milly, the music released by Rob isn't promising in my view; however, the actual single may be much stronger and more indicative of his albums overall sound.

I find the whole thing very confusing - must be my age!!! Listened to a section of the song. I quite liked the quieter section but not so much the chorus. It sounds slightly over produced and 'messy' to me but it has that undeniable trademark Rob sound. If this isn't the initial single I wonder why he's released this one with a video? At this rate everyone will have heard most of the album before it's out. Glad you loved the concert Laura. I hope TT don't follow their most recent strategy and release a video weeks after their single has dropped. At least Rob and his team have a cohesive approach - TT videos appear to be an after thought. I know Mark has had a long term friendship with the bands manager but aside from their initial comeback the management and PR for the band has been really weak. Rob hardly seems to take any time off. He's constantly playing live shows and travelling around the world. Whilst Gary is relentless in terms of his work ethics I don't think this transfers to TT. They seem to have an initial burst and then it all tails off. They need to be far more ruthless and focused for this upcoming campaign.

When is the single actually released? I don't like singles aired too far before their actually release date. A couple of weeks before sits well with me, but the norm now appears to be weeks and weeks before a release date. I can't remember how well Rob did with his last couple of singles? I know Candy went to No 1 but that seems a life time ago. I'm assuming he has extensive promotion lined up - he did an Apple gig last night. I'm also interested to find out Guy Chambers contribution to the song writing side of things as he's back on board again. Gary has stated that TT will have something out in October - I hope their release dates don't clash with Robs; otherwise the comparisons between them will distract from the music. Will check out the video, thanks, Milly.

I've only heard a snippet of the song and the video. I think it's has a typical Rob sound. The video also looks strong and memorable - Rob's certainly no 'shrinking violet.' Not sure how true this is but just read that it's No1 on ITunes and pre-order chart. Rob has an enduring quality (which I can't fathom), but he obviously appeals to many. Joining with TT back in 2010 was in my opinion a fantastic move on his part. I don't think it's work out so positively for TT unfortunately.

I didn't know the single was available to listen to. I've seen that album song titles and noted that he has two collaborations . I could be wrong but I read something about song writing input from The Killers and Ed Sheeran. Whatever I think of Rob he has always managed to bring in major artists and is undoubtedly far more widely appreciated than TT within the music fraternity - Milly I can just imagine your face as you read that last sentence :)

I'm of a similar mind.... very anxious about the direction/sound of the forthcoming album. This is their most important release since BW in my opinion. They desperately need to drum up some interest and enthusiasm in their material. If they stick with the sound of III or Progress I have a real fear that sales will be extremely poor. They need to release 2 or 3 very radio friendly singles and promote extensively/secure a TV special. Radio stations aren't automatically going to play their singles any more and streaming could prove to be their downfall. Rob has announced his forthcoming album release for the beginning of November. Whilst Rob and TT don't come as a package, sales of Rob's single/album may give some indication as to how well TT will do.

I don't think any of us expect an innovative ground breaking show. More than anything I just hope it avoids the contrived and manipulative elements so beloved by XF. If it provides good family entertainment which is light hearted with a focus on talent then it has a chance of success. I don't mind judges criticising contestants but sometimes there's too much of an edge bordering on nastiness. I thought Gary occasionally over stepped the mark on XF- this time I'm hope he's constructive and kind. I've read good things about the judging panel; hopefully that translates well onto the small screen.

You may well be right Milly. I may have misinterpreted something but I'm sure I read the script wasn't based on TT's story. I guess that doesn't mean TT songs wont be featured in the show. Either way it's an interesting time and I'm glad that H and M have been involved in the TV show even if it turns out to be a back stage role. Both of them seem to be enjoying the process, dancing on stage with fans etc. It appears Mark has been very upbeat spending lots of time talking to fans and generally being approachable. As Gary is the serious one I can imagine him rolling his eyes and shaking his head at their antics :) I think Gary has a lot riding on this project because he's left himself wide open to critics ready to bounce at the first opportunity.

I could be wrong Pippa but I'm sure I read it somewhere. As far as I can make out the musical will be based on a boy band and will draw on aspects of TT's experience, but they aren't looking for a carbon copy of Rob or the others as it isn't based on TT. I think a Rob tribute act auditioned but they're more likely to be looking for fresh theatre talent rather than established 'tribute' or 'cabaret' type performers. I understand there was a fantastic 16 year old in audition one and the talent has apparently been good at subsequent auditions. I don't know who the scriptwriter is or who's directing/producing the show. I assume Gary is writing the score and will obviously have a significant role. I guess the financing is in place otherwise he wouldn't have gone this far in the process. To be honest I'm a bit sceptical about whether it will have the required pulling power for the WE but time will tell. It's scheduled to tour initially where I guess they'll assess if it has a viable chance of succeeding in London. There was also some indication a while back that Gary was writing a score for another HW musical based on a remake of Around the World in 80 days - but I don't know if the production is going ahead or if it's been shelved.

Apparently the talent is very strong. I could be wrong but I think the musical will have an original score so it's unlikely there will be many, if any, TT songs sung on the show:(

Feedback from the audience appears to be positive - although as most will be TT/GB fans I guess that needs to be taken into account. I understand that Mark and Howard were also at the studio. Although the show is billed as a GB vehicle I'm so, so pleased that both H and M are there and fully involved from the beginning. I know it's based on a band similar to TT so to have all of them involved on some level is fantastic. I just hope there's some footage of them when the show airs and they're not side lined.

I absolutely love the FN songs they are so beautiful and some of Gary's best work. You're right in terms of critical acclaim for FN as during its run at the Art theatre it won a number of awards. Considering the awful Broadway reviews it lasted longer than I expected. There seemed to be a clear divide between critics and the general public. The audience were overwhelmingly positive about it and if I remember rightly it won two Broadway audience awards. As for The Girls I think WE critics will be gunning for it because of Gary's involvement. However, Tim is very well respected so this may result in a more even handed approach. The previews were fantastic and couldn't have been much better. I did read one review which down played the musical aspect of the show stating that the songs were a back drop and didn't shine but that's the only one I can recall which was lukewarm in terms of the musical side.

Thanks for the links Jay. I'm holding back from buying tickets until they release the date for FN so I can go to both musicals whilst on an overnight stay. They've kept most of the cast from the Leeds and Manchester runs and I understand they're very good. I get the impression this is very, very important to Gary as he seems to have caught the musical theatre bug. I'd hazard a guess that he's more than a little nervous about the venture - but it's lovely to see him and Tim (who seems a charming and very talented man) together; they clearly have a strong relationship. The two producers also appear very committed to the show, not just financially, and there appears to be a great vibe around the team. Time will tell as to whether it's a success in the WE. Some indication of TT stuff end of this year into 2017 but no word about Vegas.

I can see the reason for DM inclusion as she was very popular on X Factor. I can't imagine her appointment will have improved Gary and SC relationship :) MK is an interesting choice. I know his pop and film credentials but I'm unaware of any theatre work. As for the third appointment, I don't know the artist at all. I would have preferred a well known UK theatre artist if I'm honest. I can't believe there wasn't any one suitable. The West End is brimming with top class performers so I'm struggling to see why they chose this lady. I'm not sure how much power Gary has when it comes to appointments as he doesn't appear to be the producer. I like the two presenters, but they're both 'light weight' so the show is going to be very much mainstream entertainment. I'd hazard a guess that it will follow a similar format to ALW shows on the BBC some years ago.