dylan62

Based on one listen - fab song. High energy, interesting orchestration, great gospel backing and excellent vocals from Gary. However........ I agree with iamstrong. There is absolutely nothing of Howard or Mark in this single. Surely they could have shoehorned their vocals in there somewhere? An interesting departure which I like very much. Whether is appeals to the traditional TT fan welded in their ballad sound remains to be seen. If after continued listens it still appeals I will certainly download it but my initial reservation still stands. On first listen this is a Sigma/GB collaboration and that does concern me somewhat. If it's included in the Hyde Park set list there'll have to be major changes to incorporate Howard and Mark.

I agree Pippa. As I've previously said R2 play list younger artists like 1D, Ed Sheeran, Adele etc; but this isn't reciprocated by R1. Younger artists therefore have a considerable advantage over more established ones. I also find it strange that R1 makes an exception for people such as Pharrell Williams and JayZ, both of whom are 40+. I listened to R1 when Chris Moyles was at the helm of the breakfast show (some years ago, I admit) and there was a balance of younger/older artists and a good mix of different genres. I rarely listen to the station now (I'm not in their target demographic) but when it is on I'm shocked at the poor quality of the music played. Again this maybe down to my age, but I can honestly say that my musical taste is quite varied. For me good music is good music regardless of the artists age. I don't think R1 will be keen to play TT. I remember when These Days came out. Some of the DJ's were quite condescending and dismissive when it got to No 1, so I can't see much support for them this time around. However; if the song turns out to be amazing then it may take on a life of its own and its momentum could force stations to reconsider their approach.

Is the first airing of the song on R1 Friday morning as TT pre-recorded an interview with the station yesterday? Will be interesting to see if R1 actually play list the song. In recent years they've had the band in for interviews to plug their new singles, but then immediately ignore them. If they do play list the song it will be a departure from R1 normally policy and no doubt will be down to the Sigma connection. Many of us have previously said that TT's only chance of making inroads into the popular commercial stations and R1 would be having such a great song that it can't be ignored. If Cry turns out to be a fantastic song and the radio stations still don't play it that will tell us a lot about TT's position in the UK and their chance of getting maximum exposure on the main stations ( not including R2 and Heart).

Showing my age once again -not heard JT song. I know it was showcased on Eurovision but I didn't watch all of the show so missed his performance. Does this mean TT are up against JT? I much preferred the charts when they were on a Sunday. It was clear who was No 1 for the week. I guess TT will also lose out against other artists based on streaming. I rarely download singles but if the full rendition is as good as the sample I'll make an exception. It's incredibly catchy and infectious :)

Sounds good doesn't it Milly!! I hope the full song isn't a let down, because the sample is fab. I see they're filming the video today so it will be a rush to get it out for next week. I so hope the single is given a chance to shine and not immediately overlooked by the commercial radio stations. There's certainly a 'gospel vibe' to it which is definitely a new direction for TT. I admit I don't follow the singles chart at all, so I've no idea the kind of stuff making the Top 10 at present. I tend to listen to CD's or R2 for music so I'm outside of the loop when it comes to radio stations as a whole. Following lll I did listen to some of the commercial stations when driving, but apart from These Days I never heard TT's follow up material played. I can't see R1 picking it up unless the Sigma collaboration swings things in their direction. In terms of radio play I've never understood how acts play listed for R1 are also play listed for R2 but not the other way around - well in the case of TT at least.

On the small clip the backing singers were very prominent ( although I have to say they sounded fantastic) and I did wonder where Mark and Howard would fit in. The small section with Gary's vocals was fab - it really isn't what I expected at all. Not to put too much of a damper on things, but I'm not so sure it will garner lots of radio play, unfortunately. If the small clip is anything to go by it sounds brilliant. Definitely a newer sound for TT but one I prefer to some of the stuff on lll and it will be such a shame if it doesn't get a wider airing.

You have to admit Jay is very different from the TT sound - even accounting for their sometimes experimental approach. It's very energetic and fast paced and I can't wait to hear the whole record. I haven't really listened to Sigma so I'm unclear if this song is typical of their sound or an amalgamation of TT and them? Is it actually released on Friday? There hasn't been any promotion from the TT end - I hope that's not an indication of their usual haphazard approach to promotion !!

I'm interested to hear what people think. Although it's a short clip it's not what I expected, although I'm not sure what I was expecting but not the typical TT sound. Out Friday, earlier that I thought. Thanks for the link, Jay :)

I wasn't too impressed with the new lyrics either. I found them rather clumsy. I also saw a number of references to EJ with comments such as a 'cut price EJ' :) I found the comparisons perplexing if I'm honest. Gary has always been a singer/musician. I thought Gary's vocals weren't the best and I've heard him sing the song better in all honesty, and it wouldn't have been my choice of song to open the concert with. Intrigued to see what the new video will be like. Guessing it will be something quite simple as time is limited.

Pretty much anything would have been a better choice than Hey Boy. I know the video was 'tongue in cheek' but I have to say I found their appearance on SCD cringe worthy - I didn't like it at all. I really don't know who chooses their follow up singles. I assume it's the lads - in which case they need a filter; someone willing to speak out and tell them when it's the wrong song/sub standard choice for a single release. Slightly off topic, but since Gary's appearance at the Queen's concert tonight the trolls have been out in force. Some people seem relentless and the financial issue has proved to be a millstone around his neck. I also think he looks tired and has lost too much weight - an opinion echoed by others on twitter this evening. In terms of the Sigma collaboration - I understand the release is in May so it must be quite soon?

Some opposing views about the collaboration on Twitter. Drum and bass fans negative accusing Sigma of 'selling out' and producing generic pop. TT fans far more positive and enthusiastic about the venture. It seems that Sigma will take some stick from their fans if they've toned down their signature sound. Time will tell :)

Sounds good. Hope they don't put an electronic spin on it and spoil the orchestral sound.

Milly, I think he's simply too busy. I also think he's mindful of over exposure and still aware that any media limelight brings out his distractors in droves. I imagine he's considered bringing out a single to publicise The Girls musical but to date he's obviously backed off that option, although the album is in the pipeline. He considered releasing Home as a charity single following the documentary, but decided against that as well. I'm not a fan of dance music so I'll be listening with trepidation on the release date. Believe it or not, I still have an irrational aversion to Hey Boy and can't listen to it. I would be surprised if the single does well because TT really have dropped off the radar with much of the buying public, especially the younger demographic and I can't imagine many dance fans embracing TT, although stranger things have happened. The reunion itself will be a very good indicator of the strength of TT's fan support and the extent to which they still interest the buying public. This is a strange time for the music business. Some acts such as Adele have bucked the trend, but acts I would have expected to perform strongly, such as Zayn Malik (coming straight off the back of a huge ID fan base) have had relatively poor sales in the UK at least.

That's much quicker than I expected. It will be interesting to hear the sound and to find out what, if any, promotion they've lined up.

Well, caught up with some of their stuff. I think I'll reserve judgement until the song comes out. They obviously have a solid following so it will be interesting to see what the collaboration produces. I'm always dubious when there are headlines with words such as 'fantastic' thrown around. I remember Howard saying something similar about 'Hey Boy' and look how that turned out :)

Oh god, sometimes I feel so old on this forum. Know absolutely nothing about this band - so off I go to look them up on You Tube. TT seem to be branching out in all directions and simply enjoying their music. I do hope this collaboration is a good one, but I'm no fan off dance music. Nevertheless I'll remain positive - you never know this could be a great move for the band.

Doesn't he just!!! It's difficult to reconcile his look then with now. I've noticed that Gary's look changes day on day and much depends on his hair style. If you look at his style at the Eddie the Eagle album launch and the premiere it's completely different to his normal look and alters his face shape considerably. Howard hardly seems to change, Mark is ageing rapidly and his present longer hair style ages him in my opinion, and controversially I think Rob has had some subtle surgery over the past year or so :) As for the reunion - if they leave it much longer Howard will be eligible for a bus pass :)

I'm showing my ignorance here, but I've never heard of them. By the way is there any truth in the story that Gary's already written 25 songs for the new album? It's come from one of the down market papers so I'm unsure how reliable their information is.

As far as I can gather there will be a Girls album which will probably coincide with the musicals debut in the West End. He's obviously made inroads in the US due to his musical theatre involvement and he seems to be getting a lot of work out there. His passion for music was evident throughout all of the podcasts and it was lovely to see someone so committed to his art. He has a lovely relationship with Eliot, who you can tell adores Gary and they appear to compliment each others song writing styles. As for the new song - it could be a non TT project, maybe a movie score or the US project he mentioned. Am I right in thinking that we still don't have a definitive date for the anniversary tour? Gary is full on this year with the opening of the musical at the end of the year, movie scores and the new TT album. If they go to Vegas, I'm guessing that's next year, so does this mean the anniversary tour is postponed to 2018?

Thanks for the link, Milly. Interesting to hear him speak in depth and with so much passion about his music. He alludes to the 'darker times' but I've a feeling he went through more than he's admits. I can't believe the amount of projects he has on the go. He must work constantly to manage them all. In terms of movie scores one of them is for the new Kingsman film but I don't know anything about the other movie project or the US show. It appears that The Girls musical with premiere in London around December time. It garnered fantastic reviews in Leeds and Manchester so lets hope it's equally as successful in the West End.

I think the problem is that TT's fan base is relatively static and if anything decreasing. Timing is crucial in the music industry. You have to be there at the right time , coupled with an element of luck. Music is largely media (internet led) these day, far more so than in the past and TT don't garner media interest in terms of radio play. I've no doubt that some non fans who attend their concerts will be converted, but unfortunately to make major inroads acts have to have significant backing from TV and radio and TT don't fit the mould any more. Off track, has anyone watched the podcasts? I haven't viewed them all but I loved the one with Eliot Kennedy and the interpretation of Stronger was fantastic. The podcasts showed Gary's immersion in and passion for music in all its guises. What fuels my anger more than anything in relation to Gary is some peoples dismal of his musical skills. I don't have a problem with their dislike of his music, but I do have a problem with their view that he isn't a serious musician.

Logically I don't think TT will pick up many new fans as a result of touring Europe or any where else in the world for that matter. That ship has sailed in my view. They're of an age where they don't largely appeal to the younger demographic (although it's surprising the number of young fans they have in the UK) and most general music followers will be conscious of the band by this stage. Their time to make inroads world wide was in 2006 immediately after their return, but they didn't take that opportunity for reasons known only to them. People drawn to the reunion tour on the basis of Rob's involvement will surely know of TT on some level and if they haven't bought their music up until now it's unlikely seeing them in concert will alter that fact. What the tour will do is obviously showcase their back catalogue and given non fans a glimpse of their brilliant live shows, but sadly I don't think it will ultimately translate in major record or ticket sales for TT minus Rob.

I could just about cope with a short medley of some of their solo work but it isn't necessary as they already have an extensive back catalogue - and what about poor Howard? He wouldn't have a solo song to sing unless it's the song he record shortly after the split which was never released. :)

Jay, if Rob's on board there could well be a solo section in Europe because a large percentage of the crowd will only be there to see him. And that's one of my issues with Rob involvement in the band again. If the crowd's there to see him then the TT musical catalogue will be secondary and the atmosphere will take a dive. ( And I in no way place any blame on Rob's shoulders for that). Personally if I was in the band I wouldn't choose to take on a large venue/stadium knowing that I'm second billing so to speak - from a pride perspective at least. However, if they do European stadium gigs then they must be aware that it's down to Rob's presence and not any great demand to see TT's anniversary tour. One can only surmise therefore that any European tour leg will purely be for financial gain. I will always maintain that TT work best as a 4/3 and nothing will persuade me otherwise. Rob was always meant to be a solo artist - even if he'd been given equal billing in TT way back in the 90's ultimately it wouldn't have mattered , he would still have gone solo - he's not as a team player. The reunion tour raising so many questions with regard to venues, song choices and staging. Oh, I so wish Jay was returning but that's one thing most of us would agree is very unlikely to happen :(

I think they'll avoid solo songs at the reunion tour - at least I hope they will. I feel Progress was disjointed partly because they were trying to shoehorn in too much stuff. They have an extensive back catalogue of TT songs, many of which we haven't heard live. Therefore, in spite of loving much of Gary's solo work and liking some of Mark's (as well as Rob's believe it or not) I would stay clear of mixing up the solo stuff with the bands work.