dylan62

HUAL is one such song that comes alive in an arena. It was quite magical at The Circus tour. The sun had come down over Wembley and the illuminated elephant appeared. It was quite something to see. I'll never forget that night. It was the penultimate night at the stadium and the atmosphere all day was amazing. At the end of the concert as they sung RTW it was the one and only time I've been tearful at a concert. It felt like the whole crowd knew they'd been part of something quite special. HUAL was a damp squid at The Progress tour. It simply didn't work and it's a song which comes alive when it's dark. It was such a shame to see that song and TT's other songs have so little impact - the one and only time I've been underwhelmed with their performance. :(

Yep, Said It Al was a single. It definitely make the Top 20, if not Top 10. If I remember correctly it was the video where they all dressed as clowns. I think they did some publicity for it on the JR show.

I like Reach Out very much. It worked surprisingly well as the opening number on the BW tour. Sadly I don't think it will make the cut. More likely to choose Said It All (under rated song in my opinion) or The Garden.

I know I keep adding to the list but I forgot to include: Holding Back The Tears which I came across on You Tube. Imagine it with a full orchestra!

Sorry Milly, can see that you've already said DSGTTW now. You also mentioned HUAL. That will undoubtedly make the set list.

I reckon Rob would be up for singing about himself:) I'd forgotten about Sleepwalking, FDAYF and would definitely be happy for either of those. I would also be more than pleased for Freeze and one that's just jumped into my mind: Don't Say Goodbye to the World. The more I think about it there are so many songs from their back catalogue which deserve to be heard live. It's going to be a vary, very difficult decision for them to make.

Songs on my list wouldn't necessarily be my choice but based on No 1's and how well known they are the tour list may be something like this: Pray, AMLS, NF, Everything Changes, Babe, Love Ain't Here Any More, How Deep Is Your Love, RMF, Sure, CIBM, Beatles Medley (?), Shine, Patience, Greatest Day, RTW, These Days, The Flood, Hey Boy (ugh) Eight Letters ( Rob sings) , Get Ready For It, Love Love and maybe Said It All/Garden. Assuming Rob comes back this would mean he could conceivably have 4 lead singles and perhaps share songs such as Shine and have a large input in the Beatles Medley. Songs I would like to make the list: Nobody Else, Crack in the Heart, Rocket Ship, When We Were Young (actually really like Rob's vocals on this song) CMH and WYBTFM, Butterfly, We All Fall Down, Like I Never Loved You At All and Higher Than Higher. However, to be frank I'd be happy to hear any number of lesser known songs and B sides but I can't see it happening.

That was quick Milly !! I'll think about my list and post later. I already know many of the songs I like won't make the list because the wouldn't quality as 'hits' but I'll post them anyway.

The Ultimate Tour was the one that actually made me sit up and think - this band's good. When they first came on the scene I liked some of their songs very much: Pray, BFG, NF etc but being older than them I perceived them as a 'throw away boy band and that was as far as my interest went. A large group of us decided to get tickets to the Ultimate Tour because we thought is would be a good night out. That night changed everything for me. I was so impressed by the music, the vocals ,the staging and the relationship between the band members. It truly was a fantastic night. Gary's vocals surprised me and LAHA was amazing because Gary's vocal at the end of that segment was outstanding. They then released Patience and the BW album and I've been a fan ever since. Perhaps that's partially why I never invested in Rob because he wasn't on the radar when I became a fan of the band. However, another reason was I remembered Rob's behaviour and comments post break up in the 90's and whilst not a fan of the band I thought he was so nasty and unkind it's stuck with me ever since. Your right about CIBM on the BW tour- I went to Birmingham with just one a couple of others and we were opened mouth at that segment of the show. It was breath taking to watch, and the section in the round was fantastic. The NF segment was also incredibly imaginative and perhaps my favourite show case of that song. So, from my perspective I'd take elements of the UT, BW and Circus to influence any reunion show. What I like about this small forum is the mix of opinions and perspectives- although I sometimes get frustrated by it :) I find as a whole we're quite open to criticising the band and highlighting poor performances/ music. I don't think we're sycophantic in any way which makes for an interesting forum. As this thread is about a possible reunion tour perhaps we could all list say 20 songs we think should make the cut.

I'd like to say that Elisabeth certainly keeps us on our toes!!! All things considered for a fan forum we're actually quite critical and not blinded completely by their weaknesses. I've stated in threads that TT4 is the best combination and the last tour whilst good wasn't as good as The Circus or BW. The fact that in my view Progress was their worst tour since their comeback is not entirely due to Rob. I think Kath picked up on the flatness of the TT4 in that tour - and she's right. It was the weakest performance I've seen from the boys post 2005 - and I don't blame Rob for that. If they re-unite then let's hope it's a cohesive show. They should consider a chronological approach starting with their earliest hits taking them logically through to their most recent songs, although I expect some leeway for songs such as Never Forget. I hope they don't try and be too cleaver - a simple historical perspective of their work with some innovative approaches to the songs would be enough. As I've said I would spend the money on different stages, brilliant lighting and orchestration. I'd do away with a large entourage - part of the problem with Progress was too many people on the stage at any one time which frequently obscured the view of the band. I don't know if everyone saw the BW tour but in some respect it was a wonderful example of balance between flamboyant numbers and routines and quieter sections . A stadium show may require a larger scale approach but in all honesty as a fan I'd be happy to sing along to all the songs - a celebration of 25 plus years in the music business and a trip down memory lane.

Oh, for goodness sake, Elisabeth. Talk about going around in circles :) For the final time Rob DID NOT write The Flood before 2010. It's been commented on by forum members including me that the song was written after they reunited. If you watch the documentary you will clearly see that Rob and Gary were working on the song and the lads joined them in the recording studio. Rob and Gary showcased how far they'd gone with the song. They had some lyrics and a good section of the music. There is irrefutable evidence of this. Yes, Rob is more popular in Europe and the rest of the world. We've all agreed with you time and time again on this point. Forum members really haven't 'closed their eyes against reality.' Of course I can't speak for everyone else but if my memory's correct ( and I'm going off my fairly recent membership and haven't trailed back through threads), no one on this site has made the claim that TT4/3 is more popular world wide that Rob. If you can find evidence to the contrary then I apologise. Also, I think you'll find that Rob has toured quite extensively in the UK in recent year including the Swing Tour and Take The Crown Tour. Finally, I take exception to your assertion that forum members don't see TT's flaws. If you've read the thread over the past week you'll see I and others have commented on Gary's shortcomings as a performer and on many occasions I've been critical of Mark's vocals in particular.

That's the one I was thinking of. A lovely moment and the lady was so, so sweet!!! We've focused on Gary but all the lads, Rob included, have a cracking sense of humour. They play off each other so well and it's much better when it's not scripted. There were some great moments on the lll tour. There's a really funny video of Mark falling over twice and you have to chuckle. The JR videos actually show how much weight Gary has lost since then - he's little more than a shrimp now :) In an attempt to bring the discussion back on track I do hope if they all re-unite the tour is light hearted. I've a feeling it may be with many tongue in cheek moments and montages of their most embarrassing situations - aka the cod pieces, etc.

Milly, I remember that segment of the concert very, vey well. It was very beautiful and at the show I saw he was pitch perfect, or to my ears at least. The lighting was lovely and added to the atmosphere. I recall seeing a video from one of his 02 shows. He asked a lady up on stage. She was from the Far East and had travelled all the way to London on her own to see Gary. His banter was completely unscripted and very funny. I did fall a little bit in love with him when I saw it and he was lovely with her.

Agree with you Kath re Gary's stiffness on stage. On the two occasions I've seen him live there has been flickers of his dry humour and wit, but he's not a natural on stage in the way Rob and Mark are. That said, he's very, very good live and clearly talented, but he simply doesn't have the natural banter of the other two. I actually think he's rather funny with a strong northern sense of humour, but unfortunately for him it doesn't translate on stage and he can seem a little contrived. I don't think he's boring on stage but I do think he's strongest in a small, intimate venue. His Radio 2 concert is a perfect example of this. He held his own and maintained the crowds interest throughout and it was a lovely concert with his music taking centre stage. Gary's at his strongest as a performer when he's simply sitting at the piano and singing and the memories that stick with me from his solo concerts have been those times. It's evident from some comments I've read by McCormick that he doesn't think any of them can sing. He's actually stated that the reason why 1D and The Wanted had success in the US was because they could sing; whereas the UK boy bands of the 90's couldn't. A strange comment indeed given that he admitted on TV to buying Mark's single - I'm therefore inclined to conclude that he was talking bull in that programme.

Elisabeth, McCormick is a music journalist who has a perfect right to his opinion and that's simply what it is, an opinion. As an opinion it's not scientific so his views can't be proved or disproved. As a reader of his journalistic output I have a perfect right to critique his work and I find it wanting on a number of levels. Primarily it's the obvious bias and disdain that jumps off the page. As a reviewer he should be objective and impartial and I simply don't believe he is. As a music critic irrespective of my musical preferences I would put aside any preconceived ideas or prejudices about an artist and 'judge' them on their performance. Given my views on Robbie I would have difficulty maintaining such objectivity. I would hopefully therefore have enough journalistic integrity to recognise how my personal views could compromise my review and have the foresight to hand that particular assignment to someone else. I'm sorry Elisabeth but many of his comments are infantile and display a malicious undercurrent. By all means pen a negative view but ensure that it's balanced with some level of journalistic skill and impartiality.

Yep, you're correct Milly. It's quite clear where Mr McCormick stands re the merits of Rob and TT :) Balanced and favourable in terms of Rob with some constructive comments and reluctant praise of TT with disdain bubbling underneath the surface. It's clear he views Rob as a premier world wide artist but TT as a cheesy throw away pop act. Everyone's entitled to their opinion I guess, but I'd say as a journalist he sails very close to the wind in terms of objectivity - and that's being kind!!

Well, had a quick read of some of his work. Safe to say he's not a fan of TT which makes his purchase of Mark's record somewhat perplexing:) His reviews of TT are more positive than Gary's but it's evident he doesn't rate any of the band. The phase 'damning with faint praise' is apt when it comes to his reviews of TT - and his disdain for Gary leaps off the page. He seems to be the designated reviewer for all things TT but given his obvious dislike of the band I'm surprised the paper hasn't allocated another journalist. Now going to check out his reviews of Rob :)

Thanks Milly. I'll open some of the links and look at them . I thought he'd posted some negative reviews but I didn't realise he had so much dislike of Gary. I wonder where that stems from? Is there any suggestion that Gary's slighted him in the dim and distant past? For quite a benign personality Gary seems to foster a lot of dislike from some areas of the media - he must have developed a thick skin over the years. It may explain his rather guarded responses in interviews. I'm giving Mark the benefit of the doubt - perhaps he has no knowledge of this journalists views on Gary. I have to say I was shocked when he said he'd bought Mark's record, I don't know why, but I assumed he's the kind of music journalist who wouldn't admit to buying a former boy banders music.

I'm confused. The interview I watched last night was a relatively recent one. It was definitely recorded after the release of Mark's last album TAODN. Am I right in thinking the journalist writes for one of the up market papers? I recall him reviewing TT on a number of occasions- both negative and positive. From the reviews I've read I seem to recall that he had rather a 'soft spot' for Rob, although I maybe mixing him up with another journalist. As for the interview. I didn't catch it all but it gave me an insight into Mark's work. I certainly didn't know that he started on key boards as I don't remember him performing keyboard for TT. Also interesting that he doesn't read music ( although many musicians don't) so he must have a different approach to song writing to Gary. After the break up of TT it seems the boys were quite supportive of his solo work. He came across as very reflective about his lack of solo success. Whilst he made some jokes about it, my gut tells me he's finds it rather difficult. Another thing which sprung to mind was how Mark's voice has deteriorated. Although it's far stronger now than in the early days, at the time he released songs such as Child and Clementine his voice was gentler and had a nicer tone overall. I think the drinking and smoking has taken a toll on the quality of his voice.

For anyone interested Mark is on Sky 369 - chatting with Neil McCormick about his song writing career.

Well, it seems some of us have jumped the gun. As Laura has posted Rob has denied the newspaper stories. I have to say it's all rather confusing :) Surely they'll need to arrange everything well in advance because of schedules etc ?

To get round the Robbie scenario they could mix up some of the classics in the way they have with The Flood. Rob could have a larger part in Never Forget (end section) he would sing lead on EC and CIBM, the Beatles medley and some songs from Progress. However, as it's an anniversary tour one would expect the hits which I guess would limit the number of songs from Progress. They could mix up Pray and a MLS and I can see a collaboration between Mark and Rob on Shine. However, I don't see how they can play around with RTW or Patience - it would be criminal to do so!! BW and Circus have indeed stood the test of time because they are classic pop albums, well crafted with lovely orchestration and good harmonies. I firmly believe they need to go back to this sound. They've experimented enough and should return to their trademark sound which is firmly in the ballad/ up beat pop genres. I'm trying to be positive as Rob's collaboration with the boys did result in The Flood which is a fab song - so it is possible for them to work well together song writing wise. Also agree that they should release two singles off the album before its release - I certainly don't buy singles once I've bought the album, unless there's a B side that I like. I'd also like any tour to be slightly more stripped back than Progress. Something along the lines of the Ultimate Tour would be fab as this wasn't too over the top. Sadly TT have made a rod for their own back with more elaborate tours as times gone on - which means that people expect them to top the last one in terms of visuals etc. I'd prefer them to spend the money on stages closer to the crowd, great lighting and a large orchestra.

I expect lower sales for the new album, although it's possible the GH album will do better. A lot will ride on their marketing/publicity strategy. If they manage to secure a TV show then there's a possibility the new album will surpass the sales of lll. I understand that Rob also has an album out this year and it will be interesting to see the sales figures for that. Album sales are dire at present and it'll take an exceptional album to buck the trend. I think TT have lost the winning formula they had. They released a new album every two years initially with solid marketing. I'm not too keen on yearly album releases because I question the quality of the work when the output is so frequent.

Kath, it's been a recurring problem for months on end. Everything would be fine, then it wouldn't recognise my pass word etc. It took me ages ( or rather my son, bless him) to log on yesterday and then today - nothing. It didn't recognise my details. As you know my IT skills leave a lot to be desired so my put upon son set up a new account for me - fingers crossed this one works ok :) By the way I meant to say how pleased I am that you enjoyed the ELO gig so much - shame about the email situation but at least you finally got to see Jeff Lynne again.

In relation to the anniversary tour there's no way they can adopt the same approach as Progress. They need to drop Rob's solo stuff. The tour has to be TT music only, and that means that Rob will have to sing their most recent work, such as RTW, Patience, Shine, GD and TD. There's simply no way it would work if post 2005 music was omitted. I'll be interesting to see how it pans out and if Rob takes a dominant role in any of the newer songs. If he doesn't he'll be relegated to a bit part because aside from Everything Changes and CIBM he didn't really feature in any significant way vocally. I can see them bringing back the Beatles segment which would allow them to all take an equal part. It worked quite well on the Ultimate Tour ( although no doubt Beatles fans would beg to differ). The Flood with feature of course but I think there will be an emphasis on their earlier work. I've just read a piece stating that Gary took a year to persuade Rob to come on board and his involvement may not take in the whole tour. This would be a disaster if true. Although not a Rob fan if he's signed up then it should really be for the full tour- otherwise it will be disjointed. As for Gary I don't understand his insistence on Rob's involvement, it reeks of a 'cap in hand' approach and desperation on his part. Given that Jay has left and Rob wasn't overly keen to re-join I actually would have ditched the premise of an anniversary tour and simply gone on tour to promote a new album whilst releasing a GH album in recognition of their time in the music industry.