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Added 20 March 2008
MICHAEL'S SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE HAS NOW BEEN ANNOUNCED
A dynamic performer and multi-platinum recording artist, Michael tours the UK on a regular basis and plays to capacity audiences every time.  This summer Michael will perform for his legions of fans at five special events; he will take to the stage with a full orchestra and special guests including Lesley Garrett (at Kenwood and Audley End) and other West End stars.  Michael will sing some of his best known numbers from his extensive canon including the chart toppers and songs from musicals such as Aspects of Love, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray.  Whether he’ll be appearing in a ball gown or a tuxedo is yet to be determined…
 
See below for all concert information.

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14 June 2008 - Hampton Court Palace Festival
Seated Open Air Concert - some covered seating to rear of base court. Tickets from 0455 482 7777 or online at www.hampton courtfestival.com.

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19 July 2008 - Liverpool Summer Pops
Concert at the Liverpool Echo Arena. Tickets from 0870 151 4000
or online:
http://www.accliverpool.com/whatson/summerpops.asp

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2 August 2008 - Kenwood House, North West London
Concert with with Lesley Garrett)- Tickets from 0871 386 1115

3 August 2008 - Audley End, Essex
Last Night of the Proms with Lesley Garrett.  Picnic style - Tickets from 0871 386 1115

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Patchings

10 August 2008 - Patchings Art Centre, Calverton, Nottingham 
Picnic style. Tickets from 0870 264 3333 or online at www.seetickets.com.  More information about the venue and location can be found at www.patchingsartcentre.co.uk

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HAIRSPRAY WINS 4 LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARDS

At the Olivier Awards on March 9th held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London Michael Ball topped a glittering year by winning the Olivier for Best Actor in a Musical for his critically acclaimed role as Edna Turnblad in the smash West End musical, HAIRSPRAY, which also won the award for Best New Musical.
 
“It is truly something I’ve wanted all my life,” says Michael. “It’s the greatest theatrical honour you can receive and it really is a dream come true.  I see it as the culmination of 25 years of doing this job and I’m thrilled beyond words…although I would have preferred Best Actress!”
 
Michael paid tribute to his fellow cast members, Leanne Jones (who won Best Actress in a Musical) and Tracie Bennett (who won for Best Supporting Role in a Musical): “Being in Hairspray has been the most wonderful experience; the cast is fabulous, we all have a great time and it just seems wrong to be having such a good time and calling it work!”
 
Our congratulations go to Michael and the rest of the cast of Hairspray for their wonderful achievement.

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Added 20 February 2008
MICHAEL TO GUEST ON DESERT ISLAND DISCS - 2 MARCH 2008
Michael will be guesting on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs show on Sunday 2 March between 11.15 am and 12 noon. He will choose 8 records to take to Radio 4's mythical desert island.  Here's the link:

BBC Radio 4 Desert Island Discs

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Added 18 February 2008
MICHAEL TO PRESENT NEW BBC RADIO 2 SHOW

Michael is to present a new BBC Radio 2 show on Sunday mornings called "Michael Ball's Sunday Brunch". The first show will be on Sunday 6 April and will go out between 11.00am and 1.00pm.

Michael says: "This is a wonderfully exciting new challenge in my career. I hope listeners will make a regular date to have lunch with me on Sundays."

Lesley Douglas, Controller BBC Radio 2, says: "Michael has proved to be an accomplished presenter on Radio 2 already. His warmth, obvious love of music and sense of humour make him perfect Sunday morning company."

Michael Ball, Sundays, 11.00am-1.00pm, Radio 2

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Added 15 February 2008
MICHAEL BALL HAIRSPRAY HOLIDAY DATES:

Monday 28 April - Monday 5 May 2008 - back on stage Tuesday 6 May 2008
Monday 30 June - Monday 7 July 2008 - back on stage Tues 8 July 2008
Monday 15 September - Monday 22 September 2008 - back on stage Tues 23 September 2008

 
From 28 April 2008 Michael will no longer perform on Monday evenings
He is currently scheduled to perform until Saturday 25 October 2008

Michael is planning to do some outdoor concerts during the summer which will involve extra nights off and as soon as we have details of these we will let everyone know.

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Added 7 February 2008
HAIRSPRAY RECEIVES 11 OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATIONS
Hairspray has broken the Laurence Olivier Award record for the most nominated single production in one year, receiving a staggering 11 nominations across 10 categories.

Hairspray is nominated for Best New Musical, Best Actress In A Musical (Leanne Jones), Best Actor In A Musical (Michael Ball), Best Performance In A Supporting Role In A Musical (Tracie Bennett and Elinor Collett), Best Director (Jack O’Brien), Best Theatre Choreographer (Jerry Mitchell) and all the design categories. By reaching 11 nominations, it eclipses the previous record of nine held by Carousel (1993), Oklahoma! (1999) and Kiss Me, Kate (2002).

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Added 27 January 2008
ELAINE PAIGE - BBC RADIO 2 SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2008
Just a reminder that Michael is Elaine Paige's special guest on her Radio 2 programme on Sunday 3 February at 1.00 pm UK time.
 

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Added 7 December 2007
BBC RADIO 2 - NEW YEAR'S EVE AND NEW YEAR'S DAY
Michael will be presenting two special shows on BBC Radio 2 between 10.00am and 1.00pm on Monday 31 December 2007 and Tuesday 1 January 2008.  Full details can be found at:
 

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Added 7 December 2007
HAIRSPRAY - MICHAEL EXTENDS!
It has been announced that Michael will be extending his run in Hairspray until October 2008. 
 
Details on Michael's final date or any further holidays during the extended run will follow.
 

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Added 7 December 2007
ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE
The cast of Hairspray performed their dazzling "You Can't Stop The Beat", at this year's Royal Variety Performance.  The programme will be broadcast this Sunday, 9 December on ITV at 8pm.

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Added 27 November 2007
HAIRSPRAY WINS!!!
Congratulations go to the cast and crew of Hairspray as they win the Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical at the London Evening Standard Awards, which took place at The Savoy Hotel in London today.

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Added 7 October 2007
SWING ON A STAR - ALMEIDA THEATRE, ISLINGTON, LONDON N1
 
It has just been confirmed (subject to availability) that Michael will be performing in a Charity Cabaret Night at the Almeida Theatre on Sunday 11 November 2007. 
 
You can download a copy of the flyer at http://www.mbfc.co.uk/ticketbookingform.pdf which gives you all the information although we have been told that when booking they won't be able to tell you your exact seat numbers.  You will be issued with a card and will need to pick your tickets up from the box office on the night.  You can book either by filling in the form and posting it to them or by telephoning them on 0207 485 0900. 
 
If you want to read more about the charity their website can be found at:
 

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Added 6 October 2007
 
MICHAEL BALL - ONE VOICE - ONE SPECIAL NIGHT LIVE
 
Michaels new DVD, recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo during the 2007 concert tour, is released by Universal on 19 November 2007
   

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 Added 1 October 2007
 
BACK TO BACHARACH - RELEASED 22 OCTOBER 2007 (Universal Music TV 1748686)
 
MICHAEL BALL'S beautiful new cd, Michael Ball - Back To Bacharach, is an impressive choice of classic tunes from the legendary composer's outstanding canon of work.  Back To Bacharach reflects Michael's personal favourites and catapults him into a new musical direction.

"I've recorded a few Bacharach songs over the years and performed some in concert and always felt they suited me," says Michael.  "I love the stories, and the lyrics (many by Hal David) have always struck a chord with me, especially on the more serious numbers.  Bacharach has such a brilliant ear for melody and his music has a completely timeless feel to it; I thought it would be great to do a whole album of his music and to record with a full orchestra and big band which is something I hadn't done before.  I thought it was also time I made a sort of 'late night album with sophisticated arrangements - and he's definitely the king of all that!"
 
Classic tracks include Make It Easy On Yourself  which was a No. 1 hit for the Walker Brothers in 1965; You'll Never Get To Heaven If You Break My Heart a huge hit for Dionne in 1964; (They Long To Be) Close To You immortalised by The Carpenters; Anyone Who Had A Heart chart toppers for both Cilla and Dionne; Alfie Bacharach/David's Oscar nominated film theme from 1966 and the Oscar nominated The Look Of Love which was a huge hit for both Dionne and Dusty in 1967... "Dusty Springfield was one of my all time favourite singers," says Michael.  "She was the rarest of talents, she pioneered a completely new sound and paved the way for a host of other female performers.  Her 'Dusty In Memphis' is one of the greatest records ever made.  We sang 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' together on my TV show and it was the last public performance she made.  It was absolutely thrilling singing with her - her version of 'The Look Of Love' is so sexy...I hope I've done it justice."
 
More tracks include One Less Bell To Answer...
"Barbra Streisand recorded a medley of 'A House Is Not A Home' and 'One Less Bell To Answer' for her 1971 album Barbra Joan Streisand which I thought was beautiful. I had already recorded 'A House...' on my second album and really wanted to record One Less Bell.  It's a perfect and surprising song; it doesn't go to places you would expect it to - the rhythms, the key signatures and so on - and it has a sense of drama which of course is what I like and what I do - I like to approach a song as an actor as well as a singer; as an actor I'm able to tell a story and this is one of his best storytelling songs.  I love it."
 
...and This House Is Empty Now with lyrics by Elvis Costello
"I recorded God Give Me Strength, another Bacharach/Costello collaboration; I just think the combination of these two huge talents is fascinating; there's a pain to Elvis Costello's lyrics which I find really powerful," says Michael.
 
...and Arthur's Theme (The Best That You Can Do) by Christopher Cross from the 1981 movie; This Guy's In Love With You a hit for Herb Alpert in 1968; You'll Never Get To Heaven another Dionne classic from 1964; Reach Out For Me and What the World Needs Now.
 
The result is a cool, sophisticated album - a departure for Michael whose multi-platinum award winning albums have seen him move through rock, soul, movie themes, classic pop songs and sweet ballads.  It provides the perfect showcase for his unique voice and gives him the opportunity of exploring the songbook of Burt Bacharach, the 21st century's equivalent of the Gershwins, Irving Berlin and the great writers of the American songbook.  These are songs that are extraordinarily well crafted pop songs, classics of their time that have stood the test of time and that have retained their coolability, their fashionable status and their musical credibility. 

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Added 22 September 2007
ALBUM/DVD/TV APPEARANCES
Michael's new album, tentatively titled "Back to Bacharach" is due for release on 22 October 2007.  As the title suggsts all of the tracks on the album were written by Burt Bacharach.
 
The DVD that was filmed during the 2007 tour is due for release on 19 November.
 
Michael will be appearing on the Jonathon Ross TV show on BBC1 on Friday 28 September 2007.
 

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Added 23 July 2007
BARBARA COOK AND FRIENDS - London Coliseum Sunday 2 December 2007
This concert to celebrate Barbara Cook's 80th birthday will feature many musical stars and Michael has been invited to participate.  He won't be able to confirm whether he will be taking part or not until much closer to the date as he will be involved with Hairspray at that time.
 
Our advice is not to purchase tickets thinking that Michael will be there as you are likely to be disappointed, but if it's a concert you feel you would like to go to then we are providing the details below, together with a link for a Dress Circle offer:
 
Tickets can be obtained from the London Coliseum on 0870 145 0200
Front Stalls - £100
Front Dress Circle and Stalls Centre Rows H,J,K & L - £150 including tickets to the after show party.
Rear Dress Circle - £80
Upper Circle - £65
Balcony - £18-£30
 
The link below takes you to a Dress Circle theatre evening which is priced at £110 including tickets to the after show party.

Barbara Cook and Friends - Dress Circle Theatre Evening - Sunday 2nd December 2007

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Added 15 June 2007
HAIRSPRAY
We are delighted and very excited to announce that Michael will be starring at Edna Turnblad in the forthcoming musical “Hairspray”.  The show opens in London’s West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Tuesday 30 October 2007 with previews from Thursday 11 October.  Tickets, with a top price of £60, are on sale and can be obtained from:
 
Telephone Bookings: 0207 379 5399
A £2 Booking Fee applies
 
SYNOPSIS
In Hairspray it's 1962 - the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her ‘do’? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s!
 
Michael will be performing at 8 shows a week (barring unforeseen circumstances) and his contract runs for 6 months from the first preview on 11 October.  He will be taking leave between 22 December and 5 January. 

The official website can be found at http://hairspraythemusical.com

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Added 15 June 2007
THIS MORNING
Michael will be guest presenting ITV1's "This Morning" on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 June 2007.

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Added 14 MAY 2007
THE EMBANKMENT PETERBOROUGH - 1 SEPTEMBER 2007
Michael, along with special guests, will be performing songs from the West End shows at The Embankment, Peterborough on Saturday 1st September 2007
 
Ticket Prices
- Adult tickets booked before the 15th June are offered at £24.00.
- Adult tickets booked on 15th June onwards are £28.00.
- Child tickets (5-16) £12.00
- Under 5's free of charge
 
Call for tickets on 0870 842 2230 or online from:
http://www.easternbreeze.co.uk

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Added 26 April 2007
BBC PROMS – ROYAL ALBERT HALL, MONDAY 27 AUGUST 2007
Michael is to appear at one of the BBC Proms concerts this year.  Here is the booking information:

Advance Booking
By post and online – opens Monday 14 May
Use the Advance Booking Form in the Proms Guide (available in bookshops from April 27) or visit www.bbc.co.uk/proms

To take advantage of the Advance Booking period – and enjoy your best chance of securing the seats you want – you must use the official Advance Booking Form in the BBC Proms Guide or the Online Ticket Request system on the Proms website. All postal and online bookings received before Monday 14 May will be treated as if they had arrived on that date and Express Bookings will then be handled first (see Proms Guide or website for details). Please note that bookings will not be accepted by fax.

Postal address: BBC Proms, Box Office, Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 2AP
Online booking: www.bbc.co.uk/proms

General Booking:
In person, by phone or online – opens Monday 11 June
The Royal Albert Hall Box Office is located at Door 12 and is open 9.00am–9.00pm daily. Note that no booking fee applies to tickets bought in person at the Hall.

Telephone: 020 7589 8212

PROMMING ON THE DAY – Don’t book, just turn upUp to 1,400 standing places are available for each concert at the Royal
Albert Hall, roughly 900 in the Arena and 500 in the Gallery.  You are not
able to pre-book these tickets and therefore all spaces are unreserved.
Tickets priced at just £5 each go on sale 30 minutes before doors open and
it's strictly one ticket per person, payable in cash only.

WHEELCHAIR SPACES
Wheelchair access is available at the RAH but we advise advance booking (from 14 May) in all seated areas to ensure getting the desired space. There are up to 14 spaces bookable in the stalls and 6 in the front circle – prices for these will be published in the Guide and online. These are bookable using the Proms Guide booking form or online. In addition, four wheelchair spaces are available in the Gallery (at the top) for Promming - these cannot be prebooked.

If you need any further information on facilities for disabled concert-goers (including car parking) you can call the Access Information Line on 020 7838 3110. Dedicated staff are available daily from 9am to 9pm on this number. The Access leaflet is also available from the Hall's website at  www.royalalberthall.com.

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Added 19 April 2007
NATIONAL LOTTERY
Michael will be pushing the buttons on the National Lottery draw on BBC1 on Saturdays 21 and 28 April, and 5 and 12 May.

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2 APRIL 2007
REPTON SCHOOL
As part of the Repton School Summer Picnic Series, Michael will be performing at an outdoor concert at Repton School, Repton, Derby DE65 6FH, on Sunday 8 July 2007.

Tickets are priced: £27.50 plus booking fee
Booking Line: 0870 400 0688
Website: www.livenation.co.uk/repton

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2 APRIL 2007
FAENOL FESTIVAL
Michael will be performing with Bryn Terfel and other guests including Ruthie Henshall at the Faenol Festival on Sunday 26 August 2007.  This festival takes place in the magnificent setting of the Faenol Estate, Near Bangor in North Wales. 
 

Tickets, priced at £38.50 for reserved seating or £28 for the grass area, can be booked by telephone on 01492 872000 - more details can be found on the official website at http://www.brynfest.com

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31 MARCH 2007
WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?
Michael will be appearing with Elaine Paige on a celebrity edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire on ITV1 - due for broadcast in summer 2007 - date to be confirmed.

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31 MARCH 2007
BALL OVER BROADWAY
The new series of Ball Over Broadway commences on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday 3 April 2007 at 9.30 pm.

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MARCH/APRIL 2007
Michael is currently touring the UK - Click here to find out where he is performing - you can read reviews of the concerts in our Tour 2007 Forum.

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16 JANUARY 2007
MICHAEL SINGS WITH LESLEY GARRET ON NEW ALBUM - WHEN I FALL IN LOVE
Michael sings one duet with Lesley on her new album due for release on 5 February, it is now available for pre-order from Amazon:

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26 DECEMBER 2006
SOAPSTAR SUPERSTAR
Michael will be appearing as a judge on the ITV1 programme "Soapstar Superstar".  The new series commences on 5 January 2007.
 

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26 DECEMBER 2006
NATIONAL LOTTERY
Michael will be "pushing the buttons" on the National Lottery show on BBC1 on 27 and 30 December.

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12 NOVEMBER 2006
JOHNNIE WALKER SHOW
Michael will be hosting the Johnnie Walker show on BBC Radio 2 for the next seven weeks.  You can find out more details and listen at:
 

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12 NOVEMBER 2006
SING ON STAGE WITH MICHAEL BALL - CHILDREN IN NEED
One of BBC Radio 2's auctions for this year's Children in Need is the chance to sing on stage with Michael.  Full details can be found at the BBC website:
 

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2 NOVEMBER 2006
WIN A SIGNED COPY OF "ONE VOICE"

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One Voice

COMMENTS FROM MICHAEL ABOUT "ONE VOICE"
 
One Voice (Barry Manilow, 1979)
Barry Manilow’s such a great writer; he absolutely gets his melodies and lyrics to move an audience and as such has inspired a lifelong devoted following.  I completely agree with this too – that music brings people together – and when I was thinking of a concept and title for this album, this song sprang out at me.  I loved the idea of tracking my voice and making a choir out of it – the song has huge range which starts off a capella before the full orchestra sweeps in.  It’s about metaphorical harmony, about how we all need to live in harmony and that’s something else I totally believe in.
 
Hero (Mariah Carey 1993)
After the July 7 bombs in London last year I was watching footage of all the people who’d put their lives at risk, real people who got stuck straight in trying to help in any way they could; a friend of mine was on the Kings Cross train, she took some footage on her mobile which was used on a news programme and over it they played this beautiful song by Mariah Carey.  Listening to the lyrics it just struck me as a life affirming, powerful song – simple but meaningful.
 
The Living Years (Mike and the Mechanics 1988)
This has always been a favourite song of mine – it was written by BA Robertson and Mike Rutherford and sung by the fantastic Paul Carrack.  It’s a song that everyone can relate to – we’ve all been in conflict with our parents, we’ve all made mistakes, argued, slammed the door and then regretted it afterwards.  And although there will always be a generational gulf, once they’re gone it’s too late to try and build bridges.  It’s brilliantly written and expresses sadness as well as hope.
 
Where Do I Begin (Andy Williams 1970)
This song is just beautiful from an equally beautiful film that I love and makes me cry every time.  It’s such a romantic song – just imagine someone singing it about you.
 
Since You’ve Been Gone (Rainbow 1979)
I always look for songs that make people say, ‘no way has he covered that!’.  This is outstanding, theatrical, bombastic rock; I loved the idea of doing it by keeping the heavy rock element but bringing in a string section so that there’s a tongue-in-cheek opening with the string section doing a sort of Bach opening before it goes into all-out rock mode.  I want everyone to join in the chorus… and I do like surprising people and hopefully getting away with it!
 
I Don’t Wanna Talk About It (Rod Stewart, 1975)
Rod Stewart did this on his ‘Atlantic Crossing’ album and then it was done by Everything But the Girl in 1988; it’s a classic pop song and I wanted to make it small and intimate and heartfelt.
 
I Don’t’ Want To Miss A Thing (Aerosmith 1998)
I love the old power ballads and the thought of covering an Aerosmith song.  This is very much my kind of song – written by Diane Warren it’s big, powerful and shoots straight from the heart.  Love it.
 
If You’re Not The One (Daniel Bedingfield 2002)
I really think this is a classic of its generation – it’s one of the best written pop songs I’ve ever heard, brilliantly crafted and arranged.  I thought Daniel Bedingfield’s original performance of it was wonderful and I couldn’t resist trying it with my voice.  His voice is very high and very different from mine – in recording it for this album I used my falsetto which I don’t do very often.
 
Lyin’ Eyes (The Eagles 1975)
I love the Eagles; I recorded ‘Desperado’ on my last album (‘Music’). This was Tim Rice’s idea – I ran into him just after we’d both bought tickets to the Eagles show at Twickenham and mentioned that I was thinking of doing another Eagles song – he said ‘you’ve got to do Lyin’ Eyes, it’s a great story about heading for the cheatin’ side of town!’ so I did… they played it at the gig, which was absolutely amazing, so here it is.
 
Everybody Hurts (REM 1992)
This is the one I was most nervous about recording because how do you do an REM song and do something different.  We all hit times in our lives when we’re very low and we think we’re the only ones feeling pain and we just can’t go on.  Then we realise that everyone feels like that at some stage and that we can help each other.  I’ve known people I love who’ve been in that place and I’ve tried to help them and to be honest, I’ve been there myself.  I just wanted to do my version of it because it means so much to me.
 
Home (Michael Buble 2005)
I was in the US for so long last year and I was lonely – it’s so well written for someone who does this job – we’re absolutely blessed, travelling, meeting people, seeing the world – but there are times when you just want to be at home.  When you’re away for a long time you get lonely, you feel insecure, you don’t belong and you don’t feel rooted – you start to feel it’s all going on at home and you can’t be part of it.  But it makes the going home so much better!  And I hate the telephone; I’d rather see people in person and can’t bear emails – they’re useful but they have no emotion.  It’s the nuances in a conversation that are more important that the words themselves.

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GMTV MICHAEL BALL WEBCAST
Following Michael’s appearance on GMTV on Monday 30 October, he will be taking part in a webcast at the GMTV website – www.gm.tv.  The webcast will take place at 9.30 am and the full interview should be online later that day.  Please check the GMTV website for further details.

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006
Various TV/Radio Promotional Appearances (all dates/times subject to change)
 
OCTOBER 27  RICHARD ALLINSON (usually Steve Wright) Radio 2 -  www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/wright/

OCTOBER 29  MAGIC FM with Steve Priestly www.magic.fm

OCTOBER 30  GMTV - ITV1 www.gm.tv

NOVEMBER 1 MATTHEW WRIGHT – CHANNEL 5 - www.five.tv/programmes/thewrightstuff/

NOVEMBER 13 THIS MORNING – ITV1 www.itv-thismorning.co.uk/

NOVEMBER 18 JONATHAN ROSS SHOW – BBC Radio 2 - www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/ross/

NOVEMBER 26 HEAVEN AND EARTH SHOW – BBC1  - www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/heavenandearth/

End of November  TRACKS OF MY YEARS – KEN BRUCE, Radio 2  - www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/bruce/

Michael will be hosting the Johnnie Walker Show on Radio 2 from Sunday, November 12 until the end of the year.

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Petula Clark

3 OCTOBER 2006
PETULA CLARK CONCERT
Michael will be guesting at a Petula Clark concert at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane on November 26 2006. Also joining Petula will be Tony Hatch and she will be accompanied by the sixty piece BBC concert orchestra. The concert will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on December 15 2006.
 
Tickets, priced between £15 and £40, are available from See Tickets on 0870 890 1109 or online at www.seetickets.com.
 
 
We understand Michael will be singing one song on his own and one or two with Petula.
 

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8 SEPTEMBER 2006
ONE VOICE
 

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1 SEPTEMBER 2006
ANTHONY NEWLEY TRIBUTE
The Anthony Newley tribute show, recorded last night at Hackney Empire, will be broadcast as a special "Friday Night Is Music Night" on BBC Radio 2 on Friday 29 September 2006.

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21 AUGUST 2006
ONE VOICE
Michael’s new album, One Voice, will be released on 30 October and like the hugely successful Music will feature more of Michael’s favourite songs from the last couple of decades revealing some interesting choices.

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1 AUGUST 2006
KISMET
Michael will be appearing with the English National Opera www.eno.org/index.php in Kismet, next year at the Coliseum in London. He will be playing the role of Hajj, the poet, the same role made famous by Howard Keel in the 1955 Hollywood musical of the same name. The performance schedule is as follows:
 
KISMET LONDON COLISEUM 2007

MONDAY JUNE 25 19:30
TUESDAY JUNE 26
WEDNESDAY JUNE 27 PRESS NIGHT
THURSDAY JUNE 28
FRIDAY JUNE 29
SATURDAY JUNE 30 14:30 & 19:30

TUESDAY JULY 3
WEDNESDAY JULY 4
THURSDAY JULY 5
FRIDAY JULY 6
SATURDAY JULY 7 14:30 & 19:30

TUESDAY JULY 10
WEDNESDAY JULY 11
THURSDAY JULY 12
FRIDAY JULY 13
SATURDAY JULY 14 14:30 & 19:30

All performance times are 19:30 unless otherwise indicated.
 
Tickets go on sale on Friday 4 August at 10.00 am.
 
You can read the full ENO Press Release here

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26 JULY 2006
MICHAEL PARKINSON SHOW
Michael will be presenting the Michael Parkinson show on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday 6th August between 11.00 am and 1.00 p.m.
 

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7 JULY 2006
MICHAEL AT MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
In association with BBC Radio 3, the Menier Chocolate Factory hosts a short season of musical theatre divas live on stage in conversation with Edward Seckerson. 80 minutes of reminiscence, insider gossip and great music in London’s most stimulating musical theatre venue. Each interview will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s “Stage & Screen” programme.
Stage & Screen is a weekly hour devoted to the rich heritage of music theatre and film music. It sets the agenda with interviews of songwriters, composers, orchestrators, musicians, actors, choreographers and producers, together with a round-up of the latest news, and cast and soundtrack recordings.
Mondays 16:00 - 17:00 BBC Radio 3
 
Michael will be recording an appearance on this show on Monday 31 July 2006 at 8.00 pm.
 
Menier Chocolate Factory
53 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1RU
(Tube: London Bridge – Borough High Street West Exit)
Book online at www.menierchocolatefactory.com (no bkg fee)
Or on 020 7907 7060 (bkg fee)
 
All tickets £10 unreserved
Meal deal (2 courses pre-show plus ticket) £20
Restaurant, bar and box office open from 6 pm.
 
Other artists appearing in this series (on different dates to Michael) are Patricia Routledge CBE and Ruthie Henshall.
We will advise broadcast date as soon as advised by the BBC.
 

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7 JULY 2006
BBC PROMS IN THE PARK - SWANSEA
Michael will be taking part in this year’s BBC Proms in the Park in Singleton Park, Swansea. Tickets are available from the BBC Call NOW Line on 08700 13 1812 and in person or by phone from the Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea (01792 475715)

£7.50 in advance
£10 on the night
12 and unders go free when accompanied by an adult.
 

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7 JULY 2006
DYFFRYN GARDENS - 29 JULY 2006
Laura Michelle Kelly, Jon Owen Jones, Caroline Sheen and Celia Graham have been added to the line-up at the Princes Trust concert at Dyffryn Gardens.

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21 June 2006
BBC RADIO WALES - ALED JONES
Hear Michael on BBC Radio Wales when he is interviewed by Aled Jones at 10.00 am on Sunday 25 June - Listen Here

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30 May 2006
CONCERT AT CRATHES CASTLE, SCOTLAND - 1 JULY 2006

crathes2.jpg

Michael will be performing live at Crathes Castle on Saturday 1st July on the front lawn of this beautiful 16th century property which is 15 miles west of Aberdeen on Royal Deeside.

Visitors are able to bring their own picnic chairs and there is also full disabled access including parking,toilets and disabled viewing platform.

Tickets are available through www.liveonthelawn.co.uk or by calling Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 620011.

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dyffryn

19 MAY 2006
CONCERT AT DYFFRYN GARDENS - 29 JULY 2006
We are pleased to give you information of a concert which is taking place as part of the 30th Anniversary Prince’s Trust Celebrations. Details as below:

Date: Saturday 29 July 2006
Venue: Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6SU
7.30pm start - gates open 6pm

This is a full Michael Ball concert - picnic style outdoor event.

Tickets are priced at £25.50 plus booking fee and are on sale 9am Friday 19 May.

Booking Telephone Number: 0870 534 4444
Online Booking from 19 May 2006

Full details can be found at the following website:

www.princes-trust.org.uk/dyffryn
www.dyffryngardens.org.uk/

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Julian Lloyd Webber

16 MAY 2006
JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER - UNEXPECTED SONGS
Michael is a guest vocalist on Julian Lloyd Webber's new album, Unexpected Songs, which is due for release internationally in June and the UK at the beginning of July.  Michael will be singing the title track - "Unexpected Song".
 
 
We have uploaded an exclusive sound clip of Michael singing this song.  Click the link below.

Unexpected Song Soundclip

If you are unable to get the above link to work - please try downloading it from the link below:
 

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7 MAY 2006
MICHAEL BALL AND ELAINE PAIGE IN CONCERT - 15th JULY 2006
Michael Ball and Elaine Paige will perform at The Rec in Bath as part of the Summer Nights Open Air Concert Series on July 15; other performers in the series include Bryan Adams, Status Quo, Westlife and Pavarotti. Performing songs both alone and together Michael Ball and Elaine Paige offer a truly spectacular musical experience.
 
Booking line 0870 400 0688
www.summernightsonline.co.uk

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1 MAY 2006
ROCKY HORROR SHOW - ROYAL COURT THEATRE - 3 MAY
Michael will be participating in a special gala tribute to the Rocky Horror Show at the Royal Court Theatre.  Full details can be found at the Royal Court Theatre Website.

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25 APRIL 2006
CHRIS EVANS SHOW
Michael will be doing a five minute telephone interview with Chris Evans tomorrow (26 April) at 5.30pm. You can listen live at:

Chris Evans Show

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25 APRIL 2006
SOUTHPORT SUMMER CLASSICS - 28 JULY 2006
Michael will be appearing at the Southport Summer Classics - Music in the Park on Friday 28 July 2006.  Click Here for Full Details

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26 MARCH 2006
CONCERT AT OAKLEY HALL, BASINGSTOKE

Michael will be performing at an open-air concert in the grounds of Oakley Hall, Basingstoke on Thursday 20 July 2006.

 

General Admission Tickets - £30 - bring a rug or chair and picnic

 

Gold Circle Tickets - £35 - reserved seating at the front of the arena

 

Hospitality Packages:

 

£85 to include the following:

  • Reserved tables within the marquee facility
  • Pimms Reception on arrival
  • 3 course buffet dinner
  • Access to the Gold Circle VIP enclosure with reserved seating to view the concert
  • Reserved car parking
  • Cash bar during and after dinner
  • Official souvenir programme
  • Michael will come and say "Hello"

Hospitality in Oakley Hall from £150 per person

  • Dining on one of Oakley Hall's exclusive private function suites
  • Champagne and Canape Reception
  • 3 course dinner with wines
  • Complimentary bar throughout the evening
  • Access to the Gold Circle VIP enclosure with reserved seating to view the concert
  • Official souvenir progamme
  • "Meet the Artists" post concert
  • VIP car parking facility
  • Event hostesses to ensure the smooth running of the evening
  • Guest wallet to include the evenings itinerary and information 

Booking information as follows:

 

Telephone 01753 626909 for further details of hospitality packages. 

 

For General and Gold Circle tickets Book online at www.oakleyhallmusic.com - following the Book Online link, or by telephone on Ticket Hotline 0870 906 3857.

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6 FEBRUARY 2006
WOMAN IN WHITE - UPDATE
Michael has been advised that he must give his voice a prolonged rest. There is no doubt that he will soon be restored to complete health but the price of this would seem to be that he will not be able to return to the show before it closes on 19 February.
 
We know you will all join us in wishing Michael a speedy recovery - there are plenty of good times ahead.

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9 JANUARY 2006
INFOLINE
We are pleased to report that the fan club Infoline is now in full working order.

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5 JANUARY 2006
INFOLINE
Firstly, may we wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.  This is a message for fan club members. Unfortunately our fan club Infoline numbers are currently out of order due to problems beyond our control.  We are working with the suppliers of this service to resolve the situation and can only apologise for the inconvenience.  If you have friends who are fan club members and who don't have internet access we'd be grateful if you could pass this message on to them.  The website will be updated when the problem has been resolved.

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5 DECEMBER 2005
SEASONS OF LOVE CD
Thanks to our firends at Discount Music Connection, we can now give you the track listing for the new compilation CD "Seasons of Love" which we understand is due for release on 2 January 2006. If you require any more information Dee and Paul will be happy to give it to you Discount Music Connection
 
Disk 1
· 1.Seasons Of Love
· 2.Have I Told You Lately
· 3.No Matter What
· 4.A Song For You
· 5.Loving You
· 6.All I Ask Of You
· 7.The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
· 8.Show Me
· 9.Everybody's Talkin'
· 10.If Tomorrow Never Comes
· 11.My Heart Will Go On
· 12.I Don't Want A Lover
· 13.Because You Loved Me
· 14.Cry Me A River
· 15.Stormy Weather
· 16.The Way We Were
· 17.You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
· 18.The Wind Beneath My Wings

Disk 2
· 1.Love Changes Everything
· 2.Always On My Mind
· 3.Can You Feel The Love Tonight?
· 4.A House Is Not A Home
· 5.How Deep Is Your Love
· 6.I Believe I Can Fly
· 7.Losing My Mind
· 8.Against All Odds
· 9.Love On The Rocks
· 10.Memory
· 11.Someone To Watch Over Me
· 12.Tell Me On A Sunday
· 13.Never Coming Back
· 14.Tell Me There's A Heaven
· 15.If I Can Dream
· 16.Something's Coming
· 17.You Made Me Love You
· 18.We Have All The Time In The World

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29 NOVEMBER 2005
ROC TO CEASE FUNDRAISING
The Trustees of one of Michael's charities, ROC, have decided to discontinue fundraising from the end of the year.  Their office will no longer be functioning after Christmas and they have asked that we pass this information on to you as they will not require your donations in lieu of Christmas presents for Michael.  Here is a message from John McGowan, Chairman of ROC:

After fourteen years of hard work, total commitment and results that went beyond our wildest expectations, on December 31st 2005, ROC will be closing down.

When we started all those years ago, medical research teams in desperate need of funding to find a way to beat this 'silent killer', often abandoned their projects because their chances of attracting sufficient funding was almost zero. Equally, it was quite a shock to discover how little the general public knew about the disease which devastates the lives of so many women and their families.

ROC can proudly claim to have reversed a truly significant portion of those twin dilemmas, but only because you all rallied and gave us one hundred per cent support in our work. Not knowing what to expect to help raise funds, we reached out to hundreds of people across the country, people like you who had the same sense of commitment, people who had lost very loved women to this dreadful disease - women like Angela McGowan and Pamela Cullen who were the inspiration for establishing ROC - and wanted to make sense of such a terrible loss. Together we achieved something memorable.

Initially we raised money to ensure that the ovarian cancer screening unit at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London, on the point of closure when we came along, were able to stay open and subsequently with our support attracted an unprecedented donation of £22 million from the Medical Research Council to allow them to continue their work. Currently we have just completed a two year commitment to fund the vitally important research work of Dr. Ian Hampson at St.Mary's Hospital in Manchester.

Equally importantly, in an intensive media campaign, talking to women's groups across the country and at endless fundraising events so many of you organised, we raised public awareness of a then little discussed disease.

We now feel it is time to let others take the lead in the fight against ovarian cancer, proud to have been at the forefront for so many years and proud to have been part of ROC.

Any donations received after the 31st December 2005 will continue to be forwarded to Dr. Ian Hampson's very worthwhile project at St. Mary's Hospital in Manchester.

Our very grateful thanks to all of you and a special, most sincere thanks to our patron, Michael Ball, who from day one gave one hundred per cent support to our work, and raised thousands of pounds on ROC's behalf.

We hope, like us, you will continue to support other groups in their work to defeat ovarian cancer and that ROC will always be remembered as an innovative, independent and determined charity, who proved that with the right army behind them, anyone can make a difference. And we are proud to say with your help, we did.

With warmest good wishes on behalf of everyone at ROC, and again our thanks.

John McGowan, Chairman

Michael continues to support The Royal Theatrical Fund.

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Michael in Woman In White

25 NOVEMBER 2005
WOMAN IN WHITE
Michael has opened to great acclaim in The Woman In White on Broadway in New York.  The opening night was a grand affair and fan club members will be able to read more about it in the next issue of On The Ball which is due out in December.
 
You can now order the 2006 calendar and other items at the new Michael Ball Merchandise website www.michaelballmerchandise.com.
 
 

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13 NOVEMBER 2005
US TV APPEARANCE
Michael and Maria Friedman will be appearing on A&E Network's Breakfast with the Arts on Sunday 20 November.
 
News about American TV appearances is sometimes slow to filter through so if anyone hears about any please let us know so we can check and confirm them here.
 
Please note - this appearance has now been rescheduled for 11 December 2005

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10 NOVEMBER 2005
BALL OVER BROADWAY
Michael's special edition of Ball Over Broadway to mark the arrival of the Country Music Awards in New York is being aired on BBC Radio 2 tomorrow (11 November) at 7.00 pm.
 

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2 NOVEMBER 2005
Well, we can heave a big sigh of relief that all went well with the launch of the new website.  We know some of you will have queries regarding our new membership system but don't worry we'll explain it all as we go along.
 
We know some of you are still having difficulties viewing the Forum.  We are trying to sort this out with Invision (the makers of the program) and we'll keep you informed of progress.  The problem does seem to lie with the kind of browser you use.

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1 NOVEMBER 2005
NEW MICHAEL BALL FAN CLUB WEBSITE LAUNCHED
 
We are delighted to launch our new website today.  We hope there won't be too many teething problems but all new babies ne