Post by carol on May 24, 2013 16:24:32 GMT
Here is a nice interview with Gareth about his forthcoming Newport gig. Enjoy!
love Carol xxx
“I’VE had great opportunities,” million-selling singer turned stage star Gareth Gates tells me.
“I was in Joseph in the West End, then Les Miserables and Legally Blonde. There’s been some great parts and musical theatre is something I want to continue to do. However, now I think it’s time to write some more songs and get back out on the road.”
Indeed it’s been six years since Gareth who rose to prominence in televisions Pop Idol series in 2002 last appeared in the charts. Fans can expect to hear Gareth perform several of his hits along with some newer material when he visits Newport Riverfront on June 14.
“I’ve been writing some new songs with the guitarist in my band and so we thought ‘why don’t we do an acoustic tour where we can start to showcase a few songs’,” says Gareth. “I’ve loved the musical side of things but once you’re in musical theatre for quite a while you start to miss being an artist; writing songs, performing my own music. Now’s the time to come back with that and see what responses I get.”
Gareth’s passion for music came out as a child when because of a stammer he found it difficult to talk.
“Music became my only form of release and expression. That’s where I excelled from the age of eight when I began to sing and play various instruments. Music’s always been important to me.”
At the age of 17, Gareth found himself on television taking part in the first series of Pop Idol, “It was great,” Gareth remembers, “but I was quite nervous because of my speech, the rest of it felt very natural. I was 17, a young kid really; to be given the opportunities I was given at that age was really fantastic.”
.
Gareth eventually came second to winner Will Young and like Will, Gareth went on to forge his own successful career, gaining several number ones including Unchained Melody, Anyone of Us (Stupid Mistake) and Spirit In The Sky (with The Kumars).
“We were fortunate,” remembers Gareth, “we were both told in that final that we were going to be signed to the record label and we were chuffed.
“Of course, I was a little bit sad when I didn’t win but it hasn’t made too much of a difference in the long run.”
“Having five number ones was a huge thing for me; I look back on the international success. I sold a lot of records in Asia and Europe and that’s something the UK audiences don’t really know or see too much of.”
Ten years on from his initial success Gareth’s priorities for success have shifted somewhat. “I’ve got a daughter; she’s the apple of my eye now and the reason why I want to be successful.
“I do lots of gigs and she always comes to see me.
She’s too young to understand yet but she loves seeing her daddy on stage.”
Gareth Gates Live and Unplugged takes place at Newport Riverfront on June 14. Call 01633 656757 for full details or visit newport.gov.uk/theriver front
love Carol xxx
“I’VE had great opportunities,” million-selling singer turned stage star Gareth Gates tells me.
“I was in Joseph in the West End, then Les Miserables and Legally Blonde. There’s been some great parts and musical theatre is something I want to continue to do. However, now I think it’s time to write some more songs and get back out on the road.”
Indeed it’s been six years since Gareth who rose to prominence in televisions Pop Idol series in 2002 last appeared in the charts. Fans can expect to hear Gareth perform several of his hits along with some newer material when he visits Newport Riverfront on June 14.
“I’ve been writing some new songs with the guitarist in my band and so we thought ‘why don’t we do an acoustic tour where we can start to showcase a few songs’,” says Gareth. “I’ve loved the musical side of things but once you’re in musical theatre for quite a while you start to miss being an artist; writing songs, performing my own music. Now’s the time to come back with that and see what responses I get.”
Gareth’s passion for music came out as a child when because of a stammer he found it difficult to talk.
“Music became my only form of release and expression. That’s where I excelled from the age of eight when I began to sing and play various instruments. Music’s always been important to me.”
At the age of 17, Gareth found himself on television taking part in the first series of Pop Idol, “It was great,” Gareth remembers, “but I was quite nervous because of my speech, the rest of it felt very natural. I was 17, a young kid really; to be given the opportunities I was given at that age was really fantastic.”
.
Gareth eventually came second to winner Will Young and like Will, Gareth went on to forge his own successful career, gaining several number ones including Unchained Melody, Anyone of Us (Stupid Mistake) and Spirit In The Sky (with The Kumars).
“We were fortunate,” remembers Gareth, “we were both told in that final that we were going to be signed to the record label and we were chuffed.
“Of course, I was a little bit sad when I didn’t win but it hasn’t made too much of a difference in the long run.”
“Having five number ones was a huge thing for me; I look back on the international success. I sold a lot of records in Asia and Europe and that’s something the UK audiences don’t really know or see too much of.”
Ten years on from his initial success Gareth’s priorities for success have shifted somewhat. “I’ve got a daughter; she’s the apple of my eye now and the reason why I want to be successful.
“I do lots of gigs and she always comes to see me.
She’s too young to understand yet but she loves seeing her daddy on stage.”
Gareth Gates Live and Unplugged takes place at Newport Riverfront on June 14. Call 01633 656757 for full details or visit newport.gov.uk/theriver front
