Floz

From Jess, about the meet and greet What a day???? We travelled from Leeds to Glasgow. We had to change trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow so got on a connecting train. We were walking down the carriage when we saw Paul Gates, lol! He sed hiya so we went over and sat with him. We were on the train to him all the way to Glasgow. Gareth rung him up and was chatting about the tour. Paul sed "will u just do me a favour Gareth and speak to some1" *screams* He passed me the phone and i had a chat with Gareth and then passed the phone onto Amy. He was really excited about the tour and sounded exactly the same on the phone. The meet and greet was fantastic We were taken into a room and lined up. They then bought Gareth into the room and sat him at a table at the end. 2 at a time every1 went up to Gareth. Michael (gareths speech coach) came straight over to us and sed "Hi, I know u, it's Jess and Amy, isnt it" Lol. We had a nice little chat with him. Before we got to the table Gareth looked up and saw us and sed hiya! When we went over to him he was really pleased to see us. He signed my thing and wrote my name without me telling him and then he wrote amy's names aswell. It was really funny coz Kelly was so impressed at him remembering our names because he's awful at that. She patted him on the back and sed "good boy" We chatted for a bit and then both had a pic with him. He kept on going on about how funny it was that were on the train with Paul. When i was just about to have a picture with him, he kinda shouted "Loyal fans" When we left he sed to me "I'll cu soon" and was like "I'm sure u will" and he winked, lol! The concert was fantastic but i wont give anything away. We were front row in the middle which was fab. His performance was amazing and his speech was brillant! I can't put how good it was into words

From the Guardian (not the greatest review, but worth keeping anyway) Pop Gareth Gates Sheffield Arena Dave Simpson Thursday March 4, 2004 The Guardian The screens declare that for £9.99 you can join Gareth Gates's fan club and read his personal diary. Perhaps this week's entry will read: "It's been a while since I was pipped by Will Young to Pop Idol and this is my first solo tour. Sheffield Arena was barely half full." Encouragingly, hordes of teens cheer Gates's video image. More ominously, they show an unexpected grasp of irony by making similar noises towards some tulips. A version of Unchained Melody - with Gates' helium vocals barely audible - sounds like the sort of thing used to flush South American dictators from hideaways. However, the cheers are deafening. When a delighted tot next to me catches my unimpressed, adult grimace I have this horrible feeling that I am ruining her show. Thus, for the next few songs I cheer Gareth wildly. "I'm a really bad dancer," he sighs. Yay! And then, amazingly, my own claps become less ironic. Although Gates has been depicted in the tabloids as a Jordan-shagging raver, it's hard not to warm to a performer who can talk for minutes in an unaffected Bradford accent about disability, or not be touched as his supposedly overcome stammer makes a return. Gates is visibly, endearingly nervous, forgetting the chords on a keyboard. "I'm not playing live anyway," he sponatenously quips, showing an unexpected grasp of the ridiculousness of it all. His music has less humanity, half of it suggesting some secret love for 1980s jazz-funk, although new track Go Your Own Way is a decent stab at blue-eyed soul. A cover of Suspicious Minds avoids the gates of Hell, he plays appalling rock guitar and surprisingly fantastic drums, but you wonder where his career can go when the kids grow up. But the tinnitus-inducing ovation suggests it might be a while before Gates's nightmare diary entry: "I've got this job in plumbing."

From CutieBonnie on GG The following are photo link and also my report... Photo album link (Folder: Gareth April 2004) http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bonnie_1202/my_photos 9 April Around 8:00pm Gareth finally arrives at Taiwan by Malaysia Aireways, flight MH094. He appears in the airport with his crew. He wears a light blue T-shirt, jeans, sunglasses and walks along with his guitar. Many fans are waiting for him already. They are holding banners to attract his attention and some of them brings Gareth's favourite food - chocolate to welcome him! He's very happy and also concerned with his fans, asking if they work hard for studies. He posts for photos and signs autograph for them. He still remembers some chinese, and says to fans "ni hao" (how are you?), "ao shi xiao ge" (I'm Gareth), "ao ai ni" (I love you) and "xie xie" (thank you). He even keens to ask people around him whether Taipei rains coz he missed chances to do some shopping here when the weather was bad last time. He promises he will pick up one lucky fan to sing with him on stage. It's the second time he's been Taiwan but he acts like a tourist guide, introducing Taipei to his crew and recommending them to have a massage. The concert agent specially offers him a presidential suite in hotel, so that he will have a nice rest before the concert next day. 10 April 1:00-1:20pm He gives a short interview in chatroom of yam.com. 10 lucky fans were picked up in a lucky draw and able to meet him at the studio. It's planned to start at 12:50pm but he doesn't turn up. Everyone is nervous if he won't come. But actually he comes late a little bit coz he did a speech practice with his speech therapist. He doesn't want to stammer again and causes any embarrasment during the interview. The hostess chooses some questions from yam club and the chatroom, then Gareth answers them one by one. (It's lucky that one of my questions is picked up and Gareth answers it). After 1:20pm After the chatroom meeting, he gives interview to the other media. He says he would do a speech practice for one hour every morning, including 15 to 20-minute breathing practice, 20-minute pronunciation practice, then the final one is speaking, how to answer questions. It's really helpful for him and he wants to be a speech therapist in the future to help other stammers overcome their language difficulties. This month, he will do an text for being a speech therapist. He hopes he will pass it, he would like to encourage other stammers by using his personal experiences, it will be the happiest thing for him. Being asked about David Beckham's scandal (he's rumoured to have an affair with a girl in Spain), Gareth says it may happene after he left UK, so he doesn't know anything of it. He thinks everyone has their private lives, so that he has no comment on that news, whatever the rumour is real or not. But he's sure that he won't do that if he's got married. 8:00pm Go your own way concert starts off (it's a sold-out concert, 2500 audience). Some fans wear clothes of their fan clubs and lift up the banners. Some are just little kids, attending the concert with their parents. Some have the "spike hair", lovely! Gareth turns up on the stage after the fans keep screaming, "Gareth, Gareth, Gareth..." for a while. He blows kisses and says Chinese, "da jia hao, ao ai ni men" (Hello everybody, I love you all). Some fans scream "Gareth I love you", in return, he say "xie xie" (thank you). The guitar Gareth uses is specially exported from Hong Kong coz that kind of guitar isn't sold in Taiwan. Gareth sings not only songs in Asia verion album, but some more from UK version one and some classic oldie songs. Besides, he dances and plays guitar, piano and drums. The fans screams crazily whatever he does, even he just walks, waves his hands, blows kisses or only opens his arms. He also throws towels to the fans. When he is singing "Sunshine" and dancing some sexy steps, there's a fan from the first row throwing an underwear ([censored] labelled) to the stage. Gareth blushes and says Taiwan fans know which brand of underwear he likes. He speaks a lot at the concert and calls for a pizza by a mobile phone. After he says all the ingredient he wants, then all the fans say, "but, no cheese!". He plays piano at the acoustic set, singing some oldie songs. Some fans cry and sing with Gareth in "What my heart wants to say". Then, he plays drums and other songs. The final song is "Anyone of us". He suddenly picks up one lucky fan to the stage, singing Anyone of us to her. He hugged her and jokely taught her to wave hands, blow kiss and pick nose. The other fans can't help laughing. Then Gareth leaves the stage but all the fans ask for encore. So he turns up again and sings two more songs "Spirit in the sky" and "Say it isn't so". Almost every fans stand up and dance when Gareth's singing Spirit in the sky (some're even standing on chairs). After the show, some fans still stay there for half an hour, some are waiting for him at the back of the venue but he's arranged to leave through the other exit (sorry for those fans...) Concert set list: 1. Unchained Melody 2. Foolish 3. Freak my Baby 4. Soul Affection 5. Just say Yes 6. Enough of Me 7. Sentimental 8. Sunshine 9. Acoustic Set ? That's when you know ? Hard to say I'm Sorry ? Overjoyed ? What my heart wants to say 10. Suspicious Minds 11. Club Hoppin' 12. Groove with Me 13. Grease 14. All Cried Out 15. Go Your Own Way 16. Unchained Melody 17. Any one of Us Finish Encore 18. Spirit in the Sky 19. Say it isn't So Play Off 11 April 12:20pm Gareth goes aboard Cathay Pacific, flight CX421 to leave Taiwan (change the plane in Hong Kong, then directly fly to UK) The end of Asian tour 2004, enjoy!

Just to let people know that we are picking up all the tour reviews being 'rediscovered' on GG. They will be put into the archives section on here in the near future.

A report from a German fan. PopidolGarethfan on GG After loving Gareth's songs and watching the DVD "Live" so many times I had the great desire to attend his next tour at Wembley. Herewith I want to describe my way to this fantastic event. All concerts were described already so well here, much better as I can. Therefore, it will be another kind of report. I hope nobody is disappointed. In October I bought my Wembley ticket, too late to get a front row seat. I intended to fly to London. Always I wanted to visit the UK and London, and now I had a very good reason more. But then I looked for a front row ticket still available at other venues, and I got it for Newcastle. Finally I decided to go by ferry from Amsterdam to Newcastle and then via Bradford to London. I booked the Ibis Wembley, but no accomodation in Newcastle. There are many hotels and no visitors, I thought. But Gareth was there and also many people because of the football match versus Norwegians. It tooks ages to get a bed - the last, and only with the help of the tourist information. The hotel was not the best, but very expensive. In other countries I would get Hilton or better for the same price. Fortunately there was no hot water in my room and therefore the price later halved. Before the concert I spent many hours strolling through the city. In Newcastle and later in Bradford all people, from the policemen to the salesmen and the car-drivers, were very friendly, patient and always ready to help. The concert in the evening was my first pop event and so amazing, and I was so close to the stage. Gareth was brilliant! The arena wasn't sold out but I think there were more people as reported. And the screaming was tremendous! I was surprised and supposed twenty thousand Red Indians behind me. One moment was very funny: as the screaming climaxed, the curtain came down, and no Gareth but only some workers on the stage. We all had a laugh. I was also very impressed how lovely Gareth dealt with the young girl on the stage. I can understand that so many people say: That gorgeous boy is the son, son-in-law, grandson, brother, friend, or lover I wish I had. And with his charm, look and smile he's able to melt the biggest iceberg. His singing is amazing, but his speaking too. And saying "Thank you" on stage or in a dialogue he enchants entirely. Sometimes I think he's an angel sent by the Lord himself to enjoy all people who loves beautiful voices and noble characters. Sorry, I know he's only a human being but he's a very special and so precious for all of us.

SPECIAL REPORT FROM AN AMERICAN FAN: Sorena on GG Well, I'd been avoiding reading the spoilers for the tour so I would be completely shocked by it all. So all I knew was that UM was the first song and he had lots of costume changes. Saturday 6 March I arrived into the UK this morning and I headed for London. xxxLaurenxxx was going to be staying with me. Jon (Allnatural 18) , Leroy and Lauren met me at the Victoria station. At about 4:45pm, Lauren and I left to meet the gang at the Ibis Hotel. I had on a black sequin one shoulder top and beige pants. A little dressed up but it was worth it. Orginally Khelda (Inge) had given me a spare ticket she had for Wembley. She was my angel and still is. So I was looking at A3 row 6 for Gareth. Then one of the members of the boards, I forget her name right now but will insert it later, met with us and gave Lauren some spare tickets. I had moved from row 6 to row 4. I was already bouncing off the wall to be looking at row 6, row 4 was going to blow my mind. Lauren and I headed over to the Ibis and that's where I met a lot of people including Rachel (R4RLJ), Jhoy (chinkeyeyes), Inge (Khelda), Shivers, Sharon, Sharons' mum, Pepper, and many others. We were running very late and so we all rushed over to Wembley. So we got there and I was waiting to go in and I met babygates (I love you so much babygates) and Sophie, and so many more people that I forget. So we left to take our seats and when I walked onto the floor I was already jumping and smiling like an idiot. When we were walking forward to our seats my mouth dropped. I thought the block that was in front of me was the back of A but it was the back of the B block so I started naturally freaking out as we kept getting closer and closer. I thought I was going to die when we got to our seats. Then without knowing, Lottie turned around and I gave her a huge hug. I had wanted to meet her for ages and I finally did. I say Hay and Jules and went to give them some spare row 9 tickets I had. Well Lauren came to me and she told me to come and sit down. I was a little fuzzy on the details and why exactly I was sitting where I was but one way or another, I ended up with a front row seat in A2 row 1 seat 19. I was beyond shocked and happy and just ready to bounce around. It was time. Gareth was about to come out. The concert was starting. I saw Gareth take a few steps toward the crowd and he started coming forward. I just sat there, going picture happy. He looked amazing and then he came down the stairs. When he came over to my side I dont know what had happened to me. I was so full of happiness and joy for the whole night that tears started to fill my eyes. I couldn't take it. I didn't know what I had done to ever... (tearing up now thinking about it) deserved such luck to not only see Gareth in person but to be there in the front row. I was just so overwhelmed, I guess that's the right word. He was so gorgeous in the flesh and he had the voice of an angel. I turned back and looked at Lauren and Sharon in the 4th row. I waved my banner proudly which read "ALL THE WAY FROM THE USA". I'm sure he saw it. I don't have to go through the songlist as you already know all about it. It was just absolutely fantastic. I was amazed not only by the dancing and the songs but by the costumes and his speech. The dancing was just amazing. So energetic and fun and I wanted to be up there dancing with him. During "Sunshine" he put this little twist on the words and it drove me mad. It was so amazing I was singing along and cracking up and laughing and taking pictures and mini video clips of him throughout the show. The speech. OMG, the speech. I can't even give it enough justice. He had me in stitches over the Kangraoo bit and thie kissing part. Oh it was so adorable. I was laughing and enjoying it. His speech was amazing. For seeing him speak live for the first time then, I would have never thought he had a stammer if i hadn't know he did before hand. It was amazing. He spoke so clearly and so cute (I have a thing for English accents... What can I say? I'm one of those American women who fall for that. People who've seen Love Actually know what i'm talking about. Speech was amazing. I was so proud of him. Gareth was hilarious. When Sharon threw the pizza box, I made sure to get it all on video tape. It was so adorable. Gaz laughed and had a fun time with that. Gareth later came down onto the ground floor during one of the songs, I forgot which one it was at the moment and he came over to A2, he was so close to me. The girl singing was 5 seats away from me. I was 3 feet away from Gareth. I was screaming and I couldn't belive it. I wish I could have sung into the mic but it wasn't meant to me. So then he ran right past me and down to A4. That was amazing. He jumped back on stage and I just didnt' know what to do. I was still in shock that he came down. Later on, Gareth pulled the girl onstage to sing with him. He then made the comment that "I heard I have some German fans here tonight" and I was like "oh no.. he didn't mention Germans" so I started screaming at him "USA! USA! U S A!" and bless him he coudln't hear me and he goes "wot?" and I continue screaming "USA! USA!" and he says "wot?" again and it hit me that he couldnt' understand me, I was either saying it too fast and he couldnt' understand so I started screaming "AMERICA! AMERICA!" So then he finally takes out his earpiece and goes "what?" and I scream again "AMERICA!" and Gareth is looking at me and he says "America? I have fans in America... ROCK ON!" During the whole thing, I had my hands flayling in the air screaming and pointing at me and all the girls next to me were pointing at me too. And after the rock on i just raised my hands and screamed as loud as i could. I immediately turned around to face lauren and i yelled "yes!" That clearly was amazing. All I had ever wanted was for Gareth to know that I existed and that I had come from America and he has a very loyal fan here. That moment I had finally accomplished what I wanted. "Rock on" will forever live in my heart. I will never be able to hear those two words again without thinking of Gareth at Wembley and his America comment. So finally Gareth saw me. I felt like I could die right then and my life would have been complete. So Gareth continued the concert and I was just still on a high from "rock on" and nothing was going to bring me from the sky. My head was there and I wasn't comind down for a while. So after the concert, Lauren and I rushed to try and see Gareth leave but he never did. We waited till almost midnight and he'd not come out yet. It was insane. But I met up with Lottie again and we took pictures and then I took pictures with a lot of othe people and then made my way back to the hotel. Wembley was the best night. Most acts dont go two hours but Gareth did and it was amazing. 2 full hours of non stop Gareth, I even manged to catch glimpses of him when he was changing and backstage behind the sets. I was so happy to have just seen him. I would have loved to have met him but I feel blessed to have just had what I had. Everyone, including my mom, could sense the happiness in my heart. It spread throught my eyes, mouth and my heart and in my voice. To see Gareth was amazing in itself but the fact that I was able to share my first Gareth expirence with so many of my close Gareth friends, some of them family in my heart, meant more to me. It was the best night of my trip to London and it still stays with me. My mom was amazed by my photos which i hope to have up soon. I want to thank everyone involved in getting me to Wembley including my uni, Lauren, Jhoy, Inge, Rachel, Hazel, Jon, and a very special boardmember who gave Lauren the 4th row tickets. I owe you so many hugs and love from all of my heart. It truely was the best night of my life, hands down. I'm tearing up again thinking about it and all of you. You are so amazing and I dont know what I would have ever done with out you all. To all my friends on the boards, you mean more then words could ever express my love and eternal gratituede that I have for you. I'm crying now thinking about all of you and how much you have enriched my life in so many ways. You been pillar of strength, hugs and love and truely some of the best people I have ever known. So I firstly have to thank Gareth. Without him, I wouldn't be on these boards and I would not have met so many awesome people who mean so much to me. He's been inspiration to me and has helped me to accomplish things I never had before him. And to everyone i met and esp Lauren, Jhoy, Inge, babygates, Rachel, Hay, Jules and last but not least Lottie You are all the Sunshine of my life. I'm so happy I met you finally. And to the people I didn't meet, I wish I could have met you, especially Blondelaine. I promise to meet you the next time I go to England even if I have to take a train or a bus or fly there. I promise you that. I love you all and I thank you so much. I will never ever fully be able to thank you. And now, this novel is finished. I"m sorry its so long. There is still so much more I want to say but its already long enough. One last message: Fran, Thank you for giving me the opportuinty to express just how i feel to the rest of the boards. Thank you *hugs* With Lots of Love, Maria xxxxxxxxx

Taiwan. Ecstatic arrival: Gareth (plus guitar) was greeted at the airport by fans waving banners and bringing him gifts of chocolate to welcome him. He remembers some Chinese, and says to fans "Ni hao" (How are you?), "Ao shi xiao ge" (I'm Gareth), "Ao ai ni" (I love you) and "Xie xie" (Thank you). It's only the second time he's been Taiwan, but he acts like a tourist guide, introducing Taipei to his crew and recommending them to have a massage. The next day gives a short interview in chatroom of yam.com. Ten lucky fans were picked up in a lucky draw and able to meet him at the studio. He came a little late because he did some practice with his speech therapist. The hostess chooses some questions from the Yam Club and the chatroom, then Gareth answers them one by one. After the meeting, he gives interviews to the other media, giving them details of the speech practice he does each day. In the evening Go Your Own Way, the sell-out concert, starts off to cheers from lots of enthusiastic fans. He blows kisses and says Chinese, "Da jia hao, ao ai ni men" (Hello everybody, I love you all). Some fans scream "Gareth I love you", in return, he say "Xie xie" (Thank you). Gareth sings not only songs from the Asian version album, but some more from UK version one, and some classic oldie songs. Besides, he dances and plays guitar, piano and drums. There is very good audience interaction and everyone is disappointed when the show ends. Gtang gave us her version of events at the concert: “It was hell of a concert! Gareth was great & awesome~~ he even played the guitar, drums, & keyboard, danced while jiggling his butt! It was the same as the Malaysian concert, apart from the fact Gareth didn’t take off his shirt.” She liked Grease, Suspicious Minds, and the parts where the audience had to respond including shouting “No Cheese” on the pizza. ”When he picked a girl from the audience to sing Anyone Of Us, he picked a girl holding a board saying 'Gareth, Gaz marry me'. The girl was very very shy and kept trembling with nerves and excitement.” She just wishes that that night hadn’t ended and hopes that he returns to Taiwan very soon.

Report from Charlotte from Singapore Gareth fan Charlotte went to the concert in Kuala Lumpur and described it as “Fantastic and AMAZING!! A really wild night, in fact!” . She loved the electric guitar, drums and songs Grease and Suspicious Minds. “Gareth can hold his own concert really well!!!! He knows how to lead the crowds!!” The audience had to shout NO CHEESE three times for the pizza boy to hear! But the best part was the after concert party, where Charlotte was a contest winner guest, sitting on the next table to Gareth. He popped the champagne and did some cheers! The atmosphere was like a buffet in a normal hotel and they played Gareth's MTVs and the Asia footage. When it was time for a group press photo she got very close indeed. In fact so close she “held his waist”. She gave him a letter, showed him her Gareth folder (which he signed) and he thanked her for supporting him. Her write up taken from GG.... HEY!!! YEAH! i went for Gareth's concert in KL! It's Fantasitc and AMAZING!!! ( only the world's best word can describe it, none other than that.) First, Guy did a performance, he sang two to three songs! Then came Gareth!!!!!!! He rocks!!! Wohhhhhhhoooo!! It's a really wild night!! I was so so HIGH!!! He played the drums and electric guitar! Guess what???! He sang Grease and it's so so amazing!!! moreover, the audience was told by him to change the word of the suspicious minds lyrics! lol! ( it's being changed to "Because I love Gareth too much baby!") lol! I thought he wanted us to guess the title of the song in which he gave the lyrics and I shouted Suspicious minds and he heard it and said no.. lol!! (I felt so sheepish.) ooo.. He did a repeat of the ordering of pizza thing and I shouted NO CHEESE! lol! He called the pizza boy 3 times.. cos I think the audience didn't shout that loud enough?? The last song he performed was Spirits in the Sky... and me and this two other Brits whom I've met on the spot of the concert were so high!! lol!! (hey, if the two of u are on the boards, u shld know who u are..) The concert started at about 8.30pm instead of 8 pm and it ended quite late say about 10 plus. Okay, this is the best part!! I went for the post concert party for Gareth! wooooohooooooooo and Guess what?? Gareth was sitting on the table just beside mine!!! He popped the champagne and did some cheers! lol! The best part have yet to come!!! We( the contest winners) took a group pic with him! Guess what?!?!? He was standing on my right and beside me!!! I held his waist! lol!!! tt's how close i was to him! This pic is with the press and they're going to send it to me soon, hopefully! Then after, I gave Gareth a letter!! OH GOD!!!! I so happy!!! He talked to me!!!! Thanking me for supporting him and......... I supposed he remembered me????? Cos I have met him 7 times in less than 8 weeks? Then, I went to chase him when he left! lol, cos i wanted to show him my file of him and he said, 'Cool!'.... wohooo.. he signed one of the articles which talks about migrane with love gareth...

June Faith on GG Hey guys... his show was amazing and from the bottom of my heart, it was one of the best nights ever in my life. you can never believe what happened .... but believe it .... LOL so, i went to the venue 5 hours earlier and ofcourse, got great spots, right in front, front row! the show started with Guy singing about 4 songs, he was great!! But ofcourse,the show doesn't start if Gareth doesn't come out ... so after Guy sang, he came out and the crowd went crazy! Everyone was cheering like there was no tomorrow! He sang Unchained Melody and he sang beautifully. I brought roses for him ... I think he was singing Sunshine when I threw him the rose, he looked at me, picked it up and said thank you ... he looked so horny when he said that and i'm not alone! LOL my friends say so too! LOL he put the rose in his mouth and the crowd cheered on but i was really disappointed when he went down on the speakers and he tried to give the rose to another fan, but unfortunately (lol) he couldn't reach her and he gave it to the guards and he gave it back to me LOL how weird hahaha i got it back ... and this morning, i went to school and when i came back ... my mom threw it!!!!!!!! i wasn't mad, because I was tooo happy to be mad ... Picture of Gareth and the rose! After that, he sang a lot of songs but I lost track of which songs comes first lol I assume it's the same as the Korea one. Yes ofcourse he ordered pizza and we had to shout no cheese ... ehehe he was so cute during that period of time. Okay so there was this time during Suspicious Minds where he said "I don't think I'm suppose to do this but...." and then he jumped on the speakers and off the stage, the crowd was crazy! LOL and he said he wants us to join him, so he'll sing the words "I'm caught in a trap, I can't walk out..." and we'll have to sing "Because I love you too much baby." and the he started picking people to sing and he walked pass me and i was like darn LOL but then he walked back and asked if i wanted to sing!! I was like lol but manage to nod or say yes, God knows what did I do LOL and he sang and I sang and his eyes are so beautiful to look at LOL and then, it was shocking coz he didn't do this to any of the girls he picked, he kissed my hands, (suave kiss) ... and the rest was history. And ... this is the most unbelievable part, as you all know, he picks a girl out from the crowd to sing to. And I came 5 hours early to the venue, so to kill time, I got some pen and papers and wrote PICK ME lol incase I get lucky lol ... so he started saying "Let's make this more interesting, I'm going to pick someone out from the crowd to come up here bla bla" whatever he said I was too nervous. I took out the paper and waved it around LOL he passed me once and didn't see it, he then passed me again, saw it and continued walking, I thought all hope was gone so I put down the paper, BUT, he walked back again and he was like, "What? Pick Me? Pick You? Okay I'll pick you!" ... that was when hell brooke loose LOL. He got the guards to carry me out through the barricades and then Kelly led me through the back and up the stairs to the stage. And when I walked out, I felt like the luckiest girl alive, EVER. I walked to him and he embraced me in a hug so tight but i manage to breathe LOL... he then asked for my name, I said June and repeated a few times because it was o noisy and he couldn't hear, I was soft anyways, was nervous LOL. He then asked how old are you, I thought he asked how are you...so i said im good and he was like no,no how old are you? the crowd laughed ... how embarrassing lol and i was like oh im 17 ... and he was like "seventeen?" .... lol don't know what that means ahahhaha so he asked for stools but there were no stools, so he was like okay we'll sit at the stairs, so we sat down below but he then went higher and i followed him. he then "patted" (i dont know what word to use lol) on the stairs, asking me to sit down beside him so i did ... and then he sang to me, it was "Anyone Of Us" ... not a doubt its now on my top list of fave songs lol ... he put his hands around my waist, he is such a gentleman ... and then he asked me to sing along ... so he put the mic in front of me and i sang the chorus, i dont know how i sound lol probably horrible ... and then he (OMG lol) took my left and held it throughout the second verse. we were so close that i was staring right into his eyes and he did the same and it was like...THAT. words can't even describe how i feel and i felt awkwards because he kept looking at me that I sometimes look away or bit my lip or stuck my tongue out.... when the chorus came he stood up and we walked down the stairs...i know this sounds stupid but it felt like it was a wedding LMMFAO!!!!! okay anyways, he asked me to wave to the crowd, and i did and he asked me to blow kisses to the crowd so i did and then he was like, "now pick your nose" and he started demonstrating ... lol it was hilarious i was like laughing so hard and i was like "no way!" and playfully pushed him, i know i was flirting ... eewww but i can't help it LOL. and he was like, "why not?!" and i was just laughing and laughing lol he stopped and held my hands again and sang again... then it ended and he was like, give it up for June and he said thank you and I kinda walked off before he finished ,(wtf was i thinking lol) he then came after me for a hug LOL how dumb was i hahaha and then he hugged me and kissed me!! on the cheeks ofcourse and he turned to the crowd and went, "She's lovely..." I was just too frozen up to react ... Kelly led me down and asked did i enjoy myself and i was like yeah ... she's nice after all, she's so nice! LOL So after that ... he sang a few more songs and ended with Say It Isn't So ... I was in tears but I wasn't crying like two rivers flowing down my cheeks LOL. The night has been AMAZING, I couldn't believe all the things that happen to me. And when I told my friends I hope I get picked, the response I got was, "Out of 8,000 people there, you think you would get picked?" SO yeah, I got picked fellas!!! 8th April - The most amazing night for me ever !!

Smells like teen spirit The fast-rising Pop Idol Gareth Gates and Australian Idol Guy Sebastian recently provided Malaysian teens with a mouth-watering date. IZUAN SHAH shares the Idol experience here. "IT’S so hot in your country! I’m dripping!” said Gareth Gates from the stage as he removed his jacket to the delight and shy squeals from the crowd. Is Gareth Gates Britain's answer to Enrique? Pop Idol runner-up Gates performing for his Malaysian fans in The Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort in Kuala Lumpur. Is Gareth Gates Britain's answer to Enrique? Pop Idol runner-up Gates performing for his Malaysian fans in The Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort in Kuala Lumpur. Although such stage clichés were expected, the reality was that he was dripping, or oozing, the right combinations to make him a pop star! The charm and banter, needless to say, were spot on. The hype surrounding this former runner-up to British Pop Idol Will Young has certainly not been unwarranted, as Gates certainly showed that he was indeed born with the Idol Factor. This was the first (world) tour for the young Bradford-born star, and he certainly had no intentions of letting the eager-to-impress momentum stop in the slightest. This was the Go Your Own Way tour, and with two albums, nearly 10 well-known hits and Guy Sebastian as his support, the 20-year-old Gates was out to claim the hearts of Malaysian fans. For early atmosphere, concertgoers milled in gradually and without much urgency as show time approached. By 8.15pm, the scheduled time for Guy Sebastian’s appearance, nothing much happened save for the occasional unified cheer of seeing candid audience antics captured on the venue’s dual big screens. The Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort indoor arena in Kuala Lumpur has proven itself quite the venue of the moment for international concerts here, and for this twin-idol jaunt it would again be the only place to be to catch the world stars. The audience make-up last Thursday consisted mostly of urban teens, with parents in tow, and the odd middle-aged pop diehard tiptoeing anxiously in the front row. When the plucky Adelaide-based Guy Sebastian appeared, the excitement picked up considerably as teens rushed the stage to vie for a good spot. The singer took everyone by surprise by immediately launching himself with ceaseless audience interaction and unfaltering falsettos. Unsurprisingly, when the Klang-born Idol dropped the mention of his hometown, he was repaid with a roar of glee from the young Malaysian crowd. When he launched into the smouldering Prince classic When Doves Cry, however, the response was more muted. The audience seemed too busy fidgeting with their glow sticks and each other to move along to the Sebastian’s smooth R&B sounds, despite his most elaborate efforts – he grooved, he shimmied and even did a spot of air guitar, but was probably wondering, under his ever present smile, why he couldn’t get the crowd to do the same. Two more songs in, the beaming Climb Every Mountain and the pleading All I Need Is You from his current debut album Just As I Am, quick scour of the venue revealed a mere crowd of less than 2,000 people. Still, Sebastian, clad in the everyman pop star uniform of bleached jeans and snazzy-looking work shirt (to go with his self-chosen “clean” image), tried to up the ante on his finale, the tingly hit Angels Brought Me Here. Injecting even more honey into his already sweetened vocals, and pulling notes higher when he could, Sebastian ended his opening performance as a short and sweet five-song affair and contentedly left it at that. Perhaps the main act would do the trick for the pacified audience, and it was Gates they were waiting for. Seconds after Sebastian walked offstage, the inevitable chanting of “We want Gareth!” began. When Gates calmly appeared on the cue for his tender, sugared version of Unchained Melody, the glow sticks went up in full force and the teen massive began to sway obediently to the ballad, waving placards that read “Blow Me A Kiss” and “Came All The Way From Singapore” with giddy purpose. Of course, they were screaming their lungs out every time Gates pulled a high note or ceremoniously wiped sweat off his brow. The Righteous Brothers classic, which to Gates’ credit had a youthful teen zest to it, worked wonders on the Bukit Kiara crowd. With a full rock band assembled behind him, there was definitely a pop rock bent to his show, which lasted a little over an hour, but Gates tempered the rockier bits masterfully with mushy favourites like Foolish, Bring My Baby and Soul Affection. Looking for the most part like an English Enrique Iglesias (with hints of a young Roy Keane), Gates had the small crowd wrapped around his little finger by the time he swung into the timid Just Say Yes. Judging by the doe-eyed reactions of teenaged audience members, perhaps Gates proved himself as Britain’s answer to the Spanish star (who cancelled his visit here just a week earlier). Like Sebastian earlier in the night, Gates in full swing was disarming stuff. These lads had come a long way from being mere contestants on reality TV programmes and it showed. Perhaps the performance training and the boost of a record contract, albums and opportunities for their own originals to be included on their records had kicked in for this tour. For Pop Idols, they certainly knew how to work a crowd. In between songs, Gates would address the crowd with lengthy bits of info on his tour – “my lifelong stammer” and “music as my release.” He tried some cleverly orchestrated gimmicks; including ordering a pizza onstage and having the crowd scream “no cheese!” (Gates is allergic to cheese, apparently), and “firing” the drummer in front of the live audience so he could show his own drum chops. Later, on the self-penned rocker, Enough Of Me, Gates made up for his stammer by strapping on an electric guitar and laying down some passable heavy metal riffs! The pop star further showcased his multi-instrumental skills by launching into a soft piano medley, which included the achey-breaky That’s When You Know and a soaring bar of the R&B/pop staple It’s Hard For Me To Say I’m Sorry. An acoustic rendering of Sentimental set the teenyboppers swaying even more, and with the audience under his spell Gates took the opportunity to introduce members of his band. Comparing Gates own idolatry with consummate pop stars like Robbie Williams and greats like Elvis Presley, his show wasn’t lacking the requisite Elvis hip wiggles and Robbie-esque shuffles. It all came shakin’ down as the climax of All Cried Out, Go Your Own Way, Anyone Of Us and the encore – Spirit In The Sky and Say It Isn’t So – followed briskly. Then like a true Idol, Gates bid goodbye to his small, but loyal Malaysian following with neat send-off: “Look at all of you, you’re beautiful.”

Malaysian fan Hafizah Hoze Rizal...... I sooo understand how gareth's fans feel... He came to Malaysia recently and boy, was he cute!! At 1st, i wanted to go to the airport and welcome him but he came 2 days earlier..y? he wanted to prove to his Malaysian fans tht he really wanted to visit Malaysia..(awww!) there wasnt supposed to be any autograph session but then, he planned an autograph session a day after he arrived! Sigh happily...i still cant forget abt it. I was the 4th person to go up the stage. the promoter allowed us (fans) to present him only ONE item for him to sign. But i had two; his Cd and a potrait of him (i drew).i couldnt care less so..as i went up the stage, the promoter snatched the potrait and let him signed the CD only. I was mad but the moment i met him face to face...ahhh..only God knows how I felt! Did i cry? yea! as i was saying..while he was signing my CD, I gave him the cookies tht my sisters and I baked for him. "We baked cookies just for you.." and he was like, "thank you." yes, you guessed it, i cried even harder. Then, I asked him, "Can i have a hug?" (tht moment i couldnt care less abt my make up..thank God, i didnt wear mascara!) I dont know whether it was just me, but he looked rather SHOCKED than flattered to see me crying for him. So, he smiled, got up and GAVE ME A HUG!!!! while he did tht, other girls were screaming...lol. Coz i got like the LONGEST hug frm him!!!! well, partly because i was crying my eyes out! Ok,ok..while hugging him, i whispered, "I love you" to his ear. and he smiled back, and replied, "Thank you/I love you too" i couldnt hear wht he was saying because those gals were screaming so loud! but it did not matter..oh, and he smelled soooooo good, btw. ;P OOOHH and here's the BEST PART : After hugging me, he looked at the promoter who took my drawing and said," Gimme that." (AWWWW! SO SWEET!) He got the drawing and signed it for me. After tht, he handed it to me with a heart-melting smile...sigh..he was super nice! His concert? AWESOME!!! but since professional cameras werent allowed..i managed to take only 2 pics during his concert..right now..im begging some local newspapers for pictures and some of my instant friends tht i met during his concert. i'll share with u guys soon, promise. Did my sis take a pic of me hugging Gareth? she DID NOT!!! her reason, " i was to busy admiring him from far.." but not to worry..she did take pictures of him signing autograph for his fans.. I'll develope them ASAP k? Thanks for reading this! means a lot to me! Hafizah Hoze Rizal PS- if u have read the malaysia's second review on his concert, the placard "Blow Me A Kiss"..it was mine!

Link to comments sent in about MEN concert http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/entertai...?story_id=83225

Gareth Gates @ M.E.N Arena Helen Tither: Manchester Evening News "ROCK on, Manchester!" Now there are three words you never thought you'd hear from the cherubic, choirboy lips of Gareth Gates. But then, if you are as cynical and jaded as me, you probably never expected him to play the guitar, drums and keyboard and sing his little lungs out for two whole hours. The truth is, it would be so easy to shoot Master Gates down in flames. I mean, he's a Pop Idol loser, he gives Darius a run for his money in the schmaltz stakes, and he insists on a ridiculous mullet haircut. Syrupy In fact, after his syrupy image was somewhat tarnished following that infamous fling with glamour model Jordan, his career was going only one way. Down the pop plughole. However, and it pains me to say it, his 15 minutes may not be up just yet. Not judging by this sterling effort anyway. He danced, he sang, he rocked, and he banged on his drums - and boy did those teenyboppers love him for it. Every word he uttered saw ecstatic screaming and waving of fluorescent bunny ears - the only nasty incident being a scuffle between fans over his on-stage cast-offs. Which stewards broke up. Honestly! That aside, things flowed seamlessly from rock to acoustic smootch, via some funky disco numbers, and he really did put in a cracking effort. At times it was Justin Timberlake-esque but that's no bad thing. And, believe it or not, there was barely a cover version in sight - obvious exceptions including Unchained Melody. However, he was best when steering clear of the schmoozing and trying his new funkier material instead. I'm not quite eating my hat, but his career's not ready for the Pop Idol graveyard just yet.

Link to the people's reviews in the Birmingham on line newspaper here

From FrankieC on GG Saturday 6th March 2004 was a red letter day for me One of the best days of my long life. It started at 3.00pm when my son Gary and I left Thames Ditton,Surrey to meet lots of lovely people from Gareth's website at the Ibis Hotel Wembley many of whom I had met at the PITP in Bingley last year. After saying hello to you all,Gary and I dashed off so I could buy souvenirs before the show started as I was anxious they all be gone if I wated until later.Amongst other things I bought a wand for my lovely 7 yearold grandaughter which she has taken to bed with her. Next we bought some food and went to our seats to wait for the concert to start. The girls who opened the show were quite good but now to the important part, Gorgeous Gareth.The "piece de resistance" the boy I had been waiting for all week. He was even more brilliant than I had expected him to be and that's saying a lot because I always expect so much from him. I can say right now Gareth is the most important,talented artist/star/siger/musician in popular music this country has and is a great ambassador for us in Asia,europe,South Africa and many other countries you would like to mention. Gareth's speech is now clear and confident.It was inspiring to hear him talk to us and funny is to put it mildly.He was hilarious at times. His singing was out of this world and his acoustic tracks carried me away. How brilliantly he played the guitar and keyboards and then came his mind boggling stint on the drums.[i knew he could play drums but not as great as that].It was terrific to see him playing alongside the band's drummer. Gareth has to be an exceptional drummer to be able to do it. He played rock guitar to the rock song he has written ie "Enough of Me" and Gary sitting beside me said,"That is a great song brilliantly sung and what great guitar playing".He also said that "Given space and time to develope his own style in music Gareth will have a long career". There wasn't a moment without Gareth being in complete control of his stage.His movement around it was terrific and talk about dancing!"Wow!!Can that man move? his dancing was sexy, supple and confident. Didn't he just know how to play his audience? He held us in the palm of his hand. Not many artists can do that. There are so many things to talk about.If I named them all I would have to write a book about them. I was completely engrossed and carried away by Gareth's artistry and beautiful performances of his many different great songs. He is a complete entertainer but sadly it was over all too quickly for me. If my very grownup son hadn't taken me all the way across London I wouldn't have been able to see Gareth so Gary made me a happy mum. I hope my "piece" is of interest to one and all and helps to fill a little space in the experiences we have shared together. Love Frankie

From BlondeElaine on GG My Wembley report. I saw Gareth last night and to describe it in one word would be FABULOUS. There were no fancy stage props or gimmicks just pure Gareth at his best. His singing was beautifull as usual but nothing prepared me for his dancing in perfect rhythm with his Dancers (think Suzanne must have been giving him lessons), also his speech was great, he had the whole of Wembley hanging on to every fluent word that came out of his mouth. You couldn't shut him up, he was so natural and confident and I felt so proud of him. Even poking fun at himself describing the different stages he went through with his stammer, to finally getting where he is now. He was so funny doing his skippy impressions. He said his biggest acheivement was his speech and being able to speak to us tonight and who would have believed it 2 years ago. He had no hint of nerves and at 19 what an acheivement. I wonder does this make him the youngest star ever to crack Wembley on a solo Tour? If so he may go down in the Guiness Book Of Records. I allmost forgot to mention his other talents, Fabulous electric guitar playing, piano keyboard and also the drums, talk about multi talented. The audience consisted of all ages, young, old, male, female and families. He sang his hits interacted with the audience and who was the lucky girl he got up on stage and gave a cuddle to? He surely didn't dissapoint and if any of his critics saw the show, they will surely have to eat their words. A truly professional show from a truly professional performer, he has certainly proved his worth. My friend who by the way is a Will fan, thanked me for inviting her along and when I asked if it was what she had exspected. She said no, he had surprised her and it was much better than she had exspected. I think I may have converted her, as she never stopped talking about it on the way home. Elaine

Excellent Frankie - we'll pick it up from GG

I am very angry and sad at the same time. No apology for the damage done, no remorse, no nothing, and the thread where people have their say about it gets locked. Sad and pathetic .

That would be wonderful.

Newsletter, originally from GG on the Asian Tour contains loads of news and piccies about the asia tour and interviews and related promotion. http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/snowdr...cles/News45.htm

Thanks to Snowdrop for this (15th March 2004) UK TOUR AFTERMATH Sneak had the following feature. (with a lovely pic too) The text says: Gareth Gates showed off his new skills as a mean mover and a sweaty rock star during his recent UK tour, he grooved raunchily on stage and showed off his guitar and drumming skills! But it was Gareth's talking that got the loudest cheer. After months of intensive voice coaching, Gaz proved that he's put his troubled year well and truly behind him. .........the star’s stammer seems almost cured, allowing him to perform with a new, superstar confidence. Watch out Robbie! Of course some parts of the press weren’t quite so honest and tried to stir up trouble – even going so far as to suggest Gareth was miming his guitar, but thankfully some parts of the media refused to play ball. This included Fiona Phillips on GMTV, who made a point of saying she felt his press was unfair and it was out of order. She told of how in her capacity as columnist for The Mirror she’d received many, many emails of praise including this one in response to the previous week’s section on the importance of music in schools …. Golden Gates I read Fiona Phillip's comments on the importance of music in schools with interest (Daily Mirror, March 6). I took my niece to see Gareth Gates recently and was gobsmacked by his talent. He sang live, played piano, guitar and drums. He danced, spoke to fans and you could see the look of joy on his face. I had tears in my eyes. This resulted in a direct comment from Fiona in her weekly column in the Daily Mirror: I've received many e-mails this week about a certain pop idol. One lady said she was "gobsmacked to witness his musical talents". Another was "blown away by his medley on piano, guitar and wow what a drum solo he performed". "His sheer talent and enthusiasm had the crowd raising the roof," said another who liked the show. Surely they can't be talking about the same Gareth Gates who is performing to half-empty auditoriums according to some poisonous critics? A lot of new members joined the GG boards after the tour and many of those have taken time to post complimentary comments. The positive feedback keeps rolling in and a few samples are quoted below: The first was from Hooley I went to Wembley and was totally blown away by Gareth’s amazing talent! This was the 3rd time I’ve seen him live but it was by far the best. Totally awesome. I was so touched by the way you could tell he was really enjoying himself and being able to talk to the audience, for him, must have been wonderful. I had tears in my eyes a few times I’m no spring chicken either. I’m a 48 year old male and I’ve been to loads of gigs in my time but Gareth’s was one of the best! You Rock Gareth!! Keep it up Paul The following was from Bella boo boo Last night my sister and I went to Manchester Evening News Arena to see the Pop Idol tour. The doorman was taking out tickets started to explain where our seats were. We told him that we knew where we were going as we are regulars at the arena we had been also been there last week. He asked whom we had been to see last week and we told him it was Gareth. He then said that he was in the actual arena that night. He said that he was a bit apprehensive at first, because people had told him that Gareth was rubbish and couldn't sing, so he wondered what sort of night he was going to have. But he said that he thought Gareth was absolutely wonderful and what a talented young man he is, he was amazed by his voice and also his musical abilities he particularly liked it when he played the drums. He then finished by saying that he wished that some of these people who had said the bad things about him could have seen him live so he could prove his talents to them. Liz/Sarah had told us how she planned to surprise her daughter with tickets for the MEN? Here is what happened …. I gave her the envelope tied in the red ribbon with hearts stuck all over the it, and her hands started to shake. She asked me to open the envelope for her. When she saw her ticket she was so excited, and I told her I had mine and her friend’s (who is 16 years old and was not such a big Gareth fan, but she is now!). All the way to the arena Sarah talked non stop about Gareth, and how she wanted to kidnap him and bring him home with us, and the friend driving us said, but he would have to come to church with us on Sunday. The concert - what can I say, that has not already been said, except out of this world. It was worth keeping the secret, to see the sheer excitement on Sarah’s face, and she had a night that she will remember for a long time to come. I loved every second of that concert, and Gareth has made a lot of people very happy.

A selection of fan's reactions - and the set list. Originally posted by Mum's the Word on GG First we have a general consensus that the whole tour has been a resounding success, with Gareth performing before over 50,000 excited and happy people within the space of a week. Gareth also told us in his diary that he had been working very hard rehearsing since his return from Asia and they had built a special mock-up of the set in Pinewood Studios. A special warm welcome to all new board members who have posted just to say how much they enjoyed it. The following shows the list of songs performed with such energy and accomplishment: Concert Songs (Feb/March 2004) Unchained Melody Foolish **Freak My Baby Soul Affection **Just Say Yes **Enough Of Me (Gareth on electricguitar) *Sentimental Sunshine Piano Medley: Thats When You Know Hard To Say I’m Sorry Overjoyed What My Heart Wants To Say Suspicious Minds Suspicious Minds (Play Off) Drumming session **Club Hoppin’ **Grove With Me Grease **All Cried Out **Go Your Own Way Anyone Of Us Spirit In The Sky Say It Isnt So * Gates, co-written song off first album **Gates, main song writer second album But, the concert was much more than just a list of songs. It was a showcase for an amazing array of talent – songwriter, singer, instrumentalist (saxophone, trombone and flute will have to wait until the next concert), dancer, storyteller, magician. In short Mr Entertainer. Gifts for Gareth Well, there were lots of presents lavished on our boy at the ‘Meet and Greets’ including a jigsaw, flowers, chocolates, pictures, maps and charts, but this one really takes the biscuit, thanks to Pinky, Helen, Ava, Roz and Chan: The following are a selection of soundbites and observations from people actually at the concert venues: This account could probably speak for all venues: Shellcoll “What a night! I can't believe it. I'm still on a high. Can't stop talking and thinking about it. This was a different Gareth to the amazing Tour we saw last year. In control, even more confident, able to interact with the audience. He showed himself to be the multi-talented artist that we all knew he was, and as well as that, a professional musician. It wasn't just a concert either, it was a show. On a lighter note, they've got the hairstyle perfect now. The first outfit to me was the best. Really chunky pale blue denim , casual and cuddly. The dance moves they looked so natural. Foolish fans...you will NOT be disappointed. Vocals were spot on, with no adaptions and perfect pitch as always. Spirit In The Sky is superb too. The dance has been adapted and looks much funkier, and there he wears the black suit. I think for me the most astounding bit was Gareth on electric guitar in Enough Of Me, although it's a toss up between that and the drum 'scene'. Knock me down with a feather.” Six Nights with Mr Gates Sugarboxgirl and her mum, Gareth’s Melody, just created a new world record after spending six nights with Mr Gates, and having the time of their lives!! But for us mere mortals, the following selection is quite any eye opener: GLASGOW 28th February 198617 “………. I took my sister with me and she really couldn't stand him, and in Glasgow kept on moaning saying to me I would be better of going alone with out her. But when he got on the stage he gave a wicked performance, shocking her and showing her that she was so wrong. She even screamed more than me and I had to drag her away. She even boasted to her friends when we got home that he was way better than any concerts she had been too. So I am very pleased about that my posters can stay. So as you can tell, I had the time of my life.” BIRMINGHAM 29th February Matilda “I was touched by all the youngsters in the Disabled section, all clutching their banners and light strobes and souvenirs, and the joy on their faces when Gareth appeared. I was touched by the reaction of the audience when they first saw Gareth and all as one rose to their feet, and the incredible noise of the drumming of their feet and the sound of their screaming was so moving. When he started to speak and with only small hesitations showed us how brilliantly he has worked on his speech, the lump in my throat was enormous.” Connie Gates “I knew he could play drums but had never seen it. Wow, I would have expected piano and guitar, but drums was an added bonus!!!! What really made my night was seeing him perform 'Enough of me' on that gorgeous (to match its owner) Gibson Le Paul guitar. I just loved the way he stood with it. Made me go all weak at the knees!” Sweetie Pie “I loved the bit where he had some fluff on his face and he stopped in the middle of his song and asked where it was, and then his make up man came on and got it off and did his hair. That was funny. Oh, and the bra that someone threw on the stage and he said I AM KEEPING THAT and slung it over his shoulder” SHEFFIELD 2nd March Wicked Laydeee (about the meet and greet) “LMAO! And I'm pleased to say that I didn't cry INFRONT of him! LOL! I was shaking like a leaf! He was signing my stuff and I was talking to him fine then he looked up at me with his little puppy dog eyes and I kinda lost it! LMAO! Just stood there gazing into his eyes and he was there staring at me! Lol! How embarrassing! As soon as I got out of the door and down the corridor a bit I burst into tears! Lol! I was shaking still and I was going "I’m gonna ring my mum!" LOL! When I was having my picture taken with him, he actually put his hand on my ass & was kinda rubbing & squeezing it! *Faints!* ” …….and this is about the concert itself Maggiemags “Just home - and I loved every minute of it. My friend who came with me and is not a particular fan was absolutely blown away. She couldn't get over his speech, his singing or his instrument playing - don't think she's ever seen him play. I can't get over his voice. I often worry that we hype ourselves up on here to believe he's something more than he actually is, but no. I was captivated by every sound he made - brilliant.” NEWCASTLE 3rd March Mar “I was there too, I was flying over from Holland to see Gareth and he was amazing. A taxi driver who take us from the airport to the hotel, asked us if we were going to the football game !!!! NO, we said, we are going to Gareth Gates. He said, “What???? you are travelling so far to see Gareth singing????? Then he must be very special!” Gareth’s show was fantastic, and he’s speaking was very good. I am so happy that we have seen Gareth. I’ll never forget it. It was GREAT.” MANCHESTER 4th March OldieGazet “OMG what a brilliant show it was!!!! Gareth is a TRUE STAR, he has been born to be a STAR and be on stage!!!!!!! The best thing is that a lot of people changed their mind about Gareth. When the concert finished I heard a lot of people saying: 'I didn't really know that he is so talented', even security was saying that!!!!” Alijess I am a 39 year old mum who took her daughter to see Gareth at the MEN last night, and god has he got talent, and boy can he play those drums. I am truly certain that this Tour will give Gareth the overdue recognition that he so deserves and that the critics can finally choke on their words after saying that he was just another Pop Idol flop!! “ WEMBLEY 6th March Gee Gee It’s amazing what you can learn in toilet queue- “I was talking to a young girl at the end who said she had gone off him a bit recently, but after last nights show she was definitely “back on" and a huge fan again. We were all on a high and saying about how we all loved him no matter how old we were. One teenager I was talking to said that her aunt was crying and there she was in the queue crying (not a youngster either). Another older lady said WOW, I am now going home to ravage my husband. That made me laugh.” Ripple Hey, I think I've been converted into a Gareth fan! I went to see it last night with a friend who adores him.…..wasn't sure if I was going to like it but it was surprisingly good! I really like his new music...not so keen on he's original music...not really into the proper cheesy pop music, but he's new stuff is wicked!!! Can I just say he is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO talented, I didn't realise he could play all those different instruments and dance so well! I knew he would sing live and I really respect artists who do that! Laylax Well, I've never been a huge Gareth fan, but when my friend said she had a spare ticket and would I like to go. I said yes. And I am so glad I went. It was absolutely great and I can’t believe what a lovely bloke Gareth is. He is a sweetheart. He blew me away - that’s quite strange coming from someone who loves Eminem. Well, Gareth you’ve done yourself justice, and no matter what anyone thinks of you, you are truly talented. The best bit was when he was playing on the guitar. Didn’t he look proper hot!! My friend wouldn’t stop crying, bless her. Frankie C “Gary, my son. who doesn't mind me telling you he is 47. He has been to hundreds of gigs by many types of bands and roadied for my son Andy when he played in a heavy metal band some years ago. He said,"I have enjoyed the concert very much and Gareth is a very talented young man who should have a long career. He must be allowed to "go his own way" and do his own thing and not be restricted by his management". I have to say that coming from a mature man (son or no son) who knows quite a lot about music, what he said about Gareth warms my heart. Night Crawler I came by coach……..When we stopped at one place to pick up there were 4 elderly ladies and I said to my friend, “They are not going to see Gareth.” Lo and behold on the coach they jumped. When we got to Wembley they sat right behind us. When Gareth came out the screams from them were deafening, and all I kept hearing when they weren’t screaming was “Oh Gareth, Oh Gareth, Oh, look at him.” In the row in front was an elderly man with his son, he was bopping about all night and the look on his face was a picture. He was having the time of his life. It wasnt just screaming kids and teenagers. There were older fans having the time of their lives as well. I forgot to say, I saw some bikers come in as well -perhaps they had heard about the drums and guitar.

The Birmingham Evening Mail Review No Idol boast! Mar 1 2004 By Anna Jeys, Evening Mail Pop sensation Gareth Gates proved his worth as a talented musician in the Birmingham leg of his national tour. The crowd went wild for the Pop Idol finalist as he blasted out well-known hits like Sunshine, Suspicious Minds and Any One of Us. As well as his impressive vocals, the young singer displayed his talents on the drums, piano and electric guitar proving he is much more than just a pretty face. Bradford-born Gareth kicked off the concert with his massive hit Unchained Melody and the crowd responded with deafening cheers and screams. Despite struggling with his speech slightly, he stopped several times throughout the concert to talk to the audience and thank them for their support. After a couple of hits from his current album, he threw in a medley of some of his favourite songs including Chicago's Hard to Say I'm Sorry. Next followed a rendition of Grease is the Word and, despite admitting to the audience that he is not a natural dancer, he kept up well with his four female dancers throughout. The 19-year-old finished off his set with his Comic Relief single Spirit in the Sky followed by the ballad Say It Isnt So. Judging by the crowd's reaction on this leg of his first solo tour, Gareth Gates could be riding high in the pop charts for quite some time to come.

Newcastle Review-Gareth Charms Crowds Gates charm's crowd Mar 4 2004 By Claire Rees And Charlotte Stacey, The Journal Gareth Gates, Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle The famous spikes had gone and in their place was a Hoxton mullet as Gareth Gates continued his Go Your Own Way tour at the Metro Radio Arena last night. Midway through his first solo dates, the Bradford-boy had ditched his white suit for ripped jeans and an altogether less cardboard cut-out routine. The 3,000 young fans compensated for empty seats with noise and loyalty. They went wild every time his image flashed up on the giant TV screens either side of the stage. By the power of video link, Cat Deeley introduced Gareth, who opened the show with his chart-topping debut single Unchained Melody. Ballads over with, Gareth gyrated on the edgy rooftop stage set with raunchy female dancers in a break away from his clean-cut Pop Idol image. A self-conscious dancer, Gareth showed off new moves to a backdrop of red-brick platforms and scaffold staircases. He's been practising, apparently. He also surprised us with a string of musical skills which he has kept quiet until now - playing the drums and keyboard with his band. Gareth joked with the audience about the stammer which cemented him in the hearts of the public. You couldn't knock him for genuine charm and self-deprecation that won over the crowd.

newcastle review (evening chronicle) His own way Mar 4 2004 Two years ago, Gareth Gates could do no wrong, and sell-out shows at Newcastle's Arena were second nature to him as he rolled with the Pop Idol bandwagon. But how would he cut it on his own, without Will Young and the gang there to support him? Not too badly at all, if his debut solo show at the Arena is anything to go by. From the moment Gareth stepped down from his podium in a cloud of showbiz stardust that mere mortals can only dream of, it was clear this performance was first and foremost about creating a feel-good party atmosphere. Acknowledging his setting with a cheeky "howay", the evening kicked off with his chart-topping debut single, Unchained Melody, with the crowd, largely made up of young teens and their mums, rising to their feet, welcoming back to the Toon everyone's favourite runner-up. After sharing anecdotes of local heroes Ant and Dec, Gareth was joined on stage by his group of female dancers. An impressive array of pyrotechnics and well-choreographed dance moves followed, setting the pace for the funky Soul Sensation. Taken from his recently released second album, Go Your Own Way, the brass-led party anthem, which has been penned as a forthcoming single, went down well despite being on its debut live outing. Unlike his first batch of Simon Cowell-guided covers, Gareth's new material is largely his own work. Unfortunately, though, this newfound independence doesn't transpire into all-out originality, suggesting Gareth is stepping aboard the R&B bandwagon that has dominated the charts of late. Despite the fact he covered no new ground, his contemporary, up-tempo numbers, reminiscent of Justin Timberlake, made a refreshing change to the mushy, piano-driven ballads of his debut album. However, a few of these earlier numbers crept into the set, namely What My Heart Wants To Say and the somewhat drab Anyone Of Us (Stupid Mistake). Breezing through his act like a seasoned professional, it was obvious we were witnessing a more mature Gareth to the spiky-haired pop starlet that was the cheeky face of manufactured pop two years ago.