James Blunt addressing fans in Doha yesterday. He is to perform for the first time in Qatar tonight as part of his global ‘Some Kind of Trouble’ tour
Pop singer Blunt vows to regale Doha audience
Publish Date: Tuesday,14 February, 2012, at 12:48 PM Doha Time
By Peter Townson
Staff Reporter
British pop singer James Blunt yesterday expressed his excitement ahead of this
evening’s concert in Doha, saying that he was looking forward to getting to know
more about the country during his first visit here.
Blunt is set to perform
at the InterContinental Doha beach, with around 4,000 fans expected to attend
the Valentine’s Day concert.
During a press conference and signing ceremony
before the event, the singer said that he was keen to get to know more about
Qatar during his brief stay here.
“I have friends who live in Qatar and so I
know a little bit about it from them,” he said, adding “I don’t know much about
this place, but I know that my friends are here and they both have an amazing
time.”
Blunt is best known for hits such as You’re Beautiful and Goodbye My
Lover, which catapulted him to the top of the charts in 2005. Since then he has
been a mainstay of the pop music scene, with his acoustic, folk-style pop music
proving popular around the world.
The album ‘Back to Bedlam’ which features
both of his most famous songs, was the biggest selling album of the ‘noughties’
in the UK, ensuring the singer’s place in pop history.
He said he was in
Qatar as part of his worldwide tour for his latest album, ‘Some Kind of Trouble’
which has seen him perform during more than 220 concerts across the
globe.
“My music is not necessarily just the stuff you hear on the radio,” he
said, explaining that he has brought a band with him to Doha, and promising “a
big show.”
“I’m known for some sad slow songs but the concert we give is
full of a life, full of energy and I have a blast when I’m on stage – we have a
lot of fun,” he said, explaining “but we are totally dependent on the audience
being involved otherwise it would just be a dress rehearsal.”
“I don’t
actually know which songs I’ll play, but I’ve got plenty to choose from – you’ll
have to come to the concert!” he added.
He did promise that he will play his
most famous hits, for any fans who might be worried about a complete change in
style. Blunt also spoke about the types of music he likes to listen to,
referring to some of his favourite musicians.
“I love all kinds of music, and
especially music from the 70’s like Elton John, Leanard Cohen, Cat Stevens. Paul
Simon, bands like Fleetwood Mac, and David Bowie,” he noted adding that living
in Ibiza has also increased his appreciation of dance music and some of the
biggest DJ’s at the moment.
Blunt also mentioned the upcoming Yusuf Islam
concert in Doha. “I am a great fan of Cat Stevens and a friend of his too,” he
said, expressing his disappointment at having to miss his show on Thursday. “I
really recommend that you go and see Yusuf in action as he is a phenomenal
musician and a huge inspiration to me,” he urged.
Blunt, who served in the
British army for six years, said that he would still be a military man if it
were not for his career in music.
He expressed his respect for peacekeeping
efforts and the importance of such work, before condemning the modern media for
trying to highlight the differences between cultures.
“I don’t think it
matters what race or religion, what colour what creed, what sex, or what
sexuality - I think we share the same hopes and fears and that’s what drives me
as a musician,” he said, adding that he feels a motivation to share these
experiences with an audience, and to reach “out to people on equal
terms.”
This proved a particularly popular sentiment with the crowd of fans
who turned out to meet the singer during his signing ceremony, and the friendly,
self-deprecating demeanour he displayed throughout is certain to prove a success
on the stage this evening. For couples looking for a way to celebrate
Valentine’s Day, the singer promises to provide a few memorable moments to
enjoy, while his promise of a lively and exciting show will also entertain other
members of the audience.
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