Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Gulf Times / Qutar : James Blunt, Press Conference And Signing Ceremony


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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