BBC RADIO 2: LOVE SONGS WITH MICHAEL BALL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2024
Michael Ball has had quite a busy month with his amazing family. First, he traveled to Wales to support his fearless mum as she got her first tattoo and rode a zip line for her 90th birthday. Then he took off for Paris to cheer on his talented granddaughter Grace in the Olympics’ women’s Rugby Sevens. You’d think Michael’s dislike of all physical activity (except dance – despite his protests, Michael CAN dance) would set him apart from his active relatives, but you’d be wrong. I’ve nicknamed him The Energizer Bunny for a reason: He keeps going and going and going and … No one has more energy than Michael, a master juggler, tossing a dozen balls in the air at once, never losing his focus on any of them, including his radio show.
“Hello, my lovelies. How are you doing on this Sunday? I have a lovely show planned for you. Thanks for your company.” And he plays today’s theme, Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” When he returns, he’s full of chatter. “How ARE you? How’s your Sunday going? Got anything planned? Maybe a Sunday roast? I’m certainly going to be doing that— Uh, no, let’s barbie the roast. Maybe do a bit of gardening.”
Michael goes to the Love Line and speaks with Sally who’s about to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary. When Michael asks about her history with her husband, Sally said they had a ‘Do it yourself wedding.’ They painted little jars to put the tea lights in. She got her wedding dress for 5 pounds from the charity shop. Friends and family did everything else, including the flower arrangements and decorations. I think this all sounds lovely, and makes it so meaningful. Michael agrees, saying he’d much rather come to their wedding than one that cost 400 million pounds! Michael surprises Sally’s husband Mum-noon (spelling?) by placing a call to him. He’s quite stunned by it all, bringing out Michael’s giggles. It’s obvious how much Michael enjoys interacting with his callers/listeners. It’s what he does best.
Michael talks about Radio 2 in the Park in September, who will be hosting in the tent, including himself. “Scott Mills made this happen. It’s entirely his fault, and I’m so excited about it. I hope you come and listen to us. And if it’s rubbish, don’t tell anyone! If you are going, I’d love to see you in that audience, living your best life, throwing your arms in the air, singing along.” You can be sure that many of your devoted fans will be there, Michael. And I’ll be listening across the pond, trying to capture in words this exuberant event. I can’t wait!
Love Songs Track List: The Pointer Sisters ‘Slow Hand’; Taylor Swift ‘I Can’t Do It With a Broken Heart’; Shania Twain ‘You’re Still the One’; Backstreet Boys ‘Quit Playing Games’; Delta Goodrem ‘Born to Fly’; Dusty Springfield ‘The Look of Love’; Muni Long ‘Ruined Me’; Mark Robson “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart’; Anita Baker ‘Sweet Love’; Michael Buble ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’; Zach Bryan “Sandpaper’; Dr. Hook ‘A Little Bit More’; Natalie Imbruglia ‘Torn’; Gloria Estefan ‘Can’t Stay Away From You’; Van Morrison ‘Brown Eyed Girl’; Norah Jones ‘Come Away With Me’; Myles Smith ‘Stargazing’; Lionel Richie ‘My Destiny’; Natalie Cole ‘This Will Be’; Stevie Wonder ‘My Cherie Amour’
Michael again promotes the BBC’s ‘Let’s Move’ program, their plan to get the country exercising. Michael pledges (no joke!) to do 10,000 steps a day as part of the program. Was this his idea or the radio station’s? I look forward to hearing about his progress. Ahem.
Michael reads many emails, his rich, trained voice enhancing each one. One is from a woman who was a bridesmaid at a wedding 50 years ago, “dressed in a beautiful summery yellow dress on a beautiful summer’s day” (Michael really painted a picture for me of this one) “We had a great time, dancing in the village hall later, particularly to a silly song about knickers in the air.” Michael is now laughing, and adds, “Uh, I know about throwing a chicken in the air, but throwing your knickers in the air?” A chicken in the air? I’d like to hear about THAT one! There was a voice mail that had me laughing. Tim wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to his wife Tracy from him, their daughter and son, the horses, the border collies and their granddaughter. Wow. I wonder what the granddaughter did to be mentioned last on that list?
Back to the Love Line, Michael speaks with Debbie who has quite a story. Six years ago when she was 49, she set herself some goals to achieve before turning 50, one being to do a 100K walk. Sadly, a few weeks later her partner of 28 years walked out on her, devastating her. Deeply depressed, she abandoned all her previous plans. A year later, determined to pick up her life and with the support of her mum and the small village where she lived, she did that 100K walk and met a man during it. They have been together ever since, melting Michael’s heart. Martin is her soulmate and has taken on her children, dogs, cats and chickens. He recently asked Debbie to marry him, and when she reveals they’re getting married today, Michael lets out such a huge laugh, like a child who opens a present on Christmas and gets EXACTLY what he wants! “I’ve got to say, Debbie, that was such an incredible story,” he says afterwards, “and everyone listening will be inspired by it. You don’t think that your life is going to turn around and change. You hit rock bottom and then, who knows what’s going to walk round the corner, more importantly, who’s going to walk round the corner. Not necessarily on a 100K walk but,” he laughs, “it might just be at the corner shop. We live in hope.” We certainly do, Michael, and thank you for reminding us.
Michael reads a beautiful email from Lynn, a mom who’s proud of her 2 daughters who are teachers. “You’ve every right to be proud of them, Lynn,” Michael says. “I’d like to add something about teachers and everyone who works in education. If right now you are on a break for the summer holidays, I really hope you’re taking some time out for you and enjoying yourself. You don’t have an easy job, and there are so many challenges, so you deserve a bit of ‘me’ time. Thank you for all that you do, for your service, for bringing out the best in our kids. And the adults, too. And those with learning disabilities. We NEED you, and we’re so grateful to you.” Well said, Michael. And very much needed.
Back to the Love Line, Michael speaks to John, who’s celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary with wife Caroline. John asks Michael if he remembers the TV show ‘Starsky & Hutch.’ “Of course I do,” Michael replies. “Well,” John continues, “Starsky used to wear a chunky knit cardigan—“ Michael interrupts, “I had one! I absolutely had one!” John asks, “Have you still got it?” Michael replies, cackling, “I have!” Well, in 1975 Caroline was wearing one of those sweaters at a Friday evening youth club event that they both attended (John had only admired her from afar), and someone thought it would be a good idea to remove the belt from her sweater and throw it into a tree. John saw this as an opportunity to “inveigle his way into her orbit – can I say that on the radio?” Michael assures him he can – he just did! John retrieved the belt for her. And that was just the beginning for this couple who is now celebrating 40 years together.
Love Letters. Michael talks to Gary, who’s been with Maive for 7 years, but are now celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Michael points out that the first anniversary is represented by ‘paper’, so it’s perfect that Gary has written her a letter (Am impressed Michael knows this – this man is a font of information!). Gary moved all the way to Ireland to be with his wife. “It’s an intoxicating way of life, the Irish way, isn’t it?” Michael ruminates, before making the ‘call from Ball’ to Maive. When he tells her he’s Michael Ball, there’s a long pause before she says, “O-k-a-y.” She doesn’t believe him and thinks it’s a joke. When Michael convinces her it’s not and tells her why he’s calling and that he’s got Gary with him, she’s overcome with surprise. As Gary reads his letter, you can hear Maive’s reactions in the background. Afterwards, Maive asks again if this really IS Michael Ball. So funny that she’s still skeptical! Michael then plays Lionel Richie’s “My Destiny” for them, which was featured at their wedding, and Michael encourages them to have a dance. “Go on. You know you want to.” Michael Ball is a total romantic.
The Last Dance is for Nikki and Chris. Last year was a rough one when Chris was in hospital with some serious health problems, plus they lost their beloved dog, which almost broke both of them. Michael sighs. “Oh, I know the feeling, Nikki.” Nikki goes on: We couldn’t have coped without each other, and I just want to tell him how much I love him. Chris is my lovely juggley. Me, and our 2 pooches love him more than sausages. “Let me tell you something, Chris,” Michael says, “She loves you more than sausages, and that’s A LOT!” The last dance is Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” which wraps today’s broadcast.
I’ve always said Michael wears his heart on his sleeve. That heart was on full display in the photo of him with his arm around his granddaughter Grace at the Olympics, his expression soft and vulnerable and transparent. Watching Michael these days is such a high. He appears to be a happy man, and why shouldn’t he be? He’s surrounded by a loving family, he has the tour of LES MIS coming up, and he’s writing his second novel. Michael is a storyteller at heart, and LOVE SONGS gives him the chance to tell other people’s love stories, something he clearly enjoys. His joy comes through over the airwaves as he’s made the show his own invention, doing it HIS way, bursting with spontaneity, compassion, humor and – oh yes – that signature giggle. Thanks, Michael, for another great Sunday morning.