Radio Recap – 18 August 2024

I’ve said repeatedly over the last few years that Michael Ball wears his heart on his sleeve. During last week’s radio show, that heart was on full display. Without his having to voice specifics, we saw Michael’s concern over what’s taking place these days in both the UK and the world in general. He stresses each week “It’s not MY show. It’s OUR show.” Michael loves his fans, and last week we saw just how much when he pointed out the importance of being careful, of being safe. He never forgets those on the other side of his microphone. It’s a two-way street with him …

“Good morning, my lovelies. How’s your weekend going? I hope you’re having a nice one. I am.” He plays Westlife’s ‘World of our Own.’ Afterward, Michael ruminates “And we’re creating a lovely world of our own here. Just you and me. Two hours of lovely music. And as much positivity and good news as we can fit into 2 hours as is possible. Are you in for that? I’m so pleased ‘cause you know this: It’s not MY show. It’s OUR show. And this is what we do together on a Sunday morning. And I couldn’t be happier about that. So … how has your week been? Mine’s been quite busy. I’ve been in a different studio with Alfie. Can’t tell you too much about that … I’m very happy with the way everything went – put it that way. And … we had sunshine! It was beautiful weather. You know, it’s all good.” I love when Michael gets so chatty, like we’re having a cuppa together and catching up. It always makes for GREAT radio.

Michael then highlights what’s coming up on the show and how he would love to hear from you, and as he tries to make a smooth segue to the next song ‘I Knew You Were Waiting’ … well … it didn’t go so well … “And I want you to tell me about what or who is special to you. I’d love to help you, to make someone feel very special on a future show.” And he gives the email address. “Why? … Because I’m waiting for you … and I knew that you … were waiting … for me …” Gulp. Now we hear a spontaneous burst of giggles from our man. “And after that worst link we’ll get on with the show.” Laughing through his words, he tries to get back on track. “It’s Aretha Franklin and George Michael …” Then, instead of just letting it go at that, he digs himself a deeper hole by CONTINUING, his voice almost a whisper, “You were waiting for me, weren’t you? Oh, I do hope so.” What started out as an awkward transition turned into a hilarious moment! That’s our guy, just being himself. Sometimes I absolutely love this man and the way his mind works. Oh, Michael, you do make me laugh! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Song Track List: Westlife ‘World of our Own’; Aretha Franklin ‘I Knew You Were Waiting’; Taylor Swift ‘I Can Do It With a Broken Heart’; Travis ‘Flowers In the Window’’; Extreme ‘More Than Words’; Atomic Kitten ‘Whole Again’; Elton John ‘Circle of Life’; Beyoncé ‘II Most Wanted’; Kate Bush ‘This Woman’s Work’; Mariah Carey ‘We Belong Together’; Take That ‘Greatest Day’; Snow Patrol ‘All’; Madonna ‘Crazy For You’; Sister Sledge ‘Thinking of You’; Ed Sheeran ‘Shape of You’; Joe Cocker ‘You Are So Beautiful’; Michael Kiwanuka ‘Floating Parade’; Stevie Wonder ‘Isn’t She Lovely’; Ellie Goulding ‘How Long Will I Love You’; Starship ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’

Michael speaks with Giles in Scotland on the Love Line. “Beautiful part of the world,” Michael says. Giles special day was last August, and he says at that time he’d been with his partner Karen for 20 years when they decided to elope. They needed 2 witnesses, and they invited their friends to join them at a hotel without letting them know why. When Giles saw there was a croquet lawn outside the hotel, he sent a message to their friends with a simple question: Do you know the rules of croquet? (Okay … ?). The next day their friends turn up 15 minutes before the surprise ceremony, dressed for croquet – extremely casual! The hotel staff took them up to where the bride and groom were waiting. Giles finally told them the purpose of the day, adding they had 15 minutes to get dressed. The friends were shocked, of course. Michael’s reaction: “Oh, what a lovely thing to do. It’s romantic … and it’s kind of mean … It’s everything I love!” And again we hear that magnificent burst of laughter. Today they are celebrating their one-year anniversary, and Michael plays for them Travis’ ‘Flowers in the Window.’

Michael comes back with “Let’s talk 1994. What was I doing in 1994? I can’t remember. I think I was doing my TV show ‘The Michael Ball Show.’ I think I might have been singing with Cher.” And we hear another giggle burst. “I don’t know. I should google it. It was an amazing year for films …” And Michael goes on to promote a special program on BBC Sounds (“Sounds of 1994”) celebrating the great films of that year. And he does it with great style and panache – and some laughter thrown in – in true Michael Ball form. I am LOVING how Michael is now making everything personal. And to celebrate this BBC program, he plays Elton John’s ‘Circle of Life’ from THE LION KING (I love both this show and the song!) Lovely, lovely segment, done your way, Michael. Bravo.

Next on the Love Line is Nikki, who’s just returned from a trip to Switzerland with a group of children, led by her ‘girl guide friend.’ She described her trip in detail, including a walk with goats – when Michael interrupts, “Ahhh! I love goats! I really do. I think they’re really bright.” Is there any animal Michael doesn’t love? I find it so endearing when a man is a massive animal lover. Nikki talks about their group and how much they loved this trip. Michael adds, “That’s the point of it, isn’t it? You see friendships grow, characters build, positivity and confidence. What was the nicest moment you witnessed?” Nikki responds, “I think it when one of the girls celebrated her 13th birthday at the top of a mountain.” Michael agrees, “You won’t forget entering your teens at the top of a mountain.” Lots of details in this conversation. Don’t miss it.

Back on the Love Line, Michael talks to Antoinette, who is celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary with Nigel. She’s in Ireland, having brought her mum’s ashes back to her homeland. While driving around, Antoinette spotted the perfect house, and decided in that moment to resettle there. Michael ‘gets’ what she’s saying. “I’ve had these fantasies, and I’ve gone somewhere that I just want to move here. This is where I want to be, what I want to do. But so many of us, we just don’t do it. What has given you – I don’t know – the bravery, the perspective to know that your life can change positively (there’s that word again – he uses it repeatedly today). Was there a moment in your life that made you like this? I’m not going to call it impulsive because I think you’ve thought this through.” Antoinette says the last 10 years have been tough, including discovering she had a brain tumor. “It made me grateful for every day. Time is precious, and you’ve got to do what you want to do in life.” Michael responds, “Change is good. Change is exciting. And if you’ve got the right people by your side it couldn’t be better.”

Michael again promotes Radio 2 in the Park, and in reference to his own gig as a DJ during that weekend: “I’m going to be making my debut on the decks ‘Michael Ball’s Broadway Bangars’ is coming to Preston, and I still don’t actually know how to be a DJ!” And we hear his signature laugh again. “I’ve got a lot of learning to do between now and then, BUT I can promise you we WILL have the best ever weekend!”

Love Letters, or as Michael says, “the part of the show where I usually end up a blubbering mess.” Michael speaks with Lauressa, who talks about her mum, Denise, of the special care she’s taken over the years with her children, the ‘backbone’ of the family. This is the time when her mother “has a lot going on,” that she needs to hear how much her family loves her. Michael makes the call to Denise, identifying himself and LOVE SONGS. There’s a VERY long pause, then Denise laughs and says “Say that again. Is someone putting me on?” Michael assures her it’s him. Denise says she’s had a horrendous day, the worst, but it just got better talking to Michael. Michael puts Lauressa on the line, who reads her gorgeous letter (I think I hear Michael sniffling in the background. Also Denise). I urge everyone to take a moment and listen to this beautiful tribute to a mother. Denise is crying afterwards, and Michael is so, so sweet with her. Lauressa asks Michael to play Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely?’ for her mum. Okay, now I’m crying. Or in Michael’s words – I’m a blubbering mess.

The Last Dance. This one’s for Avril and Steve, who are celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary. They’ve had rotten luck with anniversaries, and they’re hoping this one will be THE one. Michael plays “Nothing’s Going to Stop Us Now.” How appropriate!

And that’s it for this week. “Remember be safe. Be positive. And whenever you can, be kind. It matters.” The words are the same, but there’s still an added intensity to them like last week. You take care, too, Michael. You matter to a world of people.

We gather around the radio each Sunday to be entertained, to laugh, to cry, to listen to the love that abounds despite the problems in the world. But we also tune in to hear from Michael,‘regular guy,’ who in many ways is just like us, trying to make his way in this upside-down world, a guy who cares about others, who wants to celebrate their joy and who doesn’t want to see them hurt. Yes, fans have flocked to Michael Ball for years because of his immense talent. But when they get a glimpse of the man behind the celebrity, they realize it’s Michael’s heart that makes him unique. His outlook is sunny, kindness is his motto, and laughter is his sustenance. He loves his family, is devoted to his friends and cares about his fans, as he showed last week when he urged his audience to stay safe. He also reminded us to stop and take a deep breath, to relax and appreciate the good things in life. Michael Ball is a good and decent man, and in this world of unrest, he makes a difference in the lives of those he touches on a daily basis.

The Love Song of the Week is Take That’s ‘The Greatest Day of our Lives.’