BBC RADIO 2: LOVE SONGS WITH MICHAEL BALL
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024
“Was chased through Paris by the G.O.A.T himself @mrmichaelball ” Killian Donnelly, on playing Jean Valjean to Michael’s Javert.
This says so much. No, scratch that. It says it all. Michael Ball IS ‘the greatest of all time’ in the UK, IMO. He’s proven repeatedly that not only can he play any role, including an overzealous/overweight female and a sadistic killer, but he will take that character and make you forget every other actor who may have played him in the past. And Michael is still young. How many more roles will he make iconic? There are so many possibilities, some not even a vision in a composer/playwright’s mind yet! In the meantime, we get to enjoy Michael every week on the radio. Lucky us!
“Hello, my lovelies, how are you this Sunday morning. Better than me probably. I’ve got this cold that’s going round. Bound to happen. But nothing was going to stop me from coming in here.” Returning to the mike after opening with Michael Bible, we hear Michael semi-groan and sniffle. “The kettle’s on. The honey and lemon with a little bit of cloves in there. If I wasn’t on air, there might even be a little tot of whiskey, but I’ll wait for the evening for that. This is my favorite time of the week so I’m fine.” And his voice grows stronger. “Welcome to LOVE SONGS WITH MICHAEL BALL. So glad that you’re here to keep me company. Always say it. Absolutely mean it. It’s not my show. It’s our show. And I love sharing it with you. I really do. I hope you’ve had a nice week” Another sniffle. Now his voice is tinged with frustration. “I’ve picked up this cold because I’ve been everywhere in the last month! Where have I been? I’ve been to Belfast and Glasgow and Sheffield, finishing up in Aberdeen. So you’re bound to pick up something, aren’t you? It’s that time of the year. We can all snuggle down now.” Good idea, Michael. Every nasty bug loves you, you’ve always been a magnet for any virus or cold that’s out there, something you’ve learned to live with over the years. So snuggle down, drink that hot tea and we’ll be right here with you for the next 2 hours.
Today’s show is jam-packed with callers and messages. On the Love Line we listen to John describe his ‘special day’ when he married Sally in NYC’s Central Park. Everything aligned for the perfect day, including some local buskers who sang their song. We also hear recorded messages – birthdays and anniversaries – from avid listeners, part of LOVE SONGS’ weekly format. And of course, Michael reads some messages, always a treat because he puts so much into them with his silky voice and soft heart. And then later on the Love Line, we hear from Heather, who tells us about her quirky and lovely 89-year-old father Richard and the amazing relationship she’s had with him throughout her life. And we hear from Jeff who talks about his wife Cathy and how they met in the military. So many things could have kept them apart, but as Michael likes to say, fate intervened and made sure they had a life together. As I listened to Michael interact with these people I was again in awe of his gift for feeling what others feel and responding perfectly. Actors are so tuned into their feelings (they HAVE to be), and because of it Michael has always worn his heart on his sleeve, such a plus for this kind of show.
After playing the Spice Girls ‘Too Much,’ Michael apologizes, saying the song is so often associated with Christmas. “We haven’t even had bloomin’ Halloween yet, but you go in the shops, what are you seeing everywhere? They’re selling Christmas cakes and decorations. It’s too early, everyone. Too early!” Michael’s rant has brought on a deep sigh and another sniffle.
In the Love Letters segment, Michael’s favorite, he speaks with Sarah, who’s celebrating her mother’s 90th birthday. Sarah’s mom Katherine (Kay) is a HUGE Michael Ball fan. When Michael calls her, her reaction is priceless – she’s over the moon to be talking with Michael. So adorable! Sarah’s letter is lovely, and Kay’s reaction is quite touching. Also, Michael thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, his giggle finally being the star of the segment. When Kay says how special this all was – and that Michael being a part of it helped make it special – Michael’s response made me laugh: “Kay, I’m the last current in the fruitcake as far as this goes, I’m afraid.”
Once again, these 2 hours flew by. Michael, you’ve been on a treadmill in recent weeks, peddling so fast. It’s easy to get worn down, and when you’re fatigued, those nasty bugs love to pay a visit and stay for a while. Get well soon, my friend. And don’t forget to put some whiskey in that tea this evening!
As I said last week, we are so lucky to have weekly access to Michael Ball through his radio show. Fans of other celebrities would give anything to have what we have. Every Sunday we get a peek into Michael’s current mood, what he’s thinking and feeling and what he’s been up to. Throughout his entire career, Michael has always held his fans in high esteem. Yes, he’s a private person when it comes to his family, but when it comes to Michael himself he is often an open book. So let’s keep opening that book each Sunday and allow Michael in. He never fails to entertain and inform, to make us laugh and to make us feel. Lucky, lucky us!
Song Track List: Michael Bible ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’; Bob Marley & The Wailers ‘One Love’; Sabrina Carpenter ‘Taste’; Stevie Wonder ‘For Once In My Life’; Spice Girls ‘Too Much’; The Beatles ‘Something’; Carly Simon ‘Coming Around Again’; David Gray ‘Plus & Minus’; ABBA ‘One Of Us’; Ben E. King ‘Stand By Me’; The Goo Goo Dolls ‘Iris’; John Paul Young ‘Love Is In The Air’; Hozier ‘Too Sweet’; Dr. Hook ‘A Little Bit More’; George Michael ‘Kissing A Fool’; Dusty Springfield ‘I Close My Eyes And Count’; Tears For Fears ‘The Gift That I Call Home’; Elbow ‘One Day Like This’; Alicia Keys ‘Fallin’; Crowded House ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’; The Shirelles ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’; Song of the Week: Crowded House ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over.’