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How I Discovered Michael Ball

May 20, 2000

Leicestershire, England

By Marie

Dear Jackie,

I'm not sure if I already told you this, but here goes anyway.  On Radio 2 here, Sarah Kennedy is our early morning DJ and back in 1996 she kept playing "The Lovers We Were" nearly every morning. You know the sort of stuff, under the duvet kind of music.  Anyway I kept hearing this lovely voice and thinking who is that, I  was amazed when she finally said Michael Ball.  I'd only thought of him doing musicals etc., so I was surprised to hear this lovely song.  Anyway I went out and bought a copy and liked the other song "She's Not There " also.  I read about his new album  " First Love" he had not long released and bought that as well.

 Later that year we went on a trip to London and saw the theatre where Michael was appearing in "Passion."  It wasn't matinee day so I had to make do with just taking pictures of the posters outside.  I managed to get some really good ones and decided to send Michael one at  the Queens Theatre.  Imagine my surprise when he sent me  not one but two signed photos back for myself and my son Thomas, who has Autism.  I joined the fan club straight away and have seen him perform  on lots of occasions.  The best show for me was the ROC concert in 1998 at Drury Lane.  He was on top form that night!  I've told the story of my meeting him in Birmingham, but another good occasion was when I saw him in his Christmas show in Blackpool and was able to rest on the edge on the stage!  He was so close his foot kicked my camera.

Marie, Leicestershire

P.S.  I'm off to Bristol tomorrow to see Gene Pitney in concert there. I know Michael likes him. I have front row seats booked.

Note: Photo courtesy of Mary Young - from her private collection