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Off the record
Gareth John - Q and A
Most likely to be spotted on the dancefloor when which song is playing?
Whigfield’s Saturday Night – be honest, it’s irresistibly catchy in a Eurovision old-skool kind of way... everybody, “la-di-da-di-daaa”.
Download it from iTunes
Which celebrity would you have play you in a film of your life?
Me (if that can count in a terribly minor celebrity way!) – you’d never find anyone else with silly enough hair.
What is your single worst fear?
Funny phrase that, like you’d ever have a best fear! I think right now it would have to be finding myself stuck on a tiny desert island with only Timmy Mallet & David Van Day for company and most importantly, forgetting that I can swim.
If you were completely fearless what would you do?
Swim.
Do you have any phobias?
My wife would say housework. She’s probably right. And anything to do with computers and the people with strange beards who always know how to fix them.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Having one of those free advertiser newspapers rounds when I was a teenager. Out in all weathers dodging ankle-snapping pooches just to deliver a paper that nobody wanted in the first place!
Your most embarrassing moment?
I have two…
A long time ago, while dating this girl who I’d obviously offended in some heinous way, I rang to apologise for my misdemeanours. Thinking that she’d probably put the phone down, I decided that if she did pick up I’d just launch straight into my biggest and humblest apology ever. I didn’t hold back either – owning up to all kinds of mis-deeds and seeking forgiveness for a shopping list of gaffes, some of which I’d even made up just for effect. As I finished with my missive there was a long pause at the other end of the line… "yes," I thought. "My plan is working." Then the voice said: “I’ll just get Sarah for you Gareth, this is her mother…” Ouch. Still cringing, even now.
Bumping into Bruce Forsyth quite by chance one day, and without thinking, in total innocence saying: “Nice to see you.”
What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s ever given to you?
Next time you bump into Brucie, just say “Hi” or “How are you?” or “Nice chin…” anything else!
You’re favourite insult?
"You know what, you’re suffering from delusions of adequacy".
The best gig you ever went to?
So, so many. I’m the biggest music fan, it’s the reason why I’ve always wanted to do what I’m fortunate enough to do now. But here’s a quick selection:
U2 – Hawaii 2006.
On the final night of their last world tour. They are my guilty pleasure – flying out there for a long weekend 2 weeks before Christmas is the most extravagant thing I think I’ve ever done, but it was such fun.
U2 – Madison Square Garden 2001.
Just 4 weeks after the 9/11 attacks & the first big concert Manhattan had seen since that terrible day. I don’t think I’ll ever be at a more charged concert.
Brian Wilson (from the Beach Boys) – Royal Festival Hall.
The first time he performed the `Smile’ album. You wondered if he’d make it through each song. But it was a beautiful, beautiful and musically-speaking, historic night. All around, grown men were crying.
Live Aid & Live 8.
How lucky to have been able to go to both shows.
Take That – Wembley Arena 2006.
My wife begged me to get tickets. What a show. For a guy, it was like a huge window on a woman’s world. And I’ve never seen so many sparkly pink cowboy hats in one place - it was like I’d gate-crashed the world’s biggest hen-party!
What are you most looking forward to about your new show?
Playing some great tunes & having a giggle.
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
The ability to sleep through the cries of a screaming new-born baby (ideally mine, Evelyn!) and to be able to change her nappy by a twitch of my nose!
Your favourite quote?
"All You Need Is Love".
The first record you bought?
Gary Numan – Are Friends Electric?Download it from iTunes
You’re favourite place to go on holiday?
U.K. – Northumberland. Some of the most unspoilt coastline in the whole country. We stay on a friend’s farm high on a hill overlooking a little fishing village and a few miles from where they film Hogwarts for the Harry Potter films.
Worldwide – New Zealand. Spectacular and so friendly.
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