Stop throwing knickers at me, begs singer Michael
SINGER Michael Ball has “banned” fans from throwing their underwear on stage during his new tour – after one pair “nearly had his eye out”.
The 56-year-old, who hits the road next April, says: “I have had women throwing their underwear at me but one nearly had my eye out, so they are banned now. No pants.”
Despite the adoration from his fans, his partner of 29 years, Cathy McGowan, has laughed off him being called a sex symbol. He says: “My wife doesn’t believe that I’m a sex symbol. I think she finds it very funny.
“She says, ‘They wouldn’t be saying that if they saw you in your pants’.”
The actor, singer and broadcaster today announced his new solo album Coming Home To You as well as a UK tour.
He has been successfully touring and recording with Alfie Boe as Ball and Boe – but admits he is relieved to be back on his own.
“This is my first solo tour since 2015,” he explains.
“I’ve usually toured every year or every 18 months. I’ve done that with my mate.
“Of course I’ll miss him, but I think I’ll cope without Alfie.
“It’s lovely sharing it and if you are having a bad day, someone else can take over – there is nowhere to hide on your own. But we aren’t going to be fighting for the best room or who gets the better dinner.
“And I’ll get my own bunk on the tour bus. He crawls in in his onesie and I just feel sorry for him.
“You get to make all the decisions and you get to make the music you want to do.
“The trouble is the big notes. I have to hit those myself. I can’t go, ‘Take it away, Alfie’.
“Seriously, he’s a gorgeous, lovable character. Of course we will sing together again soon, I’m sure.
“It’s lovely we can go off and do our own things.
“It will be nice to go and see his tour. He’s out on the road soon and he’s got his own album.
“Don’t worry, the bromance will continue.”
Tickets for Michael Ball’s Coming Home To You Tour go on sale next Friday at livenation.co.uk