| Will Shayne Ward Be World's Next Big Star? | ||||
 | By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter
Simon Cowell, a famous American Idol judge and music producer, has given the seal of approval to Ward. Cowell served as a judge on X-Factor, a British reality show where Ward emerged as the winner last December. In an interview with The Korea Times, Ward said he feels Cowell has raised expectations for his career. He arrived in Seoul Monday to promote his self-titled debut album in Korea. ``Obviously, there's a lot of expectations and you can feel the pressure. But to be honest, I'd like to see that happen. So I can say (to Cowell): 'you were right,''' he said. Ward noted Cowell is not as nasty as everyone thinks he is on television shows like American Idol and X-Factor. ``You know what, he's never said, and to this day, he hasn't said anything bad about me,'' he said. Dressed casually in jeans and a light blue shirt showing two tattoos on both upper arms, Ward was soft-spoken and down-to-earth. When asked about the changes in his life after winning X-Factor, he said: ``It has been absolutely fantastic. I'm traveling the world, which was amazing. I'm really enjoying this. I know I'm now ready to entertain. I want to go to every country possible and entertain people.'' Ward has come a long way, growing up in Manchester and singing for a band called Destiny with his school friends during weekends. During the week, he worked at a clothes shop. Now, Ward is considered one of the rising stars in the U.K. His debut album already went platinum in the U.K. Female fans have gone crazy over his romantic ballads, not to mention his good looks. ``This style of music suits my voice. It's a fantastic album, but that doesn't mean I'll always be doing ballads. I will be doing all kinds of music,'' he said. The album has 12 songs, including remakes of Brian McKnight's song ``Back at One'' and K-Ci & Jojo's ``All My Life.'' His first single ``That's My Goal,'' went straight to number 1 on the British music charts on Christmas Day last year. It was the third fastest selling single in U.K. history, selling 313,000 copies on its first day on sale. ``(My favorite song) has got to be the first single, 'That's My Goal.'' It was my winning song on X-Factor.' Just listening to the words, it kind of describes the situation me and my family were in during the show,'' Ward said. In Korea, his song ``No Promises'' has enjoyed popularity after it was used during the World Cup games shown on television. Ward's good looks and talent have earned him comparisons to pop superstars like Robbie Williams and Justin Timberlake. However, he is aware he has to work hard to have a successful career, and not fall into the one-hit wonder trap. ``You can't avoid it. If it happens, it happens. A person can work their hardest and still fail. I'm going to work my hardest to make sure I have a long career,'' he said. 08-08-2006 18:01 | | | |
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
me and shayne
metal head
| Booming Good Time With Metallica | |||
| By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter
| ||
Metallica performs at Olympic Main Stadium Tuesday. Heavy metal fans came out in full force for Metallica’s concert Tuesday night, at the Olympic Main Stadium, southern Seoul. Thousands of Korean and foreign fans braved the scorching summer heat for a chance to rock the night away with Metallica.
Progressive metal band Tool opened the show at exactly 6:30 p.m., but around a thousand fans were still outside the stadium waiting to be allowed to enter. Several foreigners were overheard complaining that they were missing Tool’s first performance in Seoul.
Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones, drummer Danny Carey and bassist Justin Chancellor performed their grinding heavy metal songs, while their dark music videos were shown on the big screens flanking the stage.
Tool’s best-known songs ``Sober'' and ``Aenima'' had the crowd going crazy. The group did a good job pumping the crowd up for Metallica’s performance. After the group finished their set, the crowd became restless and impatient since it took almost an hour before Metallica appeared on stage.
But the anticipation was worth it. Fans went wild when Metallica finally appeared. For almost two hours, Metallica gave a solid performance of their greatest hits.
It is hard to believe Metallica was formed in 1981 or that its members are all in their early 40s. Vocalist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo still showed they could still give an explosive performance.
``Did you miss Metallica?'' Hetfield asked the crowd, who responded with a resounding cheer. ``It’s good to be back,'' he said. Metallica last came to Seoul for a concert in 1998.
To the crowd’s delight, Metallica performed their best-known songs such as ``One,'' ``Nothing Else Matters,'' ``Enter Sandman,'' ``For Whom The Bell Tolls'' and ``Wherever I May Roam,'' as well as songs from their 8th album, such as ``St. Anger'' and ``Frantic.''
Each of the Metallica members impressed the fans with their solo performances.
The concert marked the 20th anniversary of the release of their album ``Master of Puppets,'' which was released in 1986 and catapulted the group to stardom. Their performance of ``Master of Puppets'' had everyone bobbing their heads, throwing their fists to the beat, and chanting the chorus ``Obey your master.''
Metallica also performed ``Battery,'' and ``Welcome Home’’ (Sanitarium) from the same album. Even if the songs were released in 1986, the songs’ music and lyrics still resonated with the crowd.
After more than an hour, Metallica left the stage but returned several times for their encores. By the end of the night, the crowd was sweaty and tired but ultimately satisfied with Metallica’s concert.
08-16-2006 18:01
|  |