Gig Review: McFly at Wembley – April 1st 2011

Danny Jones

Danny Jones playing at Wembley Arena by Nicole Cosens

As someone who has seen McFly twelve times, over seven years, I think we can say I’m a pretty dedicated fan and maybe slightly bias to review them. But if seven years, seven number ones, five albums and the original line up aren’t enough to show you these guys are serious, then I guess you’re a lost cause.

The love between the foursome is plain to see, it’s a four-way bromance. They genuinely care for each other and they care for their fans. Friday’s concert at Wembley Arena was broadcast around the world for all their dedicated fans from South America to Australia.

Their innovative Super City website has provided a mega-site for fans to interact, see exclusive videos and if they join as a pioneer, enjoy priority treatment.

So when Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd took the stage at Wembley on April 1st to an in-house crowd of over 10,000 as well as a worldwide online audience, they delivered a show that would stick in the minds of them all.

With their biggest setlist to date, they featured songs from all five albums and weren’t afraid to mix it up a bit. They even included a cover of Tinie Temper’s Pass Out, with a rockier edge and Danny’s rapping alter ego, Dino. Highlights of the set were opening number Party Girl, anthemic Lies, album track and fan favourite Corrupted, Dougie’s rare lead vocal in Transylvania and a delightful mash up of crowd pleasers All About You and Obviously.

The audience weren’t disappointed, and erupted into a frenzy when clear walkways were lowered from the celing, so McFly could walk above and over the floor of standing fans, and in line with those in the seats. As they played their debut single and fan favourite Five Colours in Her Hair, fans couldn’t believe their eyes as their idols played just a few feet above them.

Dougie Poynter

Dougie Poynter rocking on the walkway by Nicole Cosens

The frenzy increased as the band members stomped the walkways purposefully with t-shirt guns, shooting a t-shirt each into the crowd. As they began playing again, Dougie threw a plectrum into crowd, and it landed in front of me. It was every woman for herself as I dived on to the floor, just as an Ugg boot laden foot stomped down on top of it.

That wasn’t going to beat me, I spent a good few minutes trying to lift up this mystery foot, batting away other hands, until I had a brainwave and pushed the offending leg. It moved, and the plectrum laid there ready for me to take, I stamped my hand on it and swung around before safely zipping it in my handbag, it was mine and I had won! Then reality hit me, I was almost 21 and had lost my dignity rolling on the floor for a plectrum.

But the euphoria of owning something my long time idol Dougie Poynter had played a few of my favourite band’s songs with was enough to keep me smiling. The 13 year old me of seven years ago would have been proud.

Book review: You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning

Sarra_manning_youdonthavetosayyoulovemeThis is Sarra Manning’s second adult novel after a succession of best-selling teen books. Perhaps the most autobiographical of her books, we follow the story of Neve, a bookish twenty-something, who has spent the last three years shedding over ten stone of weight.

Her driving force? The return of her one true love, William, who is currently in California teaching English Literature at a university. They were best friends at Oxford, and they exchange wordy airmail between the time before their reunion, each one making Neve’s heart skip a beat when she sees it waiting on the doormat.

But with her constant swooning over a man over 5,000 miles away, she’s forgotten the fact she’s never actually been in a relationship or had sex, as her sister Celia so helpfully points out. How can she be the perfect girlfriend for William, when she has no experience?

Cue Max, Celia’s editor at Skirt magazine, a charming womaniser who flirts his way into Neve’s life. Maybe he could make good practise?

We follow Neve as she continues to struggle with her body image as she looses weight, but fails to accept herself. Her long boring days at the literary archive with her B.O. immiting boss Mr Freemount and avoiding the wrath of her former bully and now sister-in-law Charlotte, who lives below her.

You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, is a heart-warming and addictive story of Neve’s personal struggles written with witty prose and issues that all women can relate to.

We’ve all looked in the mirror and not liked what’s staring back at us. Most of us have had issues with our weight. Sarra Manning herself, went through a long and arduous journey to lose weight, much like Neve. This story comes from the heart and Neve is an honest and relatable character.

If you like books with passion, honesty and humour, this book, as well as Sarra Manning’s other novels, is a must-read.

Bring vintage glamour to this summer’s swimwear

50s beach.
vintage swimwear

Get influenced by vintage swimwear this summer. Picture via flickr by Genibee

As the sun finally shines through the clouds, and we say goodbye to winter, all anybody can think about is their summer holidays and basking in the sunshine. Even if you’re not going away this summer, we’re bound to have the usual one day heatwave so you can lay out in your garden or the nearest park and work on your summer tan.

Every year swimwear floods the high street around this time, and is the perfect summer investment to add to your collection. We all feel great in a new glamorous swimsuit, right?

This year, it’s all about vintage inspiration taking over the high street, I’ve picked the best out there to stand out at the seaside.

To work this summer’s retro look and hide problem areas, check out Topshop’s monochrome black scallop stripe bikini at £30.This bikini reminds me of the stylish sixties, and will ensure you stand out for all the right reasons on the beach.

If you prefer to cover up by the poolside, Topshop also do this cute ditsy floral number that echos wartime glamour. It’s so great to see a wealth of stylish one pieces on the high street that will flatter any figure.

To show off that beach body you’ve worked hard for, or are naturally blessed with, Kelly Brook’s range for New Look is a perfect port of call. While we can’t all have Kelly Brook’s body, her swimwear is inspired by classic glamour. This fifties inspired bikini is timeless and will turn heads.

Finally, if you’re looking for value for money, and will be packing light this summer, this ASOS Triangle Bikini Top In Reversible Spot/Gingham might just be what your looking for. Allowing you to choose from polka dot and gingham, you can reverse the style easily to achieve the look you want, or why not mix and match?

With British Summer Time starting last weekend, we can’t wait for longer and warmer days and to jet off on our all important holidays!

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