In the words of Elton John, "it's a sad, sad situation"...

This week, The Metro  revealed that a survey, conducted by PRS for Music, has unveiled REM's Everybody Hurts as the song most likely to make a grown man cry! More than 1,700 people were surveyed as men named Eric Clapton, U2 and Elton John among the artists whose work is most likely to make them shed a tear or five. I strongly believe that emotions are evoked through music due to personal matters related to the song. The chairman of PRS for Music, Ellis Rich, agrees with this, stating that, "A well-written tear-jerker is one that people can relate to and empathise with". So, what is it about the songs that came in the top 10? Have they gained an overwhelming amount of airplay, allowing them to be exposed to so many people and allowing this truly personal connection? In fact, it seems that men are a very soppy breed, who have been heartbroken many times! Nothing Compares 2 U  by Sinead O'Connor, Robbie Williams' Angels and the age old lover's classic Unchained Melody are all in the top ten. On the other hand, the latter two have also featured heavily amongst survey results for Britain's top funeral songs. With so many fantastically emotional songs out there, what is it about these tracks that get blokes blubbing! I guess that's for another survey! Anyway, here is the list in full:

1. Everybody Hurts - REM
2. Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton
3. Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen
4. Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor
5. With or Without You - U2
6. The Drugs Don't Work - The Verve
7. Candle In The Wind - Elton John
8. Streets of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen
9. Unchained Melody - Todd Duncan
10. Angels - Robbie Williams


On a happier note...post a comment with your top 5 happy songs!!! The tracks that can put a smile on your face no matter what!

Hayley Tamaddon Interview

While she was preparing to play the role of Lady of the Lake in Monty Python's Spamalot, Hayley Tamaddon took a five minute breather to talk to me about her career and, of course, her Dancing on Ice victory.

Lauren Samuels Interview

I caught up with Lauren Samuels who came 3rd in the BBC's Over The Rainbow search for Dorothy. We chatted about her new role as Sandy in the West End in the musical favourite, Grease.
Picture: Matt Crockett

John Challis Interview

John Challis, aka Boycie from Only Fools And Horses, joined me for a chat as he goes on tour with new show Boycie & Marlene

Gemma Atkinson Interview

Former Hollyoaks & I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here star Gemma Atkinson chatted to me about her career and performing in the hit show Calendar Girls

New Beginnings

Two weeks into this new university life. About the right time to make some comments on first impressions! This period of a person's life is probably the time where they are going to notice a really prominent amount of change in a very small space of time. This theory has not been proved wrong in the past two weeks!
Moving out...
The most difficult thing about beginning university, is always going to be the moving away from home stage. For many, this will be the first time that they have lived away from their family for a permanent duration of time, so a daunting prospect for anyone. Ok, so moving to the sleepy town of Farnham isn't quite the bustling, bright lights of London, but a big change all the same. However, this change instantly helps people to find a new side to their personality.
People...
Another daunting prospect for some is meeting new people, however, everybody seems to have embraced this phase as an exciting part of the process. The view that the same boat is currently being shared by everyone seems to have helped this situation. The funny thing is that even though everyone is at the same stage, in that same boat, a familiar pattern is noticeable. You will see this in every primary school, secondary school, sports club, work place, and of course university as well. Little groups. Already, two weeks in, you can see little friendship groups starting to form! I have spent much of my time with the Upper Hale Crew (us outcasts who were rejected from uni halls of residence!). It has been great that just two weeks in, so many personalities have developed, common interests have been raised, and everyone (touch wood), is getting on really well!
Taking the plunge...
Now, it is down to the business end, and getting out of uni what you set out to. Many people have great ideas, a student newspaper is well under way, a student radio service is also being talked about, and so many people are so enthusiastic about getting involved and really adapting to this major change! One of my highlights of uni so far was seeing an old friend of mine at the Student Union. She was performing as part of the comedy bill, and her name is Luisa Omielan. I met her on a radio course in 2007, but she felt her talent lay elsewhere and has since worked hard developing a career in comedy. Having played Brighton Fringe Festival and Edinburgh already, she is off to America shortly to develop herself even more. She found her new beginning, and embraced it! Now, she's tipped to go all the way to the top! So, a great example to follow. If you want it, go and get it!    

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to my blog!
Coming soon, I'll be adding celebrity interviews, showreels, and course work as I study Journalism at UCA Farnham.
Best Wishes
Lewis