European adventure
It’s Eurovision time again and this year’s bunch of hopefuls
ready, willing and able to take a stab at representing Britain include
Four Story — a new all-male vocal harmony band. trevor o’sullivan
caught up with Irish vocalist Tony Thompson and asked him about Four Story’s
hopes for success.
 By
Trevor O’sullivan
The battle to represent Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest in Athens
is about to commence — and there’ll be an Irishman battling
for the accolade.
Among the six entrants taking part in the TV show to choose the British
entry in Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up is Four Story, an all-male vocal
harmony group who include Tony Thompson in their line-up.
But Tony — whose mother hails from Cork — was reticent about
Eurovision at first.
He said: “I didn’t like to say no but I think the first reaction
was that I wasn’t sure. Apparently this year the competition is
going to be a lot different and I believe it’s going to be more
credible so I have got no problem whatsoever.”
As a child Tony was brought up listening to gospel music and regularly
attending church and it was here his passion for music started. He soon
learnt to play the saxophone and keyboard, which he now teaches to students.
He was born to an Irish family in Hackney in East London and spent his
childhood with six sisters and eight brothers. From an early age Tony
also took a keen interest in boxing and during his teens trained as a
chef.
And while in the group Benz Tony appeared in two episodes of Hollyoaks.
Eurovision has been ridiculed and stigmatised in certain quarters and
proved to have catastrophic consequences for the career of 2003 British
representatives Jemini — who finished last with zero points. Tony
is hopeful Four Story’s experience will prove more positive.
He said: “Britian represents uniting every culture, colour and creed.
Doing the Eurovision will be an honour to represent not only the country
but everybody who has had ups or downs in their life. Our song entry Hand
On My Heart will hopefully touch the hearts of the nation.”
The competition will be fiercely contested and Four Story will compete
against ex-Blue member Anthony Costa, ex-Hear Say member Kym Marsh, DJ
Daz, City Chix and Gordon Kay for their place in the finals which will
be decided by a public vote on the night.
The band’s own album will be released on March 20 and features timeless
favourites from Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross and Otis Reading. It is
an album Tony Thompson believes is straight from the heart.
He said: “The album is called Tributes and Tribulations. The tributes
are covers but we don’t like that word because it sounds very karaoke.
“The tribulations are the original numbers. It’s soul music,
it’s singing from the soul and when you listen to the songs the
four of us have actually gone through those experiences.
“I think the man upstairs gave us them songs to pour our hearts
out to the nation and the world so it’s a very soulful and heartfelt
album.”
Tony Thompson gets up close and personal with rí-rá.
What was the last album you bought?
It was actually Shane Lynch’s album because I know Shane very well.
What was the last film you watched?
The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise.
What TV programme would you not miss?
I don’t really watch TV but if it had to be anything it would be
the Ultimate Fighting Championship because I used to be a cage fighter.
I watch a lot of martial arts on TV.
Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday
party?
You, because you sound like a great guy.
The key to making it as a musician?
Talent comes afterwards. To get there it’s perseverance and visualising
that no matter what happens you are that one in a million. Keep pushing
on and believe in the passion. God gives you passion.
What do you love/miss most about Ireland?
I think Ireland has the most honest truthful kind of people and is the
most beautiful spot in the world. I love Ireland and I love that part
of Ireland that’s in me. They’re like brothers and sisters
to me
Who would you most like to work with in the future?
The Corrs or U2. The Corrs because I fancy Andrea Corr and U2 because
I think Bono is one of the best and most prolific songwriters out there.
Best personal experience to date?
Taking part in Eurovision
Best professional experience to date ?
Performing at the Royal Albert Hall
If you were not pursuing this career what other career would you
choose?
I used to be a fighter and chef.
What’s your greatest ambition?
To get through to people. I love making people happy.
Favourite method of relaxation?
Martial arts or yoga.
Most important lesson life has taught you?
It’s nice to be nice.
Humanity’s most useful invention?
The aeroplane.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Port and brandy
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Guinness.
How would you like to be remembered?
As Daley Thompson said: “Be set yet not yielding. Be firm yet not
hard.”
Most desirable date?
Andrea Corr.
Favourite smell/word or phrase?
Smell: Jean Paul Gaultier aftershave. Phrase: Happy days.
Weirdest job you have ever had?
Dinner lady.
First concert?
Richard Marx.
Three songs you would most like to record?
Annie’s Song by John Denver, Anyone Who Had A Heart by Luther Vandross
and Just The Two Of Us by Bill Withers.
Best career move?
Joining Four Story.
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