News Archive : 2012

29th December 2012

David Allen, on his BBC Radio Solent programme, dedicates Someone To Remember Me as a fitting tribute to Della Tyson who frequently contacted the show, and other radio stations, to request songs by Russell.

‘Listen Again’ on  BBC iPlayer  until 5th January 2013 (about 55 mins in).

28th December 2012

Decca records announce a compilation album entitled ‘Russell Watson : Amore – The Opera Album’ will be released on 4th February 2013 via the usual major retailers.  Expect to pay around £6.  Catalogue Number: 4810101.  Available from  Amazon.co.uk, Play.com  and  HMV.

25th December 2012

Russell seems to be prone to catching a cold whenever he finishes a Tour or major engagement and Tweets, “Non stop work for months , then somebody mentions the word HOLIDAY – annnnnd you inevitably catch a cold !! #whyisthat? Achooo“ and later,  after the broadcast of ‘Carols With Corrie’, “Thanks for all your lovely comments tonight ! It’s the season of goodwill , happy Christmas everyone xxx“.  To which we can only respond, “Thanks, Russell; same to you!”

24th December

• The recorded Christmas Service ‘Carols With Corrie’ is broadcast on ITV.  Russell sang O Holy Night and  Ave Maria.  It’s available to watch on  ITV Player  until 22nd January 2013.
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• We sadly learn of the passing of  Della Tyson, a great fan of Russell’s from Florida, on Tuesday 18th December.  Our condolences to her family. Many Russellers met Della at concerts and maintained contact via the Forums and Facebook.  She will be missed.

21st December

Russell stars at the final performance of Raymond Gubbay’s Christmas Festival at the Royal Albert Hall and later Tweets, “Thank you for all your good wishes ! Had a super day at the RAH with a wonderful group of people #keepmusiclive“

20th December

• Another brief appearance for Russell in ITV’s Text Santa Celebrity Advent Calendar, timing himself with a long note at the end of ‘The Twelve Days Of Christmas’, “and a Christmas song su-ung by meeeeeeeee… eeee…  “.   Phew!

• Russell appeared briefly several times to comment on the enthusiasm of the Olympians and the mood of the nation in a “Tonight” special programme that looked back over the year, “2012 and the best of British”.
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  Available on  ITV Player  until 18th January 2013. If viewing after 27th December 2012 you will need to register, free of charge, to be able to watch.

19th December

• Plug and Play, the company that built Russell’s new website, have used it as a model to advertise their expertise… and why not.
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• Russell stars at Smooth Radio’s ‘Love Live Music at Christmas‘ at the Union Chapel in Islington tonight.
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• Charity group ‘Jimmy’s Bluebelles‘ offer a 2013 calendar on ebay that was signed by both Russell and Matt Cardle at the Preston Christmas Lights Switch-On.  There are three (3) available.  More is ‘revealed’ on their Facebook page…

18th December

Russell reprises his ‘star guest’ performances for Raymond Gubbay’s  Christmas Carolling concert but at the Royal Albert Hall.

17th December

Russell appears as the star guest at Raymond Gubbay’s Christmas Carolling concert at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.  Hosted by Russell Grant with ‘our’ Russell making appearances between songs and carols from James Graeme, Sophie Evans, Capital Voices and The Kinder Children’s Choir of the High Peak.  More to follow after the RAH concerts.

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15th December

We learn of a recently posted YouTube video of Russell at the fans’ get-together in Tokyo on 2oth October.  It shows Russell and ‘Sir Bill’ entering and then Russell begins to sing Aprile.

Read more…

13th December

• The ‘hanky doodle’ that Russell donated to Godolphin & Latymer School’s silent auction helped raise £8,200.oo  to be used to provide bursaries to the school and also fund literacy programmes at four local state primary schools.  Excellent result.
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• Russell has also donated a signed  ‘ITV Text Santa cue card‘ to the Text Santa ebay auction.   Six days left to bid : ends at 08.01am Thursday 20th December.
  You know you want it…
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• There’s also a  ‘bundle‘  of things that Russell’s signed up for auction on ebay in aid of  Bluebell Wood  Children’s Hospice.  Three days left to bid : ends at 9.40pm Sunday 16th December.

12th December

Well, everything has changed.  Russell’s new  website  is up and running and it looks superb.  Long may it remain so.  Russell has said that he will do more ‘blogging’ through the site and he has begun by asking folk to send pictures of their  Christmas trees  to him via Twitter (but he’s not asked that via Twitter, only via the web page ‘blog’).

10th December

Today’s the day that Russell’s new website is launched. Up to present there has been no change (for us) but the company responsible for building the new site has said that all the changes have been made but they take time to work their way around the internet and for everything to ‘synchronise’, so it’s now just a case of waiting.  The new site will be available at  http://www.russellwatson.com  which is the same address as the old site (as had been provided by Sony) but if you have continued to use  http://www.russell-watson.com  (as had been provided by Decca) this has also been re-directing to the new website and will probably continue to do so.

Some people are now able to access the site and report it to be ‘fabulous’.  It appears to depend on your Service Provider (ISP) at the moment. Vodafone 3G can get it but Virgin and Sky aren’t picking it up yet even though there are folk in Australia and Japan reporting they can get it.  (3.45pm).

8th December

This afternoon Russell Tweeted, “@tenovuscancer I want to see a follow up on channel 4 to ‘singing for their lives’ !! Who else does ? RT everyone #singingfortheirlives2“.  As well as Re-Tweeting it might help to add (or adapt to include) Channel 4’s official Twitter names of either @C4Insider and/or @4Viewers.   It’s also possible to use “4Viewers” Contact Us form on their website to leave feedback and support the idea of a further programme.

7th December

It’s noted from the Warner Leisure Hotels  website  that a new ‘Meet The Stars’ weekend break with Russell has been added online (not in the printed catalogue).  The new break is over the weekend of 30th August – 1st September 2013 at the Cricket St.Thomas Hotel, Chard, Somerset.   (The first break at Thoresby Hall over 23rd – 25th August is ‘sold out’)

6th December

Russell’s Twitter and Facebook accounts reveal that his NEW website will be launched on Monday (10th December) at the same URL address of  www.russellwatson.com.

There’s an invitation to ‘sign up for the newsletter’ for a chance to win a pair of tickets to one of the ‘Christmas Carolling’ concerts at either the Royal Albert Hall or Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall;  it’s not clear if that’s referring to the current newsletter offered by Sony or a new one to accompany the new website (we hope).

5th December

Russell briefly appeared, wearing a Text Santa hat, close to the end of today’s Text Santa Celebrity Advent Calendar  video clip (approx 2 minutes in), to promise “Your donation WILL make a difference“…

Watch the video here…

Text Santa hats are available from ASDA and all profits go to the Text Santa charities.
You can also follow Text Santa on  Facebook  and  Twitter.

4th December

• A number of pictures from the recording of the ‘Carols With Corrie’ programme, to be screened by ITV on Christmas Eve, are found in the album of that name on the  Facebook  page of Nicholas Bundock, Rector of St. James and Emmanuel churches, including several really good ones of Russell.  Read a little more about the event and the programme on the church’s  website…
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• Russell Tweets this afternoon, “Was a great trip to Korea and made some new friends at AIG !!! Straight into filming for the tonight show today #ifyouknowwhatimean” – unfortunately we don’t know what he means as the only ‘Tonight Show’ we know of is the US late-night talk show… maybe it’s something for Stateside?  All will be revealed in due course (we hope).

1st December

Jocelyn Brown releases a 4-track digital-only “Christmas EP with Jocelyn Brown and friends” (MP3 from Amazon  and for iPod from iTunes).  Russell features with Jocelyn on Track 3, Agnus Dei.  Publicity material says that for Track 4, a fun version of Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer, it’s “all hands on deck” which suggests that all the friends are involved but we can’t make out Russell – unless he’s doing one of his infamous ‘funny voices’.

30th November

Blackpool’s Radio Wave 96.5 FM held a charity auction day in aid of their local NSPCC. Among the ‘Money Can’t Buy’ lots was a Meet and Greet with Russell at Lytham Proms kindly donated by promoters Cuffe & Taylor. The winning bid of £230 was submitted by ‘Helen’ who had presented Russell with flowers at the Lytham Christmas Lights Switch-On.  A total of £13,373 was raised for Blackpool NSPCC.  Well done Wave!

29th November

“Bless you,” Russell.

 

28th November

• Promoter Raymond Gubbay  offers a £10 discount  on seats booked between now and 8th December for the Christmas Carolling events at the Royal Albert Hall on 18th and 21st December.
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• Russell has Re-Tweeted  Smooth Radio this morning, “The first 2 stars confirmed for #lovelivemusic at Christmas are @russellthevoice & @noisettes! ” so we take it that it at least has his tacit approval.   The link below gives details of the venue, the Union Chapel in Islington on 19th December, plus an opportunity to win tickets to the event…
  http://www.smoothradio.co.uk/b35d4

27th November

Russell and Rob Emery appear to be in the same hotel in Seoul, South Korea, as both post similar TwitPics of views over the city, only Rob’s is taken at the crack of dawn.  Here’s Rob’s  TwitPic and here’s  Russell’s.   It’s probably the new Conrad Hotel where, we believe, they are going to be entertaining.  If so, the water in the foreground is likely to be the Han River as  the hotel  is situated close by.

24th November

Russell’s birthday and he’s been singing for his supper tonight, entertaining the guests at the Travel Counsellors’ Conference Gala Dinner and Awards at Liverpool’s Arena and Convention Centre before going on to his own party.  Lots of lovely comments on Twitter  @TCConf  and  #TCConf  including a  TwitPic  of a ‘standing ovation’. Twelve hundred people, all singing him Happy Birthday, apparently… nice one Russell.

The Travel Counsellors have put up a video of their evening on YouTube and Russell makes a brief appearance just after the 3 minute mark…

23rd November

It’s Russell’s birthday tomorrow (24th) and he’s already opened some of his birthday cards.  He Tweets a  picture  of some of them with his thanks and lets it be known that he’ll be off to Seoul, Korea, shortly.

22nd November

Further to the note of Monday 19th, Aled Jones Tweets today that he’s honoured to be hosting ‘Carols with Corrie’ and mentions Russell and The Soldiers amongst others; Russell Tweets that it will be on ITV, Christmas Eve at 11pm.

21st November

Russell has signed a limited number of  “Calendar Girls” style  calendars  produced by  Jimmy’s Bluebelles, a group of lovely Cheshire ladies supporting two-year old Jimmy Wilkinson who suffers from Prader-Willi Syndrome.  Unsigned copies are available now from the Jimmy’s Bluebelles website and details of how to bid for a signed copy have been requested. 

19th November

We hear of Russell and ‘The Soldiers‘ being involved in a film clip (or clips) connected with a “Coronation Street Christmas Carol Concert” but have no details.  Something, perhaps, to come nearer Christmas.

17th November

Russell has a busy day shuttling between Preston and Lytham and back again to turn on their Christmas Lights and to meet some wonderful people, too.  See here for  more…

12th November

BBC ALBA TV broadcast the ‘Cuide Ri Cathy’ episode featuring Russell.  It will be repeated on Wednesday 14th at 11.30pm.  See here for a brief video clip from the programme.

11th November

The full TV broadcast of the  Festival Of Remembrance  is now on  BBC iPlayer  until 17th November (UK only).  Expect a DVD of the Festival to be available from the RBL in January.  Click here for  more…

10th November

• Highlights of the Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance were broadcast on BBC Radio 2 from 8pm this evening and the hour long programme is now available on BBC iPlayer  until next Saturday, 17th Nov 2012.  Russell sings There You’ll Be as a duet with Alexandra Burke, approximately 10 minutes into the programme, after the reading of the Festival Citation. 
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• Online news page ‘Manchester Gossip’ offer an opportunity to  win a pair of tickets  to see Russell at the Bridgewater Hall’s Christmas Carolling on 17th December.

9th November

Russell was one of several celebrities on the CBBC programme ‘12 Again‘ describing what life was like for them when they were 12 years old.

8th November

Russell is to join the Christmas Carolling at Raymond Gubbay’s Christmas Festival at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, on Monday evening 17th December.  For tickets, call 0844 907 9000 or go  online.

7th November

Russell appeared very, very briefly on BBC1’s The One Show when reporter Phil Tufnell encountered him at the US Embassy Party.  Scroll to 4 minutes 40 seconds into the show on BBC  iPlayer  (available until 14th November).

6th November

• From an exchange on Twitter between Russell and the US Embassy in London it appears that he is at their Election Night party this evening and ready to treat them to their own National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. 
  And he has!   Click here for more… 
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• Tim Marshall, Director of the Festival Of Remembrance, Tweeted earlier this morning, “Another highlight at Festival of Remembrance will be unique duet of Russell Watson and Alexandra Burke with “There you’ll be” – can’t wait.”
  To be televised on BBC1 from 9.15pm Saturday 10th November.

5th November

• Lytham Business Partnership, with Lytham Proms organisers Cuffe & Taylor, announce that Russell is to switch on  Lytham Christmas Lights  (the same day as he’s due to switch on Preston’s) on Saturday 17th November. 
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• Russell asks on Twitter, “What u all doin for bonfire night ? I have a rocket which looks like it could make it to mars !!! #donttrythisathome“.  From the TwitPic, he could be right and poor Gary looks like he could be on his way there…

3rd November

Radio Times  confirms that Russell is to be one of the artists performing at this year’s Festival Of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 10th November.  This is to be televised from 9.15pm the same evening.>

• Organisers of Preston’s Christmas Lights  announce the line-up for the afternoon’s entertainment on the Flag Market from 3pm – 7pm on Saturday 17th November and Russell is to headline the show and switch on the lights.

 

1st November

• P&O Cruises report good early sales of the May and July English Channel cruises with Russell aboard Aurora and Azura, Tweeting, “Great Day today! @russellthevoice. Lots of gorgeous fans @russellers who can’t wait to see you aboard! #travel 0843 374 0001“.   Who, us… gorgeous?  Nah!
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• Russell’s PA Tweets, “Working on @russellthevoice new website!! Its going to be amazing! #allsingingalldancing #russellwatsonwebsite .”  Looking forward to that!
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• Russell’s radio interview with Guy Perryman of ‘London Hit Radio’ (LHR) Show on Tokyo’s InterFM is put (unofficially) on  YouTube.

31st October

• Raymond Gubbay, promoter of the Christmas Carolling at the Royal Albert Hall on 18th and 21st December, offers a  competition  via Facebook to win a pair of tickets to see Russell at one of the performances, including a 3-course meal for two in the Elgar Restaurant.
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• Russell’s performance aboard MV Seabourn Legend’s Mediterranean cruise in May 2013 is cancelled.

24th October

Russell arrives back in the UK and Tweets, “Back from Japan , had a great trip and looking at heading back around the same time next year . Will keep you posted : )”
So that’s another ‘pencil note’ in the diary for next year… or, better still… on your Kirsty Club 2013 calendar.

23rd October

Russell gave the second of the two performances at Bunkamura Orchard Hall,  Tokyo.

22nd October

Russell gives the first of two performances at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo.

21st October

Anthems slips to No 2 in the Official Chart Company’s Classical Albums Chart (as used by the BBC) but leaps to the top of the Official Classic FM Albums Chart!

20th October

The promoters of the two Bunkamura concerts organised a get-together with Russell for 30 lucky fans.  Please see the relevant  page for more information and links to pictures from the event.

19th October

Russell was on WOWOW TV’s ‘The Prime Show’.  Please see the YouTube video on the “Japan Concerts…” page.

18th October

• Russell was on 76.1 InterFM’s ‘London Hit Radio’ (LHR) show.  See  ‘On Radio or TV‘.
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• Several agencies advertise that  P&O Cruises  have Russell booked for two cruises next year, with similar itinaries to last year’s English Channel cruise aboard Arcadia but this time aboard Aurora (departing Southampton on May 18th for 3 nights) and Azura (departing Southampton July 5th for 4 nights) both returning to Southampton by way of Zeebrugge and St.Peter Port.  Booking opens on 1st November but it is recommended that interest is registered beforehand with a specialist agency.

NB: Some agencies give the second sailing as 5th June. This was, apparently, the date originally circulated by P&O and later amended to July but some agencies seem to have failed to note the amendmnet.

17th October

• Russell Tweets, “Hey there everyone , heading out to Japan for some concerts today ! See you in a week !!! X ”  A couple of us remind him that they do have Twitter in Japan and he responds, “Hey , just found out I can tweet in Japan , the worlds technological epicenter ! Who would have thought …… ; ) ”   Well, JP, at least he’s on his way… and maybe we’ll get a few TwitPics out of him.
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• The Kirsty Club’ ‘Uptown Girl’ 2013 calendar is now available to order from overseas.  Please see the Home page or the ‘Uptown Girl’ page  here…

16th October

Laura Wright adds  three pictures  from the trip to Beijing with Russell for the launch of the new BMW 7 Series to her Wall Photos album.

15th October

• Russell joined members of the Big C choir on the sofa in the “This Morning” studio in support of their promotion of the ‘Sing For Your Life’ documentary, part of the ‘Stand Up 2 Cancer’ campaign.  Watch again until  22nd October on  ITV Player.
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• Russell briefly appears in The Sun’s  TV Magazine  with the Big C choir, ‘Singing For Their Lives’ while on the  showbiz page  he reckons, “Cancer Made Me A Nicer Bloke”
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• Woman’s Own reckons ‘Sing For You Life’, featuring Russell as mentor to the choir, is not to be missed tonight.
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• Russell Tweets that he’ll be joining the carol singing at two concerts at the Royal Albert Hall on 18th and 21st December, part of Raymond Gubbay’s Christmas Festival.
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• The Kirsty Club ‘Uptown Girl’ 2013 calendar is now available to purchase directly from the club website for £8.99 (inc p&p).  Overseas purchases for £11.99 (inc p&p) will be available shortly.   Russell features with Kirsty on the page for September, the month when she will celebrate her 18th birthday.

14th October

Having re-entered the Official Classical Albums Chart last week at No 6, ‘Anthems’ takes the No 1 position this week while over on the Classic FM Albums Chart it re-enters at No 8.

13th October

A Tweet from an event promoter suggests Russell has been confirmed for an open air concert at Clumber Park, a large National Trust property near Worksop, for 18th August 2013 but there is no other confirmation available at present. 

12th October

‘Russell’ Tweets, “This Monday 15th Oct, Russell will be joining Holly and Phil on the @itvthismorning sofa.  Tune in from 11.15am to catch Russell’s interview!”  
That’s “This Morning” on ITV1 (repeated an hour later on ITV1+1).

10th October

• Russell’s  Official Facebook  page asks folk to, “Tell us what your favourite thing about Russell’s album is below and we’ll be featuring some of your comments as official status updates over the next few days! ”  You’ll need to respond on the Facebook page, of course.
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• Russell Tweets, “Good morning ! filmed another songs of praise show this week . Will let you know when it goes out soon : ) ” but we’ve already heard that it will be 27th January 2013 … until they change the schedule… as they do.
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• Tim Marshall, Director of the Festival Of Remembrance, Tweets, “Strong line-up at 2012 Festival of Remembrance – Rod Stewart, Russell Watson, Alexandra Burke, Overtones, Laura Wright, JJ Kerr & M Wives ”  There’s nothing on the relevant websites yet but he ought to know…

9th October

Russell appears in several TV guide magazines advertising forthcoming programmes in support of the StandUp2Cancer campaign to be aired next week on Channel 4 beginning with a documentary about the Big C Choir at 8pm on Monday 15th and culminating in a telethon on Friday 19th. 

9th October

Russell appears in several TV guide magazines advertising forthcoming programmes in support of the StandUp2Cancer campaign to be aired next week on Channel 4 beginning with a documentary about the Big C Choir at 8pm on Monday 15th and culminating in a telethon on Friday 19th. 

6th October

• Shortly after the Tweet below, Russell added, “dates and venues will be organised in the new year – so can’t report till then . US dates hopefully the latter part of 2013 x”
  So, nothing firm but at least something to hope for Stateside later next year… possibly.
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• Russell Tweets, “Hi folks , just to let you know . We are planning dates for next year across the whole of the UK . Will be announcing early 2013 : ) ”  If the comment by promoter Peter Taylor in the Blackpool Gazette about Lytham Proms on 3rd August being the start of the 2013 Tour are correct, then it looks to be a late summer / early autumn tour… but you never know with Russell!

5th October

Russell entertains at Le Festival aux Quat’Saisons at Raymond Blanc’s ‘Le Manoir‘ in Oxfordshire.  He obviously had a good time as he Tweeted his thanks to his hosts the following morning and said he didn’t want to leave!

4th October

• The BBC put out two videos on the Songs Of Praise website;  one of about 8 minutes where Russell chats to Rebecca McVeigh  on a rather windswept bridge at Salford Quays and another of about 40 seconds where  Russell promotes the programme  due to air on Sunday 7th October.
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• Russell appears on ITV’s Loose Women.  See the Recent Appearances > On Radio or TV page.

2nd October

Russell sings at the Classic BRITs but doesn’t pick up the Album Of The Year Award.  The recording of the event will be televised on ITV on Sunday 7th October from 10.20pm

30th September

Russell appeared on  The Chase Celebrity Special  to win money for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

29th September

Russell Tweets, “Sorry I’ve been off the radar this week . Been performing in Beijing !! Had a great time at the launch of the new BMW 7 series : ) “

28th September

Russell’s appearance at Lytham Proms Weeekend’s ‘Last Night Of The Proms’ is confirmed on his Official pages though they do tend to give the impression that it’s THE ‘Last Night Of The Proms’ … y’know, the one at the RAH, until you click the link.

26th Sepember

• Radio Times  has it that Russell will be on  Loose Women  on Thursday 4th October.
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• Russell posts a ‘Thank You” on  YouTube  to all who have voted for him and ‘Anthems’ to win the ‘Classic FM Album Of The Year Award’ at the Classic BRITS. 
  
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• Cuffe & Taylor  announce that Russell is to be the star of their  Lytham Proms  on Saturday 3rd August 2013.  This is reported in the  Blackpool Gazette  and by  Fylde Borough Council  but not yet confirmed on any of Russell’s Official pages.
  There is to be a one-day pre-sale for fans during Thursday 27th September on a  link  that will be activated at 9am.

24th September

Russell, a patron of the  ‘Big C’ Choir,  appears ever so briefly in news features by  BBC Wales  and  ITV  reporting on the choir’s formation and early achievements.  

19th September

Russell posts a  video  on his YouTube TV channel to say how happy is at being nominated for the ‘Album Of The Year’ award.

18th September

• Radio Times  has it that Russell will be one of the guests in a celebrity edition of The Chase on ITV1 from 6.30pm on Sunday 30th September (already recorded).  As with all such things as TV shows, they are subject to possible schedule changes.
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• Classic FM’s  Facebook page  has a post inviting people to say who they think ought to win their ‘Album Of The Year’ Award at the Classic BRITs.  This isn’t the Official Voting page (that’s now closed) but is an ideal opportunity to show some support for Russell. 

16th September

• Bridgewater Boating put more pictures of Russell’s filming excursion for Songs Of Praise aboard their ‘Lucy Joe’ in an album on their Facebook page.
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• Rather belatedly, we realise that the banner across the top of the voting page for the Classic Brits ‘Album Of The Year Award’ is in fact a link to a prize draw to win an exclusive night at the Awards, not the same as the one offered by Classic FM.  One of the conditions of entry is that you must hold an active MasterCard credit card.

14th September

• Sony Music circulates by email what it calls a ‘newsletter’ but is merely more advertising for ‘Anthems’ and encouragement to vote for it in the Classic Brit Awards.
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• Of more interest is the opportunity to sample tracks from the album and purchase it via MyPlayDirect.com
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• Classic FM post ‘guides’ to each of the albums nominated for their Album Of The Year award.  Each of the tracks is reviewed next to a suitable picture in a slideshow; click here to review  ‘Anthems’.

13th September

It looks like Russell was afloat today, filming for the Songs Of Praise programmes as Bridgewater Boating Tweeted, “@BBC thank you! It was an absolute pleasure to have @russellthevoice on board today filming in Worsley for Songs of Praise!” 

11th September

Russell Tweets, ” I’m presenting my very first Songs of Praise today . It was my grans favorite tv show . Wish she could see me now x” so it looks like at least one, if not both, of his two shows have been recorded earlier than given in Radio Times.

10th September

Russell appeared on the Alan Titchmarsh show with Myleene Klass. After chatting about the forthcoming Classic Brits they closed the show with a lovely new arrangement of Swing Low.  See our own page for more…

5th September

• Russell is featured as a celebrity ‘Dishy Dad’ on page 81 of the October issue of  Sainsbury’s magazine  (printed version only – out now at the tills) and shares his recipe for slow-cooked chilli con carne.
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• Russell Tweets a confirmation that he’s to present two of the ‘Songs Of Praise’ programmes and that he’s very excited about the prospect.
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• Russell was on Channel 4’s Paralympics coverage this morning talking about the 7-a-side football.

4th September

Radio Times has it that Russell will be a guest on the  Alan Titchmarsh  show on Monday 10th September and is to perform a duet with Myleene Klass.  That would be on ITV1 from 3pm (usually repeated on ITV1+1 an hour later).

3rd September

• The Kirsty Club reveals ‘Project X‘, a special 2013 calendar due out in October which is to include Russell.
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• The BIBAs own website updates their  Galleries page  with numerous photos including several of Russell.
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• A post on the  BBC website  indicates that Russell will be presenting two episodes of  ‘Songs Of Praise’ from St.Peter’s Church, Swinton, to be recorded on 22nd September, and gives details of how to apply to be a member of the congregation.

31st August
Russell Watson entertained at The BIBAs last night at the start of Preston Guild 2012
Russell made an unpublicised appearance at  The BIBAs,   Lancashire’s “Be Inspired Business Awards” 2012, marking the start of the first Preston Guild of this century.  There are a few snapshots on Twitter (see our Twitter stream) and several more, pitched in amongst others of the event, in a  slideshow  on the Lancashire Evening Posts’s website. 

29th August

The  E-Type Club  publishes a brief insight into the ‘Anthems’ photoshoot from the perspective of the owner of the red Jaguar that was featured in several of the the pictures.

24th August

A company called  “Concerts At Sea”  advertises a seven-night, 6 Star Mediterranean cruise aboard the “Seabourn Legend” to take place between 5th and 12th May next year (prices from £2,499 per person) featuring an exclusive Russell Watson concert on the evening of the 7th. (Subsequently confirmed on Russell’s OS).

Russell Tweets that he’s feeling a bit better and thanks Tweeps for their kind messages.

If you are on Facebook, check out the E-type Jaguar Club’s  photo album  for a couple of different pictures from the ‘Anthems’ photoshoot.  The lovely Jaguar in several of the pictures used in the promotional material belonged to one of their members.

23rd August

The two Tokyo concerts are now confirmed, ever so briefly, on Russell’s Official Website. Anyone wanting to buy tickets is directed to an “error” page but, for the benefit possible visitors, there is an operable link on  our own page  for the events.

Russell Tweets, ” Why is it , that when you work non stop for months and then someone mentions a holiday , you get ill ?? Cough splutter sneeze !! : ( ”
Well, maybe it’s whiskey and lemon or honey time, but wishing him well, anyway… and maybe that’s why there was a last minute change of guest on Let’s Do Lunch, if he hadn’t been feeling too well.  Get well soon, Russell.♥

22nd August

The two concerts advertised for Bunkamura Orchard Hall on October 22nd and 23rd are confirmed on Russell’s Official Facebook  ‘Events‘ page.

William (Sir Bill) Hayward is to be Russell’s MD at Bunkamura, conducting the Tokyo Festival Orchestra and the Fiore Opera Chorus. ‘Le Velvets’ appear to be guests on both nights.

21st August

According to the TV listings for today, Russell was supposed to be back in the ITV kitchen to help Gino & Mel prepare ‘corned beef hash’ on their Let’s Do Lunch programme but another guest made an appearance instead.

18th August

Russell helps prepare the steak and chips on ‘Saturday Cookbook’.

17th August

ITV1 is due to broadcast ‘Saturday Cookbook’ tomorrow from 8.25am with Russell as a guest but there is already a clip of him helping Mark Sargeant to prepare his steak and peppercorn sauce on the ITV website.

7th August

The two concerts at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo are advertised by promoters AMA .

4th August

Scarborough Open Air Theatre concert is a great success.  Our report is  here.

Steve Jordan of Yorkshire Coast Radio had Russell as a phone-in guest ahead of that night’s concert at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.  Steve has kindly supplied an audio recording that can be downloaded from  here.

Download takes about a minute on broadband. Interview duration about 8 minutes.

2nd August

Smooth Radio add two YouTube videos of Russell at ‘Love Live Music on The Waterfront’ – We Are The Champions  and  Nessun Dorma.  See our full page report… 

Russell and Robert Emery were advertised as performing in Tokyo on 22nd + 23rd October but the web page has been replaced with the message “ご指定の発売情報が見つかりませんでした” (Could not find specified release information).  So we wait, again…

1st August

Russell and Robert Emery are advertised (in Japanese only at this stage) as performing at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo on 22nd + 23rd October.

Russell popped up briefly on Simon Mayo’s Drivetime show on BBC Radio 2 to chat about the Olympics and ‘Anthems’, as well as giving a quick ‘plug’ for the Scarborough concert.
Listen again until 8th August on BBC RadioPlayer.  Scroll to 1 hour 10 minutes.

28th July

Russell Tweeted, “Olympic ceremony last night was genius !! What were your highlights ?? I liked the 007 bit with the queen : )”  – Go on, tell him on @russellthevoice.

27th July

Several pictures of Russell on ‘Daybreak’ appear on Rex Features.

Russell Tweeted, “Hiya Guys , got a few surprises for my open air show at Scarborough on August 4th !! Might even do Nessun Dorma : ) X“

Russell appeared on ITV’s ‘Daybreak’.  Our report is here…

25th July

A Google Alert relating to a  competition  being run for members of  theAA  links Russell to a forthcoming event of theirs on Sept. 24th but there’s been some technical mix-up with a past event; they assure us that he’s not involved with the September event.

24th July

Smooth Radio opens a  competition  to win one of six signed copies of ‘Anthems’.
Just identify the song that Russell is singing in the video on their website.

Russell Tweets that  ‘We Are The Champions’  won the survey by a margin of 7 votes.
Bring in the Electoral Reform people!

This week’s  OK Magazine  (No 838 for the week ending 31st July) has a six-page ‘World Exclusive… At Home With Russell Watson”.

More pictures of Russell at Love Live Music on The Waterfront are on the Flickr photostream of Julies Reynolds Photography.

Russell Tweets, “As it stands – we are the champions 21 race to the end 16 !!! This could be a race to the end …. Literally ! Keep voting“

23rd July

Russell Tweets, “Survey time ! I’m doing daybreak on Friday . Which song would you like for the olympic warm up . Race to the end or we are the champions ?” followed shortly by, “We are the champions ahead !! Voting close tmrw at five !! You will not be charged for placing your votes ; ) x“.

* Daybreak is on ITV1 from 6am – 8.30am with a ‘catch-up’ on ITV1+1 from 7am

Smooth Radio post several slideshows of pictures from Love Live Music on The Waterfront.  Go direct to  Smooth Radio‘s  website or see  our page  for what pictures are where.   Two videos are also posted, one of Jocelyn Brown and one of Russell’s penultimate song, a rousing Land Of Hope And Glory.

22nd July

‘Anthems’ stays at the top of the Classic FM Official Chart for another week! 
Sady, though, it slips one place on the Official Chart Company’s Clasical Chart as Katherine Jenkins’ album “Best Of British” takes their #1 spot.

21st July

Russell starred in the ‘Love Live Music on the Waterfront‘ and it was streamed live.
Picture and sound weren’t the highest quality but it was a free show around the world!  Russell Tweeted that there had been 20,000 in the audience.

20th July

Smooth Radio announce that their “Love Live Music on the Waterfront”, tomorrow 21st July, will be streamed live to watch over the internet with videos afterwards.

18th July

Russell’s Official website ‘News‘ page says simply, “Russell will be performing on ITV’s Daybreak on July 27th.”  That would be ITV1 from 6am – 8.30am, repeated an hour later on ITV1+1.

15th July

Russell retains his crown for yet another week as ‘Anthems‘ stays at the top of both The Official UK Charts Company’s Classical Chart (7 weeks) and Classic FM’s Official Chart (6 weeks).

14th July

The portion of the July 4th concert where the US Olymipans are saluted, including Russell’s performance, is posted on the Official “A Capitol Fourth” YouTube channel. 

11th July

Before his appearance at the July 4th concert, Russell was interviewed by The Pentagon Channel for their series ‘Command Performance’.  Today it’s posted on YouTube.  Spot the deliberate mistake?

9th July

Russell joined Terry Meeuwsen on CBN TV to tell her about his near-death experience at the time of his second brain tumour and to sing Race To The End.  Watch Again…

8th July

Russell retains his crown for another week as ‘Anthems‘ stays at the top of both The Official UK Charts Company’s Classical Chart and Classic FM’s Official Chart.

6th July

MarketWatch reports that the A Capitol Fourth concert was watched by some 6.3 million viewers.  

5th July

Russell sings Race To The End on  Fox5 News, Washington DC.

UPI publish a photo of Russell from the dress rehearsal of the 3rd July.

4th July

Russell performs for an estimated half-million people in The Mall, Washington DC as part of the “A Capitol Fourth” US Independence Day celebrations.

PBS Press Room adds four photos to their  Flickr  photostream.

Russell had a ‘phone-in’ chat with John Clare of Texas Public Radio that you can hear via ‘SoundCloud‘…

3rd July

Russell  was briefly interviewed by  Steve Chenevey  on ABC7’s Morning News with a plug for ‘Anthems’ and ‘A Capitol Fourth’.  Watch the video  here.

Places & Faces magazine publish an  interview feature  in which, amongst other things, Russell mentions ‘a planned trip to Asia later this year’.

Radio Station SiriusXM interview Russell but it is a ‘subscription’ station and we don’t have a ‘Listen Again’ link.  There is a  TwitPic,  though.

2nd July

The Facebook page for ‘A Capitol Fourth‘, the name for the US Independence Day celebrations in Washington DC, has proposed, “Vote for the performance you are looking forward to the most at A Capitol Fourth 2012, hosted by Tom Bergeron.”
You can  vote for Russell here.

Alex Thorp writes a good little review of the Nottingham concert (30th June) on  This is Nottingham.

The Cumberland News reports that Russell has become a Patron of Carlisle Musical Society.  Read their report…

1st July

Russell seems to be having transport problems again, this time getting stuck at Chicago Airport, according to his Tweet, “Sat in Chicago ! Been delayed six hours on our connecting flight ! Anyway , thanks ever so much for all your comments on last nights show x“

30th June

The final concert of the tour at Nottingham.

29th June

The Waddesdon Manor concert.

28th June

PBS have a downloadable (PDF)  poster  advertising the 4th July “A Capitol Fourth” concert on their  website  that includes Russell’s name amongst the artists.

27th June

An anthology of Russell’s interviews and monologues about the tracks on ‘Anthems’ is posted on  YouTube.

26th June

Referring to the Euro 2012 football competition, Russell Tweets, ” Ok , I’m over the England loss now ! Back to work – off to the beeb to do a TV show called 12 again : ) ”
Read more  about this on the Forthcoming Appearances page…

21st June

Several sources confirm that Russell has been invited back to the USA to perform at the White House ‘Fourth Of July’  Independence Day  celebrations.  Read more…

The British Forces Foundation announces that Russell would be unable to appear at the Summer Ball  as a result of US television contractual issues.  ‘Amore‘ are to step in as the headline performers.

Radio Today,  the  Liverpool Echo  and  Music Week  all publish news that Russell will be appearing at Smooth Radio’s “Love Live Music” event at the Pier Head, Liverpool, on Saturday 21st July.  Read more…

16th June

Russell’s appearance as the special guest of Hartlepool Male Voice Choir is a great success (again).  He closes the concert with Core ‘n Grato.  (Brilliant!)  He later Tweets, “HMVC – we should do two nights next time !! Had a great time x“.  Here’s to ‘next time’, then!

11th June

Raymond Gubbay publishes a  new picture  of Russell to accompany a reminder of their ‘meet and greet’ competition.

10th June

Russell tops Classic FM’s  Official Chart  with ‘Anthems’.

Russell is on time for the Portsmouth Guildhall performance.

He sings Vesti La Giubba – not previously heard ‘live’.

Russell Tweets, “Superb night in Portsmouth ! Thanks for support everyone . Xx” and “Thanks to everyone who helped get me to No1 in the  @classicfm  chart !! Awesome news – thank you xx”

8th June

After traffic chaos holds him up around Bristol, Russell makes it to Plymouth Pavilions about 10 minutes late.

7th June

Russell is on the panel of guests on Five’s “The Wright Stuff“, reviewing the day’s newspapers and topical items.

6th June

Russell chats with ITV’s  “Loose Women”  before ending the show with We Are The Champions.

5th June

Russell talks ‘live’ from the UK to Alan Jones of Radio 2GB in Sydney, Australia, by phone.  Anthems is Alan’s ‘album of the week’.

Russell told BBC Radio Four’s “You And Yours” program about how he felt proud of his Britishness. (Scroll to 6 minutes).

Russell appeared briefly on  ITV’s coverage  of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London, with Katherine Jenkins talking to Philip Schofield.

4th June

Russell HQ release another  video.  In this one, Russell talks about what this year 2012 means for him.

Russell gives a rousing performance at  Speke Hall, Liverpool. 

3rd June

Russell’s “Question & Answer” session with  Sixtyplusurfers  goes online.  Amongst other things, he explains the delay in releasing Music Of The Night.

Russell was on  BBC Radio Manchester  in a recorded interview with Gordon Burns.
Listen Again until Sunday 10th June.

2nd June

Russell performs back-to-back matinée and evening gala shows at the Royal Albert Hall.

1st June

PBS post a  video  on their Memorial Day Facebook page of Russell’s reflections on the importance of honouring those who have served their country.

31st May

The Tour begins tonight at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.

Russell’s own FB page announces that he will be appearing on ITV’s coverage of The Diamond Jubilee next Tuesday 5th and also Channel 4 News that day. On Wednesday 6th he will be a guest on Loose Women then on Thursday 7th he will appear on The Wright Stuff.

Russell HQ release another video in the series where he talks about the tracks on the album. This one is about Calon Lan.

30th May

Russell was on  BBC Breakfast

He talked to Betty Brisk in  The Sun 

and to  Bernie Keith  on BBC Radio Northampton.
Listen Again until 6th June (scroll to 1 hour 35 minutes)

Anthems goes to #1 in Amazon’s  Classical Chart.

Russell was on BBC1 (North West) regional TV this evening talking about the album, the tour and the possibility of going back to the States on 4th July for their celebrations, again on the West Lawn of the White House. 

29th May

On  YouTube,  Russell talks about the track “White Cliffs Of Dover”.

On Facebook, Raymond Gubbay offer an absolutely ‘champion’  competition  to win one of two chances to see Russell at either the Guildhall, Portsmouth or St.David’s Hall, Cardiff with ‘Meet & Greet’ plus a copy of ‘Anthems’.  All you need to do is fill in the missing word from the lyrics of a particular song on the CD.

Russell Tweets a  picture  of himself with tennis partner Christopher Clarke.

28th May

Anthems is released and available in the shops. 

Female First have a positive  review  of Anthems.

The television  advertisement  for Anthems is released on Russell’s Official YouTube channel.

Russell releases a  video  where he talks about the track Race To The End.

Rob Emery updates  his blog  with a piece about the production of Anthems.

Russell Tweets, “Thank you so much for all your lovely comments about the new record . I truly appreciate your continued support . MASSIVE thank you !!! X”  and then ReTweets a selection of the complimentary Tweets he’s received.

Russell releases another  video  through ‘The Official Charts Company’ in which he talks about the making of ‘Anthems’ and what this Jubilee/Olympic year means to him.

Harry King, on BBC Radio Cumbria, broadcasts part one of a good long chat with Russell and includes excerpts from ‘Anthems’.  Part two follows in “a fortnight”.
Listen Again until Monday 4th June (scroll to 1 hour 13 minutes).

27th May

David Allen plays  Nimrod  on BBC Radio Solent.
Listen Again  until Sunday 3rd June  (Scroll to 1 hour 34 minutes).

The Sunday Express  publishes a short article, “Russell Watson on his love of tennis.”

Graham Rogers plays White Cliffs Of Dover  and  Land Of Hope And Glory  on BBC Radio Wiltshire during a recorded interview with Russell “The Leprechaun” Watson.
Listen Again  until Sunday 3rd June  (Scroll to 1 hour 21 minutes).

Phil Kennedy plays  Land Of Hope And Glory  on BBC Radio Berkshire during a recorded chat with a moaning Russell.
Listen Again  until Sunday 3rd June  (Scroll to 1 hour 45 minutes).

Russell prepares for his appearance at the Memorial Day Concert.

26th May

David Allen plays  Land Of Hope And Glory  from Anthems on BBC Radio Solent.

Several photos appear on  Getty Images  of Russell, in shorts, rehearsing for tomorrow’s Memorial Day concert.

The  Daily Express  reviewer reckons ‘Anthems’ lacks a bit of subtlety.

Russell was the ‘Jukebox Selector’ on Justin Dealey’s Schools Out programme on BBC Three Counties Radio.  Listen Again  until 2nd June  (Scroll to 1 hour 40 minutes).

________________________________________________________________

25th May

Broadcast of Mark Dennison’s 2-part interview with Russell is put back until nearer the time of the final concert of his Jubilee Tribute Tour at the Royal Hall, Nottingham on 30th June.  Times/Dates to be confirmed.

________________________________________________________________

24th May

The  Washington Post  recommends early arrival for the Memorial Day concert to see “British classical musician Russell Watson”.  Have we been following the wrong bloke?

The DigitalSpy  interview  provokes a lot of comment on Twitter, not all of it favourable.

Russell Tweets, “Memorial day concert in Washington DC televised live on PBS to all of the USA !! See you on the tele Amreicaaaaaa – we r taking off X”
Unfortunately, not televised in the UK, not even by PBS(UK).

Some lucky people are receiving their copies of ‘Anthems’ in the post already.

Russell Tweets, “Washington here we come !”

Amazon show ‘Calon Lan’ as being available for  MP3 download  from 25th May.

The Official Chart Company are to launch a new ‘Classical Singles Chart’ from Monday 28th May.  Russell promotes it with an introductory  video.  Scroll below the Press Release by Lauren Keiser.

DigitalSpy publishes Robert Copsey’s  interview  with Russell, ‘bleeps’ and all. 

________________________________________________________________

23rd May

OK Magazine run a competition to win a VIP package to see Russell at the Royal Albert Hall on 2nd June.

Prize is for a party of four _ Seats for the 3pm performance _ Meeting Russell _ Copy of Anthems _ Overnight accommodation at the Trafalgar Hotel on the Saturday.  Champagne reception at the hotel after the Jubilee River Pageant on Sunday afternoon.
Entry is by premium rate text message only. Closing at midnight 27th May.

________________________________________________________________

22nd May

Mark Dennison of BBC Radio Nottingham confirms he is to broadcast an interview with Russell in two parts later this week.   [Deferred until date to be confirmed]

___________________________________________________________

21st May

Anthems goes to #1 in Amazon’s ‘Hot New Releases‘ classical chart.  

Adam Sweeting interviews Russell for ‘The Arts Desk‘ – 10 Questions for Russell Watson.

Zimbio publish photos of Russell leaving the BBC after yesterday’s ‘Made On Sunday’.

___________________________________________________________

2oth May

David Allen played Jerusalem during his evening show on Radio Solent.  
Available on BBC iPlayer until 27th May. Scroll to 48 minutes.  

Richard Madeley has a new BBC Radio 2 show, ‘Made On Sunday‘ and Russell was his first guest and he played Race To The End.

___________________________________________________________

19th May

Russell’s Official Facebook page carries a ‘post’ from BBC Three Counties Radio to the effect that he will be on around 10.30am on Saturday 26th May.

David Allen played Swing Low, the 5th track on the ‘Anthems’ sampler on BBC Radio Solent.

 _________________________________________________________________

18th May

The  Portsmouth Guide  interviewed Russell recently and, as promised, they’ve now posted it online.

Brandon Veevers’ Entertainment Focus  video interview with Russell also appears online.

Russell has been busy on the phone with radio stations around the country, promoting the new album and tour.  Read more on the  Recent Appearances / On Radio or TV  page.

__________________________________________________________________

17th May

Liverpool radio station  City Talk 105.9  post a picture on their  Facebook page  of Russell with their presenter Pete Price.  There’s a reference to Russell having been in the now cancelled  ‘Coronation Street – Street of Dreams’  but no indication of any interview at the moment.

Russell’s Official Facebook page announces that he is to be ‘live’ on BBC Radio 2, around 12 noon, with  Richard Madeley  on Sunday 20th May.  Listen Live to Radio 2.

__________________________________________________________________

16th May

Russell Tweets his thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered a copy of Anthems.  It’s doing well, currently being #2 in Amazon’s hot pre-sales chart… and there’s still a fortnight to go before release.  Buy spare copies!

Amazon  make samples of each of the tracks on ‘Anthems’ available.

Female First  publish a lengthy and entertaining interview with Russell.

__________________________________________________________________

15th May

Russell was on tonight’s ‘The One Show‘ trying to avoid talking about United just missing the title in the Premier League, the forthcoming album, doing a slow-motion sprint and putting himself forward for any vacancy that may arise for a singer to open the Olympics!

Russell has been interviewed for an article in  Entertainment Focus  and we expect it to be available online soon, possibly Friday 18th

_____________________________________________________________

14th May 

At the end of tonight’s  ‘The One Show‘  it was announced that Russell would be on tomorrow night’s programme – BBC 1 from 7pm Tuesday 15th May.

The interview that appeared in the printed May edition of  Lancashire Life  becomes available online.  The same interview with slight variations is in the printed edition of Cheshire Life.

Google Alerts circulate details of a London theatre production of  ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’ with the suggestion that Russell is taking part. He’s not. It’s an error and it’s Russell Walker on stage. The website has been updated but the alerts are still circulating.

_____________________________________________________________

13th May

Russell was on BBC Radio London with Jeni Barnett.

David Allen on BBC Radio Solent played Danny Boy  again and promised to play the fifth song from his 5-track promo CD on either of his shows next weekend.

_____________________________________________________________

12th May

Russell joined Clive Anderson on BBC Radio 4’s  “Loose Ends” for a brief chat about his early career and recent appearance in  ‘Coronation Street – Street Of Dreams‘

_____________________________________________________________

10th May

Ticket sales for the Gila River Casino are stopped after the concert is cancelled.

Russell guest-stars at the second performance of  ‘Coronation Street – Street Of Dreams‘

Russell was briefly interviewed on ITV1’s Granada Reports as part of their piece on the premiere of Coronation Street – Street Of Dreams.

_________________________________________________________

9th May

Russell guest-stars at the premiere of  ‘Coronation Street – Street Of Dreams‘ at the Manchester Arena.

Arizona website “AZ Central” reports the ‘postponement’ of the Gila River concert.

The ‘sixtypusurfers’ competition to win a signed copy of ‘Anthems’ opens to UK readers only.

_________________________________________________________

8th May

Russell was on Radio Merseyside with Billy Butler this afternoon. The piece was introduced with an earlier ‘live event’ recording of Russell singing  Mustang Sally before moving on to talking about the new album.  Billy played Race To The End and Danny Boy.

BBC Radio 4 announces that Russell will be one of the guests on their “Loose Ends” programme on Saturday 12th May from 6.15pm.   This programme is repeated several times on the following Monday/Tuesday on Radio 4 Extra.

The Portsmouth Guide solicited questions via Twitter for their interview today with Russell.  Expect something to appear online on 18th May.

Karen Price, media reporter for WalesOnline, Tweets that she has interviewed Russell and there ought to be something in the Western Mail on Friday (11th May).

Marcus Chippindale’s interview with Russell had already appeared in the printed edition of the Bucks Herald and now appears online.
_______________________________________________________________

5th May

David Allen kept his promise (see below on 30th April) and played Flower Of Scotland tonight.  He will be playing three more tracks tomorrow night from 9.30pm when he has ‘Anthems’ as his featured album of the week.

Reversing the previous situation, Amazon have altered their prices for ‘Anthems’.  The ‘Exclusive Offer’ of the CD+postcards has dropped back to £9 while the CD alone has gone up to £10.
_______________________________________________________________

3rd May

Marcus Chippindale of the Bucks Herald  promises his “interview with the brilliant @russellthevoice” will be in that paper (and online) ‘sometime this week’.

Russell Tweets, “Hi everyone , I want to say a big thank you for all your kind words about my recordings over the past few days : ) x”

Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons announces that Russell will be perfoming at ‘Le Festival’ in October (probably on Friday 5th).  [Now confirmed]

SRO Audiences, the agency for tickets to studio TV shows, are advertising Russell as being a guest on ‘Loose Women’ on 6th June…
_______________________________________________________________

2nd May

Eric (CakeBoy) Lanlard posts a Tweet with a picture,  “@russellthevoice  lovely meeting you and enjoy your time in the kitchen of “Saturday Cook Book” .... http://pic.twitter.com/GLjJHIvJ”   Further developments awaited…

Roy Noble (BBC Radio Wales) plays Calon Lan  from the new CD.
Available on BBC iPlayer until 9th May (scroll to 2hrs 40mins).

Reg.Transfers publish the Spring edition of their magazine and feature Russell and his personalised car registration number, T3 NOR.
_______________________________________________________________

1st May

The Wild Horse Pass Casino concert is advertised in the Phoenix New Times  with a competition to win tickets to the show.

Amazon.co.uk put back the release date of ‘Anthems’ and raise the price of their Exclusive Offer.  Play.com follow suit with the date.  See here for more information…
_______________________________________________________________

30th April

The Military Wives Choir ‘Tweet’ a picture of an advertisement that shows them as being ‘Special Guests’ at the matinée performance of Russell’s Gala for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the RAH.

David Allen (BBC Radio Solent) says that he expects to have a 5-track promotional copy of ‘Anthems’ in time for his next shows between 9pm-1am Saturday and Sunday 5th and 6th May.

A similar, but much briefer, item to that in Saturday’s Daily Mail ‘Femail’ magazine appears on page 16 of the Daily Express (Night&Day) and is repeated  online  with an older photo.
_______________________________________________________________

29th April

Mark Forrest (Classic FM) played Abide With Me, the first pubic performance of a track from the new album.  Russell had previously gone on Twitter and Facebook to ask for feedback.
Available on  Listen Again until 6th May (scroll to 1hr 5mins).
_______________________________________________________________

28th April

Thermae Romae, the live-action movie based on the Manga (animated) TV series is released in Japan.  Russell’s  Nessun Dorma  is featured in the climax of the film and is amongst the compilation of songs on the movie soundtrack CD.

The printed version of the Daily Mail’s ‘Femail’ magazine is available today.
_______________________________________________________________

27th April

The online version of the Daily Mail’s  ‘Femail‘  magazine lets us see into Russell’s home cinema and takes a look at some of his favourite things.

Sony Music circulate an  email competition  to win one of five signed copies of “Anthems”. 
_______________________________________________________________

26th April

The British Forces Foundation announced that Russell would headline their  Summer Ball to be held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, on 5th July. 

A Tweet from Gary Johnson gave advance warning that Russell would be in the Daily Mail’s magazine this coming Saturday, 28th April, talking about some of his favourite things

Waitrose has a free weekly paper called “Weekend” that can be picked up from their Customer Services or checkouts.  On page 14 of this week’s edition, Russell answers questions about his personal ‘style’.

The online magazine for the mature individual,  sixtyplusurfers,  announced that they would be interviewing Russell for a future edition and sought questions from readers.
They will also be running a contest shortly to win a signed copy of “Anthems”.
______________________________________________________________

25th April

Russell HQ, his Social Media managers, announced on Facebook that  Abide With Me from the new album would have its first airplay on Classic FM at 6.10pm this coming Sunday, 29th April.  Russell followed this up with his own Tweet, “Hi everyone , world exclusive on @classicfm this Sunday at 610pm of abide with me from the new album !! Let me have your feedback after : )“

Manchester.TV’s  90 Second News  announced Russell’s guest appearance in “Coronation Street – Street Of Dreams”

Amazon add another picture to their page for the  promotional offer  for ‘Anthems’.
______________________________________________________________

24th April

Russell has been ‘on top of the world’ today; well, high up in London anyway.  He Tweeted, “Almost finished filming TV commercial for the new album, been a great day. Coming to a screen near you very soon! X ” with a link to a  photo.   He followed that up with, “Eleven hours later …… Video shoot complete !! Phew , think you’ll like it though ! X”
______________________________________________________________

22nd April

The second of the three “Songs Of Praise School Choir Of The Year 2012” programmes was aired this afternoon, this being the Senior Semi-Final.  Russell was one of the three judges.
The programme is now available on  BBC iPlayer  to watch for one week or to download and keep for a month.   The Finals are to be aired next week on Sunday 29th April.
______________________________________________________________

21st April

Russell made a special appearance on this evening’s edition of Keith Lemon’s LemonAid,  helping Keith to make a dream come true for 13 year old singer Guy Roberts.

Russell ‘Tweeted’ this afternoon, Saturday 21st April… “The new record is finished – only a few weeks till release , think your going to like it ! Very proud of it and feel its my best ever x”
______________________________________________________________

20th April

Russell is mentioned in a  press release  for the US Memorial Day concert.

New pictures of Russell have been accompanying recent advertisements for the forthcoming album  and yet another new one appeared today as the cover picture for his Official  Facebook  page.   Also, his Official website HomePage now has six great new pictures that can be used as ‘headline banner’ images.

Event Travel now offers  VIP packages  to Meet & Greet Russell at most of his coming  UK concert venues.

Several sources, including  Digital Spy,  reveal that Russell will be making a special guest cameo appearance in the final scenes of the stage musical  “Coronation Street – Street Of Dreams”  that has its world premiere at the MEN Arena, Manchester, over the weekend of 9th and 10th May.  Tickets  have been on sale since December.
______________________________________________________________

19th April

Russell’s  Official Facebook  page announces his appearance on Keith Lemon’s  ‘LemonAid‘ this coming weekend, Saturday 21st April at 6.15pm on ITV1.

Russell’s Official website publishes a  track-list  for “Anthems”.

Russell seems to have got someone new doing his Social Media ‘campaigns’. After a flurry of late evening Tweets yesterday there were more this morning, including one saying that he was in “Cheshire Life” but we await confirmation.
______________________________________________________________

18th April

Amazon.co.uk have dropped the price of Russell’s forthcoming album to £9.00 and now show the release date as the 21st May, not the 28th.  They also have a promotional offer that  includes 4 photo postcards at no extra cost.
+ The date has been put back to 28th & the offer amended. Please see 1st May, above. +

Russell is featured in the May issue of  Lancashire Life  Magazine, out today.
It can be  ordered online  for £2.95 in the UK, £5.95 Europe or £7.95 for the Rest of the World.
______________________________________________________________

17th April

The AA are running a  Prize Draw, for members only, with the chance to win a pair of tickets to the matinée performance at the Royal Albert Hall on 2nd June.   The also have around 50 seats available for sale in the Arena, again to members only.

The BBC Songs Of Praise team produce a short video “Russell Watson – top singing tips“.
______________________________________________________________

16th April

A new advertisement for ‘Anthems’ – including a great new photo of Russell – appears from Stereoboard.com.
Another advertisement – including a different version of the same photo – appears from SonicShock.
______________________________________________________________

15th April

Russell was on Songs Of Praise School Choir Of The Year as one of the three judges tonight on BBC1 at 5.20pm.  It’s available to watch for the next seven days on  BBC iPlayer.

Russell has apparently been in the TV studios recording something with Keith Lemon’s team for an episode of  LemonAid, to be broadcast on Saturday evening, 28th April.
He Tweeted today, “Me and @leighfrancis ! The two tenors ? Or Lemon and Mcartney ?? ; ) haven’t laughed so much in a long long time http://pic.twitter.com/iX34Qam1“.
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14th April

Russell and David Allen had a long chat on BBC Radio Wales.  Read more… ______________________________________________________________

13th April

In the radio interview with Roy Noble this afternoon Russell indicated that he would be going back to Japan and Singapore in the near future… no dates yet.  Brief report on the interview  here  with a link to BBC iPlayer.

BBC Radio Wales  Press Office put out a  Tweet…
“@russellthevoice  speaks to Roy Noble on  @bbcradiowales  today about his patriotic new album & tour to coincide with  #diamondjubilee  from 2pm”
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10th April

Russell Tweets, in response to queries…
“Morning , a few answers . Fav Egg is cadburys cream egg . Can’t wait for Hartlepool ! Sadly not doing Blackpool this time , wish I was : ( x”
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9th April

Tickets go on general sale for the  Scarborough Open Air Theatre  concert.

Tickets available from “The Sands” on 01723 364724 appear to be ‘better’ than those available via Ticketmaster and cost less as they don’t charge as much for booking fees.
They also post them out straight away and ours are already in hand.

Please see our page for this event for more information.
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4th April

Amazon  put cover artwork for the album on their pre-order page.
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3rd April

Amazon  put the album on their pre-order pages under the title “Anthems” ‘Music To Inspire A Nation’.
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2nd April

Russell himself comes on Twitter to say that while he’s pleased with the progress being made on the  album  there hasn’t been a final decision on the title.
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1st April

There has apparently been mention of the Jubilee Tour on a south of England radio station with comments about the  forthcoming CD.  The title “Music To Inspire The Nation” was used and a release date given of 28th May (just ahead of the tour).
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26th March

Russell Tweets that he’s off to AIR Studios with producer Nick Patrick, so maybe there’s some progress on the new CD  he was “pondering” recently.
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17th March 2012

Russell was Janette Monroe’s special guest star at a fundraising concert, “A Voice For The Children“,  raising over £30,000 in aid of the charity ‘ChildLine’ at Southport Theatre.
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11th March 2012

An additional ‘Last Night Of The Proms’ picnic-style concert has been announced, this time at  Waddesdon Manor,  near Aylesbury, on Friday 29th June.   Ordinary ‘picnic’ admission price is £35, with a ‘Silver’ hospitality package at £50 and ‘Gold’ package at £95.  ______________________________________________________________

7th March 2012

Russell’s Official Facebook page has posted confirmation of both the  Wild Horse Pass Resort   event in Arizona USA and the US  Memorial Day Concert  in Washington DC.

Russell also Tweeted a  picture  of himself with friends after playing tennis today, so he’s probably over that chest infection he had in Australia.
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6th March 2012

Russell started a Twitter conversation about a new album that he might record.
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The mini  tour of Australia  was a great success even though Russell picked up a sore throat and chest infection.  You can  read more  on the relevant page.
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Russell was amongst the guests for tea with HRH The Prince of Wales  at Clarence House on 25th January by way of  a ‘thank you’ for their work in supporting The Prince’s Trust.
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There will be a  matinee performance of the Gala for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee from 3pm on 2nd June.  Read more… 
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Russell, Natasha Marsh, Gareth Malone and others entertained some 3,500 at a private function for the St.James’s Place Foundation at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday 20th January

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