Fast Forward - 274 - January 4-10, 1995
Fast Forward - 274 - January 4-10, 1995
THE WORLD AT THEIR FEET
Yes, the world is their oyster! TAKE THAT jet-setted all over the world last year, from Germany to Japan and everywhere in between. FF's Andrew was hot on the heels of pop's greatest globetrotters!
Britain
TT's UK tour in September was spectacular! And, no matter how many countries the band visit, they always look forward to returning home to their British fans. "We love going abroad and spreading the Take That word, but there's something special about sleeping in your own bed," says Gary.
New York
The boys came to promote the Everything Changes album - and worked an average of 20 hours a day! The guys all agree that America's going to be tough to crack. Robbie brushed up on his "Nooo Yoik" street lingo, man! And Howard's a real fan of the place. "We've been twice and I love it," he said. "It's so amazing and full of energy!" But Gary hated it after seeing a mugging in Times Square. "It was very scary!" he said. Gulp!
Florida
The guys went for a promotional trip in May - something they were really looking forward to! "I loved Florida," said Robbie. "If I could go anywhere on a dream holiday, I'd go there. I'd pack my baggy shorts, suncreen and rollerblades along the seafront."
Acapulco
The glamourous land of Acapulco, in Mexico, wasn't to Gary's taste. "It was such a shock," he said. "We were expecting this really beautiful country with lovely cultures and amazing beaches and it turned out to be really dirty and full of beggars." Bleurrgghhh!
Germany
The boys arrived in Germany in March, when Babe hit the Top 10 there. "We know Germany like the back of our hands now," said Mark. "We've been there so many times." In a couple of days they whizzed through cities like Nuremburg and Frankfurt and even sampled the local customs, like steam baths, where they all stayed too long and crinkled up! The highlight of Robbie's trip was bumping into the Pet Shop Boys while doing a telly show. They all got on like a house on fire!
Spain
After their Christmas and New Year break, the boys set off on their European tour, starting in Spain. The land of paella is especially close to Jason's heart, as it was the first place he ever went abroad when he was younger. "Madrid, the capital city, was magical the first time round," he said. "I was so impressed that I started to learn Spanish - and the guitar!" In fact, Jason loves the place so much that the rest of the guys nicknamed him Pedro. "We reckon he goes around Spanish restaurants playing guitar on his nights off!" they said.
Japan
The lads have been to Japan heaps of times and last popped there in May. They all loved the food - especially Gary, who couldn't get enough of the sushi (raw fishes). Their Japanese fans are asdotty about the boys as we are, and they followed them in a huge convoy of taxis. "They're really shy and giggly to start with," said Jason. "Then they get louder and charge at you like bulls. It's crazy!"
Taiwan
This tiny Eastern country really stuck in the boys' minds. The locals go nutty for British pop groups and lurrrve Take That, but sadly the boys didn't like it much there. "There were monkeys in cages in markets," said Gary. "And Snake Alley is where they eat all the snakes and put them in soups and things. We're not used to that sort of thing." Mark, who's a vegetarian, felt especially queasy! Bleurrgh!
Mauritius
Last January, Jason took a trip to the beautiful beaches of this tropical island, where famous pop crumblies and royal snoots all own houses. He lounged on the beaches on his own and strummed his guitar during this well-deserved break. "I knew Mauritius would give me guaranteed peace and quiet," said the pooped lad. "And I wasn't disappointed!"
Australia
They had lots to do when they arrived in Oz in June - East 17 had already topped the charts there twice! The lads were introduced to Sydney with a trip on a boat around the harbour. Then they spent the next day on Bondi Beach, and it poured down! The highlight was a trip to the set of Neighbours - but the boys were choked when they didn't meet Kimberley Davies, who plays Annalise.
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