Michael Ball

[Bandleader]

Posted: 2/25/04 at 11:55am

Please! Everyone knows he's gay. He lives with Cathy because of convenience for both. Not to say he may not dabble with her. Who knows but them and the close circle of family and friends for absolute, but he's been seen out with men quite openly cozy. It's not even a secret if you're in the business, nor does he keep it secret to anyone but the Ballettes. Actually he just never brings up the subject. Those who want to have their eyes open do. Those who don't want to see it don't. It's a safe relationship for both and convenient. Does it matter? Only to those who have fantasies about him. The others that follow him know he's gay but don't care because they have no plans about wanting to sleep with him, but instead just want to listen and see an awesome performer with awesome talent when he performs in shows or concerts.

[kec]

Posted: 2/25/04 at 5:11pm

Was it really necessary to make this a separate thread, when one already exists?

[Poodle]

Posted: 2/26/04 at 6:23am

Michael is gay, but so what! It is disturbing when even these days, this still brings horrified responses from a few fans who cannot accept it. Many of Michael's British fans are well aware of his orientation and it makes no difference at all. (Those who don't, should consider how their negative reactions must hurt him.) It is fair to criticise a stage performance, even with this wonderful singer, but objections to his orientation are not acceptable.

I was fortunate to become aware of Michael's great talent early in his career, with the cast of "Pirates". Michael has always been open among those he works with and others in his life. Because his stage act does not relate to his orientation and he chooses not to discuss it in the media, does not mean that he is hiding it. I don't see why he should be expected to spell out his private life to anyone. As for comments regarding a lady involved, I've no doubt his relationship is genuine...there are different aspects of love! Let Michael be himself. Fans buy cds and concert tickets, they don't own the performers. In the end, the stage is just a job like any other. Updated On: 2/26/04 at 06:23 AM

[Bandleader]

Posted: 2/26/04 at 12:54pm

I hope I'm not duplicating this. I sent another post but it didn't show up but anyways here goes:

Do you know what the whole problem for Michael is? He tells part of the story but doesn't tell the whole story. He tells you a tidbit here or there, then creates more questions than answers. The fans who follow him will question him will always have questions on their minds, so you can't leave things open to interpretation or they'll always be looking for the real answers.

People who know Michael or have dealings with him know he's gay. The Ballettes refuse to believe it because they don't want to believe it or that Michael would lie to them. Michael doesn't actually lie. He just doesn't finish the story, as I've said. He wants you to believe the way the Ballettes do so he doesn't have to 'face the music'. I shouldn't even say he doesn't lie because he really is. He knows darn well that the Ballettes fell into his story the way he hoped they would. Now he's having depression over the fact that they did exactly what he wanted them to do. It's coming back to haunt him if he's depressed all the time over it. He should let his talent speak for itself. A true fan won't care. They will care that he's been letting them believe the little white lies he's wanted them to believe. Making amends and having the guts to come clean about it all would go a long way to fix things and letting him feel better about himself.

[maestro]

Posted: 2/27/04 at 10:46am

Do gay performers have a duty to talk about their orientation? No, of course they don't!
Ian McKellen referred in an interview recently, how there are various degrees of coming out. It isn't a question of "letting fans think something", but more down to how comfortable someone feels about explaining their private life. I don't think Michael should be under any pressure to do more. He's comfortable that everyone who deals with him knows he's gay and cannot be blamed for deciding not to offer interviews on the subject.
An actor or singer's orientation need not be seen in his stage performance either. It's an act. No-one believes that hetero actors are always as they appear. So why apply it to gay ones? If female fans fantasise over Michael, then that is their choice, but there should be no pressure on him because of it.