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A RIGHT ROYAL PARTY
PARTY IN THE PARK
2004 - ACCESS ALL AREAS.
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Johnny Vaughen started his career back in 1993 in a show called 'Naked
City'. One of those poor budget youth shows which never took off. Over
the years he became quite notable for his film knowledge which landed
him his own movie show, his presenting skills which allowed to step into
Chris Evans shoes on The Big Breakfast and quite recently, his mouth which
has crowned him king of Capital FM DJ's and landed him the radio station's
breakfast show host. But there is a small price to pay being a presenter
on the Capital's leading radio station, that being once a year you must
stand on a huge stage slap bang in Hyde Park in front of 100,000 people
and present various acts from the world of Pop music.We caught up with
the new boy backstage at Party In The Park and he was in 'TV Presenter
' mode with everyone he met. This could had been nerves or just the way
he is, a guy who
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Gareth Gates wept!
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never shuts up. Well that is until you stick a book under his nose brimmed
full of A-List celebrities and was in the hands of Lionel Richie just
minutes beforehand. As you probably guessed Johnny was having a nose at
the ABLE2 book and was gobsmacked by it. Two years ago the present Capital
FM Breakfast host, Chris Tarrent added his contribution at Party In The
Park. Now, 24 months later Vaughen added his in the backstage compound.
Which reminds me, we are two paragraphs into this report and we haven't
even lift the lid on the gossip rumor tin marked 'Backstage Gossip at
Party In The Park' yet. How inconsiderate of us!
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'So Foxy, have you any
coke?'
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The backstage area was split into three marquees, let's start with the
poor quality one first - the press tent. Now, it's quite difficult to
report about this area, because bizarrely enough it was the only section
we couldn't get into - except the Prince's Royal Box of course, but lets
face it, who wants to be in the company of an old man with Dumbo sized
ears and a voice even Stephen Hawkins would turn down. The only person
we can think of would be a gay close advisor in Buckingham Palace! Anyway,
back to the press tent, or should that be standing outside the press tent?
Our lack of a press pass was rewarded when a tabloid journalist walked
out from the area and into the guest area opposite muttering that it was
pretty crap and he came into the second marquee for some food and drink.
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The journalist joined the guests in the VIP marquee who included Eastender
stars and other minor celebrities whose credibility don't deserve mentions
on this page. Everyone in the second marquee was treated to a full buffet
of cold meat and salad, a Bar B Q and the opportunity to donate a few
quid to the Prince's Trust when they bought a drink from the bar. They
could also enjoy the show itself on a large TV screen showing acts from
Rachel Stephens, show opener Will Young, The Corrs, Darren Hayes and Busted
among many more.
The screen was the closet the VIP guests could get to the bands unless
they had a gold wristband wrapped round their arm. Which we did. Allowing
us full access to the artist marquee and dressing rooms. The rest of the
press had no access, which stopped slanderous reports being written such
as Lemar having a heated debate to someone on his mobile.
As for the acts themselves? Well Avril Lavine has had some much need
singing lessons since we last saw her. Javine's act ended with confetti
blown from cannons refilled from Beyone's at last years show. The Corrs
flew the flag for Irish music and Lionel Richie proved that he still has
what it takes to be a stunning performer. All the acts were witnessed
close up by their friend and family members - and us! on a raised platform
on the stage itself.
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Being on the platform gave us a breathtaking view of the crowd, who at
7.30pm made their ways back to their homes after a blinding seven hour
and a half concert. For us though it was time to start the evening celebrations
and whilst Lenny Kravitz allegedly took his encore to party at Sketch
nightclub we made our way to the Zeta Bar to party with Channel 5.
The lame television channel had snapped exclusive coverage from the concert
and the seven hour broadcast was presented by Geri Halliwell, Richard
Bacon and Duncan from Blue. Bacon was at the bar and keeping his nose
clean for once. He told us that his presenting at XFM is a right laugh,
but the pay is pretty crap. Duncan was mixing with anyone who would speak
to him and Geri was perched on a stool looking rough as hell.
After a free drink we ventured up to the Embassy club for the Official
party.
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Lenny arm wrestles his
manager for the spare
party invite.
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We spotted Blue's Simon Webbe hidden with a Sugababe in the VIP lounge,
a few Hollyoak hanger ons and Lemar who seemed in a better frame of mind
then before. Even though the rumored arrival of Lenny Kravitz fell flat
on it's face the party was the perfect way to end another great Party
In The Park.
Oh yes, we later found out that our gold wristband allowed us access
to the press compound - but we didn't feel the need!
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Rumor has it
that Avril Lavin at Party In The Park played on Prince Harry's request.
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