? What is the point ? Tabloids out to kick someone down as soon as they rise up ?
He has paid 2000 GBP over his life on singing lessons. He took two courses he paid for where he got to “tour” italy, practicing singing with other amateurs - sort of dream vacations / classes.
Pavarotti was a “host” of one - Paul was paying tuition, I wonder how much the people who organized it paid Pavarotti for dropping by one day.
He has never song professionally. That means he IS an amateur...
I have sung in a musical in community theater. I even had the lead in one musical. I have sung karaoke and hosted karaoke shows. I have practiced some days 6 hours in a row singing because I love it. I have over 300 songs in my current repetoire I can sing off the cuff. People come up to me all the time and ask if I am a professional - do I sing for a living. No, I tell them, I’m just an inspired amateur who spends too much time in bars.
But haven’t had “the break” and don’t expect to, being in my mid-50’s.
I have been around friends in music all my life. Several of them have made their living in music - session musicians, write a few songs, tour locally, occasional opening acts, but none of them have ever “made it” per se.
There are tens of thousands of people with great talent making money or a living in music that never get the break.
He is not even there with them. He sells mobile phones the last 3 years, for gosh sakes. Music is his passion, BUT only could be considered a “hobby” under these circumstances
He has always dreamed of singing opera, and has practiced, and paid for courses, but not “looking” like an opera singer and being just a regular guy with a great voice, never got the break.
The old saying is luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
He is lucky, because when the opportunity arose,, over these last few weeks, by dint of his years of hard work and practice — with NO prospect of success — he was prepared.
He was most definitely prepared!
In fact, He Kicked A$$! Not bad for a little tubby guy!
Don't shoot the messenger...I just posted the article. Evidently some folks felt like they were mislead.
Excellent retort! I couldn’t have said it any better myself and agree with you 100%
I watched the semi’s where Paul “went thru” and was amazed.
Of course, the next day or so, some of the papers were complaining that he had “professional training”. Somebody else, maybe you, pointed out that these are lessons paid for by the singer.
Now I am hoping I can find his act from Sunday and am very pleased that one of us “Walter Mities” made it to the winners ring.