Reviews
Kinda Love
Rushes
Incredible
Girl In the Moon
Dive In
The Dive In Tour
Sink or Swim
Kinda Love
Live Twice
By Jenny Morrison Scottish Mirror 30 October 2002POP Idol Darius has been signed up to perform at this year's Elvis-themed Children in Need.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the King's death, BBC Scotland is inviting fans to dress up like Elvis.
Also appearing will be TV presenters Edith Bowman and Lorraine Kelly, Celebrity Survivor Rhona Cameron, and football pundit Alan Hansen.
But co-host Jackie Bird, who will present alongside Fred McAulay, admitted that it was Darius who had left her "all shook up".
The newsreading mum-of-two said: "This year I'm the envy of all my pal's daughters because Darius is appearing on the show.
"I have an awful lot of autographs to get, including one for myself because I am a big fan too."
But she wouldn't reveal which - if any - Elvis songs Darius will be performing. He will, however, sing his new single, Rushes.
Children in Need 2002 will take place on Friday, November 15.
Pop Idol Darius will join pop group Blazing Squad in Nottingham's Old Market Square for the switching on of the city's Christmas lights on Wednesday, November 20.
The entertainment, hosted by 96 Trent FM, will run from 6pm to 8pm, with the Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Des Wilson switching on the lights at 7pm.
Other festive activities organised by the City Council include the Christmas Craft and Gift Market in the Old Market Square from Thursday December 5 to Monday December 23, which will feature 60 craft stalls; and a number of Christmas-themed activities in the museums and heritage sites.
For more information...
Bob Chaffin
Telephone: 0115 915 3549
DARIUS Danesh sent pulses racing in Scotland last night as he headlined the latest leg of the Smash Hits tour.
He took to the stage just yards from a rival concert by his Pop Idol pals Gareth Gates, Will Young and Zoe Birkett.
The sell-out concert at Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium saw Darius perform live with a proper band while Gareth, Will and Zoe presented slick but largely pre- recorded sets at the neighbouring SECC.
Darius had turned out to sing his No 1 hit Colourblind, the new track Incredible and his upcoming single Rushes for which he got a standing ovation at the all- star concert.
And he told 192: "I've played the SECC with the Pop Idol tour but this is my first show in which I've really felt like Darius.
"The only other time I've played in Glasgow was with my school band Jade in my school hall."
He apologised for performing just three songs adding: "I would have loved to have been able to do more but there are so many acts performing tonight that they wouldn't allow it.
"Still, it's been an adrenaline rush being here.
"I bumped into Will, Gareth and Zoe in the hotel but we only had two minutes together. However, we're meeting up later, they're coming to my party after the show." Earlier, fans were treated to short sets by 16 other pop acts including Belgian dance stars Ian Van Dahl and Lasgo, US boy band Natural and So Solid Crew's MC Harvey.
Also appearing were Top 10 trio Busted with their hit That's What I Go To School For, former Steps duo H and Claire, the latter of the two having ballooned from the slimline Steps beauty to a pear-shaped foil for her camp other half.
But along with 10-piece teenage rap act Blazin' Squad, luscious pop trio Sugababes and stunning singer Dannii Minogue, they were all forced to play second fiddle to Darius as he made his homecoming appearance.
The sell-out show was part of a nine-date tour of the UK which culminates in the Smash Hits T4 poll winners party which takes place in London on November 24.
Last night, Darius admitted he had been showered with "compliments" since coming back to his home town.
He revealed: "I was leaving Taylor Ferguson's where I had a haircut just before the gig when a man stopped me and said, `You're Darius aren't you. I used to think you were a p****, but you're all right.
"`My wife likes Colourblind, it's a good song and at least you write your own stuff. Rushes is a grower, in fact you're all right'."
Darius fans can now look forward to his debut album which 192 can exclusively reveal will be called Dive In.
The singer said: "It's an invitation to people to dive in and listen to what I believe has turned out to be a brilliant album.
"I'm very proud of it."
SCHOOLGIRL Natalie Heaton was gobsmacked when Scots pop hunk Darius Danesh sang just for her.
Natalie's dad paid £600 at a charity auction so she could introduce her favourite pop star to 12,000 fans in Manchester.
But Darius gazed into her eyes and sang his No1 hit Colourblind.
Natalie said: "My friends are so jealous."
"Well, when I did the sleeve shoots for Will and Gareth's first singles, I actually darkened their eyebrows to make them look less pretty. But when I worked with Darius I played up his huge lashes by giving him very smoky, gothic eyes using black kohl powder smudged with Vaseline - and he absolutely loved the look.
It's hard to believe that this spiky-haired hunk is the same Darius Danesh who made us cringe by covering a Britney Spears song. With a number one single behind him, the 22 year old Popstar reject and Pop Idol also-ran has turned his career around.
Wearing jeans, a white T-shirt and a leather-and-denim jacket, he has gone from cheesy to heart-throb for the video to his new single Rushes, out on November 18 (sic)
In the video, shot in LA, Darius pulls up to an apartment block on a motorcycle then takes the lift, with the bike, up to a stunning flat (a far cry from his own reported reality of sleeping on his It-girl friend Venetia Hibbert's floor in London) He also performs in front of an excited female audience - a more credible scenario now he looks the part.
Darius penned the track himself when he was just 16 - but we bet he wont have to wait that long to see it rocket up the charts
Darius live in Blackpool
Just as lovely Jordan is to the gurning ranks of celebrity, so Darius Danesh remains the thorn in the side of reality pop TV. When Popstars: The Rivals (yeah, we were wrong) staggers to its apocalypse, the boys and the girls arrogantly clawing it out for the Christmas number one, it’s entirely likely that Darius could stride in and snatch it from both of them, voiding several hundred thousand pounds worth of merchandising agreements in the process.
Consider how his gallant exit restored Will’s split vote on Pop Idol and thwarted Simon Cowell’s plan to repopulate the chart with Gareth Gates clones. Consider how he then had nothing more to do with Cowell after it was all over. And consider how, alongside Liberty X, he’s outlasted original classmates Hear’Say.
The Darius phenomenon thus far might have been based on his cult-leader persona and giganticism, but he’s catching up with the serious business. ‘Colourblind’ hit number one and restored ‘proper songwriting’ to our pop stars, while the follow-up ‘Rushes’ is even better. Clearly, Mr Danesh is fashioning himself in the Bono school of serious pop-rock messiah with opinions about the world and everything. Is it ridiculous to suggest that just maybe he’ll pull it off?
Sure, this three-song PA at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Tour is likely to see him mime guitar playing while telling the crowd how good-looking they are, but there’s at least a chance he’ll embark on a swearing spree and start putting pressure on world leaders before ‘Baby One More Time.’ If he’d only married Kym Marsh, the children would be fabulous.
Darius performed to a handful of guests on Tuesday night at an exclusive gig to celebrate the opening of 96.9 Viking FM's newly refurbished offices.
The 96.9 Viking FM & Magic 1161 offices have been extensively refurbished over the last 6 months, with over £300,000 invested in the project.
Darius performed his new single, "Rushes" (to be released on 25 Nov), as well as his number 1 hit single "Colourblind". Foxy & Tom @ Breakfast also hosted a question and answer session giving guests the chance to quiz the singer/songwriter.
Clients, friends of the radio stations, winners and staff were invited to the party. The boardroom was turned into a bar, and the main office was the setting for the performance. Guests were given guided tours of the radio station including the studios.
Mike Bawden, Managing Director of 96.9 Viking FM & Magic 1161, said "Refurbishing the offices has been a major project - £300,000 is a huge investment. We wanted to celebrate in a special way and do something a bit different - like when the Beatles played on the roof of Apple Records in 1970 - so we thought instead of playing on the roof of our building, it'd be cool to have Darius play inside."
Bristol Evening Post 24 October 2002
Gwr FM radio set up a surprise treat for Bristol youngsters in which Darius Danesh was to drive them to school - but forgot to check whether the pop singer had a driving licence.
And when the eight pupils were taken to Whitehall primary school in two Black Thunder jeeps, Darius, who has never passed a driving test, travelled in the passenger seat of one of the vehicles.
It was part of GWR FM's 'cool ride to school' feature, which gives Bristol schools the opportunity to reward pupils for their achievements.
Sarah Trolley, aged seven, Ammen Madar, eight, Omari Bailey, seven, and his brother Jordan, 11, Harpreet Kaur, 10, Hannah Espin, seven, Nathan Hall, five, and Tim Cox, nine, were selected by their teachers for their good behaviour, hard work and excellent attendance.
Tim, from Redfield, said: " When Darius arrived everyone was going wild. It was a good surprise. He told us we were all very good to get this treat."
Claire Fagan, head teacher at Whitehall primary, said: " Each of the teachers nominated children they thought had improved either their behaviour, were consistently well-behaved or had achieved something with their work." Darius will be returning to Bristol next month to turn on the Christmas lights.
I am writing to ask your readers to give the gift of life this Christmas and support Cancer Research UK's Children's Cancer Awareness Month during December.
Every year, about 1,450 children are diagnosed with the disease and about 300 youngsters lose their lives.
While these figures are quite scary, Cancer Research UK has some good news to share with you. Recent years have seen a dramatic improvement in cure rates and today more than seven out of 10 children with cancer are successfully treated.
Cancer Research UK needs people like your readers to get behind it this Children's Cancer Awareness Month.
Christmas is a time for giving and what better present than the gift of life? So please, join me and help bring hope this Christmas for all those brave young cancer patients.
One way you can get involved is by taking part in Cancer Research UK's Cash for Carols during December. To find out how you can join in the festive fun, call 08701 602040.
For other ways to get involved, call 0800 Cancer, that is 0800 226237, or log on to the Cancer Research UK website at http://www.cancerresearchuk.org.
Darius,
On behalf of Cancer Research UK,
PO Box 123,
London
WC2A 3PX
THE career of Pop Idol star Darius Danesh took a new twist last night when the singer swapped the stage role to sit in as a radio DJ.
The Scots chart-topper whose hits are aired regularly on radio took the hot seat in the studio to be a guest presenter on Clyde 1 DJ Tiger Tim's show.
It was an experience Darius described as "terrifying" but he added: "For someone who grew up as I did listening to pop music in Glasgow, Tim Stevens is something of a legend."
"In the last six months I have sung live before a million people but sitting in for The Tiger is terrifying ... he is the man. However, I couldn't turn down the chance to host my own slot on Clyde 1.
His radio role came after he spent the day singing the praises of music therapy classes during a visit to Daldorch House School, in Catrine, Ayrshire, where he joined autistic children in an hour-long class set up by the Nordoff-Robbins Trust.
The singer, nominated for an award by the trust for his Colourblind single, said: "Having autism doesn't mean you're not intelligent, it means you've trouble communicating. Music can help that."
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that big-hearted Darius is to take part in a festive fundraising appeal for Cancer Research.
He is urging volunteers to sign up for Cash for Carols, a sponsorship sing-along to raise funds for the 1450 children diagnosed with the disease each year.
POP star Darius went back to school yesterday to see how music therapy helps kids with special needs.
The singer was supporting the Nordoff-Robbins Charity, which runs sessions at schools and hospitals across Scotland.
After watching a class at Daldorch House School for Autistic Children in Catrine, Ayrshire, he described the kids' response as "awesome".
Glasgow-born Darius added: "I've been privileged to be on stage before thousands of people, but the effect of seeing how these children can overcome their communication problems through music is like gold dust."
The charity has nominated him as Best Newcomer for its Tartan Clef Awards, held next month.
Meanwhile, Darius is touring the UK promoting his latest single Rushes, due out next month.
It's the follow-up to his No1 hit Colourblind.
DARIUS has revealed that he carries a lucky KILT - wherever he travels around the world.
The singer, whose new single, Rushes, is out on November 18, loves his home country and takes the tartan on tour to avoid feeling homesick. He adds: "It is my clan's kilt, with the Campbell tartan."
DARIUS, the former Edinburgh University student turned chart-topper, is to visit the Capital on Monday to speak about his debut album, which is due out before Christmas, on a city radio station.
The heart-throb singer, who made his name thanks to his notorious appearances on Popstars, made a dramatic recovery to come third in the subsequent Pop Idol series. Darius then made a sensational start to his chart career when his debut single, Colourblind, shot straight to number one.
His follow-up, Rushes, is already one of the most requested songs on Forth One, the station he will be appearing on this Monday, although it is not due to be released until next month.
Darius will be speaking to breakfast show host Darren Adam after 8am.
WHILE talking to Darius on the phone last month, I told him about a colleague of mine who's a big fan. He asked to speak to the reporter in question, who, being too shy to say hello, ran off down the newsroom instead - leaving me to explain her hasty exit.
At the Big Buzz/WKD Awards I was chatting to Darius (who is incredibly tall and incredibly handsome) when he asked me where she was and why she hadn't turned up at the bash.
The next morning I found a scribbled note in the back pocker of my jeans and I've no idea how it got there.
It read: "To ....... (I'm sparing her blushes), don't hide, love Darius."
It's more than I got from him, although he did offer me an autograph!
Singer/songwriter Darius Danesh won the music prize. Last year, when he presented an award at the Great Scots, he was still seen as a failed contestant from talent show Popstars. His best- known achievement was his embarrassing rendition of Britney Spears song Hit Me Baby One More Time.
But his determination and brave decision to try out for Pop Idol paid off. He has since got himself a solo record deal, achieved a No. 1 with his first single and is now promoting his second single Rushes, along with an album for Christmas.
He paid tribute to parents Booth and Avril, saying: "I think people are a product of where they come from and it's my mum and dad who truly deserve this award."
POPSTAR Darius has turned his back on luxury hotels to sleep on the floor of a society girl's flat.
The chart-topper is taking advantage of upper crust Venetia Hibbert's hospitality.
The 24-year-old, who is well known on the London social scene, achieved notoriety when she appeared topless in a charity book called In The Buff - with her modesty protected only by a pair of fried eggs and two rashers of bacon.
The pair first met before the singer hit the big time on the popular television programmes Popstars and Pop Idol. Since his dramatic comeback as a singer-songwriter, the musician has shunned the lavish trappings of his new-found fame.
While working in London on his forthcoming album, the 6ft 2in hunk has been sleeping rough at his posh friend's apartment.
Venetia, who is a regular in the eventing and equestrian world, said her new lodger was the perfect flatmate and denied the pair where romantically involved.
She said: "I first met Darius a couple of years ago when he had this silly long hair. I advised him to cut it off and he eventually did. But we are just good friends.
"Darius is an excellent housemate and is very tidy."
Darius, who only made the final cut of Pop Idol after heavyweight singer Rik Waller pulled out, relaunched his career after being branded a Flopstar.
He was left red-faced after an excruciating performance of Britney Spears's song Hit Me Baby One More Time on Popstars.
But the 22-year-old cut off his pony tail and goatee and went on to win third place behind Will Young and Gareth Gates in Pop Idol.
His first single, Colourblind, shot to No1 after he signed a £1million deal with record label Mercury.
But the star, born in Bearsden, Glasgow, said he had spent so much time working that he has put love on the back burner.
He said: "I have just been far too busy working on the single and trying to get the album sorted out for any kind of relationship."
A spokesman for the singer last night confirmed Darius's unusual living arrangements.
He said: "Darius does not live there permanently, because he is travelling around so much. But yes, he does stay on her floor."
Venetia is not the only society girl to pose naked with eggs. BBC2's What Not To Wear star Trinny Woodall and Debbie Currie, daughter of Edwina, both stripped for publicity shots.
He Teams up with Garage Genius
The Star on Sunday 6 October 2002
Darius Danesh is lining up a series of intensive training sessions with fellow chart-topper Daniel Bedingfield.
That's Darius's way of saying he's booking some studio time wwith the Garage bloke to get cracking on songs. And he's likened the experience to David Beckham and Ryan Giggs having a pre-match kick about.
I chatted to Darius fresh off the plane from Los Angeles, where he's been shooting the video for Rushes - the follow-up single to his No.1 debut Colourblind.
And as my on-set picture shows, Darius 22 has lost none of that unique style that won him a place in our hearts.
He told me: "Daniel and I want to get writing together as a way of helping us both improve as musicians.
We're ot doing any of those record company money-making scams by getting together to release a lucrative duet. In fact, it's likely that whatever we do won't be for commercial release. If you imagine a top sportsman training with another top sportsman - like Beckham and giggs - then both gain from the experience.
Daniel's great with beats. I'm good with lyrics, guitars and melodies."
There's even a chance of involving Daniel's sister Natasha, who also has plans for a pop career. But Darius won't be trying any slick moves on her. He doesn't have time for girls at the moment and she's going out with a large copper.
"I think I might get a bit of a leathering if I was to try it on with her" he laughed.
"The truth about my love life is there won't be any time for a proper girlfriend for a couple of years. Anything I do I like to do well and I couldn't be a good boyfriend with so much of my life dedicated to work. I meet a girl I like and perhaps we'll have an evening of dancing, snogging and cuddling - but that's it"
How very frustrated he must be.
Still work's not all bad as Darius had a very laddish time shooting the Rushes vid.
"I got to ride a Ducatti motorbike and we had a police escort that let us zoom about in a new Range Rover at ridiculous speeds. The song's all about adrenaline rushes you see."
Having moved the Rushes release date back by two weeks to avoid a second clash with Brittany Spears - whose I Love Rock 'n' Roll will hit the shops next month - Darius can afford to be generous.
"I love rock 'n' roll, too, Britney. Good luck," He said.
Rushes is out on November 18 and his debut album, Dive In, a week later.
The People 6 October 2002
THEY came, they saw and he conquered - at Ireland's biggest showbiz bash of the year.
Pop superstar Darius played to the screaming fans who queued for hours to see him.
And they lapped it up. Headlining the Big Buzz entertainment awards in his first performance in Ireland, the pop idol stole the show.
Rockers The Hives, The Revs, members of Boyzone and even telly's biggest soap stars were among the big names who packed the Waterfront Hall on Friday for a star-studded night of fun at the annual awards, held in Belfast.
Hosted for the third year running by former Boyzone heart-throb turned Coronation Street star, Keith Duffy, the night honoured the best successes in home-grown and international entertainment.
And while many fans were disappointed that neither Ronan or Stephen Gately made the show, Keith kept the star-watchers happy, bringing a posse of his Corrie mates who shared a table with rivals from Brookside and Hollyoakes.
Boxing hero Wayne McCullough was crowned Ireland's top sport personality, while Westlife took the best band accolade. Radio Ulster DJ Gerry Anderson received a special award for a lifetime's contribution to Irish entertainment.
Other winners included local beauty Christine Bleakley who received two awards for best TV personality and best entertainment show.
The Best Music Pub award went to the Empire in Belfast, while Lush took the award for the best music club.
Belfast club The Kremlin won best gay venue and DJ Fergie was voted the best Irish radio presenter.
The stars partied until the early hours at a number of bashes across the city.
Darius said that playing Belfast was like "coming home".
The Scottish singer, whose mother comes from Ballymena, paid tribute to the Irish crowd.
"It's the best reception I've had anywhere. The people here are just so friendly - they're great."
Event organisers acclaimed the night a great success, and are promising an even bigger bash next year.
Belfast Telegraph 5 October 2002
A HOST of stars descended on Belfast for an evening of glamour at the Big Buzz WKD Irish Entertainment awards.
Chart-topper Darius entertained more than a thousand fans who packed into the Waterfront Hall last night to recognise the best success stories in Ireland and beyond.
Coronation Street and Boyzone favourite Keith Duffy hosted the star-studded event which also featured rockers The Hives.
There was recognition for home-grown talent as boxer Wayne McCullough scooped the top sporting personality award and local girl Christine Bleakley had a double success winning best TV personality and best entertainment TV show.
Dublin favourites Westlife were the winners of the best band accolade.
It had been hoped that the event might feature the first reunion for Boyzone since they split three years ago.
But fans were left disappointed by the failure of former frontman Ronan Keating to appear.
But the fans did not let that dampen their enthusiasm and they gave a rousing reception to Darius making his first appearance in Belfast.
He thrilled the packed audience with the rendition of his recent number one hit 'Colourblind'.
Darius, whose mother is from Ballymena, described the performance as a "home-coming gig".
He also expressed his wish to come back to the city in the near future.
This is the third year of the Big Buzz awards and organisers are promising an even bigger party next time around.
There are some things money cant buy- like a smile from Darius. Children at Yorkhill hospital ( and more than a few nurses) queued for for an autograph while his agent tried in vain to remind him of other appointments.
For Sheena Dunsmore, from Banknock, who had organised the event, it was a moment worth savouring.
The smiles of the children were just as important to Sheena as the fact that Darius was there to give the hospital a cheque for more than £18,000 raised by the charity she cofounded Kidney Kids Scotland...............
Will explained: "I'm a quietly competitive person, but I don't mind being compared to others because you always get compared to someone.
"I don't think I have to be the most successful out of the Pop Idols. People measure success in different ways. There are lots of people from the competition who have gone on to better things.
"I hope that Darius has continued success - I think he's done very well for himself and he's undoubtedly determined to do well and be a good example to others.
"I'm very pleased for Darius. He deserves all his success.