Take That hero Howard Donald to DJ at Gatecrasher Birmingham

Jul 24 2009 by William Oliphant, Birmingham Mail

TAKE That star Howard Donald is coming to Birmingham next month to take to the decks at Broad Street club Gatecrasher.

Fresh back from the group’s sell-out national Circus tour, Howard will be taking to the decks that have previously been graced by Lily Allen, Bloc Party and Lostprophets.

And the Take That heart throb says he is looking forward to ditching the microphone in favour of the turntable on August 8.

“When you perform on stage it’s less intimate and there’s very little contact with your audience but hugely exhilarating.

“When you DJ in clubs it’s a lot more intimate but when you drop that one tune it has a similar exhilaration. The feeling in both situations is incredible, but very different.”

He adds: “It would have been very easy for me to cash in on the whole Take That thing and tour all the commercial clubs but that would go completely against everything I stand for.

‘‘Music is my life, I love nothing more than playing house music to an appreciative crowd and people that love music the same way I do.  

“To sell yourself out for commercial value as a DJ simply makes you look cheap and definitely shortens your shelf life.”

Howard’s set is part of Gatecrasher’s Ibiza summer season which has already seen a number of big-name club nights from the white island come to the club throughout June and July.

He will play alongside Ibiza favourites Livin’ Joy and house music legends Graeme Park and Allister Whitehead.

Club bosses now say they have had to draft in extra security to prevent Howard being mobbed by hordes of female fans when he visits the club.

“We’re really pleased to have secured Howard for the club,” said a Gatecrasher official.

“Although a lot of his pop fans might not realise this, Howard has become a really credible DJ over the past few years. He has a really underground sound based on Chicago House which is perfect for Gatecrasher.

‘‘Howard’s unique and cutting edge blend of sexy, funky, vocal house really rocks the dance floor.”