While many fans of his band will doubtless get their first taste of live music at British Summer Time’s family day, Union J’s JJ Hamblett was already famous before he went to his first gig.
The X Factor quartet will headline the giant gig at Hyde Park on June 28, which features a massive line-up of kids’ favourites including Mr Tumble Justin Fletcher, BGT winners Collabro, Dick and Dom, SpongeBob and Brainiac Live.
Speaking to News Shopper, 26-year-old JJ revealed: “As a kid growing up, I used to like Westlife.
“I never got to see them live. It was always Westlife, Robbie Williams and people like that.
“Unfortunately I didn’t get to see them so it will be cool for the kids if they are fans of us to come and see us live.”
MORE MUSIC NEWS:
He added: “Growing up, I didn’t really go to many gigs.
“I went to Newmarket races which is probably my first one. My first proper arena gig, watching, was well after the first X Factor.
“After the X Factor tour, I went to a country and western show at the O2. I had performed on stage at the O2 but had never sat and watched a concert ever.
“It was weird. It was really unusual but it was amazing to be in the crowd. I was sat there and I just wanted to get on stage.”
Over the past three years, British Summer Time at Hyde Park has seen superstars such as The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, The Libertines, McBusted and Bon Jovi.
Understandably, the Union J boys are chuffed to be heading to the same stage.
JJ said: “Every year we have wanted to do Hyde Park and to be headlining this year is incredible, especially on the family day as well.
“It’s going to be a really cool day.
“We’ll probably do some new covers and do some songs of the last album and our usual songs. There will be a few surprises at Hyde Park.”
Having finished on fourth on the X Factor in 2012, Union J released their second album last year which was spearheaded by the number two single You Got it All.
As well as music, the band have released a popular tie-in book, lookalike dolls and a Panini sticker collection. It’s not surprising, then, that they have an army of young fans eager to see them and JJ said the band can’t wait to perform.
He said: “We have noticed it on this tour, we have a lot of young fans. It’s great for them to be out.
“Hopefully it will be a nice sunny day.
“It’s the thing we like doing, performing live.
“It’s the best thing about our job, going out there and performing in front of thousands of people.
“Hopefully the people watching us will be having as much fun as we are on stage.”
Union J will be playing Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park on June 28. Tickets are available at bst-hydepark.com/tickets
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here