THEGAYUK

Day: 9 August 2015

  • RIP: Mr Gay World 2010 Has Died, Aged 33

    LGBT campaigner and Mr Gay World 2010 has died at the age of 33.

    After a short battle against lymphatic cancer, Mr Gay South Africa 2009, Charl van den Berg has died at the age of 33. He won the Mr Gay South Africa title in 2009 and then won the Mr Gay World title in Olso in 2010.

    A statement released by the Mr Gay World organisation said,

    “It is with deep sorrow that we learned of the passing of one of the prominent members of the Mr. Gay World™ family, Charl van den Berg, Mr. Gay World™ 2010 from South Africa who lost his mercifully short battle with lymphatic cancer.

    “Charl always conducted himself in a friendly, approachable and exemplary fashion, keeping his feet firmly on the ground and doing the job he was chosen for without airs and graces. His infectious laughter and warm character made him an absolute pleasure to work with.”

    An announcement on his Facebook page said that a funeral will take place on the 14th August.

    The former title holder said upon winning the world-wide Mr Gay World competition that it was his aim to “break down stereotypes and differing mindsets in the global community and promote oneness and equality for all people by bridging the gap between those mindsets.

    “It is my understanding that people are people before we are different.”

  • INTERVIEW: FatBoy Slim… All about the fishing… and cooking

    Mr Norman Cook, otherwise known as Fatboy Slim has been producing amazing music since the eighties, breaking through with The Housemartins, and he has been innovative in both music and music videos ever since.

    In the run up to his set at Creamfields, we found out about his musical influences, who he rates at the moment in the music industry and his opinion on the famous dance music festival, which is set to be bigger and better than ever this year.

    SE: Firstly, congratulations on over 30 years in the music industry! What would you say is the secret to your success?

    FBS: Total love of what I do mixed with a bit of persistence and a drop or two of luck!

    SE: Who are your musical influences from the past, and are there any upcoming artists that you are impressed with or inspired by at the moment?

    FBS: In the past, Grandmaster Flash, the Clash, Carl Cox and The Dust Brothers. Currently, Robbie Rivera, Gregor Salto and Federico Scavo.

    SE: You have played at Creamfields several times. If you could sum it up in one word, what would it be?

    FBS: A cavort.

    SE: You’re debuting your own Smile High Club arena at Creamfields this year, what can we expect?
    FBS: A club within a festival based on good music, vibrations and a healthy shot of the absurd.
    SE: What do you think makes Creamfields so successful and longstanding?FBS: Being run by people who genuinely love the scene rather than motivated by money and sticking to their guns with no compromise.

    SE: How does it compare to your famous House of Commons gig? I’m assuming the dancing is better?!

    FBS: Creamfields is better dressed, behaved, and better looking. The dancing was not dissimilar…

    SE: Do you have any new projects coming up in the future? Any tours, albums or collaborations?

    FBS: Nope. Just a continuing series of DJ engagements…

    SE: Apart from your own music, are there any tracks around at the moment which really stand out to you?

    FBS: I am kinda obsessed with ‘loud places Loud Places by Jamie xx right now as well as an unhealthy crush on ‘peanut butter jelly’ by Galantis
    SE: You are obviously a very busy man. What do you do for fun on the rare occasions that you get time off?

    FBS: I like cooking and fishing.

    SE: Finally, did you ever find out who the guy was from the cover of “You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby”
    FBS: Strangely enough he never came forward. The photographer who took it had no idea who he was and he must have never seen it…