Gareth Malone is preparing for a new chapter in his career with his live show, Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth: At the Movies, currently touring across the UK this autumn. The choirmaster and broadcaster has spent the last two decades building a reputation for creating community choirs that bring together diverse groups of people. His work ranges from schoolboys in Leicester to prisoners in Aylesbury, but it is his ability to connect with people through music that defines his professional identity.
Overcoming School Ostracism Through Music
Malone’s path to becoming a choir leader was not straightforward. Born in London in 1975, he moved to Bournemouth at age 10. The transition to an all-boys grammar school proved difficult. He describes the environment as an aggressive shift from his previous social life, leading to a sustained period of ostracism that lasted through his first three years of secondary school. The school did not intervene, leaving Malone to navigate his isolation independently.
He found refuge in the school’s music studio. Playing synthesizers and piano became his primary outlet for expression. This early exposure to music production sparked a lifelong passion. He spent hours making sounds at home, a habit that contrasted sharply with the rougher play styles of his male peers. He found himself more comfortable conversing with girls, who he felt were more sensible, and gravitated toward drama and music rather than physical sports.
His academic journey took him from the University of East Anglia, where he studied drama, to the Royal Academy of Music in London. The transition to professional music training was a humbling experience. He realized he was average compared to his talented peers, a realization that forced him to mature. After graduating, he returned to Bournemouth, selling ice cream while seeking work. A friend connected him with a youth work position in Poole, where he worked with children in a deprived estate. This role cemented his belief in providing safe spaces through music.
The Rise of The Choir and Military Wives
Malone’s television career began in 2006 with The Choir. Producers contacted him after noting the high public interest in his work with the London Symphony Orchestra. The show focused on starting a choir at Northolt High School in Middlesex. Malone applied the same authenticity he had learned with the youth group. He allowed the camera to capture his genuine reactions, including his nervousness and dithering, rather than trying to project a false sense of control.
His profile skyrocketed with the formation of the Military Wives choir. Their single, Wherever You Are, reached number one on the Christmas charts. The success thrust Malone into a new level of celebrity. He recalls meeting industry figures like Simon Cowell, Gary Barlow, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The experience was intense, placing him in a circle of Christmas number one hitmakers that included artists like Shakin’ Stevens.
Despite the fame, Malone remains focused on the core purpose of his work. He emphasizes the healing power of singing in a group. The communal aspect of music provides a buoyant force for participants. This perspective was reinforced by a recent personal loss. A friend who died earlier this year expressed regret that they had never managed to share a casual pint. The comment highlighted for Malone that while professional achievements are a foundation for happiness, people and community are the main things.
Current Projects and Personal Reflections
At 51, Malone maintains a clear vision of the life he wanted as a teenager. He has a music studio in his garden filled with instruments, including a piano, drums, and synthesizers. He spends half his time tinkering alone and the rest making music with others. He notes that his teenage self would be confused by his current interest in hot yoga, but would appreciate that he still wears denim shirts.
His new tour, Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth: At the Movies, continues his mission to bring people together through song. The show reflects his journey from an isolated boy in Bournemouth to a national television figure. He credits music with giving him confidence and a sense of belonging. The tour offers audiences a chance to experience that same sense of community firsthand.
Source: The Guardian
