McFLY-ing in a new direction
MCFLY have undergone a dramatic synth-pop makeover in a bid to "compete on an international level".
Love or hate their new direction, the lads - minus poorly drummer HARRY JUDD - went back to basics for their Biz Session.
Clutching acoustic guitars, the three healthy McFlyers blitzed their way through latest single Party Girl, oldie Room On The 3rd Floor and DANNY JONES' powerful cover of THE VERVE'S Bittersweet Symphony.
Dougie sparked hilarity with frequent requests fired at their keyboard player Isaac, such as: "Play something that represents the moment you realise you're in love with your dad."
Danny then took up vocal duties for an impromptu and improvised new 'song' Angry Pirate as his bandmates - and everyone else - rolled around giggling.
I spoke to the boys once they'd finished their set/tomfoolery, and they were equally playful sat down on a sofa.
"Do you share clothes?" I asked Dougie of his relationship with THE SATURDAYS singer FRANKIE SANDFORD.
Amusingly, the boys misheard my question as: "Do you sh*g loads?"
Say it fast and you'll understand how they got the wrong end of the stick.
Danny cheekily quipped: "What's it like Dougie, what's it like? We ask him that all the time."
Back to business and Tom explained why they took the risky decision to internationalise their sound and tone down the six-string strumming - with help from heavyweight US producer DALLAS AUSTIN.
He said: "We realised in the past that we had so much going on in the UK, we never had time to go out.
"Literally, our first trip to Europe was only last year and we've been around for seven years now.
"I think people now realise that we have an amazing fanbase around the world that has built up over the last seven years, through the internet and things.
"So, in our minds, we knew this album was one that we would definitely release all over the world - and go and tour it there."
That said, it seems they've already made quite an impact abroad - especially with randy Brazilian mums.
Danny said: "I got a box full of condoms. There was a letter and it said: 'My daughter's a big fan - and so am I.'
"She wrote her address and described what she wanted me to do to her. It was filthy.
"I didn't go because there wasn't a picture."
Meanwhile, the boys have clearly upped the ante in the boozing stakes.
Putting drummer Harry's case forward for my Caner Of The Year crown, Tom revealed: "Harry was carrying a round of drinks up the stairs of a club.
"He tripped over and he didn't want to drop the drinks - so he didn't put his hands down.
"He headbutted the stairs and he split his lip. It was literally hanging off. He spent the whole night with blood soaked into his shirt.
"We ended up sitting in hospital for six hours getting his lip stitched."
Next time Harry, let me get the drinks.
Watch all three Biz Session songs - including Danny's superb, unrehearsed version of Bittersweet Symphony - by clicking on the video links, above right.
McFly play the 02 Shepherds Bush Empire on October 19 and the 02 Apollo Manchester on October 23.
xxx McFluCrew
