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Meet the Eurovision Fans: Phil Colclough Written by on January 31, 2011 | 2 Comments

It might be a Song Contest, but Eurovision is more than just the three minutes on stage in front of the world. It’s a contest that brings together people from around the world – Norway’s “share the moment” was pretty close to the mark.

But those people, the fans, each one of them has their own story, a view on Eurovision unique to them. We thought it was time these stories were heard. So slightly delayed after yesterday’s news from the UK, it’s time to meet another Eurovision fan.

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Who are you?

Hi, my name is Phil Colclough, aged 32 (although it feels more) and am based in Newcastle Under Lyme, which is partway between Manchester and Birmingham for all those non-UK readers out there.

How did it all start?

My first contest was 1989 watching it on a five inch Black and White TV Screen in my bedroom at home.  As that is many many years ago, all I can remember is being transfixed by the whole shebang and wondering what the hell is it all about – quickly realizing that I loved the whole performance and voting aspect of the contest, as well as the pan-European nature.  I suddenly became besotted with “Rock Me” (thankfully, I have grown out of that phase), and couldn’t wait the 12 months for 1990.

How did you get personally involved with the Song Contest?

I first got personally involved with the contest back in 1999 when I opened my website UK Calling – that stayed open for 3 years before we made a permanent home and name change to OnEurope.

During the season I pride myself with getting pre-selection results up as they happen and in a timely manner.  I am also proud to say that I am one of the first webmasters to start a ‘live’ blog experience on a Eurovision back in 2001 in Copenhagen.

The blog continues to this day as an integral part of the site, which has grown as the internet moves on. The site started to carry  audio blogging in 2006 and video clips from 2009. All of which is to provide an unbiased and fun reporting experience from the rehearsals as well as the semi-finals and grand final. We like to position ourselves not as a “fan’s fan site”, but as a few blokes that “say what we see”.

What is your favourite Eurovision performance?

To be clear, this is not necessarily my favourite song.  But performance-wise,  I would have to say Patricia Kaas’ first rehearsal in Moscow.  Up until that song I had disregarded it as a load of French non-sense with very little chance of doing anything – and then, from a press centre monitor, I heard her voice and immediately I had to stare at the screen for 3 minutes.  This wasn’t even the rehearsal itself – this was the microphone check!

Patricia absolutely trounced anything I had seen before or since in the numerous rehearsals that I had attended over the years.  Everyone was staring at the screen, both in the room where we were, and in the press centre as a whole – it was a real spine tingling moment.

Patricia Kaas

Patricia Kaas

Your favourite Eurovision experience?

My best Eurovision experience was actually in a Eurovision host city outside of the contest.  During the 2009 Eurovision, Moscow had their annual Victory Day parade on the Sunday before the contest [May 9th]  The day before, they had an unannounced rehearsal during the night which trundled past the apartment window! The four of us who were staying there, plus a few friends we had over, rushed down ten or so floors in order to catch some good photos of missiles and tanks (and other stuff that was freshly painted green) coming past the window.

I do count myself very lucky to be associated, albeit in a small way, with this contest.

Thank you , Phil!


Do you have a Eurovision story to tell? A heartwarming moment that sums up why you became a fan? Or a funny tale of how your life collided with the Song Contest? Then get in touch with us as we continue to ‘Meet the Eurovision fans’

About The Author: Sharleen Wright

Sharleen Wright is the co-founder of ESC Insight and a freelance journalist and researcher. She has previously worked for numerous community radio stations in Sydney Australia, and contributed to the wider world of comedy holding production and promotions roles at both the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Her written words have appeared online, as well as The List magazine, and numerous fanzines on the topics of television and specifically, Eurovision . She is currently based in Australia and undertaking research on food and event tourism. You can follow Sharleen on Twitter (@sharly77) and Facebook (facebook.com/sharleenwright).

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Have Your Say

2 responses to “Meet the Eurovision Fans: Phil Colclough”

  1. cate booth says:

    very much looking forward to this years Eurovision, but what are your thoughts on Blue representing us?
    regards,
    cate.

  2. Ewan Spence says:

    Cate, pretty sure I’ll have some brief thoughts on the UK choice in the news round-up on this week’s ESC Insight podcast, which goes out Tuesday lunchtime!

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