Here's my latest story of boy bands McFly and Busted as joined together as McBusted taking a trip to my favourite Zoo Chester Zoo. I'm a member of Chester Zoo and have been going there since my childhood so I thought I could come up with a story of two of my favourite bands visiting there which inspired them to come up with a song that helped with conservation. Enjoy and who knows, maybe they'll pop in at Chester Zoo someday.
McBusted’s Trip at Chester Zoo
Two boys bands, McFly and Busted, jointly joined as their supergroup. McBusted was having a day off from touring and was currently at Chester. They decided to spend the day off by going to nearby attractions in Chester. As they were looking up places in Chester, Dougie Poynter found the perfect place that caught his eye: Chester Zoo.
“It’s supposed to be one of the UK’s biggest Zoos with lots of animals and has done a lot for conservation which we can learn about. I say we should check it out! It’ll be fun seeing their animals!” said Dougie enthusiastically. The others agreed with it. “Sounds like a good idea Doug! Let’s do it!” said Danny who is all up for it. And so they took the road trip to one of the UK’s most famous zoos.
The sun was shining, and the skies were clear, making it an ideal day for Chester Zoo. The seven musicians couldn’t contain their excitement as soon as they stepped foot at the zoo.
“First stop, the elephants!” Tom Fletcher announced, leading the group towards the elephant enclosure with it being the nearest exhibit to the entrance. They were captivated by the sight of the majestic creatures as they interacted with each other including the younger ones playfully splashing water and using their trunks to reach for their food as part of their enrichment. They all watched the animals closely together which gives them a warm feeling as the weather.
“Wow! These animals are incredible!” said Harry Judd with his eyes widened with amazement.“It’s hard to believe they’re endangered” he added. “I know, that’s why places like Chester Zoo are needed. If we want to preserve these species, conservation efforts are important” said James.
They took a quick stop at the Bembe Kitchen, Charlie Simpson spotted the Rhinos nearby. “Just like the one from The Masked Singer!” said Matt Willis teasing him. “Except that they can’t sing unlike me” replied Charlie humouring him.
Afterwards, the McBusted boys dared themselves to enter the Fruit Bat Forest where it was dark with Bats flying about. It was a surprise that a Bat flew near them which freaked some of them out. “Aaah! That flying rat could have bumped into me!” cried Harry. “Let’s get out of here!” yelled Matt as they both ran fast to the exit. “Bats have echolocation to sense anything in the dark so they’re unlikely to crash into us. And they are not rats” said Dougie dryly. James was keeping his cool as he quoted one of his Safe Journey Home songs “Just playing on the Piano, chasing spiders in the yard at Batman’s house”.
They then take a look at the South American animals including The Capybaras, Tapirs, Anteaters, Spectacled Bear, Tamandua and the Miniature Monkeys. “Awww, aren’t they so cute? And that is a really big nose!” said Danny who was fascinated with the Capybaras and Anteaters sharing the same enclosure, co-existing peacefully. “And I’m seeing Paddington Bears’ cousins” said Tom jokingly as he watches the Spectacled Bear. “I bet you have seen the Tapirs and Tamaduas during your tour in Brazil” said Charlie teasing Dougie. “Sure, we have seen every animal in Brazil including the Candiru who are infamous for you know what” replied Dougie sarcastically. Charlie pulled a face. He hoped that Chester Zoo didn't have them.
Dougie was looking at the Tamarins and Marmosets at the Miniature Monkeys exhibit. “Awww, so cute” he said as they were right next to him. He couldn’t resist taking a photo of the tiny monkeys. Danny happened to be with him. “Hey Danny, get into the photo of those Tamarins and Marmosets will you?” asked Dougie. “Your wish is my command Doug!” said Danny as he went in front of the glass window for a photo, only for him to lean backwards a bit too far and slipped backwards, causing his butt to fall on the glass, frightening the monkeys. “Whoops!” said Danny who was blushing with embarrassment but couldn’t help to smile with laughter. “And that’s why you shouldn’t bang on the glass though never thought I would get to see someone doing so with their ass” said Dougie dryly.
They entered the Island section which is full of exotic yet highly endangered species from South Asia Countries including Tree Kangaroos, Bantengs, Tigers, Malayan Tapirs and all kinds of critters at the Monson Forest. As they were learning about how Chester Zoo is doing their bit conserving them including from the information boards and talks with the Zoo Keepers, they couldn’t help but talk about the importance of wildlife conservation and the role zoos play in it.
Dougie who is passionate about nature and the environment had an idea. “We are musicians right? We should do our bit to raise awareness so maybe we could come up with a song?” he suggested. “That sounds like a good idea Dougie” said James as they were intrigued with the idea. For now, they put it to one side as they check out many other exhibits on the other side of Chester Zoo.
The McBusted boys visited the Butterfly House where there were free-roaming Butterflies. One of them landed on James’ forehead. “It wants to come home with you” said Matt teasing him. “At least it wasn’t a Black Widow Spider” said James, shuddering at that memory.
They then popped in at the Island in Danger, watching a Komodo Dragon basking under the UV light and hearing tropical birds making all kinds of noises. Dougie has spotted a critically endangered species of frog. “Look! A Mountain Chicken!” said Dougie, pointing at it. “Where?” asked Tom confusingly. “That’s not a chicken. That’s a toad” said Charlie. “They’re called Mountain Chickens because they're supposed to taste like chickens. And they’re frogs, not toads!” said Dougie correcting those two. “Who thought of those names anyway?” ranted Tom. “If it makes you both any better, they’re also known as a Giant Ditch Frog” said Dougie. “I say that the name is much more obvious than calling a Frog a chicken” muttered Charlie.
At the Jaguar House, Harry said to Danny “Look Mush, Piranhas like you one you were dressed up as on The Masked Singer!” “Well spotted Mush though I wonder if they can sing like me?” asked Danny jokingly.
Afterwards, they were near the Realm of the Red Ape exhibit and heard some squeaking noises. It came from the Asian Short Clawed Otters. “What such cute noises but what does it mean?” asked Charlie. “It looks like they want our attention or something?” said Harry as the Otters gathered closer to them. Their squeaking noises became louder as a Zoo Keeper went towards their exhibit, scattering their food. “Looks like we’re at the right place at the right time. And it’s fascinating to see them work to get their food” said Tom as he was watching the Otters looking for their food.
They then went over to the Red Panda exhibit. “Awww, so adorable!” said Danny who adored its cute appearance. “It looks like it doesn’t have a care in the world” said James as he watches one of them resting on the tree branch.
At the Lemur Walkthrough, the McBusted boys were astonished to see how close they could get to the Lemurs with one of the Ring Tailed Lemurs was walking next to Dougie. “Why hello there, aren’t you photogenic?” said Dougie who couldn’t resist taking a photo but Matt also spotted the Ring-Tailed Lemur and went over to it. “Aw, aren’t you cute?” said Matt and walked right into the moment when Dougie took the photo, blocking the Lemur. “Always when I get a good shot!” cried Dougie. “On the bright side, you got my good side!” said Matt, rubbing it in.
The McBusted boys have decided to take a break at June’s Food Court, helping themselves with Fish and Chips, Pizza, Burgers and hot drinks. This was when they had more discussions about Dougie’s idea.
“Going back with what you have suggested earlier Dougie, this trip to Chester Zoo has certainly inspired me to write a song that’ll help to inspire people to take more action with our planet and the animals that share our home” said Matt. Tom nodded and said “I agree. We could focus on the importance of conservation. Make it uplifting while getting the message across” said Tom who was already coming up with ideas in his head.
“Right, I like the sound of that. We have come up with plenty of fun, inspiring songs but to come up with something that’ll help for a cause sounds like an interesting challenge” said Danny who tapped his fingers on the table rhythmically to the beat that popped up in his head.
James leaned back in his chair, thinking about all the possibilities and potential for the new song. “We should combine and utilize our own styles including McFly’s harmonious rock and Busted’s edgier tunes; something that’ll appeal to everyone, just like a present for everyone”.
Charlie chipped into the conversation and said “Let’s make it an anthem. Something that’ll encourage people to sing along to but also make it memorable. Conservation is the responsibility that we should work together for.” For our music video, we should use the footage and photos that we took for our trip” suggested Harry.
They all reached an agreement with the direction of the song as said by Dougie “Thank you Gentlemen, it’s all coming together”. Afterwards, they explored Chester Zoo some more, getting involved in all kinds of antics including getting startled by the lions’ roar, witnessing a quarrel at the Chimpanzee exhibit, getting sweaty at the Tropical Realm, watching the Penguins being fed, becoming fasinated with the different species of fish at the aqaurium and learning about animals that they were not familiar with including Congo Buffalos, Okapis, Sengis, Onagers and Philippine Spotted Deers. They also exchange gifts with each other at the shop as a memento for their enjoyable trip.
They were all looking forward to bringing their song to life that emphasises the fragility of ecosystems, the beauty of nature, and the power of collective action.
As soon as they returned to their studio, McFly and Busted were working on developing their song about conservation.
Tom and James worked together on the melody, mixing McFly’s signature upbeat pop-rock sound with Busted’s punchy guitar riffs like a food blender. “Wow! That makes an electrifying combination!” said Tom upon hearing the riff. “It bonds to create an impact” said James.
Danny, Dougie, and Matt focused on the lyrics, aiming to get the urgent message across about conservation while making the song enjoyable and memorable; something that’ll encourage everyone at all ages to take action.
“We could begin the song with love. Only this time, it’s the love for animals, nature and the planet” suggested Danny. “A twist to our typical love songs. I like it!” said Dougie praising him. “Sounds like a great start” said Matt who was all for it.
This is the chorus that they came up with, using a soaring, spiritual melody that emphasises their message:
“We’ve got the world in our hands, it's wild at heart
Every creature, every tree, it’s where we start
If we stand together, we can make a change
For the earth, for the future, let’s rearrange”
Meanwhile as the song was developing, Harry and Charlie helped each other to work with the rhythm section, making sure that the beat was energetic yet powerful to motivate others to work together on the common but vital goal in regard to their world and its wildlife as also shown with this part of the song;
“Don’t wait for tomorrow, the time is today
The earth is calling, hear what it says
In every breath, in every beat
We are the guardians, rise to your feet”
“Amazing what we can come up with as a supergroup” said Charlie proudly. “Happy to work with you” thanked Harry.
By the time they made their finishing touches, the catchy yet powerful song that contained an important message was everything they had dreamed of. They named the song ‘Wild at Heart.’
Having to complete ‘Wild at Heart’, McBusted have partnered with Chester Zoo to help them promote the song and to create the music video using the footage of their visit (including their funny and heart-warming moments and eye-catching footage of the animals) combined with scenes of the band members performing in a wildlife setting.
The purpose of the video was to celebrate the earth’s beauty and animals while encouraging others to take action to support conservation. The message that appeared on screen at the end of the video says: “Protect our planet. Protect our future. Support conservation.” “Well, I say that the video is looking good!” said Charlie excitedly after the production was wrapped up. “Yeah, including the part when the butterfly landed on my head” said James.
On the day of the launch, Wild at Heart became a phenomenal success with the song reaching number one in the charts with lots of streams and downloads and the video became viral with millions of views each day. The song itself has helped to encourage more people to take action with conservation including supporting Zoos for their conservation work (which helped to double the numbers of the endangered species that they were breeding) and to look after the environment.
Fans from all over the world have praised McBusted for coming up with an awesome, catchy song while having a meaningful message. Conservation organizations have also appreciated the song, giving them offers to collaborate for raising further awareness including promoting the song.
Wild at Heart was played at rallies, schools and events, making it an anthem for conservation just as the McBusted boys have hoped for. “Wow! It takes my breath away how successful it become” said Danny who was touched by people’s feedback and its impact. “It certainly exceeded my expectations, to say the least” said Matt who was still taking it in. “I’m glad to help out for the cause” said Harry proudly.
The song became an anthem for environmental causes, played at rallies, schools and events dedicated to protecting the planet. McBusted performed it at concerts which was a hit among the crowd. Along the way, the boys always encourage their fans to get involved with conservation and share funny stories during their visits at Chester Zoo including Danny’s butt hitting the Miniature Monkey exhibit glass and Tom and Charlie getting confused with the name Mountain Chicken to get their audience laughing.
Several months later, the McBusted boys were back at Chester Zoo as honoured guests for a special event to commemorate the accomplishment of Wild at Heart.
Dougie took the microphone and said to the crowd of supporters; “Who would have thought that a day at Chester Zoo would lead to this? In any case, we thank you all for your support. It shows that music can make a difference and we hope that ‘Wild at Heart’ will continue to everyone to get out there and take action; big or small.” He smiled at his band mates who all smiled back with loving admiration for each of them, happy to create a song that helped to raise awareness with conservation together as one big super group. It's certainely the trip and achievement that they'll remember together for a long time.
“It’s absolutely amazing to hear about our song’s impact. We’re all in this together for the sake of our world and the animals no matter what!” added Tom and they performed ‘Wild at Heart’ live once more with each of them feeling a deep sense of fulfilment as they succeeded in creating something together that made a huge contribution for their beautiful world.
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