The popular singer talks about his life-changing marriage, his online bridge addiction and why he’s still recording
WORDS: SUE CRAWFORD
● You get a different perspective as you get older. I’m in my 60s now. It’s not old, but I would like to be doing more things with family and grandchildren and have a little bit more time at home. I don’t know that I will retire, but the touring may peter down a little.
● I recorded my new album in two days – I’m in and out like a flash. I just say to them, “I won’t get any better than that now, so there’s no point in staying here all day!”
● Getting married was the most life-changing event.
It’s fantastic. Apart from the fact of having Majella and her children Michael and Siobhan, I have three grandchildren now because I got married. I can’t imagine life without them. They’ve made such a difference to me.
● I’m generally a very contented person. My new album is called How Lucky I Must Be and it does represent where I’ve been over my 40-year career, but I didn’t choose the title because of how I’m feeling, it’s just a song I recorded. There’s no point telling a lie, just to make it sound good!
● My top tip for staying healthy is everything in moderation. I don’t drink alcohol – it’s not because I hate drink, it just never entered into what I needed to do. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink tea or coffee and I try not to over-eat. But maybe I have good genes – my mother lived to a good age and never had any major health issues.
HomeBird
I met a couple recently who suddenly decided to go to see U2 in Las Vegas. I don’t do that. Maybe it’s because I’m travelling all the time, but when I’m at home the joy for me is not going out.
Danie
