Celebrity Interview - Charlie Landsborough
Country star with a gentle message
Charlie Landsborough Country star with a gentle message
Actor Ricky Tomlinson once joked that his good friend Charlie Landsborough had "overnight success and stardom in 30 years". Speaking to H! while heading to Gravesound as part of a national UK tour to promote his latest album, My Heart Would Know - recorded on the Costa del Sol - Charlie agreed the comment was "spot on".
His albums invariably make it to the top of the UK country charts but what is particularly remarkable about Charlie Landsborough's hard-fought success is that he also crosses over effortlessly into the mainstream charts. His previous album, A Portrait of Charlie Landsborough, reached 23rd in the UK top 100, while My Heart Would Know (his 12th album) quickly rose to 60th - and 15th in the Indie chart - in spite of heavyweight competition in the lead-up to Christmas.
Ever-modest, he says the success of "A Portrait..." was down to down to distribution, a TV campaign - and good value (40 songs). But with a previous best of 37th, and total unit sales of 700,000 around the world - his "overnight success" is clearly attributable to the man himself and his mellifluous and intimate songs.
His career actually turned a huge corner a decade ago, following the release of What Colour is the Wind, a song which "tells the story of a young blind child's attempts to envision the world". Gerry Anderson played the track on radio in Northern Ireland, and Dublin chat show host Pat Kenny invited Charlie to perform on his Kenny Show Live. The performance proved so popular that a week later Charlie's album, also What Colour is the Wind, soared to number one in the Irish album charts, removing Garth Brooks from the top spot and resisting pressure from both Celine Dion and The Chieftans.
It was "a dream come true" for the singer-songwriter - who had been writing and performing on a mostly semi-pro basis for three decades - dispelling his concerns, just months before, that his ambitions might never materialise.
His career now well-established, Charlie has recorded his last three albums at Peter Ware's The Parrothouse studios in Alora, and has bought an off-plan apartment in the hills above Marbella (he hopes to be able to move in this May).
"I really enjoyed recording in the sun," he says. "We did a Christmas comedy record and it was 105 degrees! I enjoy the area where Peter lives and I've now got lots of friends there. I plan to spend more time on the Costa del Sol - to get away from the British weather." Charlie had never been to the Coast previously, though he did visit his wife's sister in Torrevieja. "I came to see Peter and loved the climate. It's all a bit more relaxed and less manic. I met a lot of British people who wouldn't think of coming back."
Another aspect that attracted him to Spain was the golf. "I play a very bad round of golf, but with a pleasant face." And, not surprisingly for someone who lists his "loves" as "whisky, beer, pubs" (at one concert the whole front row gave him miniature bottles of whisky), Charlie also says, "I love the characters in traditional Spanish pubs. That's why I'm learning the language. My son speaks brilliant Spanish; he even gave lessons in English when he was working in Madrid."
Apart from touring, towards the end of last year he also recorded a Christmas carol for charity, which was introduced by Ricky Tomlinson and involved Ken Dodd and other Merseyside artists.
And at the end of this month he will be going on tour in Australia, using the band of the late and legendary Slim Dusty (The Pub With No Beer). "I love touring in Australia. It's typified by what Australians always say, 'No worries, mate'." On his return he and Peter plan to start a new album for release in 2006, most of which will be recorded at The Parrothouse. Until now, Charlie has only been touring in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the US because of record company commitments, though he says he is keen to break into continental Europe. With his new second home in Marbella, perhaps local audiences will even one day soon be able to see him perform live on the Coast.
What smells do you remember from your childhood?
Port - it was the first drink I ever had. It gave me a beautiful, warm glow.
What was your favourite subject in school?
Art - I had visions of being an artist. When I retire, in Spain, I hope to do some photography.
What person, still alive, do you admire most?
Billy Connally - I'm a great fan of humour. Not when he's lavatorial but when he's recounting stories from Glasgow. Also John Hume, the (Northern Ireland) politician. He trod a fine line, and was so genuine and sincere in trying to find common ground amidst the venom.
What's your idea of perfect happiness?
I don't think it will ever happen, but to become almost saintly, to follow the model of Jesus Christ. I'm very flawed, like everyone else; I like a pint and I swear.
What element of modern life gives you the most problems?
Traffic and congestion; there are so many people piled on top of each other in the UK. That's one reason I like to go to Australia - and Spain.
What's the worst thing about being a man?
Not a bad thing at all. Okay...women don't understand you (laughs).
What word or phrase do you use most?
Marvellous.
What scares you most?
I don't like flying, though that never prevents me from going anywhere. And dying; I know where I'm going but death still frightens me.
What book would you always have in your library?
The Bible. And John Steinbeck...
What's the last film you saw?
ET - I took the lads.
What's the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
I thank God I'm here.
And the last thing you think about when you go to sleep at night?
I pray for all my family and friends, and apologise for letting Him down.
What section of the paper do you read first each day?
The crossword - I'm a great quiz and puzzle man.
How much time are you connected to the Internet each day?
About half an hour. It took me 18 months (after connecting to the Internet) before I sent my first e-mail; I'm technologically naïve. Now I use it for booking flights, buying things... I use it as a tool. It's a modern miracle.
What's one thing you don't leave home without?
My wallet (laughs). And my comb - have you seen my hair!
What alternative profession would you like to have taken up?
Golfer... Doing something you enjoy, seeing the world and being out in the fresh air.
If you could travel in time, what era would you choose?
The time of the Bible - in the Middle East.
Favourite...
Number?
Six
Colour?
Blue
Animal?
Dog
Flower?
Rose
Sport?
Football
Meal?
Bacon and eggs
Hobby/pastime?
In the pub listening to the lads telling stories.
Luxury?
My motor home
Star sign?
Scorpio - born on 26 October 1941
More information at: www.charlielandsborough.com
