10 Questions for 80s pop star Paul Young

Singer Paul Young (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

PAUL YOUNG will be forever remembered for singing the first two lines on the Band Aid single, Do They Know It’s Christmas.

He has sold millions of records over the years with hits such as Wherever I Lay My Hat and Come Back And Stay. Paul will be part of the ’80s Invasion Tour 2017, and tickets go on sale this week.

How have you changed since the ’80s?

I’m much less shy. I remember going to America and wondering how people could be so loud and brash, so I’ve had to toughen up over the years.

Are you good at spotting hangers-on?

Yes, much better than I used to be. I can spot a sycophant at 10 paces.

How do you feel looking back on old videos?

It’s great. Sometimes I watch my band from the ’80s and think: “We were really on top of our game”.

Ever forgotten a song line you’ve sung thousands of times?

Oh yes. Often. I’m lucky that my current band just coast along on the chords until I remember what’s next. It’s become a standing joke.

What else would you have done as a career?

I often wonder that. Would I have gone back to my apprenticeship? Worked in a restaurant? I’m not a creature of habit so it would have changed a lot.

Who do you have to thank for your career?

Don Larking, who had a studio near me when I was 17. He said: “You’re good. I’ll put you in touch with people.” It didn’t come to anything, but it gave me the confidence to carry on.

Who gave you advice along the way?

Billy Connolly told me I was standing at the bow of a moving ship watching life splash past on either side. He said it’s good to turn round and see what you’ve left behind but you must quickly look forwards again and face life.

What do fans say now?

They share memories, and I like that, but a few have said after a show: “Was he drunk?” I’m wondering if it’s because I’m older and don’t run around as much on stage, or is it because I now relax and just enjoy myself up there?

Do you embrace the internet age?

Put it this way, I’ve had to grow a thicker skin with some of the comments that get posted. I guess it’s just life today.

You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend it?

I would make sure my last day was in April, and I’d fly to Texas for the big Mariachi Band festival. I’d die listening to the happiest music on the planet.

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