Continuing with the throng of foreign artists who have visited our island to entertain us this summer, the month of September will bring with it yet another unique performance in our midst; an artist who has stood the test of time, despite not being constantly in the limelight in recent years and notwithstanding his eclectic interpretation of the pop song. Ladies and gentlemen … Marc Almond!
It is perhaps only natural that the first thing that comes to mind at the very mention of Marc Almond’s name is the vintage Soft Cell hit single Tainted Love. Here, however, is an artist with a significant and lasting track record that continues to this day with the release of his latest album, Stardom Road, in which he sings a selection of songs by other artists that have had an impact on his own life – from Aznavour’s I Have Lived and Bowie’s London Boys to Bobby Darin’s Dream Lover and Sinatra’s Strangers, from In The Night to Al Stewart’s Bedsitter Images and Dusty Springfield’s I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten. It is a pop record, by all means, but one crafted with more warmth and even a sharper artistic edge, demonstrating just why Almond has remained so popular, albeit at a distance from the commercial mainstream.
The more intimate mood of Marc Almond’s latest release is not really a novelty; he has revealed similar traits in practically every stage of his career. It was there in the intensity of Youth, the poignancy of Say Hello Wave Goodbye, his heartfelt renditions of Aznavour’s What Makes A Man and Brel’s If You Go Away – and it’s certainly there on each and every one of the songs on Stardom Road; specifically chosen vehicles for Almond’s unique vocal timbre brought together to reflect a soundtrack to Almond’s eventful life and the way he has chosen to live it.
Almond’s performance in Malta will feature a selection covering his lengthy career, one that will most likely include milestones like Bedsitter, Tainted Love, Say Hello Wave Goodbye, Torch, and perhaps even Youth.
These are all precious reminders of the good old days, particularly the Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret album, which I still find myself turning to every now and again for its primitive seedy electronic kick; a reminder of the days when Almond was a bona fide pop star, a title from which he has gradually shied away, evolving into a cult icon instead. Yet even away from the mainstream, he remains a significant player on the live circuit, with throngs of diehard fans all swooning at the mere utterance of a syllable or a note from his lips!
This is the Marc Almond we will be welcoming in our midst and onto our stage, so I thought it would be worth putting a few questions to the man himself ahead of his performance at the Eden Arena on Saturday 8 September. Thanks to Alex Grech, Jackie Aquilina and the internet, here is the interview with Marc Almond.
Q. Will this be your first visit to Malta or have you secretly visited the island in the past?
I’ve never been to Malta so I’m very curious and excited about my visit…
Q. Soft Cell, Marc & the Mambas, Raoul & The Ruined, The Willing Sinners and a solo career. Which of these is most precious to you?
Each of the phases of my career has been important to me. Of course, Soft Cell will always hold a special place in my heart and I’m proud of that time, but I like being a solo artist best as it gives me the freedom to do what I please. I’ve now been solo since 1984.
Q. Your last studio album proper was 2003’s Heart of Snow. What inspired you to take such a bold step and release an album of Russian songs?
To be a lasting artist you have to take bold steps. Making Heart of Snow was a privilege and an adventure in a country (Russia) that is still a mystery to a lot of people. I loved working with the musicians there and finding out about its great history of Russian gypsy and romance music. It’s one of my favourite albums.
Q. Your musical diversity and unique personal flair have earned you a cult following around the world. Does this make it all worthwhile or would you rather still have the glitz and glamour of the Soft Cell days?
I love the fact that I have a diverse loyal following around the world. My music is always taking me to new and interesting places, like Malta for example. I’m still able to live a glamorous and exciting life: I loved the Soft Cell times but I don’t miss them now.
Q. Being an avid Al Stewart fan myself, I am quite pleased you chose to cover Bedsitter Images. I’ve often wondered if this song had any bearing on Soft Cell’s Bedsitter. How did you come upon Al Stewart’s song and what made you decide to cover it for the new album?
Actually, I didn’t hear Al Stewart’s Bedsitter Images until recently. I wanted to cover it for Stardom Road as the album is like a musical based on parts of my life. ‘Bedsitter Images’ refers to the time I lived in small one bedroom flats when I left home and went to art college. And of course it refers to my own Bedsitter song. I was a fan of Year of the Cat and Past Present and Future (Al Stewart albums) but I was surprised The Bedsitter Images album passed me by.
Q. While we’re on the subject, how difficult was it to come up with a final list of songs for the new album?
Very hard. I listened to many songs but had to make a final decision. I chose the songs that seemed to work together as a complete record as well as being favourites that would sound right for me to sing.
Q. The presence of strong classic songs on both Stardom Road and your 12 Years of Tears live album suggests a possible (even if perhaps remote) connection. Is there one, or was it just coincidental?
It’s a coincidence, although I’ve always been drawn to great classic songs. I think that is one my strengths. I know what songs are right for me and that I can take and make my own.
Q. Of all the musical styles with which you have experimented in the past 25 years, is there any particular one that you prefer over the rest?
I love torch songs, ballad styles – you could call it “chanson style” – but I still like to make the occasional electronic dance track.
Q. The new album suggests (in more than one place) that you’re still fervently fascinated with “bedsit-land”. What does it possess that brings out the Gutter Heart in you?
I always keep in touch with my roots and my growing up and where I came from.
Q. What was your best gig ever – and your worst one?
My best concerts were probably my recent 50th birthday concert and ‘The twelve years of tears’ show I did in 1992 which is out on DVD. I did a great series of shows in 2004 called ‘Sin Songs Torch and Romance’ also out on DVD. The terrible shows I would rather forget.
Q. Last but not least, your message for all the fans in Malta waiting for your performance is...
My message to my fans in Malta is “It’s been a long time to wait but I’m happy to see you at last and I give you my love”.
Reflexmania is being presented by Reflex Promotions. The event will include DJ sets by Alex Grech and other resident Reflex DJs as well as a performance by Maltese band X-Tend. Doors open at 10.00 pm. Tickets are Lm10/€23.29 per person and can be bought on 99448080 and at all Vodafone outlets. A limited number of VIP tickets are being sold at Lm15/€34.94 per person, and 20 lucky ReflexMania VIP competition winners will get the chance to meet the singer himself! For more information, log on to www.reflexmalta.com.