80s music legend afraid to perform again after experiencing ‘voice changes’
Marc Almond lost confidence in his performance after a series of health problems and the effects of ageing.
The 67-year-old “Tainted Love” hitmaker, who rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of new wave legends Soft Cell, releases his new solo album “I’m Not Anyone” this week and has had a challenging time.
On Monday’s episode of This Morning, Marc told hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary how he “put a lot of emotion into this album” with the help of producer Mike Stevens.
Mike, best known as musical director for Take That, Annie Lennox and others, helped rebuild Marc’s confidence as a musician.
“He really gave me a lot of confidence singing on this album,” he explained.
“Because of what has happened in the last few years, I’ve lost a bit of confidence, to be honest.”
The loss of confidence is partly due to the natural effects of aging on the voice, as well as health problems that can affect performance.
“I think one of the things you become aware of as you get a little older is the change in your voice,” he explained. “(And) some health problems in recent years, all of which are a singer’s nightmare – bronchitis, asthma coming back, sinus infections.”
He admitted that the worries and health problems would resurface when asked about recording or live performances.
“Every time you get approached for shows and albums, you wonder (gasp) whether it’s because of the stress or not,” he added. “Mike is amazing because he really relaxes me in the studio.”
Marc recently looked back on more than four decades in the spotlight and admitted that “every five years is a milestone.”
“This is my 45th year in showbiz and I’ve been in it for a while and done a lot of things, some right and some wrong,” he told The Sun. “It’s all been a bit of a journey.”
“Every five years is a milestone if I can make it another five years. I’m an older singer who has been around for quite a long time and has had quite a life.”
On his new solo album full of emotional cover versions, Marc wanted to create something that reflected his life as an ageing “rock’n’roller” as he now enjoys going to garden centers.
“I wanted a leveling on the album. There are a lot of elements and nature references and some melancholic moments,” he added.
“But ultimately it’s uplifting and very spiritual.”
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1.
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