FIRST IMPRESSIONS: DAVID ESSEX
What are you working on at the moment?
A film that charts the progress of a boy who is half Gypsy and examines the Gypsy community. I did the soundtrack for it. I’ve also got a new album out, Reflections. And then I start a play called The Dishwashers. There is also the Once In A Lifetime tour. I think of it as a celebration of a generation. Having done it a couple of times, this will be the final one. It should be good fun.
When are you at your happiest?
I am privileged because I work in different mediums, so it changes as I move from one to another. But I’m always comfortable when there’s music around.
What is your greatest fear?
Family has always been important to me so any small crisis is always upsetting.
What is your earliest memory?
The curtain cubicle that my mum and I used to stay in because we were homeless. We were put in a sort of institution when I was a boy; James House it was called. I remember the corridors. I think I was about three or four. I also remember the immense amount of love and fun I had as a kid.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I think being a little bit impulsive. Usually, my instinct is right but sometimes I jump in and then think, ‘Why am I doing this?’
Who has been your greatest influence?
My late manager, Derek Bowman. He managed the blues band I was in and when that folded he suggested I go solo as a singer. He was an academic as well, and also a theatre critic. For a working-class boy from east London, he was a great teacher.
What is your most treasured possession?
I’m not worried about possessions, really.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Arrogance.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve never cared. I am inherently a scruff . My wife is always moaning and saying things need ironing.
What is your favourite piece of music?
Little Richard was wonderful. I met him in New York and remember buying a big old 78 of Tutti Frutti.
And your all-time favourite book?
I am ashamed to say, I am not a great reader. I think it’s my concentration level. I’ll read two-and-a-half pages and then want to go and do something else.
Your favourite film?
Brief Encounter – it’s beautiful. I don’t really like crash, bang, walloptype films.
Your favourite meal?
It’s a toss-up between sausage and mash and the good old roast dinner.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Well, Jesus would be good, if he’s about, and also Che Guevara.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
When I did the film That’ll Be The Day, one record critic said I could write very good songs but sounded like a constipated stoat.
Do you believe in aliens?
Nah.
What is your secret vice?
I like a cigarette, but I’m not really secret about it.
Do you write thank-you notes?
I try to, yeah.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
I do quite like the word ‘juxtaposition’.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Nothing; the quality of my life’s perfect.
Tell me something no one else knows about you.
I’m left-footed. I used to play for West Ham when I was a little boy. So I’m left-footed but righthanded.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Thank you’.
Tickets for the Once In A Lifetime tour, which starts on 20 June 2014, are available via Ticketmaster: 0844-844 0444, www.ticketmaster.co.uk
A film that charts the progress of a boy who is half Gypsy and examines the Gypsy community. I did the soundtrack for it. I’ve also got a new album out, Reflections. And then I start a play called The Dishwashers. There is also the Once In A Lifetime tour. I think of it as a celebration of a generation. Having done it a couple of times, this will be the final one. It should be good fun.
When are you at your happiest?
I am privileged because I work in different mediums, so it changes as I move from one to another. But I’m always comfortable when there’s music around.
What is your greatest fear?
Family has always been important to me so any small crisis is always upsetting.
What is your earliest memory?
The curtain cubicle that my mum and I used to stay in because we were homeless. We were put in a sort of institution when I was a boy; James House it was called. I remember the corridors. I think I was about three or four. I also remember the immense amount of love and fun I had as a kid.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I think being a little bit impulsive. Usually, my instinct is right but sometimes I jump in and then think, ‘Why am I doing this?’
Who has been your greatest influence?
My late manager, Derek Bowman. He managed the blues band I was in and when that folded he suggested I go solo as a singer. He was an academic as well, and also a theatre critic. For a working-class boy from east London, he was a great teacher.
What is your most treasured possession?
I’m not worried about possessions, really.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Arrogance.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve never cared. I am inherently a scruff . My wife is always moaning and saying things need ironing.
What is your favourite piece of music?
Little Richard was wonderful. I met him in New York and remember buying a big old 78 of Tutti Frutti.
And your all-time favourite book?
I am ashamed to say, I am not a great reader. I think it’s my concentration level. I’ll read two-and-a-half pages and then want to go and do something else.
Your favourite film?
Brief Encounter – it’s beautiful. I don’t really like crash, bang, walloptype films.
Your favourite meal?
It’s a toss-up between sausage and mash and the good old roast dinner.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Well, Jesus would be good, if he’s about, and also Che Guevara.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
When I did the film That’ll Be The Day, one record critic said I could write very good songs but sounded like a constipated stoat.
Do you believe in aliens?
Nah.
What is your secret vice?
I like a cigarette, but I’m not really secret about it.
Do you write thank-you notes?
I try to, yeah.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
I do quite like the word ‘juxtaposition’.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Nothing; the quality of my life’s perfect.
Tell me something no one else knows about you.
I’m left-footed. I used to play for West Ham when I was a little boy. So I’m left-footed but righthanded.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Thank you’.
Tickets for the Once In A Lifetime tour, which starts on 20 June 2014, are available via Ticketmaster: 0844-844 0444, www.ticketmaster.co.uk