By Michelle Norris
AS one of the most humble and charismatic singers around today, Billy Ocean is a rare star that continues to steal the hearts of the nation time and time again.
Well known for his classic hits including Love Really Hurts Without You, When the Going gets Tough and Suddenly, Billy Ocean is one of the most successful recording artists Britain has ever produced, boasting record sales hitting over 30 million.
And, with Gold and Platinum records to his name, plus a Grammy for best R&B Vocal under his belt, Billy is clearly a singer still making waves.
“One of my biggest highlights has to be getting recognised worldwide,” Billy, who is set to perform in Basildon and Brentwood later this month, tells me while preparing for his latest tour.
“Fortunately for me, the fame was the icing on the cake. And to be at this stage in life and still getting to go to places I’ve never been before is a real blessing.”
Although Billy enjoyed his life in the spotlight during the 70s and 80s, in 1992 he decided to take a well-earned break from the industry to spend time with his young family.
“There came a point for me where I didn’t like being away from home so much and decided to take a break,” explains the father-of-three. “It wasn’t meant to be as long as 15 years but I did it at a time when I was still successful and my life was going good. I just needed to spend more time with my family.”
But even though Billy, who lives with his family in Berkshire, enjoyed taking a break from the industry, he confesses that he still missed the buzz and excitement of the live performances.
“It was strange at first to see other people performing on the TV and and I remember thinking, ‘I wish I was doing that again’,” he admits.
“But even though I was out of the view of the public, I was still working and making music.”
Indeed, writing new tracks and building an idyllic studio in Grenada, where his father was born, Billy couldn’t keep away from the industry.
And in 2007, well rested and with the kids all grown up, Billy made headlines as he returned to the stage, performing his hits across the UK.
“Luckily I don’t get tired of singing my songs and I’ll be happy to sing them for the next 30 years if I can!” laughs the softly-spoken singer.
“Since 2007 it’s been ongoing really. But I think that touring is the sensible thing for me to do right now and it brings joy for people to see acts live.
“So often you see performers and there’s only a couple of others on the stage, but with me, it’s quite a big outfit.”
Joined by an 11-piece orchestra and backing vocals from his very own daughter Cherie, Billy promises that this will be a classic production. “My memories and thoughts revert back to the old days so my shows are very visual and all about the music,” says the 60-year-old.
“I give people what they know and what they came for.
“I don’t really have a favourite song to perform, which I think is the right approach to have,” he continues.
“Audiences want to hear the songs that represent you and that they can relate to. So I’ll be singing tracks from the 70’s all the way up to my newest album.”
And with a brand new Greatest Hits Album due for release on 26 April, Billy is looking forward to hearing people’s reactions to some new hidden gems.
“It’s actually got some tracks on there that haven’t been heard before – and these aren’t songs that I just didn’t include before because they were awful,” he laughs.
“I was just writing so much throughout my career that I didn’t have room for them, so it’s really nice that they can see the daylight again.
“I just hope it makes people happy. That’s what it’s all about.”
Don’t miss Billy Ocean when he performs at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon on 30 April and at the Brentwood Leisure Centre on 7 May. For more information visit www.billyocean.co.uk. To book tickets to the Basildon show, call 01268 465465. Dial 01277 215151 for Brentwood tickets.