WW L L INTERVIEW
AN INTERVIEW WITH KIM WILDE
Kim Wilde pop singer , author , DJ and television presenter talks to Wirral Life in an exclusive interview .
Kim Wilde burst onto the music scene in 1981 with her debut single “ Kids in America ”, which reached number two in the UK . In 1983 , she received the Brit Award for Best British Female solo artist . In 1986 , she had a UK number two hit with her version of the Supremes ’ song “ You Keep Me Hangin ’ On ”, which also went on to be a major US hit , topping the charts there in 1987 . Between 1981 and 1996 , she had 25 singles reach the Top 50 of the UK singles chart . Her other hits include “ Chequered Love ” ( 1981 ), “ You Came ” ( 1988 ) and “ Never Trust a Stranger ” ( 1988 ). In 2003 , she collaborated with Nena on the song “ Anyplace , Anywhere , Anytime ”, which topped the Dutch charts . Worldwide , she has sold over 10 million albums and 20 million singles . Starting in 1998 , while still active in music , she branched into an alternative career as a landscape gardener . Kim has announced her first UK headline tour in over 30 years , to coincide with her brand-new album ‘ Here Comes The Aliens ’, slated for release March 16th on Wildeflower records .
You ’ ve had a really interesting life as a pop singer , author , DJ and TV presenter . Growing up as the daughter of a successful rock and roll star father - Marty Wilde , did you ever imagine that you ’ d go on to sell 30 million records worldwide ? Ha-ha ! After googling I discovered that I ’ ve sold around 20 million singles as well as 10 million albums , and to be honest I ’ m a bit gobsmacked ! On the other hand I have been releasing records over many years along with my brother Ricky Wilde , always on a quest for the holy grail of Pop Music … a HIT , and fingers crossed we ’ ll do it again with the new singles and album ‘ Here Come The Aliens ’!
You ’ ve had a coveted USA Number 1 single , did you consider moving to the states ? I never considered moving to America , I love living in the UK - my family and friends mean more than any success I could have found over the pond !
You supported Michael Jackson on the BAD tour in 1988 , what was he like ? He seemed very fragile and sweet when I met him briefly backstage for a photograph together , and also a lot taller than I imagined ! On stage however he was as strong and agile as the strongest athlete and was at the top of his career . I feel very privileged to have performed on over 30 dates with him .
As you are now launching a new album and going on tour - for the first time in the UK in 30 years , will you miss your other career - an award winning gardener ? Gardening is still a big part of my life and also my husband Hal . We are very involved with a local volunteer community project called ‘ Waste Not Want Not Nurturing Plants and People ’ which recycles donated plants and provides a nursery style environment for all the community to get involved with and focuses on disadvantaged groups . It ’ s a privilege to be a part of it .
What triggered your interest in horticulture ? Having children seems to have been the main trigger , as I wanted to make them a beautiful garden to grow up in . I enrolled at a local horticultural college ‘ Capel Manor ’ in Enfield , where my passion really got ignited , and the rest is history !
Do you cook ? I do cook and enjoy it a lot . My favourite ingredients are garlic , chilli and soy sauce but I have been known to bake the odd cake … emphasis on the word odd !
What ’ s your favourite food ? I love spicy food especially Thai , but you can ’ t beat the great British Sunday roast which my husband has perfected !
There has been a lot of coverage in the press about women in the entertainment industry being discriminated against , both sexually and financially , what ’ s your view ? I think it is very positive that there is a big discussion about this , clearly inequality in any section of our society is unacceptable , and of course that goes for any kind of sexual harassment whether targeted at women or men .
Do you have a strict beauty regime ? Nothing strict ! I exercise by walking our dog and doing some yoga . I eat fairly sensibly , but will always cave in to an all butter croissant ! Recently I gave up alcohol for October and felt amazing so have now decided to stop drinking , my skin has never looked better !
Shoes , handbags or both ? Neither actually , I have only 2 handbags , and less than 10 pairs of shoes ( not counting trainers ). wirrallife . com 19