The romantic fantasy of many a (now) middle-aged man, the delightful Kim Wilde is heading back down to Australia for a series of concerts with fellow 80s artist, Howard Jones. Glam were lucky enough to chat to her from her home in England, just before she embarked on the journey down-under.
“I’m so looking forward to coming to Australia”, she bubbles.
Was this because of the sunshine, maybe? “Well, no, it’s more just a chance to get away from the dishwasher and the dogs and the shopping!”
Kim has two, teenaged children. Her son Harry Fowler, is carrying on the family tradition, playing in a band, whilst daughter Rose is at college. “But they still raid the fridge, which needs replenishing on an almost daily basis!”
Since hitting the charts in the 80s with such iconic numbers as Kids in America, Cambodia and View From a Bridge, Wilde has continued her involvement in music, recently recording a Christmas album. She also hosts an 80s music show on radio, which is heard in Australia on digital stations.
What does she think gives this music its enduring quality?
“I think music is a great connector of people. No matter what happens, music always lights up people’s eyes in the same way. It’s the one constant: the thing that still unites people. In fact it may be one the last things that actually DOES unite people. I think that’s why live music is becoming bigger. Festivals are selling out and becoming more prolific. We can trust music. Religion and politics and so forth has led to great disappointment, whereas music has always delivered. I may sound a bit naïve when I talk like this, but I really believe it.”
So what can audiences expect from Kim and Howard Jones when they play here in Oz?
“Our set is pretty high-octane”, she enthuses. “Howard’s set is possibly not quite so hard-core rock as us. We might even be louder than Howard, although we have got the same sound guy, who does tend to turn it up to eleven! It will be an evening of a lot of great melodies that people remember from the 80s and we’re going to do some songs together. Also I’m going to throw in a couple of surprise cover versions. We’re going to get people up on their feet, so it’s going to be a busy night: not a night to sit down and get your pop-corn out.”
Kim is also working on a new album, with her brother Ricky Wilde, who is also the MD of her band. That should be released in the latter part of 2017.
As well as continuing her extraordinary music career, Kim has also, for about the last 20 years, been pursuing a highly successful career as a landscape gardener, including winning prizes at the Chelsea Flower Show. Any chance she might combine the two careers?
“Well I hadn’t really factored that in, but I could do a cutting’s demonstration in the middle of the gig!!”
No matter what Miss Wilde does, it appears, she does it brilliantly.
Even stocking up the fridge!
Interviewed by Tracey Korsten
@TraceyKorsten
Kim Wilde and Howard Jones play at The Gov on November 12th (sold out) and November 8th. Tickets for the latter gig are available at
http://thegov.oztix.com.au/?event=65963
http://www.kimwilde.com/music/
@kimwilde,@kimwildenews
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