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As if he hadn’t done enough performing of late, Eddy Grant is ready to roll once again

REGGAE rocker Eddy Grant is preparing to go on the road – again. The veteran performer is no stranger to performing, having spent much of last year doing just that. (Appearances at the Glastonbury and Montreux Jazz festivals, and the Nelson Mandela birthday concert are just a few of his 2008 shows). And with a career that spans over four decades, the Electric Avenue hitmaker is obviously well-versed in the art of gigging.

This time, the 61-year-old is supporting UB40 on a tour of the UK and Ireland – which means audiences can catch two great acts in one night. Grant tells Davina Morris that he thinks UB40 and their one-time frontman Ally Campbell – who sensationally quit the group last year – will reunite one day.

Eddy, it seems like it’s non-stop with you. Aren’t you tired of performing?

No, not at all. After 20 years of not doing it, it’s great to be back in action!

Oh yes, you did have a lengthy hiatus! What were you up to in that time?

I had a lot of other things to do. I spent a lot of time in the studio and I was involved in the archiving and restoration of old calypso music, and I was recording with a lot of Caribbean artists. I was doing a lot of other things that interest me, other than writing songs.

How did your family feel when you went back on the road again?

They were glad to get rid of me! I’d spent 20 years at home, so the change was as good as a rest.

I guess you’re excited about touring with UB40?

Oh yeah. UB40 and I have a crossing of paths because we’ve known each other for a long time. We have a lot of respect for each other.

What did you make of the news that Ali was leaving the band last year?

I spent a great amount of time touring with Ali in Australia in New Zealand. I just know that he and the rest of the band have a difference of opinion. But they’re all like brothers. And when brothers argue, they generally come back together again. Blood is thicker than mud.

So you think they’ll reunite?

I would imagine so at some stage, regardless of what’s said.

How do you handle situations when you have a difference of opinion with someone else? Are you the argumentative type?

Oh no, not at all. I understand life; I understand that life will have ups and downs and you will have differences of opinions with people. But ultimately, life is life. You go through the tough times and get on with it.

You seem very level-headed. Were you ever prone to diva-style tantrums in your earlier years?

With my family background, one isn’t capable of that sort of thing! The examples that I’ve had in my life wouldn’t render me prone to that kind of behaviour.

What do you make of the younger acts that are inclined to throw strops?

It’s not just the younger acts – there are people who are just generally a pain the ass. Personally, I don’t have time for that. But those people have their lives to live so if that’s how they want to live it, that’s up to them.

Do you ever wake up and feel like you can’t be bothered to do a gig?

I’ve never had that in my life. I genuinely enjoy what I do and I know that the time will come when I’m too old or too tired to do it.

What was your favourite performance of 2008?

Mandela’s 90th birthday was particularly interesting. It really was a great show.

Is Mr Mandela a fan of your music?

I think so. I think he genuinely enjoys the music that I make.

Is there anything in particular that you’d still like to achieve?

I just work very hard and try to do the best that I can do and I don’t worry too much about what’s in store for me. I just do what feels right at the moment.

For full tour dates visit www.ub40-dep.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Published: 11 November 2009
Issue: 1397

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