Tony Cowell
Once half of one of the most famous couples in the US, then a judge on The Voice UK, musician Gavin Rossdale, 51, talks about his ‘rebirth’
He’s sold over 10 million albums as the frontman of rock group Bush and was married to music icon Gwen Stefani for 13 years. The starry couple, who share three children, divorced last year. Here, Gavin tells how life has changed…
Hi, Gavin. How was it being a judge on The Voice UK?
I loved it. Singing with Jennifer [Hudson] and Tom [Jones] was such a privilege. I was surprised to be asked to do the show. I felt like, ‘ Who am I? I’m just a guy in a band – nobody will know who I am.’
Did you have reservations about doing the show?
I didn’t, because I had done some mentoring on The Voice in America, and it struck me just how much you get emotionally involved with the contestants. That appealed to me. When I was asked to do the UK show, I just said yes, as I knew I could also be here in London with my daughter [model and ex- Strictly star Daisy Lowe]. In fact, we saw each other every single day.
You now live in LA but grew up in London. Have you missed being in the UK?
I have, yes. When I did live here, I was always away on tour, so I never got to enjoy it. Now, I’m really enjoying just walking through the parks. I didn’t realise how much I’d missed the spirit of London.
You have three sons – Kingston, 10, Zuma, eight, and Apollo, three. Did you get to see them while filming The Voice UK?
In between filming, I’d fly back to LA whenever I could. This was the longest period I’d been away from them and I really missed them at first. I spent nine whole days in the air [flying back and forth] during the show – but it was important for me to see the children.
How did you get along with the other judges?
From the first minute, Tom and I really hit it off. We had dinner together so many times, and I just loved his company. He is such a legend and I was so happy ITV brought him back as a judge.
Tell me about your new album – it’s like a fresh start for you, isn’t it?
Yes. After I got divorced last year [from Gwen Stefani, 47], the songs I began writing were quite maudlin and depressing and the record company told me they were just too sad. Well, I suppose I was sad, after being with Gwen for almost 20 years. So I
had to try and find a balance, which I think I have. I’m so emotional, I just tend to write about my feelings.
Have you got over the divorce now?
I don’t think you ever get over it. You just move on, and that’s what I’ve tried to do. Divorce is a very painful thing to go through. But we both remain committed to being amicable co-parents, and that’s very important to me.
I hear Gwen said she was pleased that you got the gig for The Voice UK – is that true?
Yes, it is. I had a lovely text from her wishing me luck, and that meant so much to me. She’s always been very supportive in everything to do with my work.
You had so much success in the US with your band, Bush – is it important to you to have hits in the UK?
It would be wonderful but I never expect it. I’m just grateful to have been in a successful band. I’m a realist at heart – I don’t have delusions of grandeur. I’m thankful for the success I’ve had, and really happy I did The Voice UK.
Do you think the show will become more successful than The X Factor?
I’m the wrong person to answer that. I’ve seen The X Factor and I’ve met your brother, Simon, and he’s very successful. He’s very inspiring, but I don’t feel competitive about it – they are two different shows and I think there is room for both.
What do you make of the current music scene in Britain? Who inspires you?
I like Florence + the Machine and PJ Harvey. I think Ed Sheeran is phenomenal, and they love him in America. His songs always tell a clever story.
Bush are embarking on a massive tour of the US this year. Do you also plan to tour the UK?
Yes. I’ve only just seen the dates, but we will be playing the UK at some stage. It’s quite a long tour and I’m kind of nervous, because I will be away from the kids again – and I don’t want them to forget who I am. Being a father is the most important job that I have. I want them to feel loved and protected.
Will you be back on The Voice UK next year?
It’s not up to me! But I had such a great time, and I do want to do it again. I also hope my core fan-base doesn’t see me as selling out, because I don’t see it that way at all. I genuinely love the chance to mentor new artists.
Black And White Rainbows, the latest album by Bush, is out now. For more details, visit bushofficial.com