‘I’m lucky to be alive’
A Eurovision win and over 50 million record sales, now Bucks Fizz are back with a new album. Cheryl Baker talks fame, friendship - and that near-fatal crash…
The act formerly known as Bucks Fizz, the 80s legends that brought us hits like Making Your Mind Up (a song which won them the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest) is back - and, this time, they go by the name The Fizz.
Fast-forward 35 years, and original members Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston are joined by Bobby McVay. About to release a new album and head off on a UK tour, singer and born-and-bred Londoner Cheryl Baker, 63, tells us just how it feels after all this time. So Cheryl, back on the road with a new album after more than 30 years! I know! It’s amazing – I’m of an era where all my old school friends are retiring and here I am at 63 doing it all over again! But this is all I’ve known. It’s my work, so why should I retire if I’m fit enough to do it. I have no intention of retiring.
How did the new album come about?
Funnily enough, through Twitter. Record producer Mike Stock [of Stock Aitken Waterman fame] followed me and I was chuffed, so I followed him back. Then one of my fans sent him a message saying why didn’t he work with me. Mike said he’d love to, and that’s how it started. I was over the moon.
How difficult has it been to reform the band following the dispute over the Bucks Fizz name?
It’s been hard because it’s prevented us from working, which is crazy – everyone knows I was in Bucks Fizz, and that we won Eurovision. But we’re now The Fizz, which is what fans of Bucks Fizz have always called us anyway.
Has that dispute made you more determined?
Definitely. The legal action brought by Bobby G and his wife, Heidi, seemed to create so many obstacles, but finally we’re now performing.
Was it emotional being back in the studio together?
Very, because the studio has always been my happy place. It was like going back to the old days. And working with Mike was such a delight – he is a genius in the studio. Just
look at how many hits he’s made. I feel very lucky.
You and bandmate Mike Nolan remained friends for years – are you still close?
We’ve been close buddies for 36 years, yes. We’re very fond of each other and have been through a lot together.
You were both badly injured in 1984, when your tour bus crashed. What do you remember?
I only remember waking up in hospital – which was probably a good thing, as we were both thrown through the windscreen. Mike was in a coma and I had three broken vertebrae in my back. I consider myself lucky, because Mike still suffers from memory loss to this day. At the time, they didn’t think he would actually pull through.
What was your twin girls (Natalie and Kyla, 23) reaction to you reforming?
They were delighted. They both do backing vocals in the band, and Kyla has written a track for our new album. I remember them being at our 30th anniversary gig at the London Palladium, and they both cried. To them, it was just their mummy up on stage. We’re a very close family. I think that’s so important in this business.
Lots of 80s bands have reformed recently – what makes them popular?
I’m not really sure, but what I feel is that it’s all very uplifting. You go to one of these 80s revival shows and everyone knows the lyrics to every song. It just seems to last the test of time. It’s feelgood music that makes you want to dance.
How do you look back on that night in 1981 when you won Eurovision?
It had always been a childhood dream of mine to win Eurovision. You have to remember it was a different time, and winning Eurovision meant a lot in those days. So yes, it changed my life and we went on to sell millions of records. I always look back with immense gratitude.
You’ve struggled with your weight in the past. Do you stick to an exercise regime?
I don’t get time at the moment, but I love running and have done a few marathons. I know I’m a bit overweight, but I’ve always struggled with that because I love my life. If we have friends over, I’ll drink the Pimm’s and eat the lamb chops. I don’t let it worry me.
What does the future hold for you and The Fizz, then?
[Laughs] Honestly? I’m 63 – should be pottering around the garden. But I have it in writing from Mike that he wants to do a second album with us – so how bad is that?
The Fizz’s new single, Dancing In The Rain, is out now. The album, The F–Z Of Pop, is out 22 September