James Morrison: “Cheryl was full on – I didn’t know how to react!”
Singer James Morrison tells Closer’s Lily Smith about the highs and lows of the industry – and how he bounced back after a series of personal and professional woes
He’s one of the most successful H British stars of the century, with number-one albums, chart-topping singles and a Brit award to his name. And reflecting on the stars he’s shared the stage with, James Morrison remembers the time he performed with Girls Aloud in 2008.
He says, “I loved Girls Aloud – they were a great group of girls. Cheryl’s really nice – a really gorgeous, beautiful girl. She was quite full on when we were on stage together. She kind of swung her leg across me as we were singing and I was like, ‘Oh, OK!’ I didn’t know how to react and was quite shy – I was speechless!”
James, 34, rose to fame in the early 2000s, dominating the charts with hit songs You Give Me Something, Broken Strings and I Won’t Let You Go.
But despite worldwide success, he was dropped from his label after the release of his fourth album, while the record company signed up-and-coming artists George Ezra and James Bay. And James says that the low of being cast aside and the negative sides to fame took their toll on his mental health.
DEVASTATING LOSSES
He says, “It was a dark time for me. I ended up only being able to listen to the negative part of my head. The part that said, ‘Your songs are sh*t, you’re never going to make another album again.’ The success I’d had felt like a weight around my neck, rather than an achievement.
“I didn’t want to be a star. I didn’t want to be famous – fame found me. Fame can be great, but it can take so much away from you, too. That’s why I think these kids chasing fame and going on reality TV are all sad. It can really mess with your head.”
He also suffered a series of devastating losses in his personal life. As well as the deaths of his father, brother and nephew between 2010 and 2013, his wife Gill, 40, miscarried two babies. The couple were hit with more heartache when their daughter, Ada-rose, was born 13 weeks early and they were told she was likely to have a disability.
FEELING LUCKY
James says, “I had to take a back seat from the industry for a bit because of all the heavy stuff in my personal life. Being dropped from my label and then Gill losing two babies was brutal. I really struggled with my self-worth – at the pit of it, I wanted to kill myself. I struggled with my confidence for a while.”
Ada is now a healthy, happy one-yearold, and James – who also has daughter Elsie, 10, with Gill – says that during the dark times, being a dad is what has helped him get through.
He says, “Being a dad is definitely the best thing that ever happened to me. When I look at my little girls, and they’re looking up at me like, ‘You’re awesome. You’re my dad,’ it makes you feel amazing. Having my two girls and them being happy and healthy has made me realise how f***ing lucky I am in life. I’m stronger because of it.”
PROUD
After a break from the spotlight, James is now in a great place and says that returning with his fifth album isn’t scarier than before as he’s putting less pressure on himself.
He says, “I’m feeling amazing at the moment. It’s taken some time to get here, but I’m easier on myself now. I’m proud of myself for what I’ve achieved. I can’t wait to see what else is to come and what everyone thinks of the new album, and I’ve got a healthy, happy and beautiful family – and that’s all that matters, really.”
James’ album, You’re Stronger Than You Know, is out now