Nickysets course forthe ahoylife
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everyone at home by timing texts and social media posts from palm-fringed beaches to arrive at the most irritating times. Nicholas said: “On a Monday morning, they’ll be getting selfies from me, especially when it’s raining or there’s a storm coming in Glasgow.” There will also be plenty of music to remind his fans what they’re missing. Nicholas plans to use his free time on board to share new songs and old favourites. He added: “The ship ports a lot, so there’s a lot of down time. During the day, I’m going to stay on social media and do live streams and Facebook covers. “I can also use all the facilities, the pool and the gym and whatever else. I can get back into the gym and get myself into shape.” The options he will have to choose from put The Time Capsule in the shade. On board Paradise, there’s a waterslide, mini golf, jogging track, fitness classes, a gym and two pools, one with sea views, the other with a giant screen for Netflix.
In return for access to the five-star facilities, Nicholas will be performing up to five shows a week with a full-scale band – brass section, backing vocals, the lot.
Their repertoire makes most wedding ensembles look limited.
He said: “We will be playing music from the 80s to 90s, Nashville, punk, soul songs. There are really good classics in there – Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five.”
Nicholas even has a new favourite, James Brown’s funk masterpiece I Got You, which was recorded in 1964.
But he is not letting history get in the way of getting the hang of his new gig.
The singer said: “I wasn’t born in the 80s and 90s. I’m doing songs from 30 years ago, I’ve never heard of them, but I’ll learn them.”
With such an exciting few months ahead, it’s hard for Nicholas to concentrate on what happens next. But he will have a new album to take out on the road at some point.
He said: “I’m hoping to have that finished. I’m not in any rush. It’s all stuff I’ve written myself. I’ve been recording it for a year-and-a-half. I didn’t want to rush it. I wanted to get everything right.”
There’s another cause that’s important to Nicholas – raising awareness of heart disease.
Before he was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome as a child, he had a cardiac arrest while playing football. His coach cleared his airwaves and saved his life.
Nicholas said: “I’ve got a school tour planned for when I get back.
“I want to make a difference to some of the schools in Scotland, go in, have a chat about my heart condition, put on a bit of a show and raise money so schools can buy defibrillators.
“If something happens, the defibrillators are there and hopefully we can save some lives.”
In the meantime, though, it’ll be ship ahoy soon.
Nicholas added: “I’ll miss Scotland. I’ll be home for the Irn-Bru and sausage suppers.”