MARCIA HINES

Marcia Hines, the ageless diva, tells the gays about love, beauty and how to get on with your short life.

My take on relationships? Honey, please, what would I know?

when you wrote it? Silent Tears is about trying to make sure that the people around you, and the people who you come into contact with, are okay. So many people are alone and hurting and I find that heartbreaking. You duet with Russell Crowe on Remedy and you’ve got this banter at the end that sends up relationships. Did you script that or was it ad-libbed? [Laughs] Ahh Russell, we had a ball doing the banter. It was his suggestion, with no ad-lib. Once we started we just kept going and it works a treat. Remedy is your tribute to Nutbush City Limits. Is Tina Turner an inspiration to you? Girlfriend happened to be my mother’s alltime favourite performer. We went to see her every time she came out here. Oh, and did I mention girlfriend has the legs from hell? She’s very inspirational. I love a survivor. You are related to both Colin Powell and Grace Jones. If Tina Turner put those two in the Thunderdome, who would win? Well, Colin is a war strategist and Grace has survived show business so I think that they’d come out even – but it wouldn’t be pretty. It was Joni Mitchell who convinced you to follow your heart and make this new album. Can you tell us what she is like and what she said to you? Joni is one of the most wellversed and cool people I have ever met. She encouraged me to do what I thought was right and to follow the dreams and the music in me. Tell us about your songwriting process. Is it cathartic? Songwriting is an interesting process. It’s about finding something that you’ve lived or that you’ve seen others live, so it’s very cathartic and totally confronting as well. There’s nowhere to hide when you’re sharing such intimate facts and emotions… you’re totally butt naked. You’ve been married and divorced four times. Do you think that society perpetuates some kind of lie that tells us you’ve got to find one man and it’s got to be forever? What’s your take? My take on relationships? Honey, please, what would I know? Honestly, I’m not equipped to preach here. Although I believe that there is someone out there for each and every one of us. That I do believe. What is your proudest achievement? Having my daughter, winning Queen Of Pop, receiving an AM, surviving failed marriages, writing this new album, and there will be many more to come I’m sure. I can’t just pick one! Tell us, did you get any sleep or were you up all night partying before your 8am show at Mardi Gras? [Laughing] I did the responsible thing and went home to sleep… and then afterwards I really partied! Closing the party in 1990 was, and still is, one of the fondest memories that I’ve had in my career and this last closing was so heartfelt and moving. I’m always happy to be a part of the festivities. DNA: You are the quintessential Australian Idol, but in the 1970s you were voted Australia’s Queen Of Pop. Were you the disco Kylie? Marcia Hines: There’s only one Kylie and I love her to death. I’m not good at drawing comparisons, so I’ll leave that up to y’all! A lot of gays believe they have a sassy black diva inside themselves. What do you think we share? We share the love of life, laughter, [Laughs] No honey, L’Oreal ain’t got a thing to do with it. I drink plenty of water, sleep when I can, I also exercise wherever and whenever I can and I laugh a lot. I have great stylists who help me immensely with my look, I don’t eat meat and I have not ever indulged in alcohol consumption… I can hear people saying what?! Weird but true, it’s never floated my boat. Ageing in the gay community is a hot topic. Do you have any advice for those who really struggle to accept growing older? Age is what you make of it, honestly. I’ve met old 27-year-olds and I’ve met very young 89-year-olds. It’s a gift to get older. I have lost so many of my friends who never got to see the other side of 30. Every day of life is a gift, so enjoy it and, as Brian Kennedy the Irish singer says, “get on with your short life.” You came to Australia in 1970 to star in a production of the musical Hair after being scouted in the USA. Did you ever think you’d never return? Actually, I came with a sixmonth contract. Australia has been good to me and it’s an easy place to live! When I’m in the USA my Australian accent does my family and a lot of people’s heads in. You say, “what accent”, right? If you think their eyes pop when they hear me speak, you should see their reactions when my daughter Deni speaks. Priceless! You’ve got a new album of originals, Amazing, which has everything from upbeat to ballads to some really pensive tracks. Silent Tears is especially haunting. What were you

thinking about empathy, great music, fashion and a good time! Oh, and interior design. Honey, hush.... You are a luminous at age 60. Besides good genes, can you give a few pointers on how to age so flawlessly? We know it’s not L’Oreal.