Albert Hammond

Singer/songwriter on his first studio set in 14 years

How come you’re back with a new project now?

I thought that it was a good time to release a record of songs newly-written for myself as an artist. It’s been 20-plus years since I did that. During the Covid period, I had a lot of time on my hands, so, I called my friend, John Bettis, and I asked him to collaborate. Writing the record on Facetime was amusing because we’d never written that way before. John was in Nashville and I was in Spain and Gibraltar.

How long did it take?

Two and a half years to write and complete. We wrote about 35 songs and used 17.

Where have your most successful markets been in recent years?

In the last 14 years, it’s been where I toured: South Africa, Japan, the UK, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Chile. I kept it all going with love, perseverance and hard work. I re-recorded a lot of old songs and ones that I’d written for others for Legend and Legend 2. It was a lot of fun, as I love being busy.

What was the standout moment?

Finding my spiritual self, which I lost for a few years. I realised that I could make millions of people happy with my songs and singing. That’s an incredible feeling. If you can make one person happy in life, you’ve done well. I’ve done very well.

Who’s been the biggest inspiration along the way? Mum, Dad, God, the universe, faith, love, compassion, empathy, and giving without expecting anything in return. It feels wonderful to still be doing it after getting Covid twice. My life changed, and I got an autoimmune disease and vocal atrophy. It screwed my life up but, being a survivor, I picked myself up and I’ll hopefully tour again.

What’s next?

To carry on doing what I do until the end. No plans for retirement. Life is beautiful the way it is, and

I’m grateful.

Albert Hammond Body Of Work is on EARMUSIC, 1 March.