B
Born in South Yorkshire, 80-year-old Tony Christie rose to fame in the 1970s with his popular songs, including (Is This the Way to) Amarillo. In 1976, he performed as Magaldi on the Evita album. In the late 90s, he collaborated with All Seeing I and achieved success with the song Walk Like a Panther. In 2002, comedian Peter Kay featured Amarillo on his TV show Phoenix Nights, sparking a resurgence of the track’s popularity. Despite being diagnosed with dementia in 2021, Christie continues to tour and his album We Still Shine will be released on February 16th. He is married with three children and currently resides in Staffordshire.
What was your happiest moment?
My family brings me the most joy.
What is the thing that you are most afraid of?
I’m not afraid of anything. I approach everything with a positive perspective.
Can you recall your first memory?
As a baby, I gazed up at my grandmother while she held me in Conisbrough, near Doncaster.
Who is the person you admire the most and why?
King Charles III is dedicated to preserving our planet through his hard work.
Besides a real estate, what is the priciest item you have purchased?
In 1972, I purchased a Rolls-Royce as a reward for my success. The previous year, I had three hit songs: Las Vegas, I Did What I Did for Maria, and Amarillo.
What is the most valuable item you own?
My grandfather played the melodeon in an Irish band that performed céilí music. He used to work as a shepherd in County Mayo before relocating to South Yorkshire to work in the coal mines.
Describe yourself in three words
Affectionate, thoughtful, and devoted.
Which actor/actress would portray you in a biographical movie about your life?
Oh, Brad Pitt.
What is your least attractive behavior?
It appears that my habit of picking at my cuticles greatly annoys my wife.
What fears do you have about aging?
Forgetting the wonderful memories I have got from throughout my life. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with dementia.
Who is the person you admire the most in the entertainment industry?
While performing in a band, I went by my birth name, Anthony Fitzgerald. However, our manager suggested I use a shorter name. After watching the film Darling, which featured Julie Christie, I decided to change my name to Tony Christie.
What was the most recent untruth that you shared?
I’m going out for a quick drink.
What is your most indulgent pleasure?
A generous amount of single malt scotch.
Ignore the advertising for the newsletter.
after newsletter promotion
What are your obligations to your parents?
An incredible upbringing that ingrained in me the significance of strong family morals.
Who or what is the most important love in your life?
My dear Sue, my wife for 56 years.
What was the most memorable kiss you’ve ever had?
The initial instance of me kissing my spouse occurred when she visited me while I was performing at a club in the Rotherham region. I was singing “Stranger in Paradise” and caught sight of this woman below. In that moment, I knew she was the one. I turned to my bass player and said, “Mike, I believe I have found the woman I want to marry.” He burst into laughter, thinking I was kidding.
What was your dream last night?
Due to the medication I take for dementia, my dreams are strange and unpredictable. I am unable to recall them, but they are often unconventional and chaotic.
What has been the most disappointing experience for you?
My spouse and I had plans to meet Frank Sinatra prior to his performance in Hamburg. However, due to a strike among taxi drivers, we arrived too late.
What causes you to have difficulty falling asleep?
I have obtained excellent tablets!
Source: theguardian.com
