A few weeks ago I was invited to interview the one and only Jason Donavon.
Seriously I cant even begin to tell you the level of excitement. I mean come on…that’s just one step away from Kylie {and don’t get me started on my love for Kylie} not to mention that his hits were part of the sound track that made up my childhood…
Here are just some of the bits that didn’t make the copy of Buzz {due to space} which you can pick up in a variety of outlets or read online - Or scroll to the bottom of the page where I’ve uploaded the image.
We were first introduced to you {Jason} in the 80′s so what made you go back in time and record songs from that era?
I don’t think too many people are doing that. I think we’re seeing a lot of 80s come through fashion and music and a lot of people are being influenced by that period but you’re not seeing anyone doing those songs. I put out a 50/60s record recently which was great but I didn’t live through the 50s/60s and I have an emotional connection with the 80s so that extent I put the shoulder pads to one side and got the ripped jeans out of the closet and put some hair extensions on the back of my head and thought I’d put on an 80s moment for myself.
I notice on the album there are no “classic” Jason Donovan…why?
People have asked me that and I’m like “why would I cover my own songs”. I’ve done that you know, the idea of this was to do songs that I hadn’t done.
You’ve mentioned in other interviews that you’re planning on saying goodbye to the 80s after this album… are there any plans to get back in the studio to record some original material?
I’d love to do that, the problem is the record companies. I could go out there, do an album and fund it myself or do downloads but if you’re going to make an impact in the business and you’re an older artist then you need the support of a record company. Unfortunately the record company can’t quite see me doing original material anymore. But that said don’t give up hope because I’m definitely planning on doing something that has all of my own material at some point.
On my suggestion that he go on x-factor next year…
Hmm yeah well that could be an interesting twist…
We’ve seen you do everything from dressing up in drag to eating cockroaches and spiders in the jungle. Is there anything that you wouldn’t do?
In terms of television? I probably wouldn’t do fly on the wall sort of stuff. I don’t see myself as needing to do that sort of stuff, like the Osborne’s, there’s a limit in which I want my public to see and I think privacy is a big thing in my life.
As you’re aware the UK has reality tv fever and as someone whose going to staring alongside the runner up of x factor as well as making the transition from tv to pop yourself what do you think of TV talent shows?
You know I love good television and I think x-factor etc produce those shows because there’s a demand for them and anything that brings talent to the fore is a good thing but what I would say is that it’s not necessarily about the spring board but the long distance run. So to that extent you can be the best singer in the world but I’ve known great singers in the world that haven’t done a lot with their career because emotionally they’re not quite right or they’re insecure or don’t want to work hard, they like to sleep late, don’t like to get up early in the morning or they cant do interviews because they don’t want to talk about something in their lives. So there’s a whole package its not just about winning a talent show…that’s a moment in time, it’s how you create a story out of that moment. That’s the important thing. That’s why sometimes being the runner up has more currency than winning the show.
And finally you’ve achieved so much in your career, acting, singing, west end star and obviously I’m a celeb where everyone fell in love with you again…what are your ambitions for the future and would you ever reconsider a visit to Ramsey street?
NO!! sorry but that’s slightly ridiculous 20 years on but I’m 42, I’m lucky enough to have success at a young age so therefore most people don’t find their momentum until their 50s. I know what I want to do and I love entertaining and what’s nice for me is that this period in my life I’m beginning to get a bit of respect and a bit of acknowledgment of my hard work. And of course the ups and downs because it hasn’t all be plain sailing.
But what I would say is this I value my life not just as an entertainer but as a human being so for me success is about my two kids and their life and my wife and family. And as far as I’m concerned that’s more important than any job.
