ONE AFTER THE OTHER BRITISH POP STAR IS GETTING MARRIED. LIMAHL DOESN'T HAVE THE SLIGHTEST INTENTION...

'I do fine on my own' Limahl

Dutch

No way - Limahl doesn't have any plans getting married. That soon became apparent when we visited him in London. He's doing fine as bachelor and as solo artist and he cannot imagine why he should want to change that....

"Don't pay any attention to the mess here!", Limahl apologises with a smile as we have to find our way between tins of paint, rolls of wallpaper and boards in the corridor of his new flat. "I'm still in the middle of redecorating and there's still a lot of work to be done". He gives us a tour through his spacious apartment. "My first real house!" he radiates when he says this. So far I've only rented apartments, but this certainly adds a new feeling". He says about the decoration: "Everything is going to be real modern. The kitchen is going to be bright red, the living room light grey with blue - it's going to be great! But it's not moving fast, because I'm kind of precise in these things". Now tell us Limahl, are you going to live here all by yourself or…? "You probably mean do I have a girlfriend that will be moving in", the singer grins. "Yes - my sister Caroline, hahaha! We have been living together for a while, if you can call it that. And it's very convenient, with doing the household chores and all. And it's more pleasant. But believe me I'm not too snobby to do the dishes myself. Or to do my ironing". To illustrate his point he reaches for an iron and presses a very clean fold in his freshly washed pair of trousers. Limahl smiling proudly: "Look at this! I don't need a woman to do that for me".

He may be happy with his apartment, Limahl is even happier with his first solo album, on which you'll find the hit 'Never Ending Story'. Limahl says enthusiastically: "That's also the lead song of a movie, and I have high expectations of it". Suddenly serious he adds: "You know, when I left Kajagoogoo, I really was nervous. Doing it all by yourself is really a lot harder. But I just started writing and composing and now there is an album I'm very proud of. The coming months are really important for me, because now I have to prove that I can also do it on my own. I'm convinced that I will succeed". We concluded our tour through his flat. "You know what, let's leave this place and let's hit the streets of London. Maybe we can have a drink in one of the pubs, or play a game of snooker". Limahl doesn't remain unnoticed in the red doubledecker bus that takes us to the centre. And he's asked for several dozens of signatures. He does so with a friendly smile. "That comes with the job you know". A few moments later we stroll though the crowded London streets. Limahl says: "A wonderful city, London. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. So many artists fly to the Bahamas these days to record an album. I would get homesick within a few days. We've produced this album in the UK, and we mainly did so during the evening and night. It's so peaceful then, and that's the atmosphere I think is also reflected in the album.". When we get to the building where the record company is established, he urges us to come in. And guess who we find behind the reception desk? His sister Caroline!

Limahl jokingly speaks to his sister: "Let's make a phone call to the managing director to tell him my record is selling so well". "Maybe I'll get a raise… ". Believe me, after a day with Limahl you are exhausted. That boy is unstoppable. It's getting towards five o'clock. While having a drink Limahl closes: "Well, as you've seen, there's no need to worry about me. I can do fine on my own! Wouldn't you agree?"

Left page top left pic: Limahl only entrusts his blonde hairdo to his London hairdresser Michael John.

Left page bottom left pic: "As an artist you always have to look your very best", according to Limahl. He therefore spends quite some time in his favourite clothes shop.

Left page bottom right pic: When Limahl has a bit of time, he goes play pool with his friends.

The popular singer is crazy about those wonderful London doubledecker buses". You can 'hang out' - he says.

Right page top pic: Limahl jokingly: "Let's call the managing director and tell him my album is selling well". His sister Caroline smiles back at him.

Right page main pic: "Now try to do better that that!". With utmost precision Limahl presses a clean fold in his pair of trousers.

Pg 42-43 Muziek Expres 12 December 1984