-By Kim Parnell-
Leo Sayer is a name synonymous with timeless music and an unforgettable voice. With over five decades in the industry, he’s captivated audiences worldwide with hits like You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, When I Need You, and Thunder in My Heart. Known for his distinctive falsetto and energetic performances, Leo still charms fans old and new.
Before he heads to Hervey Bay in November for the Sounds of Rock Music Festival, we chat with the man behind the hits who was packing for his UK tour and eager to revisit old haunts like Chiswick, Acton, and Turnham Green.
I’ve kept the article in Q&A format, so they are Leo’s words, not mine.
You have co-written many songs, including “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.” How did that song come about?
That came from a jam session in the studio back in 1976. We were recording more serious tracks with producer Richard Perry and an amazing group of musicians.
Jeff Picaro, the fantastic drummer from Toto, who is sadly no longer with us, was with me then, and we had this little competition on the way to the studio. We’d pick a song from the radio and jam it when we arrived. One day, we started jamming to Shame, Shame, Shame by Shirley & Co, and soon everyone joined in. I started singing a line about “You make me feel like dancing” over the top.
What we didn’t realise was that Richard Perry was recording it all. A month later, he played it back to me and said, “That’s your hit!” We finished writing it, recorded it, and it quickly became a number one hit in the US and around the world.
How old were you when you had your first debut album?
At 23 or 24, I was a graphic designer, commercial artist and illustrator, and never took music seriously. But when my art career stalled, I joined some old schoolmates who were forming bands, and we won an audition—that’s how it all started.
While working on the first album, Silverbird, we still had to record the last few tracks. A mutual friend suggested we use Roger Daltrey’s studio. He loved the songs and asked us to make an album for him. So, we paused everything and recorded his album first. Roger, who was one of the biggest singers at the time, was telling everyone about the guy who had written him the songs. Thanks, Roger! It was a great bit of promotion!
Tell us about your new record that will be coming out, called 1992.
I’m working in retro because these songs were written, recorded, and produced by me back in 1992. While going through old tapes, I realised these tracks were really good.
I didn’t release them then because it wasn’t the right time in the industry. Boybands and Britpop were in, and record companies weren’t interested in what I was offering.
Now, though, it feels right. I played them to the record company, and everyone said, “Release it now.” It’s funny how something from the ’90s can still sound fresh today.
What was it like at the height of fame, did you ever get mobbed?
The only time I experienced something like Beatlemania was in Australia. It was Paul Dainty’s first promotion, and Michael Chugg was the tour manager—two of the best. They went all out with posters, radio, and TV, so when I arrived, it was chaos, and the airports were crowded. We were flying Ansett Airlines and Reg Ansett was our sponsor, so he invited the kids onto the tarmac.
Everywhere we went, we were mobbed. I even got stuck in the Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne for a week or two, unable to leave because the street was filled with fans chanting “Leo, Leo, Leo.” One day, a cherry picker full of girls appeared outside my window—they kissed the glass and wrote their names in lipstick. When my ex-wife returned, I had to explain that they hadn’t climbed the building! Someone even snapped a photo of me with the lipstick-covered glass. At the time it was horrendous, but looking back, they were great adventures.
What is your favourite hobby?
I’ve always loved photography, probably from my graphic design days. I bought a black and white camera, a Leica, and taking photos has become a great way to relax. On this UK tour, there will be lots to capture. Beautiful cities, cathedrals and urban sprawl. When I’m shooting, my breathing slows, and I feel fully present—it really keeps me in tune, and yes, it’s all in black and white.
I do most of my album covers these days, but with a great graphic designer from Melbourne, who I collaborate with.
If your life were a musical, what would the title be? And which of your songs would be the big show-stopping number?
That’s a great question! Some songs would be dark, and others very happy—like my music. I’d probably call it Just a Boy, the same as my autobiography, which should come out next year, and my album from 50 years ago. I think I’ll keep my youth. People don’t want me to grow up, so I don’t.
The showstopping number would be Giving it all Away which has the words Just a boy. I think it’s my central song although there’s lots to choose from.
What would you like to say to your fans here on the Fraser Coast?
It’s going to be a fantastic day! I’d say, come for the whole event—the lineup is amazing. Enjoy the vibe of the day, and hopefully, I can put the icing on the cake.
SOUNDS OF ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, November 2
1pm – 10pm
Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay
Tickets from www.oztix.com.au
