Скачать или смотреть Legend David Essex talks about his career in pop music, cinema and musical theatre 1985

David Essex arrives at the RTÉ Radio Centre to talk to Marty Whelan. A star since the early 1970s, he is in Ireland with his band for concerts in Dublin and Belfast.

He derives pleasure from the variety of work that has him playing concerts, performing in theatre, and acting for film and television. He also enjoys the travel that comes with this life, visiting new cities. He shares a story of how Lou Reed had his apartment in New York decorated to resemble a Holiday Inn hotel room, so whenever he was on tour, he would feel at home.

Since the mid-1960s, David Essex has had record deals with a variety of labels, including Philips, Uni (Universal City Records), Decca, and Pye. He started out as a drummer in show bands, which taught him about timing. After a short stint in Italy, he returned to England, came out from behind the drum kit, and became a singer. Shortly after, he secured the lead in a theatre production of 'Godspell,' which was hugely successful.

The thing that brought me to public notice was, in fact, a piece of theatre.

Success in the theatre gave him the freedom to return to music on his own terms. He released 'Rock On' to critical and commercial acclaim and hit number one in the US charts. Another hit followed with 'Gonna Make You A Star'.

You don't know you're a songwriter until you write a song and it's successful.

He returned to acting again, playing Jim MacLaine in the musical drama 'Stardust' (1974). The story tells of the rise and fall of an international rock star. The role had a really big impact on David Essex, who describes Jim as a painful character to play. Someone who strove for success, fame, and fortune won it only to lose it again.

This episode of 'Video File' was broadcast on 9 August 1985. The presenter is Marty Whelan.

'Video File' was a 30-minute programme featuring a different musical artist each week. The presenter was Marty Whelan. Marty was replaced as presenter by Gareth O'Callaghan in 1990. The programme ran until 1991.