Liam Live

The mind behind the music

By Suzy Meiklejohn

01/08/2010 @ 16:50

Liam Live exudes the classic rock star image hidden beneath a designer cap and dark shades, however I soon found out there's more to the man than a superficial stage persona.

You're originally from South Africa… do you get back there often?
Things have changed there. When the government took over with Mandela and the promise of a “rainbow nation” it was fine but now it's swung too far the other way and there’s what I call “reverse racism”. It's just been a swap of power, not an integrated society. Everything 's changed, even down to street names. When I watched the World Cup and my home team walked out on the pitch with only black children with them I felt they were making a deliberate statement that it's not a rainbow nation any more. There was a time when I got homesick, but when I went I just felt I needed to come back here. It's not a country I know now, and it makes me unhappy. I'd actually like to become a Spanish citizen. I love Spain and the way of life. Family is very important and they’re so passionate and patriotic.
 
So is Mallorca your home now?
I definitely want to stay in Spain but I want to scout around a bit first. There's a cleansing period happening on the island at the moment; it needs to refresh itself. It’s been easy for tourism in the past but things need to change – hotels need to be refurbished, customer service must improve and prices are too high for people. Some businesses will survive, but it'll be the ones willing to change their approach and make more effort. The government are killing tourism here too and I believe they're doing it on purpose – they couldn't possibly be stupid enough not to realise that the ridiculous laws they keep introducing are destroying tourism. It's all about money, but then all that governments are interested in is generating money for their own purposes. In my opinion, fines generated by infringements should be donated to charities, not used for government funding.

 

 
You seem to have very strong views about politics and the state of the world?
I'm a natural born pessimist. I still try 120 per cent but my eyes are open to things going on in the world. The power that governments have is ridiculous; they manipulate people with fear until they're so scared they just follow without question. The banks have huge power too and are actually in control in most circumstances. Whenever policies are made, laws changed or wars started, it's usually just about money. People have blinkers on about what's going on because there's nothing you can do to change it, so it's easier to live that way, but I think and read about it a lot. It's important to understand what's happening even if you can't necessarily do anything about it right now.
 
How do you think the world could change for the better?
In an ideal world, if everyone would just be nice to each other, accept and respect each other’s differences instead of trying to change them, there wouldn't be any problems. I think the focus needs to be shifted back to the majority. Of course minorities have to be supported and protected, that's important, but the lives of the majority shouldn't be compromised. You hear it all the time that minority demands are affecting change in so many places now, that the original fundamental values are undermined. Governments everywhere are bowing down to the complaints of the few at all levels. We’ve seen it here; a handful of complaints about bar noise has meant that limiters are fitted everywhere. The knock-on effect is that venues are closing and tourism's being destroyed for all businesses. We're living in a very strange time.
 
What would be your perfect day?
Spending time with my family, maybe going to the beach with my two boys. Yesterday was a tough day, but I had a great evening relaxing with friends at Oasis in Can Picafort, drinking these amazing cocktails served in a monkey’s head – not a real one obviously! I can tell you, after a hard day there's nothing better than a cocktail in a monkey’s head! 
In a fantasy world, my perfect day would include having a few questions answered by God. I've felt lost lately, so I'd ask what the point is to all this? Is this some kind of school for heaven? I guess I'm having a crisis of faith. Turning 30 was a massive change for me; I'm at a crossroads. It’s difficult for me just to put up with things I don't like and there are things happening in the world that make no sense to me. I have faith in a lot of things, but in God? I don't know any more. It would just be good to know He's listening.
 
So what are you doing at the moment?
I'm singing at the House of Katmandu in Magalluf on Sundays from 1 to 4pm. I do some covers and requests, but some of my own stuff too. There’s a great atmosphere, so it really doesn't feel like work. I also have a new DVD out, filmed by 13 Media, of the launch party for the current album, Phoenix.
 

Find out more...

Liam Live's new single, DVD and venue details are all available on his website liamlive.com

And what have you got in store for the future?

I'm just about to release a new single called I Hate You about how easily love can turn to hate. They're such strong emotions, completely opposite, but so closely related. And I also have a big surprise planned for next year, an exciting New Year resolution, but you'll just have to wait and see for that.

 
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