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STAR CHALLENGE: HANGING ON THE TELEPHONE WITH... MARTI PELLOW
Everyone remembers Marti Pellow as the cute guy with the cheeky grin who fronted Wet Wet Wet. He disappeared from the spotlight for a while to fight a drug problem, but now he's back. This time he's gone solo and his new album (aptly called Smile) is in the shops now. So what's going on? M thought it was time we found out. Ready to tell all, Marti?
Us: What time did you get up?
Marti: 6 o'clock this morning. Early, I know. I got up and played golf. I was very passionate about golf as a kid, and I've just picked it up again. Also, I had years of night-time madness. It's kind of balanced itself out for me. I sleep like a baby. Out like a light, me.
Us: Who was the first person you spoke to this morning?
Marti: Apart from my webmaster - I went online this morning - Chris, my songwriting partner. Normally it would be Eileen [Marti's partner], but she's up in Scotland visiting family. We've been together 12 years, she's my inspiration. In the mornings, though, if we're nice and cosy, we can have a debate about who's making the coffee.
Us: Where are you right now?
Marti: In Elvis Costello's studio down in Rye. I've been working on some ideas I have for a musical. It's quite large, unlike many modern studios, and it's very much a country setting. I can see four horses and a bull mastiff from the window. I feel very much at home. I've spent the best part of a year and a half here, on and off, working on my new album.
Us: What are you wearing?
Marti: A pair of Dolce & Gabbana kind of bluey made-to-look-old jeans, and an Ecko blue and white kind of tie-dyed thing with long sleeves and a V-neck. And a pair of neutral Tommy Hilfiger slip-on shoes. I like to be casual in the studio, but if I'm going out, I love my Oswald Boateng suit. It accentuates this almost gazelle-like physique I've acquired.
Us: What's the last thing you bought?
Marti: A Parker guitar. Joni Mitchell turned me on to them, and being such a big fan of hers I thought, I must have one of those.' It's made of a kind of fibreglass, they're weird. Mine isn't, but they can be see- through. I bought it from America, imported. Cost? About pounds 3,000.
Us: When was the last time you were drunk?
Marti: I'm two years into my sobriety now. It's the most important thing in my life. If I don't have that, I don't have anything. I could easily romanticise about having glasses of champagne under a rose petal sky, so there were nice times. But at the end my drinking was a lot darker than that. I have no time for it in my life.
Us: What's the most recent domestic thing you've done?
Marti: The other night I cooked a Thai dish with fish for Eileen. I can work the dishwasher, but I'm not very domesticated when it comes to washing and drying. I've been pulled up on that on several occasions. I spend so much time in hotels, I sometimes forget when I come home that there isn't going to be a wee maid coming in to clean the room.
Us: What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
Marti: A sandwich I made. Oh, I can look after myself, but the joined- up writing's not getting any better! Mozzarella, tomato and rocket on ciabatta bread. Well, you know, I like my breads, I just think there's a real art form to it. There's nothing better than a good bit of bread. Especially if you're breaking it in the company of some good friends.
Us: When did you last have a snog?
Marti: Seeing Eileen off to Scotland. She's a good snog, absolutely. It's important, isn't it? She's tall, green eyes. A very strong, independent lady. What I like about her is that she can be a tomboy on one hand, and look extremely precious on the other. Still romantic? Well, I have my moments, but that's something I can work on.
Us: When did you last cry?
Marti: I can quite easily shed tears watching a movie, or hearing a beautiful song. I think it's good to cry. It's a great release, and it can be such an ecstatic feeling when it comes from a really inspiring situation. The Mirror Pride of Britain awards earlier this year really put things in perspective for me.
Us: What are you going to do when you hang up?
Marti: Back to the ranch, man. Back home to Kent. Eileen comes back tonight, and I think it might be an Indian takeaway. It's nice to be able to kick back, hang out with your woman, watch an old movie, get in a curry. Life doesn't get much better.
Interview by Nina Myskow
