Gary James' Interview With
Sandie Shaw
She was one of the more popular singers to come from England in the mid 1960s. She enjoyed three number one singles in the U.K. with "(There's) Always Something There To Remind Me", "Long Live Love" and "Puppet On A String". She was a frequent guest on Top Of The Pops, Ready, Steady, Go! and Thank Your Lucky Stars. We are of course talking about Sandie Shaw.
Q - Sandie, you started singing at a time when you had to be able to sing. For the most part there were no gimmicks. That being said, what is your reaction to singers like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Samantha Fox?
A - Well, I've never had big boobs, so I've never had the temptation to use them as a gimmick. But I always sang barefoot you know, and my stylish underkill was considered original at the time, and still is. My taste and background is very European Bohemian! I've never had to shout or wear a chicken on my head to get attention. Everybody has their own way.
Q - I read one interview you gave where you didn't seem so fond of the 1960s. Why would that have been?
A - In the '60s I was in my teens, which is not an easy time anyway. I had many traumatic experiences and the pain is still very strong. But as I get older I understand life more. I begin to see things in a different light and see the funny side of things. My level of enjoyment has increased one hundred fold nowadays. I am currently writing a semi-autobiographical novel which is helping to purge the pain, exorcise some ghosts and restore my sense of humor.
Q - So many of the singers/musicians I interview were financially cheated by record companies and/or personal managers. Did you get your hands on the money you made?
A - Yes, against all odds it seems. I made a lot of money, never from recordings. I am still being exploited by a grossly unfair contract considering I financed and produced all the recordings myself. But I have always done everything from the heart. It's all there in the grooves. That's my legacy. It is vastly preferable to have a more creative approach than the cold business approach that presently proliferates. Anyway, all the money I made I lost through helping finance my first husband, Jeff Banks' fashion business. We lost the lot!
Q - You say in your Bio, "I never had the opportunity to develop as an artist." What stopped you?
A - People with vested interests in making the most money with the least effort. People representing me and working with me with little imagination and courage to help me do the things I wanted to do. But mostly, myself. I suppose I could have jumped in there and changed things, but I didn't have the experience or confidence that comes of age.
Q - If you hadn't become a singer, what would you have done?
A - Gone to Art School, married a beatnik and gone on CND marches. (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament)
Q - I know you did not tour the States, but did you tour Europe?
A - Of course I did! That's how I amassed the fortune I lost.
Q - What was it like being on Ready, Steady, Go!?
A - It was like a social occasion. I liked being Queen Bee. I know I was the Fabbest girl there.
Q - How did you meet The Hollies and Adam Faith?
A - At a charity show in Hammersmith. I was on the same bill with them. The Hollies watched me in the wings with Adam Faith's backing group, who then dragged me away to his dressing room to sing.
Q - Do you play a musical instrument?
A - No, I'm not a musician. My life and body are my instruments.
Q - How are you able to write original songs? Does someone write for you?
A - Everything I do is unique and original. If I write or interpret, it's all the same. Lots of talented people write for me too.
Q - Do you have a record deal these days?
A - When I get a record contract, I'll let you know!
© Gary James. All rights reserved.
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