Born in South Yorkshire, Tony Christie, 80, found fame in the 1970s with songs such as (Is This the Way to) Amarillo. In 1976, he sang the role of Magaldi for the Evita album. He collaborated with All Seeing I in the late 90s and had a hit with Walk Like a Panther. In 2002, Peter Kay used Amarillo on his TV show Phoenix Nights, which led to a resurgence in the song’s popularity. In 2021, Christie was diagnosed with dementia. This year he is touring and his album We Still Shine is out on 16 February. He is married with three children and lives in Staffordshire.
When were you happiest?
I’m always happiest when I’m with my family.
What is your greatest fear?
I don’t have a great fear of anything. I look at things with positive eyes.
What is your earliest memory?
Looking up at my grandmother when she was holding me when I was a few months old. This was in Conisbrough, near Doncaster.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
King Charles III, because he’s working hard to save our planet.
Aside from a property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
Around 1972, I bought a Rolls-Royce to treat myself after finally achieving success. The year before, I had three hits: Las Vegas, I Did What I Did for Maria and Amarillo.
What is your most treasured possession?
My grandfather’s melodeon – he was in an Irish band playing céilí music. He was a shepherd in County Mayo before moving to South Yorkshire and working in the pits.
Describe yourself in three words
Loving, considerate and loyal.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Oh, Brad Pitt.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Apparently, picking at my cuticles drives my wife mad.
What scares you about getting older?
Forgetting the wonderful memories I have got from throughout my life. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with dementia.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Julie Christie. When I was working in a band, I was using my own name, Anthony Fitzgerald, and the manager said, “You’ve got to have a shorter name.” I saw a film called Darling starring Julie Christie and that’s why I changed my name to Tony Christie.
What was the last lie that you told?
I’m just nipping out for a quick pint.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
A large measure of single malt whiskey.
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What do you owe your parents?
A fantastic childhood that instilled in me the importance of good family values.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife of 56 years, my lovely Sue.
What was the best kiss of your life?
The first time I kissed my wife. She came to see me when I was working in a club in the Rotherham area. I was singing Stranger in Paradise and I looked down and I saw this girl, and that was it. I said to my bass player, “Mike, I think I’ve just seen the girl I want to marry.” He fell about laughing – he thought it was a joke.
What did you dream about last night?
I can never remember my dreams, but they are weird and wild because of the medication I’m on for dementia.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
My wife and I were meant to meet Frank Sinatra before he went on stage in Hamburg. But there was a taxi-drivers’ strike and we were too late.
What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing – I’ve got some great tablets!
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