The Osmonds star Merrill Osmond on fame, career and success | Music | Entertainment | Express.co.uk

Merrill Osmond on fame: It’s what I’ve always done

MERRILL Osmond tells our reporter how he has dealt with his inner fears and depression during 60 years in the spotlight.

Merrill OsmondREX/PH

Merrill Osmond tells our reporter how he has dealt with his inner fears and depression

Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of The Osmonds’ first performance together as a barbershop quartet. During those six decades Merrill Osmond has enjoyed fame, success, public adoration and wealth:

“It’s what I’ve always done,” he reflects. Yet Merrill reveals he has suffered with anxiety all his life; a feeling that can see him fall into depression, despite his success. 

I feel even more pressure, more anxiety.

Merrill Osmond

At a time when most pop careers are over quicker than the audition rounds on X Factor, there seems no end to The Osmonds’ popularity (collectively or individually).

“It is truly a phenomenon. If you’d have told me 15 years ago that the fan base in Europe would be as big as it was in the 1970s I’d have said you were crazy! You guys love The Osmonds and we’re so grateful and humbled at that.” How does he explain that success? 

“We’re not plastic or phoney, we are what we are.” They are all still very much in demand; the brothers tour the UK twice a year, Donny did a UK arena tour last month and Marie is the face of the Nutrisystem diet in the States.

However, Merrill admits that the family ethic to strive for perfection has come at a high price. “I was discussing this with Donny last night. I am suffering right now at 63. I’ve suffered my whole life with anxiety, which goes into depression. Donny suffers with the same thing. I’ve crossed over into some paths that I don’t even want to remember. It’s something in The Osmonds’ DNA.” 

Has he learnt to manage this? “In my case I see it coming. When it hits me I go into a state that is dark. Combined with anxiety it’s a hellish feeling. I’ve always been able to work through it because I’ve been able to see the end.

I knew the end would be there.” Does the scrutiny, love and demands of the audience add to the pressure? “You’ve hit on another thing. It’s very diffi cult when people expect so much from you.” Merrill is used to pressure and the spotlight. From 1962, when he was just nine, The Osmonds were watched weekly by more than 10 million Andy Williams Show viewers. 

MerrillGETTY

Merrill on stage
Become an Express Premium member
  • Support fearless journalism
  • Read The Daily Express online, advert free
  • Get super-fast page loading

“Walt Disney discovered us but it was Andy Williams who made us. I was scared of Andy Williams. He was ‘the’ man – ‘the boss’. We wanted to do the best we possibly could to please Andy.

And now he’s gone, his legacy is what it is. He was the best.” I wondered whether competition between the brothers and Marie had ever caused tension within the family? “I couldn’t think of a worse business to be in if you’re in a family.

Everyone has got to sell tickets, everyone has got to get their PR in. High five to The Osmonds family for hanging in there.” How does he view himself? Does he even think he’s a great singer? 

“I don’t know if I am or not. I know I can hit my notes when I need to and I have a sense of the drama behind it all but I don’t know if I’m a great singer. Working with the guys over the years with harmonies has been a real treat but I’m the rocker of the bunch.

“My voice is on the records as a lead vocalist and my next tour is a rock tour. When it comes to that stuff you can count me in!” Through the ups and downs The Osmonds have stuck together. One enormous family: “I don’t know how many Osmonds there are. I’m a grandpa now, I have 15 grandkids with more on the way. We love kids!” 

The Osmonds - Love Me For A Reason

Of his 60 years of memories, which one was the best? “The moment we appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in the 1970s was magical. The place went berserk, I’ll never forget it. I’d love to revisit that moment.”

Could some of Merrill’s anxiety derive from being a sex symbol? “That’s seriously hard for me to understand. I don’t think I’m sexy but when I sing the love songs I see it. When I sing Love Me For A Reason (a song he sings with opera band G4 on their new Love Songs album) I can see the emotional attachment. It’s overwhelming and an interesting situation. 

OsmondsGETTY

The Osmonds in the 70s

I’m honoured. If you think I’m sexy – more power to you, baby!” Has Merrill overcome his fears as the years have passed? “I feel the pressure intensifying. As I get older my memory isn’t as great but I have to sing my songs and remember my words.

I feel even more pressure, more anxiety. The day will come where I have to hang up the suit but I don’t think it’s yet. I feel there are more years in front of me.” 

Merrill Osmond tours the UK from June; details at merrillosmond.com. You can hear Merrill on G4’s Love Songs album; G4Official.com

Would you like to receive notifications from this site?