Darren Shuts the Critics
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Darren Hayes is answering critics with his music, he tells PAUL STEWART
``I am now just concentrating on my new show which I am sure will shut the critics up.'' DARREN Hayes would like to stress that reports of his musical death are premature. Newspaper articles have suggested that Hayes has fallen foul of his record company and has been dropped as a priority by Sony in the US despite selling a million copies of his first solo album Spin. Hayes of course, was half of Australia's most successful musical export of the 1990s, with Savage Garden selling an amazing 20 million albums worldwide. The former journalism student said press reports had forced him to ``hold my chin up''. ``It does really annoy me to hear such putdowns,'' he said. ``If I did not feel talented I would be concerned, so I am now just concentrating on my new show, which I am sure will shut the critics up.'' Hayes said he took comfort from the fact that other pop artists such as Kylie Minogue and Madonna had their ups and downs with the critics. ``People forget that the press were really horrible to Kylie a few years back -- and now look at her -- while Madonna has copped heaps of criticism for various career moves,'' he said. ``I cannot really see what my crime has been; after all, my new album has sold more in England than any of the material I released with Savage Garden and there is a big demand for my solo shows right around the world. ``I suppose I will just have to stick around for a while and let my work speak for itself.'' Hayes said he was busy rehearsing a new band for his approaching six-month world tour, which would take him to Europe, Asia and Latin America. He said he would use a lot of Savage Garden material in the show as well as material from his debut solo album. ``Why not? I still love all those Savage Garden songs,'' he said. ``I am changing them around a little so that they fit in with the newer material, but I can promise people a lot of fun.'' Hayes said he would not be featuring elaborate stage designs, props or costume changes on his new tour. ``I think that after September 11 people are searching for something a bit more real and a bit more stripped back,'' he said. ``That is why I think rock 'n' roll is coming back in a big way -- people like that raw, honest material. ``I have a brand new career and celebrate each little success I have. ``For me, making a solo record was a real challenge -- ultimately it really pushed me, it made me grow and now I could not imagine going back. ``I have had a long time to think about it and make this record I'm really proud of. I guess it feels like the first day of school. I feel sprightly and excited about it.'' Darren Hayes will perform at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, on Saturday. |