Leaving his Savage Garden partner Daniel
Jones in the lurch, Darren Hayes decided to see if could cut it on his own. Moving to
America, the Brisbane Boy's debut saccharine pop effort, album Spin, has already sold a
sickening number of copies. Janine Israel reveals the deeper side of a very down-to-earth
Darren Hayes who likes going to the gym, staying in shape and people with clean teeth.
What are you up to these days?
I'm embarking on a theatre tour all over the world and it's called Too Close For Comfort.
I'm working with the same show designer who did my last tour - a guy called Willie
Williams - and he does the U2 tours. I wanted my stage to be a mixture of Elvis '68
comeback and something The Stones might have done.
Were you surprised by the success of Spin?
It's been amazing for me because I expected this album to be an uphill battle. The first
week sales of the record blew me away. No one would really have given me the time of day
if it hadn't been for my previous success.
What does it take to be a popstar these
days?
I know there are TV shows you can be on to be one (a popstar) for a minute. I think that
our perception of what a popstar is, is that it's a vocation you can train for. I think a
star is someone like Madonna who sticks around forever. And that's the job I'm applying
for - a long-term career. I'm not interested in the quick burn.
How far would you have got in the Popstars
audition?
I don't know if I would fit the mold, I don't think I'm perfect enough.
Who's your care fan base?
I don't think the really young teenager girls buy my record. I think they're buying Puddle
Of Mudd. I think I've come from a young teenage audience eight years ago and I think
they've grown a little older with me.
What's the strangest fan mail you've
received?
Most of it is just the kind that starts: 'This is not a fan letter. I'm in love with you.
I'm really in love with you'.
How image conscious are you?
I think I'm one of the few male artists that people talk about when it comes to looks. My
hair is a constant debate, and what I'm wearing. I just try to look good for myself. I go
to the gym and do yoga and eat well, because I also want to pick up.
Are you seeing anyone at the moment?
I don't talk about it, but thanks for asking.
What's your top grooming tip?
Have clean teeth and don't smoke - sorry England - it's disgusting. If you wanna kiss me,
clean your teeth, have good breath.
What's one album you'd take to a desert
island?
Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Who would win in a cat fight, Britney
Spears or Kylie Minogue?
Oh Kylie, she's got street cred.
Bin Laden or Bush? Who's the bigger
criminal?
Oh My God! No Comment. Who knows? I don't think any of us know enough about what really
goes on behind the doors of politics.
Darren Hayes plays the Hammersmith Apollo
on October 11th and 12th. Tickets are sold out. His album Spin, is out now.
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