The Kaiser Chiefs star Ricky Wilson reflects on his huge career change and admits getting into radio ‘fixed him up’ while he was ‘still relying on old drinking habits’
Ricky Wilson reflected on his huge career change and how the move to radio has helped him follow the rock band’s success.
The Kaiser Chiefs frontman, 46, opened up about the highs and lows of fame, admitting that radio is now “not only a joy” but also a “three-hour mental workout, five days a week” for him.
The singer discussed how he built a new career in television and radio after going through everything with the multi-platinum selling band – first three seasons on The Voice.
Meanwhile, he came second on The Masked Singer last year, where he was disguised as Phoenix, and also presented an art show on CBBC.
But the rock star admitted that while he fondly remembers Kaiser Chiefs’ heyday, he doesn’t miss the fame and feels very much at home doing radio.
Ricky Wilson reflected on his huge career change and how the move to radio has helped him after the success of the rock band (pictured last year)
The 46-year-old Kaiser Chief frontman opened up about the highs and lows of fame and admitted that radio is now “not only a pleasure” but also a “three-hour mental workout, five days a week” for him (pictured in 2019)
Speak with Sunday TimesRicky explained that he was juggling work duties and fathering two-year-old twins.
He previously appeared on Radio
Recalling his first approach to radio, he said: ‘At first I found it terrifying. There’s no one to bounce off of – just me telling stories and thinking about my life. The magic is in connecting with an audience.
‘TV doesn’t do that as much anymore, but radio still has a strong community spirit. It’s my favorite place to be.’
Ricky made no secret of the fact that the fame during the height of Kaiser Chief was ‘amazing’, although he doesn’t miss it.
Revealing an ace up his sleeve, the TV personality revealed that wearing ‘cheap jeans’ has always been his secret to not being recognized in public.
Ricky’s confidence in the spotlight must have been smooth, thanks in part to his father who was director of It’s A Knockout, a family-friendly TV game show watched by millions in the 1970s.
‘It wasn’t until recently that I realized it must have had a huge influence on what I do today. I’m a nepo baby! Not because my parents’ past got me a job, but because I saw what was possible. I have always felt comfortable on sets. Nothing in the entertainment industry felt out of reach for me. Hey, Su Pollard used to hang out at our house.β
But the rock star admitted that while he fondly remembers Kaiser Chief’s heyday, he doesn’t miss the fame and feels very much at home doing radio (pictured in 2023).
Speaking about radio activities, he said: βTV doesn’t do that as much anymore, but radio still has a strong community spirit. It’s my favorite place to be’
‘I have always felt comfortable on sets. Nothing in the entertainment industry felt out of reach for me. Hey, we used to have Su Pollard hanging out at our house,β he said
Explaining his path to TV, Ricky recalled that it was a difficult time for the band, which was in decline despite the success of their 2007 second album Yours Truly, Angry Mob.
βThe main reason I got into television was to help us sell more records,β Wilson says candidly. ‘The band was in a difficult situation at the time.
‘Our drummer, who was also our songwriter, had left and it was becoming increasingly difficult for us to get on TV. The only option that presented itself was for me to be the TV.β
The English singer assured that he is now doing much better, after appearing visibly drunk on stage at O2 in 2022 and being accused by fans of slurring his words during a ‘shambolic’ performance.
Concertgoers and online fans at the time called his performance “terrible,” “a mess” and “painful.”
The artist apologized at the time for ‘a mistake’ and falling back on ‘old drinking habits’ on the evening.
In a statement seen by The sun published on social media, which may now have been deleted, he said: ‘I don’t want to make lame excuses, I have encountered some challenges in this life I have led, and have stayed on top of them with the support I have received. have always been around me.
‘The truth is I made a mistake at the O2 on Saturday night and relied on old drinking habits. It is a mistake that has upset and disappointed many of you, and some of those closest to me.
‘I try to pride myself on not letting people down and it seems I’ve let myself down in that regard recently. I’m doing everything I can to not let that happen again. And it will remain that way.’
Tickets for the show ranged from Β£33.75 to Β£55.75, according to the gigs and tours site.
Ricky has suffered from crippling anxiety in the past and admitted in 2019 that he turned to alcohol to cope.
Explaining his path to TV, Ricky recalled that it was a difficult time for the band, which was in decline despite the success of their 2007 second album Yours Truly, Angry Mob (Kaiser Chiefs pictured in 2016)
The English singer assured that he is now doing much better, after he appeared visibly drunk on stage at O2 in 2022 and was accused by fans of slurring his words during a ‘shambolic’ performance
Ricky commented that he knew this was a clear sign that he needed to ‘get his act together and look sharp’ once and for all and now he runs regularly and practices a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
In an interview he previously told the Guardian that he was never ‘dependent’ on drink, but became increasingly dependent on ‘finding ways to do it’.
He was ashamed of his drinking problems and said he never knew how to talk about them.
Ricky apologized again, noting that he knew this was a clear sign that he needed to ‘get his act together and look sharp’ once and for all and now he runs regularly and practices a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.