As one of the nation’s best-loved tenors, Alfie Boe is synonymous with showstopping opera performances and commanding the West End stage in musicals such as Les Misérables.
Now, in a departure from his classical roots, the Tony Award-winning star has released his first album of original material, titled Face Myself – and it’s deeply personal. “It’s a real storyboard,” Alfie, 52, tells HELLO!. “I’m proud of it.”
The songs tell the story of his life, from growing up in the north of England as one of nine children to his life now, following his divorce from his former wife, Sarah, with whom he has a daughter, Grace, and a son, Alfred.
“There are songs there that talk about my children – them being so far away,” he says; his children live in the US with their mother. “That distance will never keep me away from them. We have a really strong bond.”
As he heads out on a UK tour in April and May, Alfie opens up about his new music and reveals why the King has been instrumental in his success.
Alfie, how would you describe the genre of your new album?
“It’s definitely got my own sound. It has elements of folk, elements of Americana – it’s very easy listening. The majority of the songs are quite emotionally connecting and calming. It’s good to sit down and listen to with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.”
Do you have a favourite song on the album?
“I love Face Myself. That song talks about my teenage years, growing up in the north of England and being influenced by artists like The Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets and Primal Scream.
“There’s a song called Stop Light that really connects with where we are in life right now. We’re at a stoplight. Take that time to stop and breathe and not let the burdens of life get you down.”
Did you inherit your musical gifts from relatives?
“Yes, singing did run in my family. My grandparents were good singers. My father was a really good singer; his musical taste influenced me a lot on this album.
“My tour will be about my journey through music, from being a very small babe-in-arms to the ugly old man that I am now.”
Tell us about your tour…
“I’ll be travelling around the whole of the country performing the album, then I’m on a plane to Australia to perform for ten days over there, which is crazy.
“I love being on the road. It can be a bit lonely at times, but I do love it. It’s time to have a bit of self-reflection. It’s not the rock’n’roll life; it’s a real time to take stock. I write a lot on the road, too.”
Alfie is one if the country’s best-loved opera and musical stars
The King awarded you an OBE in 2019 – what was that like?
“I was surprised when I got the message that I was up for an OBE. I thought they’d spelled my surname wrong!
“[The King] was so lovely. He said how proud he was to award it to me because I was a Prince’s Trust [now the King’s Trust] scholar at the Royal College of Music, and I’ve done a lot of work for the Prince’s Trust.
“It’s wonderful to have had that connection with him over the years. I’ll always be his humble servant, willing to perform and do charitable work for him whenever he asks.
“I’ve got so many wonderful handwritten letters from him that I have framed, and a wonderful one from our late Queen Elizabeth.”
Is it true that both you and the King are members of The Grand Order of Water Rats?
“We are. It’s an old [showbusiness] fraternity that goes back years. We’ve had members including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Tommy Cooper, lots of musicians and Hollywood actors. It’s a great group of people to be a part of.
“We raise funds for many different charities, mainly for children. It isn’t anything secretive; there isn’t a secret handshake. It’s a nice opportunity to celebrate each other as artists, bring our talents together and bring ideas to the table about how we can create funds and good opportunities for people.”
Alfie talks to the then-Prince Charles at a charity gala dinner in 2011
Will you go back to opera singing after this new album?
“I’m never going to turn my back on opera; classical music is in my blood. On the tour, I’ll be singing a bit of classical and obviously Les Misérables, which I’m famous for, I suppose.”
What brings you joy in life?
“Music brings me joy, and my children, first and foremost: watching them get older and step into their worlds and seeing their lives develop.
“I love to ride my motorbike, hike and go camping. I absolutely adore cooking – I love to develop recipes and flavours. I really want to get a qualification in cooking.”
Perhaps your own restaurant or a cookbook?
“Maybe a food truck, for a start!”
Alfie Boe’s album, Face Myself, is out now. For tickets to the Facing Myself UK tour, visit alfie-boe.com
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© Ray Burmiston
© Ray Burmiston
© Getty Images
