The shape I’m in: Midge Ure, singer-songwriter

HE has a string of hits to his name but Scottish singer-songwriter Midge Ure couldn’t be less interested in the hype about being a star. 

It may well have something to do with age. He’s 61 and has four daughters aged, 27, 21, 18 and 16.

While he continues to tour in Europe and draw large crowds, life at home is as domestic as it’s grounding.

“Your head can be full of adulation from a concert you’ve just done but once you walk through the door you are back into reality.

"‘Can you fix my computer, can you drop me off at such and such. I’ve got no money to go to the cinema.’ We have the same junk that everybody else has to deal with.”

It’s a happy mix and the former front man for 1980s pop band Ultra Vox sees no point in scaling back his work.

“Why would you stop? People still want to hear music performed live. I’m glad to see that because the industry has changed so much over the last 20 years.

We have generations growing up who have never purchased a piece of music — they think that music is free. But thank goodness people still want to have that buzz that you can only get from seeing someone perform on stage. And I absolutely love doing it. I couldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it.”

* Midge Ure is at the Proms on the Pier, Dun Laoighre, which runs on August 29 and 30. Other guest stars include Phil Coulter, Johnny Logan and Melanie McCabe. For information see www.ticketmaster.ie  and www.promsonthepier.ie

What shape are you in?

I’m full of energy. I could do with losing a few pounds but that’s what happens when you hit the ripe old age of 61.

I just invested in a set of scales that reads your body mass index and sends all the information to your phone.

I hope the technology will help me to get back on track. Despite that, I’m good. I’m fit — I walk a lot. I’m healthy and loving life.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

My wife and I just started having these very healthy shakes made with a Nutri Bullet. It’s probably the healthiest thing I’ve ever done.

I’m thoroughly enjoying that. We have a mix of veggies and fruit. The fruit just gives it a sweetness. No matter what you put in it, it always turns out green.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

If I’m feeling really lazy, I’ll sit down and watch an old movie on television.

I feel as though every day I have to achieve something. But I’ve only started realising, that you don’t. Sometimes you just need to chill out and recharge your batteries.

What is your favourite smell?

Coriander. I do a lot cooking and I love oriental food. The smell of the coriander leaves or the smell of the crushed seeds is such a strong, evocative smell.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Stephen Fry — if there was a lull in the conversation I’m sure he would fill it brilliantly. Mark King from the band Level 42. Not only is he talented but he’s incredibly funny.

I think Obama could be interesting. And Sinead O’Connor. I saw her recently at the remaking of the Band Aid record. She was an absolute sweetheart.

What would you change about your appearance?

Everything. I’d like to have a 28in waist again but it’s never going to happen. And I’d like to have hair but that’s never going to happen either.

Actually, I’m quite happy with no hair. I like the fact that you just get the clippers and you shave it all off and you’re all set for the day. Also, I think we all secretly still like to look younger than we are.

What trait do you least like in others?

I can’t stand people who lie. I find it offensive on a variety of levels. They think you’re an idiot and that you don’t know they are lying. What they are saying to you is: I don’t respect you.

What trait do least like in yourself?

Probably prevarication. In some instances I’ll jump in with both feet and get it wrong.

Other times, I don’t make my mind up at all. I put it down to the fact if you are passionate about something you will make that decision. You will dive into whatever it is you feel strongly about.

Do you pray?

I am a recovering alcoholic — I haven’t drunk anything for 10 years. Part of the process is your serenity prayer, which is just a great reminder of what you have and what you don’t want to lose.

What would cheer up your day?

Hearing a piece of music on the radio I haven’t heard in a long time. Music is such an evocative and provocative thing — it can instantly transport you back to who you thought you were going to be, or who you wanted to be, who you wanted to be with, what you were wearing.