Australia’s adopted popstar son Leo Sayer reflects on his career

“I look at my role as being a friend of Canberra Hospital, I can bring some pleasure and happiness sometimes to people who are really in difficult times in their lives.”
With backing music from a Bluetooth speaker, Sayer croons his way around the cancer wards, making a human connection with everyone he comes across.

Canberra Region Cancer Centre Operations Manager Caroline McIntyre says Sayer’s visits are typically kept a surprise for patients and staff.
“He’s always come in so discreetly,” she says.
“Normally it’s just very quiet, he comes up in the back lift and says hello to literally everybody.
“Some of them are doing it tough, and to have a little bit of joy and light – it really gives them a lift.
“What makes me happy is to see people getting chemo on their feet dancing.”
Jamming with Jimi Hendrix, Countdown and the Troubadour
Originally a graphic designer by trade, English-born Leo Sayer rose to pop prominence in London in the late 1960s, as a singer-songwriter – and was soon adopted by Australia as an honorary son after his first tour here in 1974.
He went on to become an Australian citizen in 2009.
Sayer was a regular on ABC TV’s Countdown during the 70s and 80s, performing chart-toppers like “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”, “When I Need You”, “More Than I Could Say” and “Orchard Road”.

He blushingly admits they were wild days – when he didn’t always live up to his “good-guy” public persona.
“It was mad, I mean, Top of the Pops in England, Countdown over here,” he says.
“You were mobbed by the fans, I remember being dragged out of a limousine the first tour that I came here, and then speaking to crazy people like Molly Meldrum on TV and trying to sort of like take it all in.”
It seems hard to believe – the petite, well-spoken singer, with a mane of curly hair that inspired changing his name from Gerard to Leo – beating off mobs of screaming fangirls.
Sayer circulated in superstar company, becoming close friends with former Beatles George Harrison and Paul McCartney, collaborating with Roger Daltrey of The Who, and even sharing a sly cigarette or two with John Lennon and Yoko Ono who had a flat above his design studio.
“I met Jimi Hendrix right at the start of his career. I actually jammed with him, playing the harmonica, and him playing the guitar,” he says.
Recalling his 1975 opening night at the famous Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, he looked up to see an intimidating line-up of fans in the front row.

“It was David Bowie, Elton John, and ‘The Fonz’ [Henry Winkler].”
Alongside them: John Cleese, Mick Jagger, Bernie Taupin, and comedian Marty Feldman.
“We never thought it would last, we were adapting to things around us, writing songs about things that are around us,” he says.
“And we thought they were only for our generation — so the amazing thing is my music’s become like a fine wine, where you lay it down and years later, it becomes a collector’s item.
“We’re in an age where the music that I make, young kids are actually latching onto it now, and they’re finding that that generation and that style of music we made is as current now as anything.”
Sayer’s health battles, still spreading hope at 76
Leo Sayer says his hospital charity work caps off a career dedicated to providing joy through music.
“It’s a nice piece of synchronicity really, because I was born in the grounds of a hospital in Shoreham by Sea in Sussex, near Brighton in England,” Mr Sayer said.
“I suppose I’ve always felt comfortable in hospitals and being around hospitals.
“Growing up, my dad was a hospital engineer, Mum was a nurse, my sister was a matron.”

Sayer has health struggles of his own, including three stents in his heart, which help him have a genuine connection to the hospital patients he entertains.
“[My music] is providing something that isn’t taking away from any of the treatment that’s going on. It’s providing something that’s just putting a smile on peoples’ faces.
“Music is communication and that’s what this is all about, we’re communicating, we’re making people feel better.
“We’re not healing people with music, but we are making them feel better about their healing.
“To sell out Canberra Hospital will do me fine.”

Young Pianist Stuns Crowd with Beautiful Rendition of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Expectations are high for the famous song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Many people think that performing this anthem is difficult. However, Cole Lam, a young pianist, demonstrated that skill has no age restrictions.

The 12-year-old prodigy Cole was about to take the world by surprise with a musical voyage that would begin at London’s busy St. Pancras International Station. Two adults approached him as he was getting ready to play the piano; they had no idea how incredible the skill they were about to witness would be.

Cole played the first few notes of “Bohemian Rhapsody” with a bashful smile. It seemed as though everything around him vanished and time stopped still. His fingers moved fluidly over the keys, striking each note with feeling and accuracy.

It was clear from watching Cole perform that he had a strong emotional connection to the song. Everyone who had the honor of witnessing him perform was enthralled by his obvious passion and commitment.

Cole can play more than just the piano, though. In addition, he plays the clarinet and guitar with excellence, demonstrating his versatility and passion for music. His impressive portfolio, which demonstrates his aptitude and perseverance, is impressive even at the age of twelve.

He charmed the audience with his performance. Cole’s performance served as a reminder of the influence that music has on our lives. He is an inspiration to his classmates and aspiring musicians alike because, despite his youth, he has already attained remarkable success.

Cole’s performance is incredibly captivating to see. His ability is unbounded, and as long as he continues to develop it, we can only speculate about the amazing heights he may achieve.

So take a seat, unwind, and get ready to be astounded by Cole’s magnificent performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the London station. Tell your friends and family about this amazing performance on Facebook so they may experience the magic for themselves.

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