Texas' Sharleen Spiteri says her love of performing live has not diminished - almost 40 years after the Glasgow band was formed. Famous for hits including Say What You Want and Black Eyed Boy, Texas completed an arena tour last year and are about to play a series of dates across Europe. "I never walk out on stage thinking 'I'm not really in the mood tonight'," says Spiteri. "In that moment I'm thinking about the people dragged along by their partners, who are kind of like 'I don't really like Texas' - I'm thinking about making sure they leave the gig thinking 'Texas are the greatest band I've ever seen'." Texas enjoyed chart success through the 1990s and 2000s, with Summer Son in 1999 and 2006-released single Sleep among their other hits. The rock pop band have played the Glastonbury music festival twice, and will close the 21st anniversary Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in the Highlands this August. Today Bellshill-born Spiteri juggles the demands of touring with family life. She says: "When you're free and single you're going on the road for years at a time. You don't care, you're away, you're living the dream. "I'm still living the dream to be honest. "I get to do what I love more than anything - standing on those stages and playing the songs I love so much. "We're doing festivals this summer, working four-day weeks in June, July and August, and then I get to be home the rest of the week to recover. It's perfect." Spiteri admits to still having the occasional "pinch herself" moment. "I do feel very lucky and very privileged," she says. "I do have those moments when I go 'wow'. It can be surreal sometimes. "A couple of years ago, I was standing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and punching the air and then suddenly looking out and it was just a sea of people." She says a performance at Glasgow's OVO Hydro last year was particularly memorable. "The first night we walked on we couldn't hear ourselves, the audience was that loud. "We stood on the stage looking at each other thinking 'Oh my god'. "I thought 'Don't start the songs, I need a moment to get my breath'. It was so emotional." She adds: "We've been doing this for a long time. We're an old band and we're still playing to all these people. That's nuts." Texas previously played Belladrum in 2011 and Spiteri says the challenge of keeping a festival going should not go unrecognised. The singer adds: "The music industry is really hard. We've seen how many venues and studios have closed. "It's really hard work making a festival, and so many people think they can do it and it's just about putting a load of bands on and that's that. "A great amount of thought goes into the acts that play. "We're proud to have been invited back to Bella for its 21st. We must have done something right." Spiteri says the Highlands as a whole is a special place, with Texas having also played gigs in Inverness, a few miles down the road from the Belladrum site. "The air up there is better than anywhere else in the world," she says. "When you're a singer that's pretty important when you're taking in big gulps of air. "Breathing that Highland air you feel ready. "And to walk out into that beautiful landscape, to play amongst that, that is something pretty damn special."
Texas star Sharleen Spiteri 'still living the dream'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Sharleen Spiteri of Texas Reflects on Enduring Love for Live Performance"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Sharleen Spiteri, the lead singer of the Scottish band Texas, expresses her enduring passion for live performances nearly 40 years after the band's inception. Known for their chart-topping hits such as "Say What You Want" and "Black Eyed Boy," Texas recently completed a successful arena tour and is gearing up for a series of performances across Europe. Spiteri reveals that she never approaches a show with a lack of enthusiasm, instead focusing on ensuring that even the most reluctant audience members leave with a newfound appreciation for the band. Texas, which rose to fame in the 1990s and 2000s with songs like "Summer Son" and "Sleep," has enjoyed significant success, including appearances at the prestigious Glastonbury festival. This August, they are set to headline the 21st anniversary of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in the Highlands, an event that Spiteri acknowledges requires considerable effort to maintain and grow over the years.
Balancing her musical career with family life, Spiteri describes her current touring schedule as ideal, allowing her to perform while also spending time at home to recharge. She reflects on her career with gratitude, often experiencing moments of disbelief at her success, such as when she performed on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, overwhelmed by the sheer number of fans in attendance. Spiteri recalls a particularly emotional performance at Glasgow's OVO Hydro, where the audience's enthusiasm left her momentarily speechless. Despite the challenges faced by the music industry, including the closure of numerous venues, Spiteri remains proud of Texas's resilience and continued relevance in the music scene. She fondly describes the Highlands as a unique and inspiring place to perform, emphasizing the importance of the natural environment on her vocal performance, and looks forward to returning to Belladrum, reflecting on the band's lasting impact and connection with their fans.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Sharleen Spiteri's enduring passion for performing live music, nearly four decades after the formation of her band, Texas. It captures her reflections on the joys of touring, the thrill of live performances, and the connection with audiences, while also detailing the band's ongoing success and upcoming events.
Purpose of the Article
The main intention behind this article appears to be to celebrate Spiteri's career and longevity in the music industry. By emphasizing her enthusiasm for performing and the band's continued relevance, it seeks to convey a positive narrative about Texas and its impact on fans. This portrayal may also serve to reinforce the idea of resilience and passion in the arts, which can resonate well with readers.
Public Perception
The article aims to foster a sense of nostalgia and admiration for Texas and its music. By highlighting memorable performances and Spiteri's personal reflections, it cultivates a warm, relatable image of the artist as someone who genuinely cares about her audience. This approach is likely intended to strengthen ties between the band and both long-time fans and new listeners, promoting a favorable perception of the band.
Hidden Agendas
There does not appear to be any conspicuous hidden agendas within the article. It primarily focuses on Spiteri's experiences and the band's achievements without diverting attention to other controversial topics or issues. However, the consistent celebration of her lifestyle and career could potentially gloss over challenges faced by artists in the industry.
Manipulative Elements
While the article is largely celebratory and straightforward, it uses emotional language to evoke feelings of admiration and nostalgia. Phrases that emphasize Spiteri's "pinch herself" moments and her reflections on performing at Glastonbury are designed to resonate emotionally with the audience, which can be seen as a subtle form of manipulation to garner support for the band.
Truthfulness of the Article
The content of the article appears to be grounded in truth, as it reflects Spiteri's own words and experiences. The details about the band’s history and upcoming performances are factual and can be verified. This adds to the overall credibility of the piece.
Cultural Message
The message being conveyed is one of passion, dedication, and the joy of music. The article underscores the importance of live performances and the connection between artists and their audiences, which is a vital aspect of the music culture.
Comparative Context
When compared to other articles in the music industry, this piece aligns with trends that celebrate artist longevity and resilience. It echoes themes seen across similar profiles, where artists reflect on their journeys and maintain relevance in a rapidly changing landscape.
Potential Impact on Society
This article could inspire appreciation for live music and support for artists who have been part of cultural movements. As Spiteri shares her experiences, it may encourage readers to attend live shows and engage with music more deeply, potentially benefiting the music industry economically.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to fans of Texas and those who appreciate 1990s and 2000s rock-pop music, as well as younger audiences discovering the band. It also resonates with individuals who value personal stories and the arts, particularly in the context of live performance culture.
Market Influence
While this article may not directly influence stock markets or financial decisions, it highlights a band that has a loyal fanbase. This could indirectly impact ticket sales and merchandise, which are relevant for stakeholders in the music industry.
Geopolitical Context
Although the article does not directly address global power dynamics, it reflects the importance of culture and music in shaping societal values and connections. In a world where cultural exchange is pivotal, Spiteri's experiences resonate with broader themes of creativity and artistic expression.
AI Involvement
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in crafting the article, particularly in generating coherent narratives or analyzing audience engagement. However, the personal touch of Spiteri's reflections suggests that human input played a significant role in the writing process.
In conclusion, the article provides an authentic and positive portrayal of Sharleen Spiteri and Texas, celebrating their contributions to music while fostering a sense of community and nostalgia among readers.