Kickstarts singer and platinum record selling artist Example has kicked off his UK tour after entertaining a sold out stage at Creamfields, but has since revealed the unique inspiration he took from music icon Robbie Williams throughout his career.
Talking exclusively to Daily Star, Example explained that while he has always “just done me”, his performance is a combination of “rap, rock and Robbie Williams.”
He said: “Because I rap and sing, in between songs I kind of host it like an MC.
“There’s parts of my show that are inspired by like drum ‘n’ bass, the way the MCs control the crowd, but at the same time the interaction I have with the crowd and the stage craft, I always based a bit on Robbie Williams.
(Image: instagram.com/example)
Explaining the reason behind this unique combination, Example explained that he had been inspired by Robbie’s performances when he was younger, saying: “Robbie Williams when I was a kid, I didn’t love his music, but I was obsessed with his performance.
“Robbie Williams at Knebworth, his presence and his character, the way he strutted around the stage – he would pick one person in the crowd, wink at them and be like, ‘alright love’ and that made all 100,000 people in the crowd feel connected to him.
Talking about his own performance onstage, he said: “I think it’s a combination of rap, rock and Robbie Williams”, adding: “Honestly, he’s a proper lad, but he’s an unbelievable performer.”
(Image: WireImage)
The DJ, producer and singer also revealed that he takes inspiration from legendary music act Faithless, who he toured with in 2010, saying: “When I supported Faithless in 2010, the main thing I learnt was that even though they had a live band, it was presented like one fluid DJ set.
“In between songs, there was never a moment of silence. It was just one song finishes, into the next song. We still do that now. The audience just don’t get a chance to let up.”
Example is now taking his energetic performances back on the road for a 14 date UK Tour this month, which the singer promises to be filled with “all the hits, all the bangers. I gear it towards what is going to make people the most euphoric.
“There’s no slow moments, there’s no ballads – it’s just absolute pandemonium, which I feel is like my calling card. It’s what I do.”
(Image: Redferns)
Example has become renowned for his incredible live shows after rising to fame in 2010.
He quickly became a favourite of the UK charts and festival scene, landing his first number one album a year later in 2011, alongside two consecutive chart topping singles – Stay Awake and Changed The Way You Kissed Me.
Looking back on that time, Example listed headlining Glastonbury, selling out his first New York show and Earls Court as some of his career highlights, but has fond memories of touring with musicians who also became life long friends.
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
“In 2007 leaving my job as an Editor of Paramount Comedy and signing to Mike Skinner’s label – going on tour with The Streets was very exciting,” said Example.
“When I used to tour, every gig I went to it was like me, Plan B and Professor Green. I’m still good friends with Professor Green. He’s about to go on tour as well.
He added: “The music industry has changed a lot. I’ve been around since the Myspace days. I’ve seen everything come and go.
“To look out in my crowd and see people from the age of 16, upwards to 55. The average age is probably mid-20s, but it’s just so crazy that people still want to come and see me after 15 years.
“I’m not surprised as I put on a good show, but it’s very heartwarming.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Fast forward 15 years later and Example has since left the UK to live in Brisbane, Australia with his wife and children.
He credits his new life in Australia as being behind his creativity, and even hinted that while fans are waiting for album eight to drop in June, they can expect album nine to not be too far behind.
“Because I’m so chilled and so happy in life, living in Australia. Brisbane is so relaxing, that when I get into the studio. I don’t have a concept. I just write the first thing that comes into my head,” said Example.
“Now I’m in such a good creative space, it just kind of flows out of me. The next album is album eight, we’re going to reveal all the title and so on in March – it’s coming out in June.
“But I’ve already got ten songs for album nine, which will probably come out the start of next year.”
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Looking ahead to finally being on the road again after having 57 shows cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Example also added that he feels “blessed” to be back on tour, and that with his 40th birthday on the horizon, he certainly has no plans to stop anytime soon.
“Just to be back in the UK. I don’t care if it was raining or snowing, I’m in the UK, I’ve got a thousand people coming to watch me tonight. I feel absolutely blessed.
“I’m not done with music yet. I want to get to ten albums and see what is next, I’ve got like 20 festivals this summer. I’ll probably do another tour next year.
He added: “I flip between being a dad and wanting to be a dad, and going mountain biking and going camping and I enjoy walking them to school everyday, making their lunches, taking them swimming.
“Then the next week, I’m like song, song, song, create, create, create.
“I’m 40 this year, so I’m just going to roll with it and see what happens.”
EXAMPLE’S TOUR CONTINUES THROUGH TO FEBRUARY 12 2022 ACROSS THE UK.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
