Limahl credits ’80s nostalgia for saving his career after “the record deals ended” following a period of success.
The former Kajagoogoo star topped the UK charts with the group’s debut single Too Shy and also enjoyed solo success with hits including Only for Love and NeverEnding Story.
However, by the mid-’80s single sales dropped and the singer was left fearing he “may never have another hit again” – a dilemma he faced head-on.
Speaking to Bang Showbiz, Limahl explains: “Well, when the record deals ended as it were, back in the mid-80s, I was faced with one big question. ‘I may never have another hit again,’ that’s what I said to myself.
“At this point, I’m only 27 years old, 28. I thought, ‘Does that mean I’m gonna be unhappy for the rest of my life? That’s a waste of a life!’,” he recalls (via The List). “So that’s how I dealt with it. I thought, there’s lots of things I can do. I’ve got my health, I’ve had the hits.”
By the late ’90s, nostalgia shows rose in popularity and gave the star another shot at sharing his music, and he has continued to perform live for the past two decades.
“I didn’t know what was ahead of me at that point, obviously. I didn’t know I’d be slipping back into the Limahl role,” admits the hitmaker. “In 1998, that’s what happened – everyone got interested in the 80s again, and I haven’t stopped working live for 20 years.
“It’s just something I’ve had to go through and deal with, and it’s fine. I’ve come through the other side.”
Limah’s currently promoting his latest single, festive hit One Wish For Christmas, which is out now.