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Darius
“Robbie Williams should just get over himself”Pictures by Nicky Johnston
Words by Isabel Mohan, Heat Magazine 26.11 – 2.12.05
Last time Heat hooked up with darius danesh, he was about to release his second album and had just shot a music video during which he got on rather well with his co-star, glamorous actress Natasha Henstridge. A year on, and while the state of Darius’ pop career is subject to all sorts of rumours (more on that in a bit), the relationship everyone though was a publicity stunt is actually stronger than ever. And it’s clear that the love of an older woman has done Darius the world of good. He’s spent the past few months soaking up the California sunshine with Natasha and, as well as developing an impressive tan, he’s gained a kind of wise maturity that makes it hard to believe he’s just 25. Darius has always had a tendency for being overly earnest and, dare we say it, rather cheesy, but these days he appears to know what he’s talking about. It’s funny and perhaps slightly worrying that, on the high-speed conveyer belt of pop, Darius seems like a seasoned pro. Luckily for him, the theatrical world must think he’s pretty grown-up to – he’s about to tread the boards in the West End production of Chicago, taking on the role of Billy Flynn, played in the film by Richard Gere. He’s clearly very excited by his new career path, but we’d quite like to know what happened to the old one…
Last time we spoke to you, everything seemed rosy. Then you got dropped. What happened?
Heat is the best place to clear this up. It’s true that I had a five-album deal through 19 Records and it’s also true that I licensed my first two albums through Mercury. But then Steve Lillywhite (legendary U2 producer) left Mercury to work with U2 again. I was very happy for him but I lost my mentor and my reason to be with Mercury. I still have my record deal, but I just won’t release through them again.
Does this mean you’re putting your pop career on the back burner?
There have been a lot of things written in the papers, some of which are true and some of which have an element of truth. To set the record straight, I still have a five-album deal and I’m writing my third album, but it just won’t be through the same record company. It’s more of a technical thing… What happens is, when you guys phone up Mercury regarding me, they’ll say, “We’re no longer dealing with this person” and you’ll say, “Why’s that?” and they’ll say, “We can’t say.” So then it’s assumed that I’ve been dropped.
That must be annoying…
Live Twice, the last single I released, was my fifth Top Ten single, but these days, as soon as a song you release isn’t a Number One, people think it isn’t good enough. But for me, I’m just so grateful and happy that I have people that enjoy my music at all, and that I have the creative freedom to be able to write my own material.
What do you think of the X Factor?
For the past five months, I’ve split my time between London and LA, so I’ve only just started watching it. Simon Cowell is the UK’s biggest export, though – Robbie Williams had better watch out! Simon’s the most entertaining man on TV and the best performer in the UK!
Having experienced sudden fame on Popstars and then Pop Idol, do you think these kind of shows are the best way to go about it?
Well, I can tell you what Billy Flynn would say. He’d say, (adopts gravely American accent) “Not everything is as it appears to be.” A lot of showbusiness is about smoke and mirrors and there are a lot of people who claim to have you interests at hear when they’re actually looking for a quick buck. You can be at the mercy of someone who directs your career as merely a flash in the pan, because they want to make money in the short term. But it’s your life, so be careful.
What would be your advice for the winner?
As Billy Flynn says to Roxie Hart, (adopts that accent again) “You’re a phoney celebrity kid. In a couple of weeks, nobody will even know who you are.” That’s particularly timely in this post-Big Brother, celebrity-obsessed era, when people want to be famous just for the sake of being famous. My only advice is to make sure you’re in it for the right reasons. Any career is about taking the ups and downs. It’s about taking the downs and the knocks, and using them as experience and knowing that you’re a little bit wiser. That way, you can face future challenges with a bit more under your belt.
What other lessons can people learn about the music Industry?
Well I think the biggest mistake of Robbie Williams’ career was saying goodbye to Guy Chambers. He wanted Guy to sign an exclusive contract to only write songs with him, and that’s madness. When Guy refused, I don’t think Robbie’s ego would let him stay, which is really sad because they came up with some classic records. His insecurities and self-loathing have been very compelling, but now he should get over himself. He’s the biggest-selling artist of the millennium and it’s a shame he can’t enjoy it. It’s sad that Robbie has never found love.
Why do you think that is?
He’s focused on the wrong things. I think family should come first and everything else comes from that. If your career is your priority and it consumes you, that’s fair enough, but there’s nobody I know who puts their career first who’s actually happy. They might be married or in a stable relationship, but do they get excited by it? No. Do they feel fulfilled? I don’t think so.
Speaking of which, how is your family? Has your dad fully recovered from cancer now?
Yep, he’s in full remission. He’s a respected doctor and is about to write a book about a doctor’s perspectives on cancer recovery. I’m helping him to write it.
So, how did Chicago come about?
I was writing my third album in Los Angeles and got asked if I’d like to audition. When they offered me the role, I flew back to the UK. I couldn’t believe it - it knocked me off my feet.
Are you nervous about performing on stage eight times a week?
The first thing that came into my mind was the scene from Indiana Jones where Harrison Ford has to jump from his galloping horse onto a team train that’s hurtling along. It’s exciting, but I don’t see it as intimidating. I love a challenge.
People are quite surprised that you and Natasha Henstridge are still together. Is it serious?
I am in love with a woman whose beauty is only exceeded by her wit, her charm, her humour and her compassion. She’s just… (Gets dreamy look in his eyes.) I… just… ah… I’m the luckiest man in the world.
Is it difficult with her being in LA and you now back in London?
Right now, I’m celebrating being in a west End show and she’s celebrating her show, Commander In chief, being a big hit in the States, so a little thing like the Atlantic isn’t going to get in the way of us being together.
Natasha has two young sons. Do you get on well with them?
I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to spend time with two people who have now become my best mates. They may be four and six, but that doesn’t matter! I’ve always had a close relationship with my little brother Cyrus. A child’s perspective is amazing. They see things with a lot more honesty. I love kids and I would love to have my own, but I don’t think that will happen for quite a while.
Do you still have lots of women throwing themselves at you?
Only if they happen to be tripping over something in the street! I find it very flattering to get any kind of compliment.
Have you worn your kilt recently?
Very funny… You printed it in Heat with a strategically placed star, didn’t you? I’m a Scot, so of course I’ve worn it. But when and where, you’re not to know!
Ah, so Natasha likes it, then?
She does, actually. And she thought that photograph was very funny.
Have you shown her the clips of all your old auditions?
Unfortunately, that was something I just couldn’t escape from. When you get to a stage in a relationship when you really love someone, there’s nothing you can hide. But honestly, I look back and laugh.
Did you know you’re mentioned in the Little Britain live show?
Really? Wow, fantastic!
You’re the punchline of a Vicky Pollard sketch.
Awesome! I have to see it. What does she say?
Well, er… she’s at a pop concert and says something like “I came all the way here to see Busted, but I just got fingered by Darius!”
(Guffaws) The only fingers I can imagine going anywhere near her would be Cadbury’s chocolate ones… and they’d be in her mouth! Vicky Pollard is probably the defining character of popular culture in the last few years, so for my name to be incorporated into her act is hugely flattering. But now I’m actually imagining it… (Shudders.)