Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dave Stewart: 'I like to make sure I'm surrounded by radiators'

Interview,Adam Jacques
Saturday 20 August 2011 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

When Annie [lennox] and I meet up now, we no longer talk about the old days [with the Eurythmics]. We've been through so much, what are we going to say? "Remember that crazy time in Oklahoma?" We've both had kids, and now there are all these other experiences to talk about.

I don't want to be just a guitarist in a group I like to be able to learn about movie scores, photography; I see all the possibilities that are out there, but a lot of people say: "He's always doing these different things; he should focus on one thing." I think it's also why Mick Jagger [who Stewart is collaborating with for new rock supergroup Super Heavy] is still so successful. He has his lens wide open; he's not clung to one particular interest and he's still excitable about everything.

My four children keep me grounded It's important not to try to be their mates and just hang out, but to be a father. I listen to their problems, and if they ask how to do something I'll show them, but I never interfere with what they want to do with their lives.

When people are amazing at what they do, there's usually less ego, not more I've found that to be the case with people such as Nelson Mandela and Stevie Wonder. The big egos you do see often come with people who are pretty average; they're covering their insecurity.

In life, there are drains and radiators It's a phrase my mum always said: some people will suck the air right out of the room, while others come in and everything feels sunny. It's why I like to make sure I'm surrounded by radiators, or at least make sure the radiators are not outweighed by drains.

I'm very shy in social situations Speaking to, say three or four new people, at a cocktail party or pub, I feel anxious and everything comes out wrong.

Coconut water is great for a hangover I wake up with a headache some mornings and one carton of the stuff fixes it immediately. It does taste a bit funny, but it totally hydrates you.

Dave Stewart, 58, is a musician, songwriter and record producer. His new album, 'The Blackbird Diaries', is out now on Proper Records/Surfdog

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in