Today Adam Ant released his first new album in 18 years. The 17 song album, "Adam Ant is the Blueback Hussar in Marrying the Gunner's Daughter," is semi-autobiographical, according to Ant, with a few songs dealing with his mental illness.
The 58-year-old made dressing like a pirate sexy back in the ‘80s, and brought us a string of hits like, "Stand and Deliver," "Prince Charming" and "Goody Two Shoes."
In an interview with Reuters Ant says he has no television and loves to read, particularly historical books. He sports a number of tattoos with one on his left arm of Admiral Lord Nelson's inspirational last prayer before the infamous battle of Trafalgar, and below that an image of his grandfather who served in the navy during World War One.
Another tattoo on his right arm is an Oscar Wilde quote: "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes." Telling Reuters Adam said, "I can certainly say I have had that experience."
After dropping out of the music world in 1995 battling exhaustion and mental illness, Ant spent most of that time raising his daughter while being treated for bipolar disorder. He finally emerged in 2010 performing concerts around London and beyond.
Ant, still sporting his signature eye liner, goatee beard, and bandana over his greying ponytail, says he missed music during his years out of the industry and started writing songs about three years ago. Telling Reuters, "It felt like the right time. I had missed it a great deal ... It is almost a blessing to work in rock 'n roll and play live."
Reviews have been mixed with The Independent saying, “It's sprawling, overdue and not for everyone, but at least it's not a play-it-safe comeback.” One reviewer at The Guardian gave it only two stars saying, “one has to question the wisdom of a 58-year-old man singing: ‘Punky young girl needs a middle-aged man whose midlife crisis you began’."
Ant is planning a tour in the UK and a return to the United States. He’s also working on his autobiography, "Stand and Deliver" and planning a fashion line.
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