01 January 2024 , 21:56
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Pop legend Shakin’ Stevens burst into the charts in the early 1980s like a Welsh Elvis Presley complete with a sleek, black quiff.
And although the double denim is now a thing of the past, 75-year-old Shaky has retained an enviable barnet that any self-respecting rock ’n’ roller would be proud of. Asked how he has manages to maintain his trademark style, he replies: “My hair is still thick on top. I comb and brush my hair every day.
“Every day I check it and there’s nothing wrong with it, basically. It’s a good head of hair. I may be one of the lucky ones, but I do look after it. You’ve got to look after your hair, the same as your skin and everything else. I’m not complaining about the way I look, I’m not bald.” Cardiff-born Shaky – real name Michael Barratt – found fame after landing the lead role in West End musical Elvis! in 1977.
Shakin' Stevens performing on stage in London in 1974 (Mirrorpix)His first chart hit was a cover of country star Buck Owens’ rockabilly number Hot Dog. But far bigger success was to come. He scored his first No.1 in 1981 with This Ole House and followed it with an incredible run of singles including You Drive Me Crazy, Green Door and festive classic Merry Christmas Everyone making him the decade’s most successful solo British artist. And he is not ready to hang up the mic just yet.
Shaky credits his healthy lifestyle for allowing him to continue performing (Andre Csillag / Rex Features)
He now lives in Marlow, Buckinghamshire (Daily Mirror)Shaky and partner and manager Sue Davies, who he began dating after his marriage of 42 years to Carole Dunn ended in divorce, keep active and watch what they eat. Proud Welshman Shaky, who lives in Marlow, Bucks, credits his healthy lifestyle for allowing him to keep performing live and making records. Dad-of-three Shaky, who released his most recent album Re-Set in April last year, said: “I go for walks and I go to the gym every week as well.
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(Redferns)“You’ve got to do things like that to keep yourself healthy and keep going. If you do nothing, you just fade away. “You have to look after yourself, you can’t just sit around, you have to do stuff that keeps you healthy, like walking and stuff like that. I’m always working and I enjoy it, it keeps your brain going.
“You’ve got to keep the brain going all the time, if you let it sleep, you fall asleep and you may not wake up. Your body wants to be exercised. Eat the right food as well, plenty of water and fruit, if you don’t look after your body, eventually you’ll just cave in. You will deteriorate faster than you want. I eat well, good food, I don’t eat red meat. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke.” On his future plans, he added: “I want to get out there and keep performing and make more records. There’s a lot, lot, lot more fuel in me.”