Interview

James Fox

By Phil Wilmott

2nd February 2006

Last Friday night found me chatting to James Fox, star of the forthcoming West End Billy Joel compilation show "Movin Out", Fame Academy finalist and our Eurovision singer for last year, in his hotel room in Miami Beach.

Ok, he was in his hotel room in Miami Beach and I was on the other end of the telephone in a rehearsal room in Liverpool but hey it's Liverpool in January you grab any glamour you can get.

I must admit I'd never really heard of James but a quick google search reveals him to be very, very handsome with a large, loyal and vocal fan base. He was also very charming on the phone and I look forward to meeting him in person when "Movin Out" arrives at the Apollo Victoria theatre soon.

The websites also reveal he's blown Andy Warhol's theory that everyone gets just fifteen minutes of fame. As far as I can see he's currently at forty-five minutes and still going strong. His first time in the public eye was when he gained fifth position in the BBC reality talent show "Fame Academy" which ought to have consigned him to obscurity but for a second fifteen minutes of celebrity he managed to get himself selected to represent Britain in last years Eurovision song contest. Again he didn't win but that didn't put the breaks on his career either with theatre producer Bill Kenwright casting him as Judas in the UK tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" next. Following that he landed a starring role on Broadway playing "The Piano Man" who fronts the Billy Joel numbers that form the soundtrack to the rock ballet "Movin Out".

Q: For a British entertainer starring on Broadway must feel incredible.

A: It does and my first performance was on April 6th, which also happens to be my birthday, and it was also the thousanth performance of the show.

Q: So how on earth did you get from D list celebrity to that?

A: Well I guess it's all thanks to Billy Joel.

Q: He saw you perform somewhere? Don't tell me Billy Joel watches the Eurovision Song Contest?

A: Um, No. His music has been central to my life since I was six years old and my dad called me into the front room. He was watching a Billy Joel concert on the TV and thought I'd enjoy it too. I loved it. The next day he bought me a piano and that's what got me started as a performer twenty-three years ago.

Q: So, Billy Joel was walking past your house in Wales, heard you play and...

A: No, no. We have to fast forward a few years. I was in Las Vegas on holiday and I heard about this guy called Michael Cavanaugh who had an act performing Joel songs. We got talking and I said I enjoyed playing the material too. He challenged me to show him what I could do and we ended up having a kind of piano play off. It was a great night. Then when I heard he was fronting "Movin Out" on Broadway I went to see the show and to see him afterwards. He remembered me and we ended up playing together in a New York piano bar. Billy and Elton John came in, heard me, and that was how I got an introduction to the project and ended up in the show.

Q: This is sounding like a story refined by PR people but I'm enjoying it. How would you define a Billy Joel song?

A: That's a difficult one. I suppose what makes him special is he never compromises by co-writing. He seems to write lyrics about what's important to him in whatever genre he wants, so everything comes from the heart. He's also a great storyteller in his lyrics.

Q: When I saw the show on Broadway there were perceptible waves of love coming from the audience for each classic number. I haven't really experienced that in the theatre outside of Mamma Mia. Its like these songs had been the sound track to people's lives.

A: I think that's true. At every key moment in modern American history there's been a Billy Joel song that's captured the mood. It's the same right across North America. Recently on the tour we sold out a five thousand-seat arena in Toronto for six weeks.

Q: You must be worried that the show isn't going to have the same impact over here. I'm a long term Billy Joel fan but to say so in public can expose me to ridicule. I think if people think of him at all it's as a guy who sings cheesy middle of the road seventies and eighties rock.

A: It's certainly true that when I was interviewed on kids TV shows during "Fame Academy" and Eurovision none of the kids knew who I was talking about. But don't forget "Movin Out" isn't just a Billy Joel tribute it's an award winning show in it's own right. I think once word spreads about what an amazing night it is we'll be packed both with Billy's fans and people who enjoy a great West End musical. Also dance fans will enjoy the incredible dancing and Twyla Tharp's award winning choreography.

Q: It's not really a musical as such, is it?

A: Well no, I guess we could describe it as a rock ballet. It's the story of a group of American kids who grow up through the Vietnam War and the consequences it has on their lives. There's a Billy Joel song for each chapter of their lives and the performers tell the story through these incredible dances.

Q: It really does seem to work for a wide cross section of audience. Lots of them felt very "blue collar working class from out of town" when I saw it. By the time the muscled male dancers reached the point where they were bumping and grinding in Vietnam combat gear it all seemed to be getting a bit homo erotic for a mainstream audience.

A: Umm that could be just your personal take on it.

Q: I see what you mean. Anyway the Joel music seemed to keep it real and gritty for them.

A: Anyone would admire the amazing dancing; it's like watching athletes.

Q: Will we be seeing American dancers in the show in London?

A: I'm not sure to be honest. It may not be possible to get work visas for a completely American cast but I think they're hoping to bring some of the leads over.

Q: I'm afraid I have to ask about your time on reality TV - it's interviewing law.

A: I don't mind. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for "Fame Academy" so I'm very grateful.

Q: Do they have the show on American TV?

A: No they have something called "American Idol", which is closest to our "Pop Idol".

Q: So it must be nice for you not to be defined as the guy who came fifth in "Fame Academy" when you're in America.

A: That is nice.

Q: You have an incredibly passionate fan site.

A: My fans are great. A group of them recently came out to visit me when I was doing the show in Florida.

Q: So you get to know them personally?

A: Oh yes. And it helps with the homesickness too. I've been touring America in "Movin Out" for a while now. My mum and brother came over the other day - which was great. I can't wait to be performing in London.

Q: What next for you after "Movin Out"?

A: Well, I'd like to get my recording career going again. The shows have been a wonderful sideways step but I really want to be a serious recording artist. I had a deal with Sony that has become inactive recently but there are another two record companies currently interested in signing me so hopefully one of those will work out.

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