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Opera star Russell Watson says voices need ‘loving care and attention’ and he’s had to ‘anger manage himself’
Opera star Russell Watson says he has banned himself from shouting to save his voice, forcing him to ditch his usual vocal support at the football. And the singer, 57, reveals he even avoids arguments as he looks to extend his glittering career.
In his new book, Russell explains: “Voices need loving care and attention. Any form of bellowing, screeching, shrieking and yelling is a menace to the vocal folds, which is another reason why it is important that I get the testosterone levels right, and keep a few Joni Mitchell tracks handy just in case.
“If I drop in on the Cleric Stadium, near where I live, to watch Congleton Town of a Saturday, I guard against getting overexcited. No easy matter when the Bears play at home. So I avoid shouting, which is not always easy.
“I’ve anger-managed myself down to the occasional gruff retort, and I’m thinking of giving up altogether. He adds: “Walking the dog, I whistle. To make me shout, you’d have to present me with overwhelming evidence that you are an absolute, irremediable tw*t.
“I shun confrontation and if things get fiery, I’ll put my coat on, slam the front door – my most strident form of protest – and get in my car, slam that door, and go for a drive, which I find helps put things into a different perspective.”
The star, who has two daughters, lives on a small farm outside Congleton, Cheshire, with second wife Louise, who runs the farm and business interests. Russell’s book also recalls how, in 2006 and 2007, he was diagnosed with two brain tumours and tells of his battle to overcome crippling treatment, lifesaving operations, HRT therapy and mental health struggles.
He is now one of the world’s greatest classical singers, selling millions of records. And his Magnificent Buildings Tour is in full swing, with the tenor playing an array of cathedrals and churches.
Encore: My Journey Back to Centre Stage is out now, published by Hodder & Stoughton.
