The singer, 49, talks about suffering racism as a kid, his nervous breakdown in his 20s, selling out Wembley Arena and how starting a family changed everything for him
was bittersweet. I was born in England, then moved to Australia when I was six. The Gold Coast was paradise. It was also tough – we were the only ethnic family there [Andre is of Greek Cypriot descent], so we were outcasts. I got beaten, because I stood out like a sore thumb. I had curly hair, a big nose and an English accent.place today and I love it with all my heart. It’s multicultural. I think people do change. It’s the ones who don’t that I have a problem with.to make it in Britain.
everything changed for me, and I’ve never taken anything for granted since. Those years between my breakdown and having my first child, Junior, taught me a lot. One day I prayed: “Please, if there’s a God, get me through this day.” They were dark days. When I made it through, I remember thinking: “Right, I’m just lucky to be alive.”a couple of years ago what sort of a dad I was, they’d have said I was extremely strict, but I think they’d say I’ve since softened a little.