Leo Sayer reflects on his career, financial betrayal and extraordinary celebrity encounters

In a candid interview, veteran British-Australian singer Leo Sayer, now 77 and living in Australia, shares highlights from his remarkable life and career. He rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and When I Need You, both US number ones, alongside other successes like Moonlighting and Thunder In My Heart. Originally a graphic artist who designed album covers, including Bob Marley’s Catch a Fire, Sayer was mentored by Adam Faith but later discovered he had been financially exploited, signing over power of attorney and missing out on substantial earnings, including a £650,000 Chrysalis renewal payment that went to his managers. He settled out of court for that amount. Sayer recounts wild anecdotes, including a late-night phone call purportedly from Elvis Presley the day before his death in 1977, inviting him to Graceland, later corroborated by Elvis’s girlfriend Ginger Alden. He also describes close encounters with Keith Moon on the drummer’s final night, Muhammad Ali during a flight and subsequent visits, and his explosive exit from Celebrity Big Brother in 2007 after a confrontation. Sayer discusses personal matters, such as a brief affair inspiring Orchard Road, and his enduring optimism, preparations for a UK tour, and hopes for a comeback, while living comfortably with his wife of 40 years thanks to streaming revenue.