Entertainment

Gabrielle relishes return to touring after focusing on motherhood

The UK star is back on the road performing new material.
The UK star is back on the road performing new material.

Gabrielle said she has reignited her passion for music after previously putting parenthood before touring.

The Dreams singer who shot to fame in the 1990s said the arrival of children curbed her desire to be on the road.

Gabrielle put her musical career on hold to concentrate on the challenge of motherhood but released her first album in more than a decade in 2018.

The singer, who developed a distinctive look due to an eye condition, is now relishing her return to touring.

She said of her family commitments: “I think that’s why I didn’t do as much touring when my kids were younger. I didn’t like being away from them.

“I’m at that time in my life which is great, because I get that me time, returning to do what I really love. I spent that time with them when they were younger, and I found it hard to drag myself away.

“Now they don’t care, they want to do their own thing. I am a mum, I do music.

“I didn’t realise I’d miss it this much. I’ve actually enjoyed it this time around, I’m having a lot more fun now, I think because the children are older.”

The singer has been immersed in a tour for her new album, Under My Skin, and has been delighted by the response to her music after years of studio silence.

She said: “You don’t know if you can do it any more. You don’t know if people want to play you. But I’ve had so much radio play.

“It’s been surprising because this year marks 26 years since my first single came out.”

Gabrielle is set to begin a five-night spell with the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Zermatt, Switzerland, starting on April 9.