Following her sellout UK tour in 2014, Mari Wilson is back with a brand new show, Ready Steady Girls, featuring unique interpretations of the artists and songs that inspired her growing up, including iconic classics from Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Cilla Black, with a personal touch of theatricality along the way. Ahead of her gig at the Vauxhall Tavern, Mari spoke to Jason Reid about how she shaped the show, past chart success, Lady Gaga and appearing on Top of the Pops…
Hey Mari, lovely to chat. Excited about the RVT gig?
I think it’s gonna be hilarious! The last time I was there was for a chat show with Scott Capurro. And when my agent suggested returning for Ready Steady Girls, I instantly thought it’d be perfect because the crowd would appreciate that genre of music. Although it’ll be my interpretations of their songs. Not the 60’s versions, because what’s the point? You could just go and buy their versions.
Or you could just go and see a tribute act…
Exactly. That’s the first thing I said to my collaborator, ‘I don’t want to be a tribute act’. And there’s a fine line between the two.
So give us a taster of the kind of twist you’ve put on the songs.
Well, of course there’ll be live musicians with me, but also, some of the backing tracks are quite electronic. Just to make it a bit more contemporary really.
Sounds like it’ll be right up the Vauxhall Tavern’s street…
Yeah, I think they’ll get it. It’s funny isn’t it, that whole thing of doing covers? Because I played Dusty Springfield in a musical a few years ago, my name almost became synonymous with hers. And my thing has always been: I don’t want to be like Jane McDonald [laughs]. I mean, I’m sure she’s lovely, it’s just not my thing.
How do you think those artists in the show compare with the artists of today, such as Adele and Lady Gaga?
I think Lady Gaga is extraordinary. You know what I really like about her? She has a sense of humour.
Yes, that’s true, she doesn’t take herself too seriously.
And she has every right to take herself seriously because she’s a great musician who knows her stuff. Yet she sends herself up all the time, and that’s something that Madonna doesn’t do: she DOES take herself too seriously and isn’t particularly funny. Even with her millions and great success, Gaga still comes across as endearing and someone that could be your friend. That’s something she has in common with the singers of yesteryear.
Let’s talk about your own big mainstream success, which happened in the mid 80’s. Most notably with the song “Just What I Always Wanted”. Do you ever tire of people asking you to sing it?
No. I don’t even get tired of people saying ‘where’s your beehive?’ If it wasn’t for that song and the other hit singles, then I probably wouldn’t have a career now, so I’m grateful. And plus it’s a great song.
“When my agent suggested returning for Ready Steady Girls, I instantly thought it’d be perfect because the crowd would appreciate that genre of music”
Will you be singing it at this show?
Oh yeah!
Right, a couple of quick-fire questions to finish; as an artist, what’s your biggest fear?
Playing to an empty room.
If you could relive one year, which would you choose?
1981, because it was the build-up to when I broke through. And that’s always the most exciting part.
What one thing would you change about the modern music industry?
NO auto tune.
Would you ever do an X Factor/Britain’s Got Talent type show?
No. Didn’t take me long to answer that one. [laughs].
What’s been the happiest ‘wow moment’ of your career?
Probably my first time on Top of the Pops. That’s something I’d wanted to do since I was a child watching at home. Just amazing!
• Mari Wilson’s Ready Steady Girls is at the Vauxhall Tavern on Thursday 18th June, doors 7pm, show 8pm. Tickets start from £15 at www.vauxhalltavern.com
