Kim Wilde Boasts About Avoiding Drugs—But Was She Ever Really Rock and Roll?”
Kim Wilde, the iconic British pop star who shot to fame in the early 1980s with hits like “Kids in America,” has recently opened up about her personal choices and reflections on her enduring career. At 64, Wilde has not only released her 15th studio album, “Closer,” but has also embarked on a UK tour, showcasing her resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving music industry.
In a candid interview, Wilde expressed pride in her decision to abstain from drug use throughout her career. She acknowledged indulging in alcohol during her younger years but emphasized her conscious choice to avoid drugs, believing that they could have been detrimental to her well-being. She stated, “I don’t regret much, I’m really proud I never got into drugs at all, ever, not remotely. I think that could have really destroyed me.”
Wilde’s journey has been marked by continuous evolution. After a brief hiatus from music, she explored her passion for gardening, even earning a gold award at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005 for her courtyard garden.
This period allowed her to reconnect with herself and later return to the music scene with renewed vigor.
Reflecting on her early days, Wilde credited pioneering female artists like Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Debbie Harry of Blondie, and the late Kirsty MacColl as significant influences. She also expressed admiration for contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, noting the parallels between Eilish’s collaboration with her brother Finneas and Wilde’s own collaborations with her brother Ricky and father Marty.
Wilde’s latest album, “Closer,” has been met with critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its blend of new wave-tinged pop and introspective lyrics. The album features singles like “Trail Of Destruction” and “Midnight Train,” as well as a collaboration with Ultravox’s Midge Ure titled “Sorrow Replaced.”
Her current UK tour has been a testament to her enduring appeal, with performances at venues such as London’s Indigo at the O2, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Fans have lauded her energetic performances, noting that her passion for music remains undiminished.
Wilde’s reflections on her career and personal choices offer a nuanced perspective on the challenges and rewards of life in the spotlight. Her commitment to authenticity and well-being serves as an inspiring example for both her contemporaries and emerging artists.
