andaluz.tv presents an Exclusive Interview with Julio Iglesias
Date: 12-07-2010
Julio: "Thank you very much, and keep up the excellent work that you do on www.andaluz.tv."
There are names like Elvis Presley, the Beatles, the Stones, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and there is Julio Iglesias. All are united by one thing, they are all legends and stars of the music world.
andaluz.tv is fortunate and honored to do an interview with Julio Iglesias on his world tour “Starry Night” and before his concert in Malaga.
andaluz.tv:
Mr. Iglesias, on July 28th, your world tour "Starry Night“ brings you to the bullring in Malaga where your concert will take place. You have a residence in Marbella. After such a large world tour, how excited are you to return to your native land? Will you have time to recover a little here?
Julio Iglesias: To sing at home is always very emotional. I am very excited to return to perform for my Spanish audience, because, although I have always said that life has given me the privilege to feel at home in every country where I sing, Spain and Malaga will always be closer to my heart than any other place. Regarding this year's tour, it is still very intense, since it has taken us already to four continents, and with the concert in the bullring in Malaga, this July 28th, we will begin the performances on the continent which remains -- Europe. I do not need time to recover, because I feel more energetic than ever. It is a privilege to be singing for 42 years, and what I need the most is to continue.
andaluz.tv:
For 40 years you have been a globally celebrated artist; Wikipedia says that you have sold more than 300 million albums, and have received more than 2,600 Gold and Platinum discs. Does a life without music and the unforgiving fans seem unthinkable?
Julio Iglesias: Yes exactly, I could not live without music. Singing disciplines me and stimulates me. To be on tour 200 days a year, you need to have a very strong discipline, to take nothing for granted and to continue learning. As far as the fans, I love them very much, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their love and unconditional support throughout these four decades.
andaluz.tv:
In 1963 you had a tragic car accident, after which you were semi-paralyzed for a year and a half. For your rehabilitation you often traveled with your father from Madrid to Torremolinos where you spent many months on the beaches of La Carihuela. Was it during this time that you discovered your love for the people and for the region of the Costa del Sol, and what makes a typical Andalusian stand out?
Julio Iglesias: Yes, my parents instilled in me a love for the Costa del Sol and also I am a person for whom the sun has always been vital. Andalucía is a privileged region from this point of view, with an excellent climate throughout the year. Not to mention the people, who are the best of this land: loving, always good-humored, friendly, pleasant, energetic and above all, passionate.
andaluz.tv:
On our editorial staff, we have coworkers ranging in age from 23 to 48, collaborators from Spain, England and Germany. No matter if male or female, young or old, all of our employees are fans of yours for one reason or another. For the women you are the perfect and always handsome gentleman, and for the men an example, a womanizer. But all are united as fans of your music. We have conducted a poll; number 1 is Gozar la vida, and number 2 Starry Night. Are you surprised at the results, and how do you explain your popularity and the popularity of your music among so many generations?
Julio Iglesias: First of all, thank you so much for your affection. The results perfectly reflect the two pillars of my music: romantic slow songs, and songs with the rhythms and intense flavors of the Caribbean. The fact that three generations identify themselves with the songs is an honor, and a continual reason for gratitude on my part. The explanation is very simple: the music creates connections beyond age, time and space, and when you give love, you receive love.
andaluz.tv:
Your grandfather was the famous Andalusian journalist José de la Cueva. What constitutes good journalism for you today, and what has changed?
Julio Iglesias: For me, good journalism has to be based on accurate and verified information, presenting the issues impartially, without manipulation. Journalism today has to regain, in many cases, the quality of previous decades, the respect, the common sense.
andaluz.tv:
As a colophon, a short visit to the world of sports. What many of our German and English readers might not know, is that when you were young you were a goalkeeper for Real Madrid, and are also a big football fan. Well, this year Real Madrid did not succeed in winning the Champions League; who do you see as the favorite for next season, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern München, or Manchester United?
Julio Iglesias: Always Madrid, the team closest to my heart. And if it cannot be next year either, then hopefully Barcelona will win. After all, what matters the most is that Spain wins the cup.
andaluz.tv:
Thank you very much for this interview, and we are looking forward very much to your concert in Malaga.
Julio Iglesias: Thank you very much, and keep up the excellent work that you do on www.andaluz.tv
(c) “Photo by Pressoffice Julio Iglesias”