Bryan Ferry reflects on age and mortality: “So many friends have died”
Former Roxy Music singer and solo artist Bryan Ferry has reflected on age and mortality in a new interview, acknowledging that many friends and fellow musicians have passed away.
Ferry rose to acclaim amidst the glam rock scene in the early 1970s as the frontman for Roxy Music. He penned and performed many of their biggest hits, including ‘More Than This’ and ‘Love Is the Drug’, while also honing a successful solo career.
Now 79 years old, Ferry has gradually slowed down his frequency of releasing and performing. His last full-length solo album was 2018’s Bitter-Sweet, while his last live solo performances took place in 2020. Since then, he has reunited with Roxy Music on the road and re-released a large proportion of his solo work.
Ferry may not have released any new material in almost six years, but he has been spending a lot of time in the studio. “I spend most days in the studio and go our for dinner in the evening, with just one person usually,” Ferry divulged during a recent conversation with The Times.
“I take weekends off to get some fresh air or whatever,” he added, “but essentially I work. I don’t do much else because I’m trapped in here all the time. Music takes time. It is time, if you see what I mean.”
When asked if he still goes to parties, Ferry admitted that he hasn’t done so for quite some time. “I can’t,” he explained, “I don’t like it, don’t like noisy environments.” The former Roxy Music frontman then reflected on ageing and mortality, acknowledging the deaths of those around him.
“Besides,” he continued, “so many people, so many friends and musicians, have died. It’s just so sad. I guess I’m getting old.”
Ferry’s most recent endeavour is a compilation album that charts successes from throughout his solo career titled Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023. A description of the five CD deluxe release states that it provides the “first ever comprehensive career retrospective to fully explore the depth and breadth of Bryan Ferry as a solo artist.”
The compilation album includes a selection of recordings from across Ferry’s solo career, including hits like ‘Slave To Love’ and ‘Don’t Stop the Dance’, a cover of ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’, and a selection of rare and unreleased tracks.
Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023 was released on October 25th, 2024, and is available now.
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