Andrew Roachford today received his MBE for services to music from Anne, Princess Royal, at Buckingham Palace. Acknowledging his family’s role in his career, the musician and singer was joined by his mother Kathleen, brother Stephen and cousin Louise Roachford-Gould.
Speaking after the investiture he said: “When I was just 4 years old my mum paid for piano lessons. She had a belief in me from such a young age, one that is now vindicated, and it was really special to share this day with her. My brother Stephen has worked with me since before my first record deal and he has shared every moment of my career. It’s an honour, and very humbling, to be recognised for my passion and work. It is made even more special to share this moment and this honour with my family.”
Asked by the Princess Royal what he does, Roachford replied “I said that I try to evoke emotions from people through music.” Roachford also added that he started playing piano when he was four years old and “never looked back” adding that he still enjoys playing the piano, “it’s an extension of me.”
Since his break out single ‘Cuddly Toy’ (a mainstay of radio airplay for over three decades now) reached number four in the charts back in 1988 Roachford has carved out a career for himself as one of the most compelling, and consistent, rock and soul artists the UK has produced. He has released 10 studio albums and several greatest hits collections, been sought-after as a songwriter by the likes of Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan, and consistently toured on his own and with contemporaries including Terence Trent D’Arby and The Christians. For the past nine years, he has been part of Mike + the Mechanics, recording with Mike Rutherford’s post-Genesis band, playing live with them across the world.
Roachford’s new album ‘Twice In A Lifetime’ will be released on April 3rd on BMG. Produced by Jimmy Hogarth, who has previously worked with Paolo Nutini, Duffy and Amy Winehouse, the album features several members of Winehouse’s band as well as a duet with Beverley Knight. ‘Love Remedy’, the first single from the album is currently playlisted on BBC Radio 2. Roachford will also be performing on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on February 7th. His UK tour started in Norwich on March 26th, running to Glasgow on April 11th.
