Becoming a dad turned rapper Example’s life around
EXAMPLE took his foot off the gas to become a father — but now he’s revved up for a chart-smashing return.
In an exclusive chat with Guilty Pleasures, the rapper — real name Elliot Gleave — told us he found a new ‘purpose’ in life after the birth of his son Evander, two.
And he and his missus, Aussie model Erin McNaught, 35, are now expecting their second child.
‘I love being on stage, writing songs, touring, all the bonuses that come with it, but I didn’t have anyone to share it with,’ said Example. ‘I felt a bit self-destructive in a way.’ The Kickstarts singer continued: ‘I did five albums in seven years and it was mental — I did 126 gigs in 2013. It wasn’t right for the body and it wasn’t right for the mind. Then I met my lovely wife and now I’m in a good place.’
Jetting off to gigs is a scarier prospect now that Example, also 35, is a dad. ‘Before I had a kid, I would do a hundred flights a year and it didn’t bother me. Bit of turbulence, “f*** it, whatever, the plane’s going down. If I die my album will shoot back up to number one”. Now the slightest wobble on a plane, “What the f*** is happening?!”’
Working on his sixth album — his first since 2014’s Live Life Living — Example reckons he has an absolute banger on his hands. ‘I’ve by accident written songs that sound like massive hits,’ he teased.
Example performs at V Festival this weekend. He will also play South West Four at London’s Clapham Common on August 27.
Author: Tom Stichbury
