Chesney Hawkes has expressed his view that the “mystique” once associated with pop stardom has diminished in the age of social media. In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk ahead of next month’s Reminisce Festival in Sherdley Park, Hawkes lamented the erosion of mystery due to the pervasive accessibility of modern stars.
“The mystique of pop stardom that we used to have back in the day has been eroded by social media and the internet,” Hawkes noted. He cited Prince as a prime example of an artist who maintained an enigmatic presence, saying, “Prince is my favorite artist of all time, and I loved that I didn’t know much about him. He was a genius at creating that kind of image.”
In contrast, Hawkes pointed out the oversharing prevalent today, observing, “These days, you know what Harry Styles had for dinner. There’s so much information out there that the mystique is lost.”
Hawkes also discussed the challenges of breaking into the music industry, acknowledging the help needed to succeed in today’s landscape. He praised those who navigate the industry’s complexities differently today, despite his own difficulties in securing a record contract in the past.
Reflecting on his career, Hawkes recognized the impact of his father, Len Hawkes of The Tremeloes, but emphasized that his focus has always been on the music itself. His breakthrough hit, “The One and Only,” from the soundtrack of the film Buddy’s Song, remains a highlight, though Hawkes insists his primary motivation has always been the music.
