Page 56 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

things. I was a troublesome son, but they’d be able to look back and think “well, he turned out
alright”.
Best thing about being famous?

I like to be a man of the people, I don’t jump queues, I’m not straight to the rope for people to pull
it aside, that’s a bit poncy but, if I ask for a table in a restaurant, we generally get the table – even if
Jackie has been told they’re fully booked, she’ll pass me the phone and all of a sudden they’ve got a
table.

Best childhood memory?

We had a caravan in Rhyl, which is only about 15 miles from Liverpool, so my mum used to drive
the long way via Manchester to make it look like we’d gone further. For years. I thought Wales was
miles away. It was wonderful though. There was a kids club for organised fun, so me and my
brother Dean would do the three-legged race.

Best thing about turning 60?

I’m settled in my own skin and can enjoy my achievements. The things I didn’t achieve don’t seem
to be so important in the whole scheme of things. I’ve got great relationships in my life. I met
Jackie in Ireland while I was filming The Governor and, within three weeks, she left her job, house
and country and moved in with me. I’m a fast worker, I tell you. Life has had its ups and downs,
but it’s supposed to, as long as you learn from your mistakes. It’s been a life well lived.

'Every Glastonbury, I do an epic set at Shangri La. It's been said you can't get within half a mile of
the stage,' says Charles CREDIT: C Brandon/Redferns

Best moment on live radio?
Interviewing James Brown, one of my heroes. I asked how many children he had and he told me he
had 8 and the youngest was 2. I said “So it’s working Mr. Brown, both onstage and off?” and he
said “I like your attitude, you can call me James”. Another time, I asked Robert Bell from Kool in
the Gang if I should call him Robert or Mr Bell and he said “Craig, just call me Kool…”