`For Your Eyes Only` singer Sheena Easton in concert in Manila

Fans of 80s music, especially those songs popularized by Sheena Easton, are in for a major treat as the British star is set to arrive in the country to perform a one-night concert. Billed as "For Your Love Only" a play on her James Bond theme hit "For Your Eyes Only," the long overdue concert will add another big name to the rich history of Araneta Coliseum, the accessible venue in Cubao that is sure to be filled with nostalgia and melodic hits on Feb. 12, reports MB.com.

Easton’s visit in the country, made possible by Steve O’ Neal productions, promises to be grand thing as far as the concert scene is concerned. She is a product of a reality TV show herself, and now a testament to how someone given a chance to shine proved her mettle and truly became a success. No doubt she is one of the biggest 80s acts to be dropping by the country, following the avalanche of artists (from the era she helped define musically) coming here this time around.

The Manila Bulletin had the chance to chat with the influential diva via e-mail and her response should give fans a view of what to expect from the concert to feature some of the most memorable singles ever recorded by a female star. Read on.

Manila Bulletin: When are you arriving in the Philippines? How long will you be staying here?

Sheena Easton: I will arrive shortly before the concert and will depart the day after the concert due to other commitments.

Q: What should your Filipino fans expect from your concert repertoire?

A: I will be singing most of my hits plus a few romantic surprises.

Q: What is your knowledge of Filipino fans and their appreciation of your catalogue?

A: I understand that I have a great many fans in the Philippines and they have supported me through out my entire career. I’m looking forward to performing for them live.

Q: You got your breakthrough via a reality TV show. You think there is too much reality TV that makes it unfair for those who struggled long and didn’t get the overnight sensation break?

A: I think a TV show that gives any talented person the opportunity to perform for the public is a good thing. When I was starting out, there were many TV shows that an artist could perform on live. Now, especially in America there are very few shows that an artist can perform their songs. Even if you do get your break as an "overnight sensation" the hardest part of your job is still to come. The toughest thing is to maintain success; which is harder than achieving it in the first place.

Q: How would you differentiate the 80s from the other decades as far as music and fashion is concerned?

A: The 80’s saw the birth of techno music and synth sounds and digital recordings as opposed to analog. As far as fashion it was colorful with emphasis on body consciousness as opposed to laid back and casual.

Q: How significant was your opportunity to sing a James Bond song?

A: I am very honored to be one of the few artists that have had the honor of participating in such a prestigious phenomenon. My hit "For Your Eyes Only" opened up many doors for me internationally and gave me the opportunity to continue my career.

Q: What are your future plans as a singing artist? What’s the most important advice would you give to budding solo acts out there?

A: In the future I plan to continue performing live concerts. Even when I was recording albums, my emphasis as an artist was on concerts and touring. I would give advice to any new artist to perform in front of an audience as often as possible, because these are the people we are recording our music for. Without the audience the artist does not exist.

Discuss this news here...