Billy Ocean opens up about the most unusual place he's had inspiration for a song

Billy Ocean joined Des Paul on Magic Soul to talk about his upcoming re-issue of 'Suddenly', to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his album. The singer told Des what is was like releasing music 40 years ago, and what keeps him performing year after year.

Billy, who's had hits such as 'When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going', 'Love Really Hurts Without You', and 'Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)', also admitted to Des that he couldn't reveal the most unusual place he's come up with a song.

Revealing it was too crude for radio, Billy said: "I can't say it on the radio! It was so funny, but I can't say it, it's too crude. But erm, I don't know you. You can get ideas for songs anywhere.

"You know, I sort of walk around sometimes and write little lyrics and things down and ideas, which probably sometimes you never use, but sometimes, you know, they come in handy! I don't know, that's a hard question for me, I mean, I really think it would be so funny, but I can't say it."

With 'Suddenly' being re-issued for its 40th anniversary, Billy revealed what it is that keeps him going after all these years. "Love of it? Love... I'll get paid as well," he joked, as he told Des how when he's on stage, seeing the audience makes "something happen" which inspires him to carry on.

When Des asked Billy what his favourite song to perform from the album was, he admitted that it was a difficult question, explaining: "That's a very difficult question - favourite song - because my favourite song doesn't necessarily have to be my 'favourite' song.

"When I go into the studio, I try to get the song, try and put as much spirit and life into it, especially now that I understand what's happening... because you might have to do this song for the rest of your life! So you know ‘Caribbean Queen’, you know, ‘Loverboy’, ‘Tough’, it's what the audience like really, it's not so much what I like, you know. Simple as that."

When is Des Paul on Magic Soul?

Remember to tune in to Magic Soul on weekdays from 4pm until 7pm to catch Des Paul. He plays three hours of non-stop Soul and Motown classics. You can also join in and request a Soul song for his daily feature, The 5.30 Jam.

On Fridays, he goes all out with 100% 80s music, giving you nothing but the best 80s anthems for three hours to kick off your weekend.

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