This year, we had a Christmas chat with Limahl exclusively for fanclub members only. It was a small but cosy group. At 9 pm German time sharp Limahl entered the chatroom and greeted the participants. Please find the summary below:

Limahl: halo halo halo, guten abend, vie ist mein deutsche? sorry aber English ist viel besser fur mich. I'm sitting here with my Xmas tree shining colours with a view of the London skyline in the background, very nice. No snow yet in London just rain.

FC: as alex our first questioner has some problems with her internet connection, the fc will ask her first question. have you got any pets? or did you have any in the past?
Limahl: No, no pets, my parents had a dog when I was growing up but I never had one, I was always worried about going away and leaving the pet when I was working. I love animals, I'm a vegetarian but I don't know if I'll ever have my own pet......I like cats, they are more independent but dogs are more fun and energetic.

FC: now the next question is from melanie.
Melanie: Which one of your songs do you have the feeling that it came from your heart and soul?
Limahl: hmm......difficult question let me think.....I always try to sing every song I've recorded with my heart and soul but......'I was a fool' has a special memory !!!!!! I think I was almost crying at the end of the vocal recording in the studio. Silly me. Sorry forgot to say "Hi Melanie".
Melanie: Hi Limahl.

FC: we continue with ina ... your question please.
Ina: Hi Limahl.
Limahl: Hi Ina.
Ina: My first question is 'Do you have any wishes for Christmas?'
Limahl: Not really Ina, I'm always happy to see my family and this year we are all going to Spain near Alicante where my sister has just bought a small Villa. I will go on the 24th - 28th then back to London. The area is called Murcia and it is supposed to be very beautiful.
Ina: Oh very nice.
Limahl: famous for its weather so you never know I might be sunbathing on Xmas day ha ha

FC: now birgit please ask your first question.
Limahl: Hi Birgit.
Birgit: What are your favourite x-mas-cookies? Or what is your favourite snack these days?
Limahl: hmm......one moment.
Birgit: Sorry hi at first.
Limahl: I like xmas pudding we call it in the UK with Brandy Sauce oh yes yes......very fattening though. I like muesli bars, healthy snack but of course I LOOOOOOVE chocolate. But it's also fattening so I avoid it as much as possibly.
Birgit: Well, one time in the year i think is it ok *smile*
Limahl: I don't want to waddle on stage like a little duck.
Birgit: Thanks.

FC: evi now it's your turn to ask your question.
Evi: Hi Limahl! Do you sometimes chat on the internet when you have go the time? For instance with friends who live further away or even with strangers?
Limahl: Hi Evi. I never chat on the internet. I don't have time, I used to chat on the internet briefly in 1997 but not since then. No not now. I shop on the internet, much more fun but more expensive ha ha

FC: the next question comes from christine.
Limahl: Hi Christine.
Christine: Hi Limahl! Can you tell me a special dish what do you have on Xmas?
Limahl: Nut Roast. This is usually eaten by vegetarians at xmas, it's quite nice too, I know some meat eaters who even like it. You can have everything like potatoes, gravy, vegetables, etc but instead of turkey or meat you have 'Nut Roast'. My mum's Nut Roast is fantastic, it's made with lentils, carrots, nuts. One of the best things about Xmas is the food right, we can all agree on that......

FC: and now it's gabi's turn ... please ask your question.
Limahl: Halo Gabi.
Gabi: Hi Limahl. My question 'What Character of people do you think its difficult for you?'
Limahl: I don't like aggressive people, I like happy, positive people although I'm a good person to lend a shoulder to cry on in hard time too. But I prefer happiness, it's better for everybody right ?? I don't like bull shitters. There are lots of Bull Shitters in the music business sadly.
Gabi: Yes, that's right.
Limahl: But I'm good at recognising them, I've had experience.

FC: the next question is from anja n.
Limahl: Hi Anja.
Anja N.: Hi Limahl, what have been up to now the peaks of your career?
Limahl: 'Too Shy' & 'Neverending Story' without a doubt...1983-1985, but don't give up on me yet ha ha there's life in the old dog yet. I have a new single out in 2006 - probably February. The title is 'Tell me why'. The story in the song is based loosely on the experience of my brother who broke up from his marriage after 18 years then bitter fights with lawyers and children in the circle also. very sad situation, hence the title "Tell me why"......very appropriate for a lot of people right ? I don't have a release date yet but I have signed the contract. The planning for promotion in Germany, TV/Press/Radio will start soon. I have 7 dancers rehearsing with the choreographer at the moment for the new song promotion. There will also probably be club dates because it's quite dancy.
Anja N.: super, thanks.
Limahl: You're welcome Anja.

FC: this was the last member ... now it's time for round 2 if it's okay, Limahl?
Limahl: ok
FC: another member just arrived, christina ... so please ask your first question.
Christina: Hi Limahl! I'm really happy to take part in this chat. Sitting next to me is my daughter Miriam who is 7 years old and the youngest member of the fanclub and you met her in Zwickau. She says hello to you!
Limahl: Halo again.
Christina: Do you have a special routine on the day of a performance?
Limahl: Hi Christina. I always try to sleep well the night before now, whereas 20 years ago I would party all night then still try to sing......I also DO NOT smoke anymore, thank god !!!!! This is the best thing for any voice to stop smoking.
Christina: That's good.
Limahl: I always drink hot tea with plenty of honey and stay away from air conditioning if possible. Air conditioning dries out the air and makes the throat dry too. I've heard many singers complain about air conditioning systems. I like one glass of red wine before I perform just to relax me a little. If I have two then I might start forgetting the words to the songs ha ha

FC: now we start the second round with melanie.
Melanie: Hi Limahl. It's me again. Were do you get the ideas for the songs that you write?
Limahl: Hi Melanie again. Ideas can come from anywhere actually, a dream, a thought, something that somebody said, a magazine story, a movie......anything really. Best ideas come of course from your own experiences but doesn't really guarantee great results. It's like a movie that has to be added to a little to make it interesting. But in English we say "the rule is, there is no rule".
Melanie: Thanx.
Limahl: You're welcome.

FC: the next one will be ina.
Limahl: Hi Ina again.
Ina: Hi Limahl, my next question is: Do you have an all-time favourite movie?
Limahl: Aah....interesting question. Very difficult, so many choices, let me think. I absolutely adore "As good as it gets" with Jack Nicholson. I also love "Stepping out" with Liza Minnelli & British actress Julie Walters. I always watch this when I'm ill, it comforts me. It's not a famous movie but it's wonderful. Another film that makes me cry with laughter is one moment.....Meryl Streep & Goldie Hawn in "And Death Becomes Her" a black comedy FANTASTIC.
Ina: very interesting, thanks Limahl
Limahl: You're welcome.

FC: now it's up to you again birgit ... please ask your question.
Birgit: Hi again, Limahl, my daughter is a little bit mad, cause I forgot to tell you that the last question (x-mas-cookies) was from her (well, 16 years old teenager).
Limahl: Hi again Birgit.
Birgit: Do you also ride your bike in winter? 'cause it's cold and the fingers "freeze".
Limahl: I try to, if the Winter is mild......I wear gloves, hat & scarf of course but it's not so much fun when you arrive at your destination and your face is freezing off !!!! The real worry in London is leaving your bike anywhere for too long because they steal them, it's a big problem. We need more laws to protect cyclists in my opinion, the UK is not as cycle friendly as Germany for instance. Germany is very pro cycling I think. I like that.
Birgit: Yes that's true. Thanx.
Limahl: Ok.

FC: the next question comes from evi.
Limahl: Hi again Evi.
Evi: This question is for my friend Reni, she couldn´t be here today, ´cause she´s on holiday. She wants to know: When writing a song do you normally keep in mind that this song sells well? Do you pay attention in doing so what is in the charts at the moment or do you just follow your feelings?....Should send greetings to you. Hi again.
Limahl: Hmmm...I would NEVER think of what sells well, its completely the wrong motivation for a songwriter/musician/artist......I go with the feeling and hope somewhere there's some magic that happens. If you search hard and long enough you might be lucky and have a wonderful accident. That's really it......there's no special formula. If it were that easy we would all have classic hits with classic songs all the time.
Evi: I really love "still in love" That's magic.
Limahl: thank YOU. I do listen to the charts and the flavour can influence you or the magic in another song can INSPIRE you but that's all.

FC: now it's christines's turn again.
Limahl: Hi again Christine.
Christine: Hi again! What was the last musical production you went to?
Limahl: One moment, let me think. I went to the Motown Musical in Central London called 'Dancing in the streets' which is more like a story of the Motown record company and it's great artists like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Temptations......it's fantastic, all my earliest music memories are the first Motown records......for me it's the best absolutely.
Christine: I wished I saw the last musical with you!
Limahl: Danke. I have friends watching that Musical tonight actually. On my recommendation ;--))

FC: the next question comes from gabi.
Limahl: Hi again Gabi.
Gabi: Hi again. Limahl, after the bomb attacks in July do you still use the underground or bus?
Limahl: one mo ..... I don't use the underground before much to be honest.....I'm claustrophobic and I'm very uncomfortable in small spaces, the underground makes my heart race and I start panicking.
Gabi: oh, that's not good.
Limahl: Especially when it STOPS in the fucking tunnels (sorry for language). So I spend the whole journey thinking about "is it going to stop in the tunnel"......so I now avoid the underground at all costs. I am very happy on the bus.
Gabi: i understand this.
Limahl: I took the bus today actually, they come every 5 mins and it's quicker and cheaper than a car. It costs 12 euros just to take a car into the city then it's 13 euros just to park for 2 hours. the bus is only 1 euro so it's much easier. I know, try living here, it's soooooooo expensive !!!!!!!!!! But it's a great city. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT. I am an addict for London.
Gabi: Yes, i think this
Limahl: It's energy, it's creative energy.
Gabi: Thank you, for the answer.
Limahl: No problem.

FC: Limahl have you got still time for a third round?
Limahl: Yes then I must go to collect my friends from the theatre.
FC: then we start with christina again.
Limahl: Hi Christina.
Christina: My next question is...What is your favourite song at the moment?
Limahl: Hmm......let me think. I'm really interested in the swing album by Paul Anka called 'Rock Swings' the american singer from the 50's who has done an album of rock songs like Oasis and others in a swing style. I also like the Canadian singer Michael Bublé. I like his version of the George Michael song too. I would like to do some of this style eventually. Of course I like the Madonna song cause I LOVED ABBA too. But Madonna is not my favourite really. I'm not a huge Robbie fan, I like him but that's all, sorry cause I know you German LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE ROBBIE.
Christina: Noooo I don´t like him. Thank you Limahl.
Limahl: You're welcome.

FC: melanie, please ask your question.
Melanie: It's more a suggestion. Would it be possible to put some live songs on the Limahl Home Page to download. (Of course with a download fee)?
Limahl: Hmm......I don't know, the 'live' songs are more covers of 80's songs which belong to other people so there would possibly be legal issues also......I am definitely thinking of improving the site to include merchandising and downloads but let's see how 2006 goes. Downloads of my own stuff though not covers. Good idea though Mel, thanks.
Melanie: It would be great.

FC: the next one is ina.
Ina: Hi Limahl. My latest question is: What do you normally do when you want to relax? Out of red wine.
Limahl: Hi Ina. ha ha. I LOOOOVE going to the gym and I try twice every week, I forget all my worries and stress of the world from the news, I focus on building from within, it really helps me......sometimes I really don't feel like going then afterwards I am completely re charged with energy, especially after a sauna or something too. The computer makes me tired, sitting in front of screens is so bad really, but of course we must all do it. I love eating out in London's many restaurants, seeing friends, having a wine, conversation, shopping of course. My favourite store in London in 'Selfridges'. of course I also love singing but it's always a lot of work rather then relaxing.
Ina: Thanks for answer Limahl.

FC: hey birgit, have you got another question for Limahl?
Birgit: What do you think of the plans to remove the old red busses in London? It's very sad 'cause these busses are part of the London history.
Limahl: Hi again Birgit.
Birgit: Hello again, Limahl.
Limahl: The Red buses will still run but only the new ones......the old ones are very bad for pollution and dangerous because people were always jumping on and off when the bus was even travelling fast......especially young teenagers. it's probably safer, that's the reason.
Birgit: Thank you very much and i wish you a merry x-mas and a very happy new year ;-))

FC: now it's evi again.
Evi: What do you think of the extended opening times for the pubs in UK? Do you visit a pub regularly? I was in London just for one day, to see the City and to see you. I love london and it was great to meet you in Bognor Regis this summer. That was the best birthdaygift for me.
Limahl: Hi Evi again......I used to live in America with 24 hour drinking in the 1980's without any problems at all......it's probably better because it stops everyone stocking up with drinks and trying to finish them before closing time. This is easier for the police without everyone arriving on the streets at exactly the same time. that's a good thing I think......I've been in these smaller towns where everyone comes out at the same time and fights break out, more noise etc. I think it will work and I welcome it, I think the government has got it right ;--)) I don't really go to pubs because I can't stand the smoke, it really bothers me, I prefer cafes like Starbucks where there is no smoking. ha ha selfish but my lungs are happier.
Evi: Thank you.

FC: now christine you can ask your last question.
Christine: My last question: What do you think of the new German chancellor? Do you see any similarities to Mrs. Thatcher?
Limahl: Hi again Christine. interesting question...... not yet because I haven't seen her enough but someone told me that she is raising the Value Added Tax - I don't know what it's called in Germany......to 19% in 2006/2007...... Mrs Thatcher did the same she doubled the VAT from 7.5% to 15% immediately. I like the idea of a woman chancellor, the impression is that a woman MUST be more sensitive but we'll judge her in time I suppose.
Christine: Thank you and merry christmas, big hug! Christine.
Limahl: das gleiche to you.

FC: and now gabi ask your question please.
Limahl: Hi again Gabi.
Gabi: my last question to you is: What do you like at Germany and what not?
Limahl: Hmm......politically charged question ;--)) one mo
Gabi: the land, people, parks, castles?
Limahl: I always have a good time in Germany, the people are friendly and the more I get to know it the more I like it. I loved Bad Segeberg, the lake and the town so sweet. I have nothing bad to say about Germany, I even drive a German car ha ha An Audi A3 1.8 Turbo - automatic, FANTASTIC it's like a bullet.
Gabi: I mean you like the country?
Limahl: Yes of course I like the country, I've had many happy times there. if I have happy times then I have happy memories - this will make the decision for anyone.
Gabi: Ok, thank you.
Limahl: No problem.
Gabi: I wish you and your family a merry christmas and a happy new year. hope, see you soon again in germany.
Limahl: Yes I hope to be there soon also......I will need you all to help make some noise about the new single please in 2006. I need you !!!!!! call radio stations, call TV shows, write letters, etc etc etc

FC: and the very last question now from christina.
Christina: I´m very lucky, but Miriam give you a big bussi, and she say..."ich hoffe auf ein wiedersehen"...that´s all...thank you for your answer. i wish you and your family a merry christmas and a happy new year.
Limahl: Thank you and the same to you all. In the famous words of the xmas song......"have yourself a very merry xmas".

After the chat, every participants had the chance to thank you Limahl and say goodbye. Limahl had, just like last year, very much fun. At the end, he wrote following words to his fans:
Limahl: Thank you guys, it was small BUT intimate and special, have a cracking good xmas, don't eat too much or else it's back to the gym for you all ;--)) see you in 2006 xxxxxxxxxx (one kiss each) And hope to see the new song in the chart´s soon. gut nacht deutcheland.
FC: Thanks Limahl for taking the time for this chat ... it was a pleasure for all of us ... hope to see you soon.
Limahl: Thanks Katja/Betty for organising this, speak soon xx. schlaft gut und schöne Träume.

© 2005 Deutscher Limahl Fanclub