Boy George: my expectations are much lower than they used to be

Boy George, 48, was born George O’Dowd and in the 1980s was the lead singer of Culture Club. He became a drug addict and was jailed last year for chaining a rent boy to a wall in his flat. His new single, Amazing Grace, is out on Monday and he tours Britain next month

Is this single your pop comeback?

No, I haven’t been anywhere and my expectations are much lower than they used to be. I just want to get back to making records and touring. It’s not an attempt to reclaim my pop crown.

You worked with Mark Ronson on the album. What was that like?

He was really nice, very into his music and very professional in the studio. The album’s very dance-based, lots of club tracks with strong melodies.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I love the new Temper Trap track Sweet Disposition and Coby Koehl, who I’m managing. He’s supporting me on tour. We met on Facebook. I heard some of his music and fell in love with his voice.

Are you disappointed you weren’t allowed on Celebrity Big Brother because of your parole?

No, I had a narrow escape. I was watching it thinking I don’t know how I’d have managed. I’ve successfully avoided reality for 48 years so it’s a bit late to start now.

How do you think you’d have got on with Vinnie Jones?

I’ve met him a few times and we’ve got on fine. It’s more a case of dealing with people in that confined space with no music, books, TV, nothing to stimulate you. It would drive anyone cuckoo.

Have you had any involvement with the current BBC biopic being made of your life?

Yes, I visited the set and met the actor who is playing me, Douglas Booth, a very nice kid. They’ve got the styling perfect. I’ve seen the script and helped put some of the costumes together so I’ve been involved slightly. It deals with the New Romantic period up to our first appearance on Top Of The Pops. It’s about the period before the fame, which is interesting. I had déjà vu when I saw all the actors on set.

What are your memories of your first Top Of The Pops performance?

Just being hugely excited. It was my favourite programme when I was growing up so to be on it was a very big deal. I can’t remember who else was on – I was so self-obsessed. Was there anyone else? I was wearing this Hebrew design thing with the dreadlocks. I had it all on.

What impact did your prison sentence last year have on you?

None, really. I got through best I could and it’s over now. It didn’t have much impact. It was an enforced sabbatical from my life. If you’re smart you make the best of wherever you are. That is what I tried to do. I made friends in there who I’m still in contact with now. I worked in the kitchen making the vegetarian food. It kept me busy, which was good.

Does an experience like that show you who your real friends are?

My friends have always been brilliant. There were no worries in that department. It was an interesting experience but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. When I was inside everyone said: ‘When you leave you’ll forget this ever happened’, and that’s exactly what’s happened. It seems like a bad dream.

You seem to have maintained a positive outlook. Is it difficult?

No, I’m not the sort of person who can maintain a dark perspective on life for very long. Having a good sense of humour is very useful in certain situations. Being insanely optimistic has its advantages.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

My Philip Treacy hats. I’ve got about 25. I’m not very tidy, they’re scattered all over the house.

Would you do another Culture Club reunion?

Not at the moment. Never say never, though. I’m concentrating on my own stuff at the moment.

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