Ricky Wilson, the fun-loving frontman of indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs, has a not-so-secret sensible side. Before the band, while working as an art teacher and a barman, he bought his first home in Leeds for just £34,000.
In those days Ricky’s only sources of property and interior design inspiration were shows such as Changing Rooms and Grand Designs, but fast-forward a few years and Kirstie Allsopp was a party guest at his place.
Ricky is an ambassador for Doctor Seaweed’s Weed And Wonderful range, the sustainable superfood from the Scottish sea, which he says is essential for keeping him going on his new Drivetime slot on Virgin Radio.
Where were you with your music career when you decided to buy a first home?
I bought my first property before the band. I was teaching art in a college in Leeds and working in a bar at weekends, but realised that at the time paying a mortgage was cheaper than rent, and I got my first house for £34,000. My friend Kate was renting a room from me, which covered half the mortgage, and with the teaching and bar income, I covered the rest.
Were you a bit rock’n’roll in those days, or have you always been secretly sensible with money?
I’ve always been outwardly sensible, and getting a house was pretty rock’n’roll in my head. I thought it was my quickest way to make millions, but mainly I just liked showing off, and doing up a house was a great way to do that.
This was the time of shows such as Changing Rooms [hosted by Carol Smillie paintbrush at the ready) and Grand Designs, so those were on all day long, and it was totally rock’n’roll to be doing interior design. I was also pretty much the only person my age at the time who had taken the leap to buy a house. Thinking back, I guess removing old ceiling tiles when I was doing it up wasn’t so rock’n’roll.
What kind of property was it?
I was in my early twenties and it was a two-bedroom, back-to-back terrace in Headingley in Leeds. The amazing thing was that only one in four houses had access to their lofts. I realised my house had access and it meant I had a tiny house but with a massive attic, which made me really happy for some reason.
Did it live up to your expectations?
It was way better, especially because I owned my own place. I changed it loads, and since buying my first house I’ve just loved the feeling when you have an offer accepted and then something is yours to do what you want with. It’s a massive buzz and a bit addictive. Thankfully, buying houses isn’t something you can do too often.
How did you change it?
I didn’t do too much that was so crazy, although it depends on what you consider crazy. I did once treat myself to some really cool and quite expensive wallpaper once the band was going. My dad said he’d put it up for me while I was away on tour. He did a fantastic job – but he put it upside down.
Did you have big celeb parties at that place?
There was no crazy celeb party in my first house because I didn’t know any celebs back then. One of the most surreal celebrity gatherings, though, was in another house. After a TFI Friday I was on, I had Chris Evans and his wife, plus Alex Jones and Kirstie Allsopp back to mine. I forgot we had no sofas yet, and Kirstie had to perch on Henry the vacuum cleaner to get a seat.
How did owning your home change your life?
It really gave me some stability and became the most important thing. I’m so lucky to have done so at an early age. I can’t imagine being able to do it now if I was starting out again. Always knowing I had my own place to come back to after being away so much on tour gave me a constant in my life that I really needed, and still need.
How has life changed since then? Do you have a more subdued lifestyle?
Life has changed a lot, although I’ve always loved to get back home, wherever I’ve been in the world. I continue to love doing things to my house, and my happiest place is on the sofa with my wife.
You’ve just been confirmed as having your first Drivetime slot. How do you make sure you’re on the ball for something like that?
The Drivetime slot on Virgin Radio is amazing to do, and it’s so different from writing, recording and touring with music. I love both, and the many other things going on, too. I’ve always liked to run to keep fit, and healthy eating is more and more part of my daily routine. I take supplements every day, especially the Doctor Seaweed’s Weed And Wonderful seaweed supplements. The Focus+ gives me the nutrients I need to keep my brain sharp and creative and my energy levels supercharged.
Are you a city dweller these days or do you like a bit of green space?
I’m a city dweller currently but I’ll end up by the seaside.
Where would be your dream place to live?
Wherever my wife is, I’ll be happy.
Find out more about Doctor Seaweed here
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