“I look at my role as being a friend of Canberra Hospital, I can bring some pleasure and happiness sometimes to people who are really in difficult times in their lives.”
With backing music from a Bluetooth speaker, Sayer croons his way around the cancer wards, making a human connection with everyone he comes across.
Canberra Region Cancer Centre Operations Manager Caroline McIntyre says Sayer’s visits are typically kept a surprise for patients and staff.
“He’s always come in so discreetly,” she says.
“Normally it’s just very quiet, he comes up in the back lift and says hello to literally everybody.
“Some of them are doing it tough, and to have a little bit of joy and light – it really gives them a lift.
“What makes me happy is to see people getting chemo on their feet dancing.”
Jamming with Jimi Hendrix, Countdown and the Troubadour
Originally a graphic designer by trade, English-born Leo Sayer rose to pop prominence in London in the late 1960s, as a singer-songwriter – and was soon adopted by Australia as an honorary son after his first tour here in 1974.
He went on to become an Australian citizen in 2009.
Sayer was a regular on ABC TV’s Countdown during the 70s and 80s, performing chart-toppers like “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”, “When I Need You”, “More Than I Could Say” and “Orchard Road”.
He blushingly admits they were wild days – when he didn’t always live up to his “good-guy” public persona.
“It was mad, I mean, Top of the Pops in England, Countdown over here,” he says.
“You were mobbed by the fans, I remember being dragged out of a limousine the first tour that I came here, and then speaking to crazy people like Molly Meldrum on TV and trying to sort of like take it all in.”
It seems hard to believe – the petite, well-spoken singer, with a mane of curly hair that inspired changing his name from Gerard to Leo – beating off mobs of screaming fangirls.
Sayer circulated in superstar company, becoming close friends with former Beatles George Harrison and Paul McCartney, collaborating with Roger Daltrey of The Who, and even sharing a sly cigarette or two with John Lennon and Yoko Ono who had a flat above his design studio.
“I met Jimi Hendrix right at the start of his career. I actually jammed with him, playing the harmonica, and him playing the guitar,” he says.
Recalling his 1975 opening night at the famous Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, he looked up to see an intimidating line-up of fans in the front row.
“It was David Bowie, Elton John, and ‘The Fonz’ [Henry Winkler].”
Alongside them: John Cleese, Mick Jagger, Bernie Taupin, and comedian Marty Feldman.
“We never thought it would last, we were adapting to things around us, writing songs about things that are around us,” he says.
“And we thought they were only for our generation — so the amazing thing is my music’s become like a fine wine, where you lay it down and years later, it becomes a collector’s item.
“We’re in an age where the music that I make, young kids are actually latching onto it now, and they’re finding that that generation and that style of music we made is as current now as anything.”
Sayer’s health battles, still spreading hope at 76
Leo Sayer says his hospital charity work caps off a career dedicated to providing joy through music.
“It’s a nice piece of synchronicity really, because I was born in the grounds of a hospital in Shoreham by Sea in Sussex, near Brighton in England,” Mr Sayer said.
“I suppose I’ve always felt comfortable in hospitals and being around hospitals.
“Growing up, my dad was a hospital engineer, Mum was a nurse, my sister was a matron.”
Sayer has health struggles of his own, including three stents in his heart, which help him have a genuine connection to the hospital patients he entertains.
“[My music] is providing something that isn’t taking away from any of the treatment that’s going on. It’s providing something that’s just putting a smile on peoples’ faces.
“Music is communication and that’s what this is all about, we’re communicating, we’re making people feel better.
“We’re not healing people with music, but we are making them feel better about their healing.
“To sell out Canberra Hospital will do me fine.”
Who Will Replace Pat Sajak as the Next Host of “Wheel of Fortune”?
Fans of the venerable game show “Wheel of Fortune” have exciting news! The hunt is ended for the new host, and none other than the well-known television personality Ryan Seacrest has been selected. As the seasoned host of “American Idol” and a former co-host of “Live! with Kelly and Ryan,” Seacrest may be well-known to you. “I will be taking the wheel together with Kelly and Ryan,” he declared, beaming. With Seacrest in charge, be ready for a new chapter in “Wheel of Fortune” history!
Just one week ago, Pat Sajak announced that he will be retiring from hosting. His retirement will end after the current season in 2024. The New York Times reported sources stating that Seacrest has been chosen by Sony Pictures Television officials to assume the esteemed position. Furthermore, talks are in progress to retain the cherished co-host Vanna White on the show. Given how important she has been to the program, viewers will undoubtedly be happy to have her back.
A notable distinction between “Wheel of Fortune” and its sibling show, “Jeopardy!”, is how quickly hosts are chosen. With the passing of the great Alex Trebek, “Jeopardy!” had a protracted hunt for a new host; meanwhile, “Wheel of Fortune” had already named Seacrest a year ahead of schedule. This thoughtful choice will guarantee a smooth transition to the new era of the show, leaving fans excited to see what Seacrest has in store.
Ryan Seacrest’s name surfaced early on as the front-runner, accompanied by the likes of Andy Cohen and Whoopi Goldberg. But Vanna White was the one who received a ton of support from fans to take the role. Nevertheless, Seacrest was selected to succeed Pat Sajak because of his extensive hosting background and indisputable attractiveness. Seacrest has the charisma and contagious energy to take over the show and make it his own.
Being the host of “Wheel of Fortune” since 1983, Pat Sajak has contributed to the show’s longevity and made it one of the most watched game shows on television. Fans have continuously tuned in to experience the exhilarating gameplay and captivating persona of Sajak. Sajak wrote, “I’ll have more to say in the upcoming months,” as he considered retiring. It’s been a breathtaking journey. I sincerely appreciate your support, everyone. We excitedly welcome the new chapter with Seacrest and bid adieu to Sajak’s amazing stint.
The timing couldn’t be more ideal for Seacrest. He announced his departure from Kelly Ripa’s “Live” co-hosting in April. The difficulty of running a morning chat show in New York City while living in Los Angeles, where he also hosts “American Idol,” was mentioned as one of the reasons. Given that “Wheel of Fortune” is taped in Culver City, California, Seacrest would be a great fit for the host position. He will be able to keep enthralling audiences with his hosting skills thanks to this new endeavor.
Although there hasn’t been an official statement from the show’s management, Ryan Seacrest’s appointment as the next host of “Wheel of Fortune” has created a lot of talk. How do you feel about this exciting development? Would you rather see someone else take the helm of the show, or do you think Seacrest is the best fit? Talk about what you think, and let’s all rejoice over this significant announcement!
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