'Artists have to be good lovers': Singer Leo Sayer under the microscope.

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I'm pretty fit. I walk regularly in my local park in Glebe, Sydney - around three to four kilometres a day - but am no good at running. I damaged my legs and ankles many years ago when doing concerts and falling off stage.

Heath nut: Leo has given up coffee, tea, dairy products, and alcohol

Get your five a day?

I was a bit of a junk food addict, I loved curries and Mexican food, but I've been on a health kick since May.
I've given up coffee, tea, dairy produce and alcohol, and now eat only white meat and fish. I also have lots of steamed vegetables and salad.

Why the change?

I was having problems with bloating and diarrhoea, which started about a year before.
I was referred to a consultant for a colonoscopy [where a tiny camera is used to examine the colon]. He discovered I had an ulceration in a part of my intestine and the beginnings of a small tumour in another.

I had surgery to clean everything up, and the tumour tested benign. But since then I've been very health aware.
My mother died of bowel cancer at 81, my father died of lung cancer when he was 76, a couple of my mother's uncles and my father's sister also died of cancer, so I am taking this seriously.
I've also lost 14 kilos, which is nice, and am around 71 kilos [11st 2lbs; he is 5ft 4in], which is good for me.

Any other health issues?

I had kidney stones about 25 years ago, the pain was incredible. I had lithotripsy [sound wave therapy to break up the stones] and I haven't had any recurrence. I occasionally suffer from eczema but only very mildly.

Pretty fit: Leo walks regularly in his local park, but is no good at running

Pop any vitamins?

I certainly do. I take triple strength garlic C, horseradish and histadine, an immune boosting complex, a B complex vitamin and a probiotic. I will sometimes go to get jabs of vitamin B or C too. I firmly believe that this all helps me perform at a high energy level.
Any vices?

I smoked for about ten years from 1976, as all my musician and artist friends did. I used to drink but only in moderation. I don't really have a sweet tooth either.

Is sex important?

Bloody hell, yes. I would say that artists have to be good lovers. Making love and making art are really the same thing and I am trying to make art all the time.

Ever been depressed?

Never. I get frustrated but never depressed. I have a great theory - I tell my friends 'if you are feeling depressed you have got to be tired, you need to go and have a sleep' and it works for me.

Any phobias?

I'm still uneasy with heights - even at 65.

Like to live for ever?

No. I think a great creative time is coming and I think the past 20 years of my life will be very important so I would like to slow everything down - please can we make each day last a week?

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