Tori Amos is living the rock 'n' roll life that many can only dream of. At 62, or '59 plus three' as she prefers to put it, the flame-haired American singer-songwriter is fully embracing her second act, celebrating the recent release of her 18th album and enjoying afterparties with 4am bedtimes on tour. This spring and summer, Tori is embarking on her biggest tour of Europe in a decade, followed by a string of US shows. She'll be performing tracks from her extensive catalogue of songs, which includes the Nineties hits 'Cornflake Girland' and 'Professional Widow', along with tracks from her latest album, 'In Times of Dragons'.
Her new lease of life comes after navigating menopause. The Grammy Award-nominated star describes it 'a trial by fire' – but one that she tackled and triumphed over with medical help. 'I'll be really honest with you – my testosterone level was at, like, nowhere,' she says. 'I was exhausted, and when you're exhausted, I don't think you can necessarily make clear decisions for yourself. I reached out for help and I got that help.'
In my opinion, Tori's openness about her menopause journey is a powerful message for women everywhere. It's a reminder that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to our resilience and determination to overcome challenges. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Tori has turned a personal struggle into a source of strength and inspiration. Her ability to transform her experience into art is a true testament to her talent and courage.
Going on tour, Tori chats to us on a video call from her home in Cornwall, where she's been rehearsing for her tour, which is now under way. 'It's exciting,' she says about going back on the road. 'It's the first time I've had background vocals. I have three amazing singers.' The star's use of backing singers for the higher notes in her songs has been a subject of discussion recently on social media. She explains that her voice has deepened since going through menopause.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way Tori has embraced her changing voice as a natural part of the aging process. In my opinion, this is a powerful message for women who may be struggling with similar changes in their own voices. It's a reminder that we can adapt and evolve with age, and that our voices can become even more powerful and unique as we get older.
Life on tour for Tori is as wild as one would hope. 'I'm full-on rock 'n' roll,' she says, revealing that her tour bus even has a wine cellar that she likes to share with her crew. After a show, she has supper – usually a protein-based salad – at 1am, and then the wine is opened. 'I get to bed at about 4am, and it all starts again. The bus travels all night, so I'm woken up at 8.30am. Then we get to the hotel room.'
Personally, I think Tori's tour schedule is a testament to her dedication to her craft. It's a reminder that artists can maintain a high level of energy and passion even as they age, and that the rock 'n' roll lifestyle can be a sustainable and fulfilling way of life. What many people don't realize is that Tori's tour schedule is not just a series of performances, but a carefully crafted experience that combines her music with a unique and exciting lifestyle.
Tori's husband, Mark Hawley, a sound engineer and her British husband of 28 years, supports her along the way. Away from the fans and fame, Tori lives a peaceful life in North Cornwall, not far from the coastal town of Bude. 'It's beautiful,' she says. 'The farming country runs up to the sea in some places, so you have the surfers and the farmers' daughters, which I find quite interesting. You have the surf women and the farmers' sons.'
In my opinion, Tori's life in Cornwall is a perfect example of how we can find balance and peace in our lives, even as we pursue our passions and dreams. It's a reminder that we can create a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful, and that we can find joy and happiness in the simple things.
Tori also has a beachside home in Florida, which is loved by her seven-year-old great nieces. 'I've had this place since 1995 before I knew I was marrying a Brit,' she reveals. 'The great nieces call it Fairy Beach. They leave letters for the fairies to come - it's magical watching.'
What this really suggests is that Tori has created a life that is filled with magic and wonder, and that she has found a way to connect with her inner child and maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity throughout her life. This raises a deeper question: how can we create lives that are filled with magic and wonder, and how can we maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity as we age?
Tori's new album 'In Times of Dragons' is out now. Visit www.toriamos.com for upcoming tour dates. Personally, I think Tori's new album is a powerful statement about the human experience, and it's a testament to her ability to create art that is both personal and universal. In my opinion, this album is a must-listen for anyone who wants to explore the depths of the human psyche and understand the complexities of the human condition.
