Amy Winehouse_ The Biography - Chas Newkey-Burden [83]
That triumphant evening did little to dispel the media witch-hunt against Amy. Perhaps the only way she will be able to cool their ardour will be to bounce back with some cracking new material. Her record label has been duly encouraging her to deliver a third album. Universal Music Group chairman Lucian Grange says the early samples of material he has heard are extremely promising. He said: ‘I've heard some demos and I've heard some simple acoustic songs that she's played me in my office on acoustic guitar. What I've heard has been sensational I’m an optimist and I believe in her. I believe in her as a person and I certainly believe in her as an artist and that's what I hope for.’
As do all Amy’s fans, who were greatly cheered as Amy appeared to turn a corner as she partied in St Lucia at the turn of the year. Having spent several weeks drug-free, she flew to the island just before Christmas and stayed there for several weeks. It turned out to be a headline-grabbing sojourn but mostly for good reasons. Amy looked a picture of health as she took trapeze lessons and put on an impromptu circus show for her fellow tourists. She also performed at the hotel bar in the evenings, playing piano and singing for the guests. Also included in her holiday repertoire were a topless balcony boogie and an hilarious impressions of a horse.
She was keen to share her joy. Not only did she spend tens of thousands of pounds flying out friends to join her on the island, she generously splashed out thousands more on meals and drinks for strangers. Her dark relationship with Fielder-Civil seemed a distant memory as she was photographed basking in the sunshine on the arm of a hunky former rugby player. It all looked great fun and seemed to represent a much-needed fresh start for Amy. ‘I’ve finally escaped from hell,’ she told a reporter. ‘Before I came out here I looked at a photo of myself in the paper and was horrified. My skin was a spotty mess and I was so pale and skinny. I thought “Girl, you’ve got to sort yourself out or you’ll be dead soon”. I was depressed, doing drugs and had no life in me at all. Coming here has changed everything. I don’t need drugs.’
While reflecting on these facts as she looked out into the Caribbean ocean, Amy noticed a six-foot wave crash against a boat. The impact caused a woman to be flung overboard from the boat, landing among some rocks. Amy immediately rushed to her aid as the woman was in agony and in danger of being swept to her death. Amy carried her to safety and then washed and dressed her wounds. The doomsayers love to predict an early death for Amy. Yet there she was, happy and healthy and saving the life of someone else. To those who know the caring ‘Jewish mumma’ side of Amy best, her heroics came as little surprise. Long may her new-found health and happiness continue.
DISCOGRAPHY
Albums
Frank Island, 2003
Back to Black Island, 2006
Singles
‘Stronger Than Me’ Island 2003
‘Take the Box’ Island 2003
‘In My Bed/You Sent Me Flying’ Island 2004
‘Pumps’/‘Help Yourself’ Island 2004
‘Rehab’ Island 2006
‘You Know I’m No Good’ Island 2006
‘Back to Black’ Island 2006
‘Tears Dry on Their Own’ Island 2006
‘Valerie’ Island 2007
‘Love is a Losing Game’ Island 2007
Alexandra – A Star Is Born
Chas Newkey-Burden
A soul-singing sensation and inspiring testimony to the rewards of perseverance, Alexandra Burke is the most exciting musical star to emerge in the United Kingdom for many years. This revealing biography chronicles how she rose from a childhood sharing her bed with her sister in a cramped north London flat to winning The X Factor and romping to the top of the charts.
Alexandra faced countless obstacles including the