Sheena Easton, the 1980s pop star known for hits like '9 to 5' (retitled 'Morning Train' in the US), has said she is relieved she is not starting her career today, citing the pressures of social media. The singer, who rose to fame after appearing on the BBC programme 'The Big Time' in 1980, told BBC Scotland that modern stars are expected to be constantly active on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
'I'm glad I'm not a young artist starting out today,' Easton said. 'They expect them to be on Twitter and Instagram all the time. They expect them to document what they had for lunch that day. I'm a very private person; I wouldn't have handled that well. It would have made me crazy.'
The 61-year-old, originally from Bellshill in Lanarkshire, has since stepped away from the pop limelight and now spends much of her time in Las Vegas, where she performs in residencies and pursues other interests, including video games. She also recently made her West End debut in the musical '42nd Street', playing Broadway star Dorothy Brock.
Reflecting on her career, Easton said she was determined to seize opportunities. 'I had to shift into a gear where nothing would overpower me. I had to go for it. I couldn't allow myself to be overwhelmed,' she said. Her successes include recording the theme for the James Bond film 'For Your Eyes Only', winning two Grammy awards, and collaborating with artists such as Kenny Rogers and Prince.
Easton also enjoyed a parallel acting career, with a role in the TV series 'Miami Vice' and later on the West End stage. 'When I get the chance for something new and different and exciting it never fails to thrill me,' she said. 'Doors opened for me and all I had to do was have the courage to walk through and do my best.'
