Leo Sayer, the British singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s, is preparing for what he describes as his final full-scale UK tour later this year. The 78-year-old artist, known for his early Pierrot costume and hits such as "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" and "When I Need You," will tour in October and November in support of an upcoming 18-CD box set, Leothology: The Studio Albums 1973-Now, scheduled for release on August 14.

Sayer's career has spanned over five decades, during which he achieved significant chart success both in the UK and the United States. Despite early critical dismissal in the UK, often linked to his upbeat persona and appearance, he maintained a loyal fan base and continued recording and performing. He recalls the challenges of being undervalued by reviewers but attributes it to the nature of the music industry, which he describes as “never plain sailing.”

Born Gerard Hugh Sayer in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, he adopted the stage name Leo after a former collaborator, David Courtney, remarked that his curly hair resembled a lion’s mane. Sayer’s debut single "The Show Must Go On" reached number two on the UK charts in 1973, and his career continued with multiple hits through the early 1980s. Notably, he returned to the top of the charts in 2006 when DJ Meck remixed his 1977 track "Thunder in My Heart."

Sayer experienced setbacks over the years, including financial difficulties attributed to poor investments and a legal dispute with his former manager, Adam Faith. He recovered through continued touring, even performing in less prominent venues to stay financially afloat. His forthcoming autobiography, Just a Boy, is expected to provide an unvarnished account of these challenges, touching on his disputes and media portrayals, including his controversial 2007 appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, which he says was unfairly edited to damage his reputation.

Currently residing in Berrima, New South Wales, Australia, with his second wife Donatella, Sayer describes a quiet, fulfilling life away from the public eye. The couple moved there in 2005, and he credits Donatella’s support and their garden for helping him maintain his well-being. He remains active in music, with plans for occasional performances and new recordings following his final UK tour. While he acknowledges the physical demands of touring at his age, including humorous incidents such as briefly dozing off mid-performance, he insists retirement is not imminent: “I’ll have to be dragged off stage kicking and screaming.”

Sayer also revealed ambitions to perform at Glastonbury Festival, though previous attempts have been unsuccessful. He remains hopeful that such opportunities will arise in the future as he continues to engage with his long-standing career and dedicated fanbase.