Seeking rejuvenation post-pandemic, British pop icon Marc Almond discovered solace in the Portuguese countryside. He’s now revitalizing a rustic farmhouse while crafting a new album inspired by the tranquility of his new sanctuary!
An enduring presence since his heyday as half of the iconic 80s synth-pop duo Soft Cell, the critically acclaimed and celebrated singer-songwriter Marc Almond (OBE) has commanded recent media attention while showcasing his 27th solo album.
From Soho’s Hype to a Portuguese Oasis
Portugal welcomes its latest noteworthy resident.
Since 2022, Marc has called Portugal home, finding the space and serenity needed to craft I’m Not Anyone, a collection of orchestral rock interpretations. Now at 67, his Portuguese haven stands in stark contrast to the London apartment he acquired early in his illustrious 45-year music career. The overnight triumph of Soft Cell’s rendition of Tainted Love in 1981, which climbed to Number 1 in the UK and achieved global recognition, allowed Marc to purchase an apartment nestled in vibrant and edgy Soho (just across from the legendary Raymond Revuebar)…
Originally from Southport in Merseyside, this enduring avant-garde icon has maintained a London base, now a home in Bermondsey. While traditionally a city dweller, after Soft Cell’s amicable split in 1984, Marc’s solo journey flourished through diverse genres and collaborations – notably his 1989 hit Something’s Got A Hold of My Heart with Gene Pitney. He also spent time in New York and several formative years in Moscow.
What prompted his retreat to a tranquil corner of Portugal? It’s certainly not golf! The answer lies in two key factors – London was losing its allure for Marc, and after contracting Covid early in the lockdown, he desired a revitalizing environment to recover.
Tranquility: A Location to Regain Strength
“Emerging from Covid, I felt utterly depleted,” Marc shared with Classic Pop magazine in their July/August edition. “I felt older, simply unwell. Of course, many others experienced similar effects, but the impact perhaps hit me later. I realized I was mentally and physically drained. Plus, my love for London had waned… London needs to reignite its spirit. I craved a new adventure. I’m not getting any younger, and I thought: ‘Surely, this isn’t all there is?’”
Beyond the lifestyle, striking landscapes and many appealing aspects of Portugal, Marc was drawn to a special artist visa made available due to Brexit. However, this particular residency path is now closed, timing his move perfectly. Another option at the time was Dubai. “I couldn’t imagine anything worse than Dubai,” he told Classic Pop. “I dislike extreme heat. Even Portugal can be challenging, but Dubai lacks cultural richness compared to Portugal. I love Fado music, which was a definite plus.”
At his Portuguese sanctuary, relaxing and escaping the usual city grind comes effortlessly. He’s restoring an old farmhouse, complete with a generous plot of untouched land. Situated in the Portuguese Riviera, Marc is ideally located with both the upscale resort of Cascais and the stunning Cascais-Sintra natural park nearby. And whenever he desires an urban spark, the dynamic city of Lisbon is also conveniently within driving distance!
A Renewed Home, a Wave of Fresh Inspiration
“I wanted a project,” explained the artist with over 38 million records sold. “I plan to plant orange and lemon trees, then take refuge there when the end arrives. I enjoy reconnecting with nature, and my new home is secluded, powered by solar panels!”
Marc openly shares his fascination with Druidry, and has recounted enjoying purchasing and planting trees, creating groves on his property. His time spent in rural Portugal is also helping him manage anxiety. “Onstage, I transform, but in reality, I’m quite private,” he told The Daily Mirror recently.
Which brings us back to his new album, and the profound influence of his peaceful, rustic environment in shaping his choice of songs on the album. “I’m exploring elemental themes, nature references and spiritual expression,” he told Buzz Magazine.
Today this singular creative spirit, who famously survived a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2004, finds contentment in a quieter, more natural setting than he’s experienced before. While he hasn’t dismissed the possibility of a sixth Soft Cell album with David Ball, he suspects that, eventually, he’ll feel the urge to permanently return to London or another city. When and where that may occur remains unknown. For now, when he’s not performing or composing, it seems he’s happily planting trees at his Portuguese retreat and enjoying the London scene when the mood strikes!
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