A SUPERSTAR SILENCED

Read Russell's answers to your questions

Imagine you are one of the world's top opera singers. You have riches and fame beyond your belief - all thanks to your voice. Now imagine you wake up one day and that voice is gone. That's what happened to Salford's singing sensation Russell Watson.

Russell Watson's career has read like a fairytale.

From labourer to superstar in an instant, he is now one of the most recognisable names in opera.

Yet that fairytale became a horror story when he found himself without his greatest asset - his voice.

Frightening discovery

Eighteen months ago Russell Watson disappeared from the world's stage after his dramatic rise to stardom.

The reason behind his sudden disappearance was something all singers dread - he lost his voice.

But this wasn't a short-term flu or throat infection, Russell's situation was much more serious.

"It wasn't there, all I could do was make this croaking noise," Russell remembers.

"I was just devastated it was like the end of my world as I knew it at that particular moment.

"Opera, classical music and the top notes is what I am about - that's me, that's what I do."

Russell became worried that he would never be able to indulge his passion for singing again, and when doctors finally discovered what was wrong, the news wasn't good.

Doctors found a growth on Russell's vocal chords, which they told him may mean he would never sing again.

Under the knife

A life on the international stage was in jeopardy

Russell's career hung in the balance. The prognosis wasn't good, there was a very real chance he would never be able to perform again.

In order to limit any further damage, doctors banned Russell from singing for the months leading up to the operation.

It was a difficult time for Russell to cope with.

"The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony with one billion TV viewers, performing live at the Vatican for the Pope, performing for the President of the United States.

"It's nothing on being put to sleep and having a lump removed from your throat," he insists.

As he was wheeled into the operating theatre Russell remembers himself questioning a more powerful force at hand.

"I don't really pray that much and I'm not really spiritual, but at that point something changed.

"I was thinking 'if there is a god then please, one more chance'.

"I was petrified," he admits.

Making a change

After he woke from the surgery Russell decided it was time to make some rudimentary changes in his life, starting with his work.

"I got on this roller coaster four years ago and I didn't get off the roller coaster until the wheels ground to a stop because the mechanics broke down.

"I decided that wasn't going to happen again," he recalls.

“So many elements have changed in my life since the operation, it is incredible”

Russell Watson

Waiting to see if the operation was a success was the most difficult time for Russell.

He was told by doctors not to speak for seven days and not to attempt to sing for 14 days.

After three days Russell, the habitual talker, decided to give his falsetto one small try.

"I walked into the gym and was looking around like a naughty schoolboy who was about to do something very bad.

"I made the noise, and it was so clean. This was something I hadn't been able to do for at least 12 months.

"I nearly fell over, I started welling up," he remembers.

Starting again

That was the beginning of a lot of hard work to get Russell's voice back to its best.

The road to recovery led Russell to perform in a star studded performance of the Sound of Music, which will be broadcast during Christmas 2004.

The production is such a secret that Inside Out wasn't allowed to film, but we were told by insiders that Russell was in fine form.

The last few months have also seen Russell performing on a new album.

"I think in this album we have created opera of the 21st Century and I think that's very different to what's been done previously.

"We have created a new type of classical music," he says.

As the new album gets set to be released it marks the next stage in Russell's career - a career, which even to him, seems out of this world.

"Looking back at it now, it was remarkable. This kid from Salford grew up on the streets, left school with no qualifications and went to work in a factory as an engineer.

"He started singing in pubs and clubs for £50 per night then six years later he is at the Vatican doing a private concert for the Pope.

"Come on, no one's going to believe that are they?" he jokes.

Final challenge

Russell's career skyrocketed after his first appearance at Old Trafford

The latest challenge Russell is faced with is performing in public for the first time in 18 months.

He is singing the national anthems for England's football match at Old Trafford Football Club, where he began his career.

But would the voice stand up this time?

"I think it's going to be great, I'm really excited.

"Going back four years this is where I got my really big break," he says excitedly.

The England team line up for the match and Russell does his thing. The crowd seem to love it and he is given a standing ovation.

The voice, it seems, is back.

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