Lisa McMahon gets up close with Alexander O'Neal

It takes a special kind of artist to race headlong into the 1980s’ chart scene and still be groovin’ in the spotlight nearly 50 years later.

One such artist, still busy defying the odds with irrepressible cool and those rich, instantly recognisable vocals is R&B and soul legend Alexander O’Neal.

What child of the 80s, like me, didn’t dance in front of the mirror and pretend to be a video star when his power-packed Criticize came on the radio, or soundtrack a million unfulfilled crushes with the impossibly sultry If You Were Here Tonight?

What a privilege then to chat with him about his love affair with Manchester, his friendship with George Michael and the bittersweet announcement that his latest tour will be a soulful swan song...

L: Hi, Alexander! Prior to moving back to Minneapolis two years ago, I can’t believe you were living here in Manchester!

A: Yes, do I love myself some Manchester! I lived there for three years. It was just wonderful. I love Mancunians. The city has all the things London has, but it’s right on your doorstep. It’s a great city.

L: Were you missing home?

A: I didn’t know that I missed it until I got back. I’m a southern boy originally, from Mississippi, but I’ve been in Minneapolis for 47 years and I’ve got a lot of family and friends here.

L: I can’t believe this will be your final tour...

A: I’m just honoured to be able to get to this point where I can even use the word ‘retire’, because in this industry, people either have some type of ailment that doesn’t allow them to perform anymore or... they die! I’m glad neither of them fits with me right now, I’m still here! (Laughs loudly) and still enjoying it.

L: Is there one track that you never tire of singing?

A: Sentimental. This song connects a lot with people, loving people. You should tell someone today that you love them, because tomorrow, you might not be here.

L: Will you miss performing live?

A: I describe myself as a working-class artist; not the sort who sits back and waits on royalty cheques and residuals. I work and I entertain, so I’m sure I’ll miss that. It’s not that I’ll never sing again, but I’d like to spend more time with family; I have grandkids now... I’m pushing 70 years old this year! I’ve had a great life and I’d like some years not having to work so much.

L: You’ve met and worked with some big-name stars, is there anyone who stands out as truly special?

A: George Michael. We used to hang out in a club called Browns in London... late-night Browns... so, we used to see each other frequently. George was a very kind man.

L: Is there a famous person you’d still like to meet?

A: Morgan Freeman. He was raised in Mississippi. There are a lot of great guys who started their careers in the middle of the civil rights movement... you know, everything we had to go through in the south... to have this type of success is amazing to me and I’m really proud of it.

L: It’s been so good to talk with you. Are you sure you won’t rethink the ‘farewell’ bit of your tour?

A: I want to thank all my UK fans for the support and love they’ve given me over the years... but it really is time to say goodbye.