Still Driving Us Crazy: What is Roland Gift Doing Now?

With his unmistakable soaring falsetto, high-cheekbone model looks, and an effortlessly cool persona, Roland Gift was one of the defining pop-rock icons of the late 1980s. As the charismatic frontman of the Fine Young Cannibals, he helped gift the world massive, timeless anthems like “She Drives Me Crazy,” “Good Thing,” and their unforgettable cover of “Suspicious Minds”.

Yet, at the absolute height of the band’s global fame—when The Raw & the Cooked was topping charts worldwide and sweeping major accolades—Gift famously stepped back from the relentless music industry spotlight to pursue acting and re-evaluate his life.

So, what has the legendary singer been up to lately?

Hitting the Road: Celebrating Decades of Music

While Gift has always enjoyed a fluid balance between acting and music rather than maintaining a non-stop pop star treadmill, he has continued to delight longtime fans by returning to the stage.

He has been active touring and performing under banners celebrating his rich musical legacy, including special slate tours like “Roland Gift Presents 40 Years of Songs by Fine Young Cannibals”. These live dates find him headlining notable venues and festivals across the UK—such as the Bristol Beacon, Liverpool Philharmonic, and various summer music events. For crowds who grew up on MTV rotation or those discovering the groove-heavy alternative pop-soul of the ’80s for the first time, Gift’s voice remains remarkably intact, proving that true soulful delivery doesn’t age.

Beyond his dedicated headlining shows, Gift has also kept up a tradition of high-profile guest appearances, including celebrated spots on television fixtures like Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny NYE broadcasts, where he has treated audiences to crowd-pleasing renditions of “Good Thing” and “Suspicious Minds”.

Venturing Into Radio, Theatre, and Writing

True to his eclectic artistic spirit, Gift has never confined himself to just one lane. Over the years, he has steadily balanced his music with acting and writing projects. His resume stretches far beyond his 80s peak, including appearances in British indie cinema (such as the dark comedy film Brakes) and recurring television roles like Xavier St. Cloud in Highlander: The Series.

One of his more unique creative milestones involved stepping into radio and theater writing. He notably starred in and co-created creative audio-drama and musical projects—such as the BBC Radio 4 musical drama Return to Vegas, for which he helped co-compose the music. Rather than chasing mainstream commercial validation, Gift has heavily favored projects that offer genuine creative stimulation and independence.

A Legacy That Endures

Gift has spoken candidly in interviews about why stepping away from the chaotic machinery of peak pop stardom was necessary for his well-being. Being “victims of our success,” as he once described the intense pressure surrounding the Fine Young Cannibals, taught him to protect his peace and curate a career on his own terms.

Today, Roland Gift occupies a sweet spot in music history: revered as a true original archetype of alternative pop-soul, unburdened by the pressure to constantly chase trends, and always ready to pull off a brilliant live performance whenever the mood strikes him. Whether he’s reinterpreting his classic catalog on stage or exploring new artistic mediums, he remains effortlessly, undeniably cool.