AN ICONIC noughties singer has released his first new music in two decades years, after scoring a huge Christmas number one.
Gary Jules, 54, is back with a 20th anniversary edition of Mad World, which he first covered in 2003 for the film, Donnie Darko.
American singer Gary and composer Michael Andrews bagged the UK chart's top spot the first time around.
And it looks like he's hoping to recreate the track's initial success with his first launch back into the music scene.
Gary's even got an EP release around the corner, so it's been timed perfectly with his return to the public eye.
The star receded into family life following the success of Mad World, which was first released by Tears for Fears in 1982.
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He said, "There’s been such widespread loss these last years, so much illness and isolation, such violent and dramatic upheaval in the world and in people’s personal lives, including both my family and me.
"I feel like stories and music, and specifically live music — people gathering together to hear stories and reflect — is key to healing humanity, allowing us to remember ourselves.
"It feels important for me as a performer and storyteller, to get back to my part of that remembering, healing.
"That’s why we’re making this series of very intimate live in-studio albums – the “Alive! in Los Angeles” series – to share stories and experience in an intimate, authentic environment, human to human.
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“For me “Mad World” was the obvious place to start. I have always felt like the lucky caretaker of something much bigger than any one person, something of real value that belongs to everyone and no one.
"I feel a deep responsibility to perform it (and experience it) live, in front of real people, with all of the peril and imperfection front and center.
"The song gives people permission to reflect, to sit in chaos, loss, change, and (hopefully) find beauty and community in the midst of isolation. I feel it too, every single time I sing it, even 20 years later.”
Born in Fresno, California and raised in the surf culture of San Diego, Gary began his journey as a singer-songwriter in the late 90s.
Throughout his career, he has graced stages worldwide including Glastonbury, T in the Park and Latitude Festival, as well as features on Top of the Pops and BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge and a three-week run with Bob Dylan, from Ireland to Portugal.
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