What Happened to Roland Gift? Where Is He Now?

What Is Roland Gift Doing Now?

For anyone who came of age in the late 1980s, the distinct falsetto, striking cheekbones, and effortless cool of Roland Gift are completely unforgettable. As the charismatic frontman of Fine Young Cannibals, Gift helped deliver global smash hits like “She Drives Me Crazy” and “Good Thing”, defining an era of alternative-pop and dance-rock.

So, what is the iconic singer up to today? Far from resting on his 1980s laurels, Roland Gift remains active in the music and entertainment world, continuing to celebrate his rich musical legacy while keeping busy on stage and screen.

Celebrating Decades of Music on Tour

Gift has experienced a vibrant creative resurgence, connecting both longtime die-hard fans and new generations of listeners. He has been actively touring, hitting stages with his own band, The Blacks, and performing under banners like “Roland Gift Presents 40 Years of Songs by Fine Young Cannibals.”

His energetic live schedule includes headline venues, intimate club dates (such as regular appearances at London’s Boisdale), and major festival slots. He is also a fixture on nostalgia-heavy lineups, sharing bills with other iconic ’80s and ’90s acts at large-scale events like the Rewind festival series.

High-Profile Collaborations and Television

Beyond his solo and legacy touring, Gift has frequently stepped outside his comfort zone to collaborate with other legendary musicians:

• Jools Holland: Gift toured extensively as a special guest vocalist with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
• BBC Appearances: His work with Jools Holland culminated in standout television moments, including performing classic Fine Young Cannibals tracks on BBC Two’s famous annual Hootenanny program.

Acting and Creative Pursuits

Gift has always balanced music with acting. Longtime fans remember his memorable television and film turns—such as playing the immortal Xavier St. Cloud in Highlander: The Series or appearing in dramas like Heartbeat. He continues to pop up in acting projects and British television spots when the right creative opportunity arises, maintaining the multi-faceted artistic career he established early on.

Staying True to the Legacy

While the music industry has transformed dramatically since the heyday of The Raw and the Cooked, Roland Gift has navigated the decades with grace and authenticity. Whether he is belting out “She Drives Me Crazy” with the same soaring intensity he had decades ago or introducing his catalog to festival crowds, Roland Gift is still very much doing what he loves best: performing live and entertaining fans.