What Is Roland Gift Doing Now? Career and Life Updates

Still Driving Fans Crazy: What Roland Gift Is Doing Today

With his soulful, instantly recognizable falsetto, distinct charismatic presence, and striking visual style, Roland Gift carved out an indelible spot in pop history during the late 1980s as the frontman of Fine Young Cannibals. Chart-topping anthems like “She Drives Me Crazy” and “Good Thing” soundtracked an era, showcasing a blend of retro-R&B rhythm, ska roots, and modern pop production.

Decades after scaling the pinnacle of world charts, fans often wonder: what is Roland Gift up to now? Far from retiring into quiet obscurity, Gift remains an active, passionate performing artist, songwriter, actor, and creative storyteller.

1. Stage Performances & Touring

Roland Gift continues to perform live on stage, delivering his signature vocal tone with remarkable power.

• Live Concert Tours: Gift regularly tours alongside his backing band, The Blacks, bringing live audiences an energetic mix of Fine Young Cannibals classics, solo tracks, and covers.
• Special Celebrations & UK Dates: He has launched dedicated tour dates celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Fine Young Cannibals’ legacy, taking the stage across venues in the UK.
• Festival Headliner: Gift remains a favorite guest at major UK and European retro and revival festivals (such as Rewind Festival), where his unmistakable voice continues to draw massive crowds.

2. Musical & Television Collaborations

Gift’s connection with the broader music scene remains strong, notably through his ongoing friendship and artistic partnership with musician and broadcaster Jools Holland.

• Tours with Jools Holland: He has toured as a featured guest vocalist with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
• Television Specials: Gift made standout appearances on BBC’s annual television tradition, Jools’ Annual Hootenanny, delighting viewers with live renditions of classic hits like “Good Thing” and his iconic cover of “Suspicious Minds”.

3. Dramatic Arts, Acting, and Original Projects

Beyond music, Roland Gift has long harbored a passion for acting and dramatic storytelling—ranging from his early roles in films like Sammy and Rosie Get Laid (1987) and Scandal (1989) to his memorable TV stint as the immortal villain Xavier St. Cloud in Highlander: The Series.

In recent years, he has combined his theatrical and musical talents:

• Return to Vegas: Gift wrote, co-composed, and starred in a musical radio drama titled Return to Vegas. The story—a atmospheric narrative centered on love, crime, and betrayal—was recorded on location at the iconic Gerry’s Club in Soho, London, featuring original music co-written with Mike Barson of Madness.
• Screen & Stage Appearances: He continues to take on select acting roles and cameo appearances in British television comedy and drama (including a guest turn in Meet the Richardsons).

Summary of Current Activities

| Area | Recent Highlights |
| :— | :— |
| Live Music | Touring with his band The Blacks; headlining retro festivals across Europe. |
| Legacy Tours | Special UK anniversary shows celebrating Fine Young Cannibals’ catalog. |
| Broadcasting | Frequent guest performer on BBC broadcasts with Jools Holland. |
| Writing & Theater | Creator and performer of the musical audio-drama Return to Vegas. |

“I never stopped writing or singing. Doing it live on stage is where the music really breathes.”

Whether performing acoustic arrangements of his chart-topping hits or crafting new theatrical stories, Roland Gift remains a charismatic, timeless figure in pop culture—proving that true style and a legendary voice never fade.