Ricky Wilson, the fun-loving frontman of indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs, has a not-so-secret smart aspect. Earlier than the band, whereas working as an artwork trainer and a barman, he purchased his first house in Leeds for simply £34,000.
In these days Ricky’s solely sources of property and inside design inspiration had been reveals corresponding to Altering Rooms and Grand Designs, however fast-forward a number of years and Kirstie Allsopp was a celebration visitor at his place.
Ricky is an envoy for Physician Seaweed’s Weed And Great vary, the sustainable superfood from the Scottish sea, which he says is important for retaining him occurring his new Drivetime slot on Virgin Radio.
The place had been you together with your music profession whenever you determined to purchase a primary house?
I purchased my first property earlier than the band. I used to be instructing artwork in a school in Leeds and dealing in a bar at weekends, however realised that on the time paying a mortgage was cheaper than lease, and I received my first home for £34,000. My pal Kate was renting a room from me, which lined half the mortgage, and with the instructing and bar revenue, I lined the remaining.
Had been you a bit rock’n’roll in these days, or have you ever at all times been secretly smart with cash?
I’ve at all times been outwardly smart, and getting a home was fairly rock’n’roll in my head. I assumed it was my quickest solution to make hundreds of thousands, however primarily I simply preferred exhibiting off, and doing up a home was a good way to try this.
This was the time of reveals corresponding to Altering Rooms [hosted by Carol Smillie paintbrush at the ready) and Grand Designs, so those were on all day long, and it was totally rock’n’roll to be doing interior design. I was also pretty much the only person my age at the time who had taken the leap to buy a house. Thinking back, I guess removing old ceiling tiles when I was doing it up wasn’t so rock’n’roll.
What kind of property was it?
I was in my early twenties and it was 
a two-bedroom, back-to-back terrace in Headingley in Leeds. The amazing thing was that only one in four houses had access to their lofts. I realised my house had access and it meant I had a tiny house but with a massive attic, which made me really happy for some reason.
Did it live up to your expectations?
It was way better, especially because 
I owned my own place. I changed it loads, and since buying my first 
house I’ve just loved the feeling 
when you have an offer accepted 
and then something is yours to 
do what you want with. It’s 
a massive buzz and a bit addictive. Thankfully, buying houses isn’t something you can do too often.
How did you change it?
I didn’t do too much that was so crazy, although it depends on what you consider crazy. I did once treat myself to some really cool and quite expensive wallpaper once the band was going. My dad said he’d put it up for me while I was away on tour. He did a fantastic job – but he put it upside down.
Did you have big celeb parties at that place?
There was no crazy celeb party in my first house because I didn’t know any celebs back then. One of the most surreal celebrity gatherings, though, was in another house. After a TFI Friday I was on, I had Chris Evans and his wife, plus Alex Jones and Kirstie Allsopp back to mine. I forgot we had no sofas yet, and Kirstie had to perch on Henry the vacuum cleaner to get a seat.
How did owning your home change your life?
It really gave me some stability and became the most important thing. I’m 
so lucky to have done so at an early age. I can’t imagine being able to do it now if I was starting out again. Always knowing 
I had my own place to come back to after being away so much on tour gave me a constant in my life that I really needed, and still need.
How has life changed since then? Do you have a more subdued lifestyle?
Life has changed a lot, although I’ve always loved to get back home, wherever I’ve been in the world. I continue to love doing things to my house, and my happiest place is on the sofa with 
my wife.
You’ve just been confirmed as having your first Drivetime slot. How do you make sure you’re on the ball for something like that?
The Drivetime slot on Virgin Radio is amazing to do, and it’s so different from writing, recording and touring with music. I love both, and the many other things going on, too. I’ve always liked to run to keep fit, and healthy eating is more and more part of my daily routine. I take supplements every day, especially the Doctor Seaweed’s Weed And Wonderful seaweed supplements. The Focus+ gives me the nutrients I need to keep my brain sharp and creative and my energy levels supercharged.
Are you a city dweller these days or do you like a bit of green space?
I’m a city dweller currently but I’ll end up by the seaside.
Where would be your dream place to live?
Wherever my wife is, I’ll be happy.
Find out more about Doctor Seaweed here
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