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Chesney Hawkes writing song for me 'kept me going'

Chesney Hawkes and Vic Irvine talk about song release on BBC Radio Dorset

Chesney Hawkes' childhood friend says the pop star writing a song about his "zest for life" has kept him going while he fights lung cancer.

Cerne Abbas Brewery owner, Vic Irvine, was diagnosed three years ago and Chesney Hawkes has been by his side whenever possible.

The pair spoke on BBC Radio Dorset about their friendshiip through the years, having first met at a school in Berkshire.

Chesney Hawkes has release the single Live Forever, which is inspired by Mr Irvine's life and approach to fighting Stage 4 lung cancer.

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Talking to radio host, Steve Harris, Mr Irvine said: "We go back to before he was famous, it's been a ride it really has.

"We've had some good times, some not so good, but it's been brilliant."

Over the years Chesney Hawkes has visited his friend in Cerne Abbas to host fundraising gigs to support him.

The singer, famous for 90s hit The One and Only, has reunited with record producer Nik Kershaw to create the album, Living Arrows, which will be released in February.

Vic Irvine Vic Irvine and Chesney Hawkes are sat in the front seats of a car smiling at the camera. Mr Irvine sits to the left and has black hair flecked with greys and a grey beard. He wears a white polo top with black stripes and red detailing on the button strip and a blue tartan print bomber jacket over the top. Chesney Hawkes has his hand on Mr Irvine's shoulder, he has blonde short hair and wears a mustard yellow tartan print shirt.Vic Irvine
Vic Irvine (left) and Chesney Hawkes (right) have been friends since they were at school

'Smash it to pieces'

Talking about Mr Irvine's single, the pop star said: "It was inspired by Vic's zest for life. He's always the biggest heart in the room life and soul of every party and everyone loves a bit of Vic.

"The song is about taking life by the horns and living out loud."

Mr Irvine said he's been listening to the album for the past year while going through various cancer treatments.

He said: "Ches doing this, that's the things that keep me going. It's an outrageous life I lead to be totally honest with you."

Vic Irvine Chesney Hawkes and Vic Irvine stand either side of the Dorset Ooser. They are surrounded by countryside and up on a hill. Chesney stands to the left, wearing a green and red tartan print tracksuit, smiling as he looks at a camera to the right of the frame, and has a brown hooded puffer jacket on under his tracksuit with a grey trilby style hat. Vic Irvine stands to the right, he has a grey beard and wears a black trilby hat and bright pink tracksuit set. In the middle of the pair is the Dorset Ooser, a wooden head from 19th century folk culture. The head has a humanoid face with horns, a beard, and a hinged jaw which allows the mouth to open and close. Vic Irvine
Childhood friends Chesney Hawkes and Vic Irvine pose with the Dorset Ooser

Posting about the album on social media, Mr Irvine said Live Forever had helped him "stay positive and eyes fixed firmly on the horizon".

Mr Hawkes said his 19-year-old son, Indiana, plays on the track and appears in the video, explaining Mr Irvine is "like an uncle to him".

He continued: "I didn't realise how emotional I was going to be once it was released and then Vic put this amazing post up.

"There were definitely a few welling up moments."

Talking about his journey with cancer treatment, Mr Irvine said everyone at Dorset County Hospital were "saints".

He added: "We're so lucky to have them. I owe them my life."

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