Fifteen Official UK top forty singles, two of which reached number one, and five studio albums to date; yet for Elliot Gleave attention turns to this afternoon and the Sky Bet Championship Final at Wembley Stadium.
We are, of course, talking about singer/songwriter and avid Fulham supporter, Example. The 35-year-old has taken time away from a hectic schedule, both in a professional capacity and that of being a father, to discuss one of the biggest games in recent memory for the Cottagers.
“Wembley – obviously an amazing occasion. I love the place and the atmosphere. I went to the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley and I can’t wait to see Fulham back there. It feels like an eternity since the last visit!
“I’ve only recently got back from four months in Australia for a bit of family time. I’ve been in the studio pretty much every day writing a load of new stuff because as of now, for the first time in 15 years, I am an independent artist – which gives me loads more freedom.
“I’ve got two little boys now, Evander is three and a half, and Ennio is only eight months. To be honest, one was fun and a bit different – two is like a circus! I usually work it so I am off one day and working the next to spend as much time with family as I can.”
Example, despite multiple offers to attend the Championship showpiece, will be further south in preparation for the Bournemouth 7s festival – but he has everything under control to not miss a single minute of the action.
“I had quite a few offers from personnel at the club and sponsors to attend, but I had already got this festival in my calendar. Although, it’s all been sorted – I’m on stage at 9pm but I’ve been promised by the promoter the game will be on a big screen.
“So I’ll be straight down there, watching the football in some great weather before going on stage to make 10,000 people go crazy – it’s quite an interesting day!
“I’ve always been a Fulham fan, I grew up with Craven Cottage at the bottom of my street. My grandad, my dad, my uncle and my cousins were all Fulham fans and my family has lived in the area for around five generations. Fulham through and through!
“I’ve been lucky enough to make a few half-decent songs and get invited to the stadium quite often, so I try and attend as much as possible. Going to Australia makes things difficult, of course, but I’ve been to quite a few this season.”
The start of the 2017/18 campaign was Fulham’s fourth season in the Championship after relegation, with Slavisa Jokanovic’s side now just one win away from a return to the top flight. It’s fair to say Example is confident of securing a positive result.
“I think it’s going to be quite tight but Fulham will come out on top. Ryan Sessegnon will get a goal, you’d be silly to bet against that!
“The first half of the season was quite scary because it could have gone either way – we had the pace, the skill, the technique on show, but it was the second half of the season that really came together.
“I think we 100% deserve to be back in the Premier League – we’ve impressed throughout this year and have a history in the top flight – especially when it comes to producing young players.”
Listen to his classic track ‘Changed The Way You Kiss Me’ on the Official EFL Playlist: