British-Australian singer Leo Sayer has revealed how his former manager Adam Faith - the man who helped launch his career - ultimately betrayed his trust and "ripped him off" through financial mismanagement.
In a candid interview, the 76-year-old "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" hitmaker shared details about his rollercoaster career spanning five decades, including the dark period when he discovered Faith's deception.
"Adam Faith was a fantastic mentor who opened doors for me," Sayer explained. "He pushed me when I was very shy. But the very guy who put me there ripped me off in the end."
The betrayal came to light in 1985 when Sayer, amid his divorce from first wife Janice, decided to examine his finances for the first time. The singer discovered that Faith had not only misappropriated his money but had also been declining opportunities - including film roles and producer collaborations - without Sayer's knowledge.
"I had a manager who didn't want me to do anything else but be in his control," Sayer revealed. The financial deception led to a lengthy legal battle, with Sayer successfully suing Faith for mismanagement in 1992, reportedly receiving £650,000 in compensation.
Despite the setback, Sayer has maintained his characteristic optimism. Now residing in New South Wales, Australia, with his wife Donatella, he continues to create music and perform. His latest project involves a charity album for Parkinson's disease, featuring collaborations with various artists.
Looking ahead, Sayer remains hopeful about his future in music. "Probably stupidly, I think that my best work is ahead of me," he said. "I think I can sit down next week and write some even better songs."