Ricky: I Lost The Plot In Sydney

31 August 2005

With his first English-language album in five years set for release in October, Ricky Martin has explained his long absence from the spotlight.

The Latino heartthrob says he realised midway through a Sydney gig in 2000 that if he didn't take a break from music he'd go insane.

"I was so tired, so burnt out. I don't know if it was a breakdown, but I probably would have had one if I hadn't stopped that day," he says. "I was onstage in front of 25,000 people and I wasn't enjoying it. The applause wasn't bringing me a rush. As a matter of fact, it disgusted me.

"That day in Sydney, I said, 'This is my last show today'. A lot of people told me, 'This is your moment. You've sold 50 million records around the world. If you stop now, this is the end of your career. If you stop now you're insane.' I thought, 'I probably am insane which is why I need to stop'."