Music: {allcanada} James Blunt backs Justin Bieber, talks pressure from paparazzi

Sunday, February 2, 2014

{allcanada} James Blunt backs Justin Bieber, talks pressure from paparazzi

NEW (Deluxe Edition) - Paul McCartney

It ain’t easy being the Beibs, at least according to British singer-songwriter James Blunt.

While in town promoting his fourth studio album Moon Landing, the You’re Beautiful hitmaker added a little perspective to the Justin Bieber three-ring circus that has grabbed international headlines.

And while he won’t go as far as calling himself a Belieber, the 39-year-old star knows a thing or two about the perils of celebrity.

"I think if I had cameramen following me around capturing the things that every 19 year old is doing, it would kind of f---- over the fun of being that age,” Blunt says matter-of-factly.

And before you have the temptation to roll your eyes, he does speak from experiences that seem to be similar to the Canadian pop superstar.

After bursting onto the scene with his mega-selling debut album Back to Bedlam in 2004, Blunt had his own share of run-ins with overzealous snappers after he started to date model Petra Nemcova. Now engaged to the Duke of Wellington's granddaughter Sofia Wellesley, he has learned to turn the other cheek now that he’s a little older and wiser.

"I’ve been in situations where paparazzi have chased me in cars. These guys aren’t friendly and they’re not asking to pose for a picture. They are hurling abuse at you because they want a response or incite a reaction, because it will get them a better picture. They’re not saying “Hey Blunt,” they’re saying whatever rhymes with Blunt.”

He even goes as far as suggesting that essentially, we’re all to blame for situations such as the one where hundreds of people camped outside Bieber’s Yorkville hotel last week, on a 24-hour watch.

"It’s a strange world. We are the ones that read about him (Justin Bieber), and we buy the magazines and every time we do, another paparazzi goes and chases," he says.

Some pretty wise words from the outspoken troubadour. Maybe Justin should give him a call?

NCIS: Los Angeles, Season 5