WORLD OF MUSIC

Setting Sail on New Priorities

Justin Bieber explains the need to take time for oneself
Richard Aldhous discusses the star’s transformation

It may be a stretch to suggest that Justin Bieber has left behind his whole ‘bad boy of pop’ persona. But it appears that time spent enjoying the delights of some of the world’s most impressive yachts has given the star a somewhat more relaxed take on fame.

When he looks back, Bieber will accept that his dramatic ascent to the very top of the pop world didn’t come without its controversies – and rightly so.

“**It’s very intentional that I’m now allowing myself time to relax and I do love to get away from it all**“

After all, no child of 13 is equipped to cope with an unrelenting work schedule, the pressures of being a global icon and a lack of privacy that (by his own admission) led him to believe his future lay away from the music industry.

Even today, Justin has a perfectly mischievous edge and has always been tempted to stray on the wrong side of the party vibe. And yet, over the past few years, it’s clear that his passions and priorities have changed.

Firstly, there’s his music, which went from teenaged pop fodder to something that appears to have moved across a demographic as much as Bieber has.

Then there’s the public image: once sparring with photographers and brandishing his torso to fans, he’s rather more considered these days.

And let’s not forget the singer’s marriage to model and TV star Hailey Baldwin.

He may have been in the music industry for well over a decade; but at 27, the Canadian idol remains very young to be settling down. Yet, having lived through so much and already seen the world, perhaps it follows that Bieber is slowing things down just a little.

But perhaps the best signifier of all is the singer’s newfound passion for the open seas. Where time on a yacht previously represented a photoshoot or filming a new video, it’s now a welcome hideaway from life on shore – somewhere the star can relax, unwind and enjoy the fruits of his labour.

“***As I’ve got older, I do understand the importance of separating oneself from the madness of it all – so to have somewhere to do that is very important***“

Bieber’s fascination with yachts began back in 2014 when he chartered well-known celebrity vessel Never Say Never. The US$ 90,000 a week bill would have been loose change for the star – with the name being a reference to his 2011 3D concert film.

He says: “From the first time I was out there, I was so thrilled – because it’s totally different to everything else. It is an escape but I also love the luxury and attention to detail. There is something so smooth and yet, so powerful about a yacht… and that’s the beauty of it.”

A familiar face on the Cannes circuit, he has regularly chartered the magnificent (if rather clumsily named) 85 metre rental yacht Ecstasea – a custom-built boat ordered by Russian billionaire and oligarch Roman Abramovich. It has space for 14 passengers in seven cabins and its value is now estimated at 120 million dollars.

Justin and former partner Selena Gomez also spent time on his rather more modest Princess S72. The prince of pop is known to favour super yacht Vogue built by Horizon when it comes to jumping in the sea for jet skiing and other water sports.

Bieber says: “It’s very intentional that I’m now allowing myself time to relax and I do love to get away from it all.

“I’ll never be the sort who wants to be a recluse and will always stop to say ‘hello’ to people. But as I’ve got older, I do understand the importance of separating oneself from the madness of it all – so to have somewhere to do that is very important,” he adds.

And Bieber continues: “It doesn’t matter what you’re talking about in life, it pays to take your time and give big decisions the respect they deserve.”

Stories of wild parties on Bieber’s boats involving guests handpicked by the star appear to be wide off the mark.

One invitee recently leaked to the press about an occasion where she and a group of friends had been invited on board. She said the pop star was apparently the “perfect gentleman,” offering quiet drinks and playing relaxing music (not his own) – and inviting the yacht’s crew to sit down with them to enjoy conversation and share stories.

Justin reveals: “I love the whole atmosphere of being by the sea. And I’m always thrilled to go to places like Cannes because while there’s such a buzz and energy there, the harbour is so serene and still. I love that contrast.”

He is now preparing for a long run of world tour dates from spring next year, which were originally scheduled for 2021.

It’s fair to say that the 27-year-old Bieber has scaled heights that most fail to come anywhere close to in a lifetime. And along the way, he has learned so much from his mistakes.

– Compiled by hub.branded