Recovering from the heart transplant surgery that only went ahead last week, Portugal’s Eurovision ‘hero’ Salvador Sobral has today launched a new disc in perfect time for Christmas.
“Excuse Me Ao Vivo” brings together nine songs recorded live in more than 30 concerts that the 27-year-old gave earlier this year before being advised to stop in the interests of his failing health.
The musicians and sound technician who accompanied him have described how even when the young musical supremo seemed “a bit down”, he transformed the minute he went on stage.
Work on “Excuse Me Ao Vivo” started after Salvador was admitted to Lisbon’s top heart hospital in September and the complicated wait for a donor heart began.
The disc includes a recording of “Amar Pelos Dois” – the song that projected him to Eurovision glory in May, and which clinched the first title for Portugal in the contest’s 50-year history (with a record number of points).
Today, as the star’s latest album goes on sale, Sobral has already started physiotherapy and is described by doctors at Carnaxide’s Hospital de Santa Cruz as “doing very well”.
A return to performing “as soon as possible” is definitely in the air, though Sobral will be remaining in hospital for Christmas and very possibly his upcoming birthday on December 28, say reports.
