WHEN the Fiji Times caught up with former Pussycat lead singer, Toni Wille, she was trying to catch up on some beauty sleep at the Tanoa Plaza in Suva.
Nevertheless, the 57-year-old was excited to be in Fiji which she described as beautiful and even said "vinaka" to show how much she has acquainted herself with the country just hours after stepping off the plane at Nadi.
"Those guys back home think I am really lucky as I am here in Fiji," she said.
Staging shows mostly in Germany nowadays where she is very popular, the singer was not surprised that some of the Pussycat numbers like Mississipi, Hey Joe, Georgie, My Broken Souvenirs were hits here and still are with the some of the older folks.
Ms Wille, who was born Antonia Johanna Cornelia Kowalczyk in Treebeek, the Netherlands, still has her striking blonde locks and her sultry voice is unmistakeable.
Fiji would in some way be special to her as her only grand-daughter Genyva, 9 months, is also here with her parents รน Ms Wille's daughter and son-in-law.
Ms Wille will be accompanied by Danny Costello's band as well as some local musicians including three female singers, Alexia, Kiti Niumataiwalu and Maureen Sorovi. Mr Costello is urging all "mature" audiences to attend the concert this week.
The first rehearsal is today but they have prepared themselves for an early start, from 6.30am onwards, to cheer on Netherlands in the World Cup Soccer final.