October 15, 2005

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Ricky Martin, whose hits include "Livin' La Vida Loca," says the fame and fortune he experienced in the late '90s left him feeling bored and embittered.

LYNNE SLADKY / AP Musician Ricky Martin gestures in front of a backdrop promoting his new album ‘Life’ prior to an autograph signing session, Friday in Miami.

"There was a moment (in 2002) when I was onstage and I was just so angry," Martin says in the Oct. 24 issue of People magazine.

"I thought, `Something is wrong. I have the applause, I have a great band behind me, I live comfortably. ... I was starting to become a victim of fame. Everything was too serious and I wasn't enjoying it."

Soon afterward, he quit the stage and began touring the world. Now back in the United States, the 33-year-old singer says he's looking forward to his Latin American tour this fall.

"When you work, work, work, something is wrong. You need to chill. You need to step aside and see where you've been, where you are now and where you want to be," he said.

Martin's hits also include "Shake Your Bon-Bon" and "She Bangs."

His new album, Life, was released this week.